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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 31-Jan-2014
31-Jan-14 World View -- Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms

Web Log - January, 2014

31-Jan-14 World View -- Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms

Syria's Bashar al-Assad (and Vladimir Putin) guilty of more war crimes

This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com

Syria's Bashar al-Assad (and Vladimir Putin) guilty of more war crimes
U.S. accuses Syria of not complying with chemical weapons agreement
Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms

Syria's Bashar al-Assad (and Vladimir Putin) guilty of more war crimes

Before (left) and after pictures show that the al-Assad regime destroyed entire civilian neighborhoods, killing many women and children in just a few days (CNN/HRW)

Before (left) and after pictures show that the al-Assad regime destroyed entire civilian neighborhoods, killing many women and children in just a few days (CNN/HRW)

It seems that almost every day, new evidence comes forth of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the genocidal monster president of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. A new report by Human Rights Watch shows that the Syrian government "deliberately and unlawfully" destroyed entire civilian neighborhoods. Just counting the suburbs of Damascus and Hama, thousands of homes were flattened.

Once again, this is a war crime on the part of Bashar al-Assad. And, once again, Russia's president Vladimir Putin is guilty of war crimes as well, for supplying the weapons to al-Assad. Human Rights Watch and CNN

U.S. accuses Syria of not complying with chemical weapons agreement

For the first time, U.S. administration officials are accusing Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime of not complying with its agreement to allow its chemical weapons and manufacturing facilities to be destroyed, with only 4% of the "low hanging fruit" so far delivered for destruction. At first, there were excuses that the weather was too cold, and so forth, but as the weeks have gone by, it's become increasingly clear that al-Assad is stalling.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said "The United States is concerned that the Syrian government is behind in delivering these chemical weapons precursor materials on time."

Apparently Hagel wasn't listening on Tuesday when President Obama gave the State of the Union address:

"You see, in a world of complex threats, our security and leadership depends on all elements of our power – including strong and principled diplomacy. American diplomacy has rallied more than fifty countries to prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands, and allowed us to reduce our own reliance on Cold War stockpiles. American diplomacy, backed by the threat of force, is why Syria’s chemical weapons are being eliminated, and we will continue to work with the international community to usher in the future the Syrian people deserve – a future free of dictatorship, terror and fear. As we speak, American diplomacy is supporting Israelis and Palestinians as they engage in difficult but necessary talks to end the conflict there; to achieve dignity and an independent state for Palestinians, and lasting peace and security for the State of Israel – a Jewish state that knows America will always be at their side."

Actually, it's been one debacle after another, especially President Obama's "red line" flip-flop. American diplomacy has made America a laughingstock, especially in the Mideast. The Israeli-Palestinian "peace process" is a joke. Syria has become the worldwide center for al-Qaeda linked jihadism, Bashar al-Assad is committing "industrial strength" torture and extermination on his own civilians, is now suspected of developing biological weapons, and has already used sarin gas on his own people, which he'll be free to do again since he apparently is reneging on his agreement to have his chemical weapons destroyed. ( "30-Jan-14 World View -- Syria a 'huge magnet' for terrorists - and perhaps biological weapons")

A lot of people have written to me over the years saying that they don't like me saying that America is policemen of the world. What they usually say is, "Who the hell appointed America to be policeman of the world?" Well, the answer to that question is President Harry Truman, who enunciated in 1947 the Truman Doctrine, saying that intervening in international conflicts may cost money and treasure, but it's only a tiny fraction of the money and treasure spent in World War II. Like it or not, America has been policeman of the world since the end of World War II.

Well, what happens to a city when the policemen stop enforcing the laws? The criminals and thugs take over, as has happened in President Obama's home town, Chicago. And what happens to the world when the policeman of the world starts "leading from behind?" You're seeing it in Syria. President Truman said that the cost of military intervention was tiny compared to the cost of fighting a world war, and that lesson is being brought home today. McClatchy and CBS News

Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms

Commentary from KGS Nightwatch indicates that Kim Jong-un's government is in chaos since the execution of his uncle, Jang Song-thaek:

North Korean policy is disjointed. That condition suggests the charm or reconciliation offensive is not real and might be part of a deception plan.

Supporting that judgment is the absence of diplomatic activity. North Korean media have reported the arrival or departure of no foreign delegations since 14 January. The last was by a member of the Japanese House of Councilors. Prior to that, the last foreign delegation was that led by Dennis Rodman. North Korea has sent no delegations abroad apparently since the death of Jang Song-thaek.

In times of political normality, foreign delegations arrive at or depart from Pyongyang several times a week. The absence of diplomatic activity reinforces the observation that North Korea has turned inward. It is not engaging in significant foreign initiatives and not responding to its own initiatives on North-South relations.

The absence of normal diplomatic activity is a general warning indicator. That means that conditions in the North are not normal but the reason is not yet clear.

The last comment is significant because North Korean media almost daily repeat the propaganda theme that North and South Koreans can and must solve the challenge of reunification. Nevertheless, the North has failed to respond to South Korea proposals and ignored its own proposals.

The disconnect between North Korea's words and actions justify a high alert condition by South Korean and Allied military forces. It also suggests that the overtures to the South are gestures without substance. They might provide cover for the continuing purges and campaigns to guard against counter-revolution. They also might cover North Korean preparations for a military provocation.

China Relations. A South Korean news outlet reported that on 10 January Kim Jong-un approved a security plan aimed at eliminating the "China pigs." The "China pigs" are all those people who worked with Jang Song-thaek to attract Chinese investment in North Korea.

If confirmed, as seems likely, this North Korean internal security program means that Chinese relations with North Korea are severely strained again. China has no credibility to act as an honest broker for restarting the Six Party Talks. KGS Nightwatch

(Comments: For reader comments, questions and discussion, see the 31-Jan-14 World View -- Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms thread of the Generational Dynamics forum. Comments may be posted anonymously.) (31-Jan-2014) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 31-Jan-2014 31-Jan-14 World View -- Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms

Syria's Bashar al-Assad (and Vladimir Putin) guilty of more war crimes

U.S. accuses Syria of not complying with chemical weapons agreement

Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 31-Jan-2014
31-Jan-14 World View -- Diplomatic silence in North Korea raises military alarms