Crisis in Iraq

Crisis in Iraq:

Over the last few days the militant group ISIS has taken control of Iraqi cities including Mosul, Iraq's 2nd largest city.  Faluja was taken over by militants 6 months ago.  ISIS now controls territory from western Syria to central Iraq.  There are fears Baghdad could also fall into their hands.  ISIS, The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is an organization that was once a part of Al Qaeda.  They fight to establish an Islamic state across the region, where they can impose Sharia law.

The Iraqis who fled Mosul say they prefer the militants to the Maliki government.  Iraq was included on a list of the world's 7 most corrupt governments.  Soldiers and their commanders abandoned bases in Mosul, all but ceding Iraqi's 2nd largest city to extremest fighters belonging to ISIS.  After months of grinding conflict against a resurgent militant movement the Iraqi army is having its power blunted by a rise in desertions turning the tide of the war and fragmenting an institution.  

The fear in this is that if ISIS is successful, we will end up with a state that openly sponsors terrorism.   Now there are various organizations including Al Qaeda and ISIS who sponsor terrorism, but must operate in the shadows.

President Obama told the nation America will not put boots on the ground again in Iraq.  He is considering other options such as air strikes and drone strikes.  I believe he is correct in not sending American soldiers to Iraq.  I would not like to see any military action at all.  The post-war Iraqi military is trained and funded by the U.S.   It is time for the Iraqis to take responsibility for themselves.  How long are we going to support them?  

The United States promulgates and supports democracy wherever it can.  It can not, however, impose democracy.  Perhaps for certain peoples given their history democracy is not possible or even desirable.   To be sure, the United States must provide for its own security.  Terrorism against America and American citizens must be met with a swift and sure response.   Perhaps we have something to learn from the Israelis.  They have been dealing with these kinds of threats for a long time.

What do you think?

Global Warming

Global Warming:

Global warming refers to the rise in average temperature of the Earth's climate system.  Since the early 20th century, the global air, sea, and surface temperature has increased about 1.4 degrees F.  About two-thirds of the increase has occured since 1980.  Each of the last 3 decades has  been successively warmer at the Earth's surface than any preceeding decade since 1850.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that scientists are 90% sure that global warming is being caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities.   The greenhouse effect is the process by which absorption and emission of infrared radiation by gases in a planet's atmosphere warms its lower atmosphere and surface.   Human activity since the Industrial Revolution (c. 1760 - 1840) has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  Over the last 3 decades gross domestic product and population growth were the main drivers of increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate model projections were summarized in 2007.  Future climate change and associated impact vary from region to region around the globe.  Warming is expected to be strongest in the Arctic with continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice.   Other likely effects include more extreme weather, including heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.  There is a threat to food security from decreasing crop yields and the loss of habitat from inundation.   The year 2012 was the warmest year on record for the U.S.  We were hit hard with heat waves, wildfires, floods, and droughts.  Scientists warn that if we do not address climate change, this is just a taste of what we could expect in the years ahead.  

A majority of Americans say that global warming is happening and the numbers have held relatively steady since the 2000's.  While still a majority, the numbers of Americans who believe in global warming has declined slightly since 2008.   The number of Americans who call global climate change a "major threat" varies by political affiliation:  Republicans - 25% and Democratas - 65%.  Among Americans in recent years other policy issues out-rank global warming as top concerns.  Americans name the economy, jobs, or the deficit as top concerns.  Among environmental concers global warming was last on the list with worries about drinking-water pollution ranking 25 points higher.  This from Gallup poles.  Americans think that climate change will hurt future generations more than current generations. 

So, what do you think?

The National Resources Defense Council recommends a five-step plan to repower, refuel and rebuild America:

1. Set limits on global warming pollution
2. Invest in green jobs and clean energy
3. Drive smarter cars
4. Create green homes and buildings
5. Build better communities and transportation networks.

I think it's a no-brainer.  Regardless of what you think or believe the National Resources Defense Council's recommendations are the way to go.  Everyone can participate.  The recommendations are responsible and doable.  Good will ensue.  We'll all be better for it.