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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 19-Nov-2013
19-Nov-13 World View -- Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China

Web Log - November, 2013

19-Nov-13 World View -- Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China

Saudi Arabia denies reports of cooperation with Israel over Iran

This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com

Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China
Saudi Arabia denies reports of cooperation with Israel over Iran
Tensions grow along India's border with Myanmar

Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China

China's hospital ship, the 'Peace Ark'

China's hospital ship, the 'Peace Ark'

China is still receiving international criticism over its stingy aid response to the disaster that occurred on its doorstep, when Typhoon Haiyan, the largest typhoon on record, completely destroyed dozens of Philippines cities, killing thousands. The irony is that China's hospital ship, the "Peace Ark," is one of the newest and biggest hospital ships in the world, and has just returned from a four-month public relations trip, visiting eight countries in Asia and Africa, treating thousands of patients during goodwill stops, and pledging to work with other navies. But all that public relations work has been reversed because when it comes to the Philippines, the Peace Ark stayed home, matching China's paltry aid donations.

On the other hand, the U.S. response has been breathtaking. In addition to $20 million in aid, the USS George Washington nuclear powered aircraft carrier was deployed, along with about 50 ships and aircraft, including 10 C-130 transport planes, 12 V-22 Ospreys and 14 Seahawk helicopters air-dropping supplies.

The contrast between the two responses has been enormous, and the responses send important messages. The message from the Chinese is that the Philippines is an enemy. One Chinese military strategy is "Kill a chicken to scare the monkeys," which means that China would win a short, decisive war with Vietnam, the Philippines or Japan, and then everyone else would do as China demands. The other part of this strategy is that the Americans would "run like rabbits."

The message from the U.S. is that the Americans would not run like rabbits, and that the U.S. would defend its ally, the Philippines. CS Monitor and Reuters

Saudi Arabia denies reports of cooperation with Israel over Iran

Saudi Arabia and Israel don't have formal diplomatic relations, but even so, for months there have been unconfirmed reports that the Saudis and Israelis were making plans for a military strike to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The reports become more frequent in the last few weeks, as both the Saudis and Israelis have become increasingly furious that the Obama administration has betrayed them on issues surrounding Iran and Syria.

On Sunday, the London Times claimed to have facts to back up the military plans. According to the paper, Saudi Arabia will let Israel use its airspace in a military strike, and will cooperate with Israel over the use of rescue helicopters, tanker plans, and drones.

However, on Monday a Saudi foreign ministry spokesman said that the report was "completely unfounded":

"[The kingdom] has no relations or contacts with Israel of any kind or at any level."

Times of Israel and Al-Jazeera

Tensions grow along India's border with Myanmar

India's plans to build a fence along the border with Myanmar (Burma) are causing protests among the numerous tribes that live along the border. The border is an artificial line that cuts across houses and villages, dividing several tribes, such as the Singphos, Nagas, Kukis and Mizos. The result is that the tribes refuse to recognize the border, and refuse to allow a fence to be built. The fence is needed because the border is infested with numerous insurgencies that are taking advantage of the ability of tribal members to pass back and forth easily between the two countries. Insurgents cross into Myanmar to receive training in arms, and return to carry out subversive activities. The border has become the main conduit for trafficking of arms and high quality heroine from Myanmar, as well as trafficking of women and children. Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses (IDSA - India)

(Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 19-Nov-13 World View -- Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (19-Nov-2013) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 19-Nov-2013 19-Nov-13 World View -- Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China

Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China

Saudi Arabia denies reports of cooperation with Israel over Iran

Tensions grow along India's border with Myanmar

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 19-Nov-2013
19-Nov-13 World View -- Philippine typhoon disaster draws clear lines between US and China