I am completey unimpressed with the results of the Iraq Study Group.  I won't go as far as to say they are advocating the United States to "cut and run".......but they really are.  Dress it up however you want, the commission is calling for a U.S. withdrawal.  No matter how we look at this the Iranians and Syrians are seeing this as a defeat for the United States.

The commission advocates negotiating with Iran and Syria.  What they don't say is exactly what leverage we have for negotiations to begin with.  The primary interests of both Iran and Syria are to drive the United States completely out of the Middle East.  Nothing short of that will be acceptable to them. 

Emboldened by our perceived limitations they no longer fear U.S. military retribution.  If they no longer fear our military power perhaps it is time to remind them that, unlike terrorists and insurgent groups, nation-states have thousands of fixed targets that can be destroyed.  Granted an invasion is not in the cards for either country but an extended air campaign and naval action could inflict enormously expensive damage to either country.

Most importantly we need to remind these countries that we are not afraid of them or what they can do.  Yes, both the Iranians and Syrians are very talented at terrorism. However, we can destroy or damage far more of their countries assets then they could of ours.  And we can do so within hours.

Is it just me? Or is everyone missing the obvious about illegal immigration?

First of all, let me say that although I believe walls, border patrol agents, and high-tech surveillance all have their place, these methods do not address the root cause of illegal immigration from Mexico.

It's about the Poverty, Stupid!  As long as Mexico is a borderline failed state, mired in some of the worst poverty in the Western Hemisphere we will have Mexicans trekking North.  In  addition to all the physical security measures that have been proposed it would be highly beneficial to offer Mexico a development package.  This economic package would be used to build the infrastructure required to attract investment and make Mexico an attractive place to do business.  If Mexicans have opportunities to work in Mexico, more are likely to stay and fewer are likely to attempt the border run.

Despite the fact that Mexico rarely gets a serious amount of foreign policy attention, it really should.  It is a third-world nation sitting on our border and thus should be of prime concern. 

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached"

    Now for those of you who were unaware, this quote was made during the seige of Constantinople in 1394 and 1402 AD. This was hardly a high point in relations between the Islamic and Christian civilizations.

    After reading the text of the Pope's speech, it can be seen that he was engaging in an in-depth academic discussion. He wasn't making that statement or even defending the veracity of the long-dead Emporer Manuel II.   Personally, I suspect that this story was intentionally distorted and the Pope's intent was obscured by individuals with some kind of inflammatory agenda.

    The rest of the text is very difficult to absorb for the unintiated, your blogger included.  For those of you who are interested and brave enough this link will take you to the text of the Pope's speech on MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14848884/

     Predictably enough, after distorted reports hit the Arab street, a storm broke loose and now headlines such as "Pope’s remarks may lead to war", "5 churches attacked in Palestinian areas following Pope's comments on Islam", and others can be found.  Especially in these troubled times it is imperative that reporters accurately report the news so as to avoid needlessly creating havoc.  Justified or not, the Islamic world is very sensitive to critiques of Islam.  Even more so when they come, or appear to come, from a world leader such as the Pope.