Emboldened by the World's Reticence, al-Assad Presses On

If history has taught us anything about Syria, it's that it repeats itself.  Arab League or not, more civilians have died in Hama under an al-Assad regime than anywhere else in Syria.  Russia, a voting member of the Security Council with veto power, is unlikely to intervene especially when the Arab League does nothing but watch and make paltry calls for a transfer of power.  Turkey, observant that it's new ruler (Iran/Hezbollah) has all but abandoned Syria, seems confused and nervous, and thus less than effective in making any real difference. 

 

In his Inauguration Speech, President Obama promised those listening huddled around radios in dark corners of the world that the United States heard them, and that they would not be ignored.  As more and more nations pay lip service to ending al-Assad's reign of terror, will the President make good on his promise?  As with all things Middle East, Iran remains a foreboding unknown.

If Revolutions Come in Seasons, It's Still Winter in Russia

To be fair, Russia did experience its own elongated "Russian Spring" in the late '80's and early '90's.  This time period saw the fall of communism, the dismantling of the world's most notorious wall, and the fracturing of an entire union.  Since then, however, revolution has come to a halt.   

Russians have not had a real choice in their president since Vladimir Putin came to power in December, 1999.  While soon-to-be President Putin is paying (what is likely mere) lip service to Russia's middle-class demands, he at least acknowledged some of its complaints.   While Russia may not face the same challenges it did 20 years ago, its citizens demand the same rights that some Third-World countries have recently bestowed on their inhabitants (and that Americans have enjoyed for two centuries).  Their cries prove (once again) what Eric Hoffer said years ago, essentially that the more freedom a movement gains the more it demands.  Russia needs fresh change, the basic right to choose their leader, and an opportunity to grow.  Without these, this cold Russian winter will remain indefinitely. 

UN Bemoans Israel's Vaporizing of Iranian Nuclear Chief

If Iran is going to do its dirty work in underground bunkers, away from the prying eyes of satellites and the bombs of aircraft, Israel will simply attempt to dismantle Iran's nuclear facilities one scientist at a time.  Either embarrassed by Israel's apparent ease at eliminating a top Iranian scientist (since the UN is completely helpless to stop Iran's scramble towards a nuclear warhead), or legitimately upset with the assassination of a scientist who was working for the country he loved, the UN issued a (albeit half-hearted) condemnation of the attack.  

Either way, Israel likely did itself, and the rest of the countries at risk of a nuclear Iran (essentially every nation on earth save North Korea, China, and Venezuela) a favor.  Unfortunately, however, neither Israel (nor any other country) can hope to eliminate every person who can facilitate Iran's nuclear capabilities; and this set-back will serve as little more than a warning to the chief's successor.  Maybe, however, the message will speak louder than a car bomb.