American or Chinese tonight dear?

It’s an interesting thought. Are America still the worlds most powerful nation? Sorry, the questions should probably stand as: Are America still the dominant power they used to be?

It appears to me that the good ol’ US of A have a habit of interfering in other countries problems and issues. True, every now and again it is a good thing (the deposition of Saddam Hussein was a good thing, but maybe not for the right reasons) and even slightly more often, they actually achieve their goals (WW2, as they like to keep pointing out), but they do see themselves as the worlds righteous police department. But are they losing their touch when it comes to “persuading” others to agree with their views?

Take the whole Israel situation. Now, please correct me if I make any ignorant comments or suggestions, I’ve always been of the belief that America and Israel have a pretty close relationship. Lots of Jewish people lives in the states, America helped in the birth of Israel as a country and supported them in numerous ways (armed them to the teeth in the beginning if I’m not mistaken, along with other western countries) and this had forged a pretty solid relationship. However, it does seem that America gives a lot of political support (ie Gaza situation), asks for little (Israel to stop the illegal building in the West Bank)  and Israel totally ignores their requests.

North Korea – The 6 party talks are going fine, then someone suggests the DRPK representative picks up the tab for lunch and they storm off without a bye nor leave. Then follows some sabre rattling, with the US and South Korea making some demands and pull a few big show military maneuvers (yes I know they are a yearly thing, but hardly tactful given the circumstances) and North Korea detonotes a nuke and shoots off a few long range missiles, sorry, successfully launches a telecoms satellite into space. So, the rest of the world gets involved and whacks on some restrictions to Kim’s regime and the people suffer. To be honest though, most of the world is pretty tied up in the Middle East and Afghanistan to worry a great deal about North Korea (could be a bit of a silly move) and it’s mainly the States and South Korea trying to sort them out. But they go on, ignoring the powerful USA and the rest of the world (stubborn little mites aren’t they..) and stamping their feet. Once was the time “the Seals” would have been sent in, butchered some people and come out again declaring victory……

Iran – Oh dear….. Now we are talking about a country who is just TOTALLY spitting in the face of Uncle Sam. Never had a great relationship with the US (or Britain, or any country really come to that) but can you find a more argumentative, despotic, idiotic and down right annoying country than Iran. But I give them kudos, they are taking on “The Big Boys” of the world…… and some would say are winning. It seems you can’t read the news any more without hearing the Iran are planning on making a nuke, or are ignoring UN sanctions or kicking out inspectors. But the biggest headline I think, is the way they are so happy to slag off, insult and do everything they can to get America’s back-up. They say they are infidels, murderers, nothing but scum basically and still, America do nothing. Did Bush get confused when signing the declaration fo war on Iraq?? It’s only 1 letter difference W, was it a bit too complicated for you?

Still, my point is not to insult America (although it is fun!!) as I think their hearts are in the right place. Just a shame their brains appear to be out for lunch. But once was the time that America could simply ask a country to do something and they would comply. Now they seem to be looking to others to support their claims. Maybe it’s the school yard bully who, has been hit back by the geek once too often, now seeks back-up from the other pupils before he’ll start calling names. This is a good thing in my mind, as hopefully it will stop the shambles that was the Iraq war (yes, we Brits are also to blame for that) and the total travesty and balls up that was Vietnam.

But are we substituting one power house for another? China seems to be getting a lot of press these days on political issues that, before, would never really have got much input from them. As they are now becoming the biggest exporter of goods on the planet (unofficial as I haven’t checked, but everythings made in china these days), they now have a lot of clout. Will they have to adjust their non-interference policy?

Your thoughts and comments are more than welcome……


Super Obama

I’m British. I’m not English, I’m British. My mother is Scottish, my father is English, I’ve got family ties to Ireland and I love the lot of it.

However, I have to admit to feeling so excited and hopeful about the new President of the United States of Britain, sorry America (Still find it hard to accept the British Empire is no more. hehe), President Barak Obama.

Now, as much as the world hates to think it, the USA is in control of a whole heap of power when it comes to the world in general. It’s their banks that have caused this world wide credit crunch, their actions in Iraq and Afghanistan (our politicians wouldn’t have had the balls to do any of that without the Americans say so) that started the war on terror. Pretty much all aspects of our lives are in some way related to the states. It pains me to say it, but there you go.

But this guy Obama, wow, I’m feeling good. I don’t think a politician, regardless of his skin, party or words, has caused this much expectation and already, he’s delivering. He’s closing Guantanimo bay, he’s looking at the states fuel usage and pollution outputs to try and help greenhouse (something the previous powers wouldn’t even ADMIT was happening!!), he’s trying to build bridges in the Islamic world and middle east (apart from just bombing them), he’s pulling troops out of Iraq to let them try and govern themselves. This man has only been in power for a week or so and has already done more in that short time than Gordon Brown has done in months.

I truly believe this could be the turning point for the world. I don’t believe he is a war monger like W, or a spineless pussy like Clinton, but a man of moral fibre and so far, things are looking promising.

The American people also seem to be behind him. Normally you hear that the country is divided politically, but not so much now. From what I see, the only divide over Obama is a race issue (which America has a cancerous problem with anyway). The backing of the American people is a vital part of world peace in my opinion. As a democratic country, if they don’t support him, he’ll be out (no mention of W’s second term please). So his speech the other day when he commented on world issues and America’s need to relate and understand them is a majorly powerful sign.

Right now, America have every right to be the proudest nation because they have a leader who seems fair, just, honestly concerned not only with internal, but worldwide politics and also a HUGE sign that they are beating the cancer of racism in their country.

From your cousin across the pond, (albeit through gritted teeth) GO U.S.A!!!!