About Iraq

James William Smith asked:


Southern Methodist University (SMU) is the likely site of the George Bush (43) Presidential Library. His library will reportedly be the most expensive Presidential Library ever built with an estimated construction cost of $500 million. This planned Bush Library will join the Presidential Libraries of all of our most recent Presidents. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush (41), Ronald Reagan, and Richard Nixon now keep their papers records and archives in one.

In fact, twelve Presidential Libraries can be found across America. Some charge admission for the public to see the pictures, films, letters, and records of the former Presidents and First Ladies. Like the ancient tombs of the Pharaohs, these Presidential Libraries stand as historical monuments to former United States Presidents.

Of course the problem for many of these massive libraries is what to put in them. A huge monument to a man needs some historic achievement. It needs to show impressive domestic success or some big foreign policy or world encompassing achievement. Indeed, the Presidential Library needs policy accomplishments and real legacies to be very relevant.

It is in the last year of the second four year term in office that the sitting Commander and Chief begins to consider the use of the word “former” in relation to his Presidential terms in office. The election for the next President of the United States is well underway. The United States Congress does even less than usual awaiting the upcoming elections and new presidential leadership. In fact the term “lame duck” is often used to describe an Administration’s final year in the Oval Office.

It is for all these reasons that the President turns to foreign policy during his last year to find some final relevance. Often, presidential success in the final year of the second term is found overseas not with any “lame duck” domestic agenda. In the spectrum of foreign policy, the President’s attention in his last year in office ultimately turns to Israel and the Middle East. The last two Administrations have tried to become the power broker for that troubled area of the world’s elusive peace event in their final year in office. Indeed, peace in the Middle East would be a lasting legacy for any United States President.

The last major peace initiative sponsored by the United States between Israel and the Palestinian Arabs was in the last year of the second term of the Presidency of William Jefferson Clinton (during 2000). Clinton tried to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. That failed brokered peace formula was an Israeli “occupied” land swap for peace arrangement . The 2000 Clinton-sponsored peace negotiation was between Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, and Yassar Arafat of the Palestinian authority.

The dubious ramifications of that last minute Clinton peace initiative are outlined in the book, “The Much Too Promised Land”. The book’s author and scholar, Aaron David Miller, writes about his experience as a top American negotiator in those talks which he describes as “the temptations of the ticking clock”. Aaron David Miller writes: “By moving too fast and overreaching, the Clinton Administration ended up undermining the prospects of hope”. History has taught us that the breakdown of that last minute peace initiative led to an escalation of violence in Israel. Indeed, eight years later, the prospects for peace in the Middle East are as elusive as ever. Of course, this foreign policy failure in his final year in office will not be highlighted in the archives in the Clinton Presidential library.

George Bush has started his final year in office in 2008 in the same manner as William Jefferson Clinton did in 2000. After seven years as President of the United States, Bush has just made his first trip to Jerusalem. Bush recently predicted that a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinian Arabs” can happen” in 2008. Bush also used the word “occupied” to describe Israel’s hold on the West Bank. It is obvious that the same failed diplomatic formula, an Israeli controlled land swap for the promise of peace in 2000, will be tried again in 2008.

However, the conditions for peace for Israel in the year 2008 do not exist. Today, things are far worse for Israel than in the year 2000. Iranian-sponsored terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah launch rockets into Israeli-controlled land every few days. Iran has indicated that Israel needs to be “wiped off the map”. Palestinian authority President and Israel’s apparent peace partner, Mahmoud Abbas, has a hold on his own position of power that is tentative at best.

It is very obvious that a Middle East Peace legacy will not appear in the archives of the Bush (43) Presidential Library. It should not be very surprising that another American administration that has governed for eight years will not be able to claim peace in the Middle East as an accomplishment. The fact is that it took United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair, ten years and thirty seven peace missions to bring peace to Northern Ireland. The problems in the Middle East involve several different countries and to achieve lasting peace is a more difficult and complex task than in Northern Ireland.

The fact is that it takes time, dedication, tedious diplomatic work, and plain luck to achieve a breakthrough on complex world problems such as peace in the Middle East. It requires a multi-year initiative and a persistence that comprises more than several months of last minute diplomatic work at the end of a President‘s time in office.

The reality is that the diplomatic breakthrough for lasting peace in Israel and the Middle East should be a focused objective throughout an entire Presidential term. Sadly, for the last two Administrations, it appears to have become nothing more than a final year initiative in search of a foreign policy legacy for the archives of a planned library.



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gsxr asked:


did you like being in iraq, if so why, if you didnt why not

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pomoblows asked:


I have a B.A. in Film Studies from a top liberal arts school. I have 3+ years as a freelance videographer, but none as a journalist. I have experience traveling abroad, a valid US passport, and the nerves to work under fire.

I’m not sure where to begin. I want to be on the fault lines of history. And I think Iraq would be a great place to build up my real. I appreciate and accept that Iraq is a dangerous place for journalists.

Where should I begin my search? How in need are US news agencies of American videographers willing to work cheaply in Iraq?

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Gary Howes asked:


US$ 4.72 billion in capital raised showing strong economic sentiment.

The Middle East markets raised US$ 4.72 billion from 13 IPOs in the second quarter of 2008 compared to US$ 3.9 billion in the same period in 2007.

The capital raised was 20% higher than amounts raised in the first quarter of 2008.

The figures were today announced by Ernst & Young today.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Inma Bank was the largest IPO in the Middle East in the second quarter of 2008 raising US$ 2.8 billion which amounted to 60% of the total funds raised.

Saudi Arabia’s Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Company and Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia combined accounted for 75% of the capital raised in the first quarter of 2008.

Other large IPOs in the region included Mohammad Al Mojil Group with US$559.94 million.

The UAE’s DEPA United Group raised US$432.3 million and was followed by two Egyptian companies - Palm Hills Developments with US$348.22 million and Maridive and Oil Services with US$272.93 million.

According to Azhar Zafar, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, Ernst & Young Middle East, “There were 52 IPOs during 2007 and in the first half of 2008 there have been 26. The total capital raised in the first half of 2008 amounted to US$8.69 billion compared to US$4.83 billion from 33 IPOs during the same period last year.

The trend in the market is fewer but larger IPOs. IPOs continue to be oversubscribed in most instances, which reflects the continued appetite for IPOs in the market, for now.”

Phil Gandier, Head of Transaction Advisory Services for Ernst & Young Middle East, added, “although the drop in number and amount of capital raised in IPOs has been more severe in mature global markets, the region has shown some resilience as a result of liquidity created on the back of continuously increasing oil prices.

Less uncertainty in the East

Gandier said expectations for the rest of the year remain optimistic due to the large number of announced and to-be-announced IPOs. Companies that have either withdrawn or postponed their IPOs would revisit going public once they realize that market conditions in the Middle East region are less fraught with the uncertainty that is persisting in other regions.

Globally, the size of IPOs taken for two quarters on aggregate was roughly half as much as the 2007 while more IPOs have been postponed or withdrawn in the first six months of 2008 (177) than in all of 2007 (169).

In the second quarter of 2008, a total of 258 IPOs worldwide raised US$37.4 billion in capital. This compares with 247 IPOs worth US$41.2 billion in the previous quarter. However, compared with the same quarter in 2007, total capital raised fell by 59% (from US$90.4 billion to US$37.4 billion) and the number of deals more than halved (from 567 to 258). The BRIC states (Brazil, India, China and Russia) accounted for 76 deals worth $11.8 billion in the second quarter.

Emerging markets continued to drive activity in the second quarter with China leading the way in both value (US$6.2 billion) and volume (56 IPOs). Seven of the top 10 and 15 of the top 20 IPOs by capital raised were from emerging markets.

Four countries accounted for half of the capital raised globally: China (US$6.2 billion); Brazil (US$4.6 billion); United States (US$4.3 billion); and Saudi Arabia (US$3.4 billion). The most active countries in terms of number of deals were China (56); Poland (21); and Australia, South Korea and India (17).

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Kimberlie Hutson asked:


ddle East is growing and developing faster than any other region in the world; it is one of the few areas that have continued to grow while the rest of the world is plunged into a recession. If your business is interested in international trade, the Middle East is the place to be looking.

Before entering into any international trade business venture, extensive research is required into the business market, potential new partners, suppliers and customers as well as the legalities that surround such a venture. One thing that always seems to be over looked (at least until the last minute) is the culture and way of life that you, your business and staff are likely to be submerged in.

Culture: The Middle East can appear very westernised, especially compared to 20 - 30 years ago. This perception shouldn’t be taken for granted, some of their customs and beliefs will differ from what the western businessman sees as the norm, without being rude or obvious, you need to be aware of any cultural or religious beliefs which could jeopardise a potential business relationship. Sitting down to a business meal of roast pork and a pint of beer could cause offence or at least show you haven’t made any effort to research the area or your potential new partner.

Visas: The complexity of visas will vary depending on which country you’re visiting. The majority of the GCC countries don’t often require visas although you will need one when visiting Saudi Arabia. Many countries like Qatar, Dubai and Bahrain will allow you to pick up visas on arrival. Some countries like Iran and Libya will require you to arrange visas in advance. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Libya are more sensitive about who they let in and out their country and this can occasionally lead to businesses having difficulty getting visas. By using a trade delegation, you can find it easier to not only grow contacts but successfully apply for visas too.

Holidays: There are many national holidays in the Middle East so you’ll have to do your research as they can vary from country to country. One of the more easily overlooked facts about western businesses is their religious week. Friday in the Middle East is the equivalent to a western Sunday and is treated as a religious holiday. This must be remembered before attempting to schedule any business meetings etc.

Travel: When is comes to travel everyone uses taxis and they’re fairly cheap in the Middle East especially in comparison to London. In Saudi Arabia and the larger countries, internal flights are very common and the way to travel.

Currency & Finance: Not all countries in the Middle East have cash points; the majority of those that do will accept Visa. There will however be banks on most high streets in the bigger towns and cities, which will be able to exchange money for you. Most hotels will also provide this service, although the exchange rate is likely to be quite high. This is another area which research will be required first as it can vary from country to country. Most companies in the Middle East will work on LC’s (letters of credit) when you have established very good relationships you can work on a credit basis

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DBrain asked:


Aside from what the politicians think, and how they think they can win the war in Iraq, how do YOU think this war can be won? Here is your chance to tell the world (even the President) how this war can be won. Obviously, you must take into account our current state of affairs, including all the lives that have already been lost and the potential for more lives to be lost. This question is for a military solution alone. I will post a separate question for a political solution, if there could be one.

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arif shafi asked:


Palestine dispute is one of the long and controversial issues in our world today. During the First World War the Jews promised to help the British government on the condition that they would help Jews in the establishment of their homeland. At first it was decided that a Jewish State would be created in Africa, but later on it was decided in Middle East. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration was a land mark for Israel. Palestine was a colony of British Empire at that time and they considered it as right to decide their fate. Most of the Palestinians were expelled from their homeland by force and compelled to live in camps like refugees. The massacres of Palestinians in Shateela and Sabra in 1982 testify that they were not allowed to live in those camps too.

United States has always worked for its own national interests in Middle East and supported Israel through out the dispute. As a Veto Power United States had veto number of resolutions in United Nation Security Council, which shows the dearness.

Like other Administrations in past, the Obama Administration has the same policy for Middle East. The Arab world and particularly the Palestinians have witnessed nothing changed.

The “special” US-Israeli relationship has always reflected the dark-side of picture. In fact it’s United States which has allowed Israeli to act in such a brutal manner that is not new to the Palestinians.  US has given a licence to kill type of authority to them while any appeal or request for the peace and dialogue, is just a Media cover to that.

In a press briefing at White House on April 21, Obama said that achieving a lasting peace and the creation of a Palestinian state requires commitments on the part of all parties involved. Obama means that after suffering for almost 60 years, the Palestinians are not serious or have not shown any commitment. Rather it the Israel which has always stepped back when ever the two parties reached into any agreement.

“The prospect of an Arab-Israeli peace still exists, but will require some difficult choices,” once said by Obama. But when and how these difficult choices will be adopted, there is no sign of it.

“And it’s going to require that we create some concrete steps that all parties can take that are evidence of that resolution.  And the United States is going to deeply engage in this process to see if we can make progress,” Barak Obama said after meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. But at the same time we had already witnessed that “deeply engagements”, with no fruitful results.

Obama has once said that diplomats can not talk forever and at some point steps need to be taken to meet the objective of the talks, which is of course a two-state solution, an Independent Israel and Palestinians State. He said that both the sides also had to show that there is progress on the ground.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has taken an almost exclusively pro-Israel stance so far, whenever she discussed the politics in Middle East. She has already favoured Israel’s war on Lebanon and Hezbollah in July-August 2006. She supported the separation wall Israel is building in the West Bank, and she has not spoken a single word against Israel’s expanding settlements in the Occupied Territories. Although she favours a two-state solution and an independent Palestine and considers the Bush administration’s disengagement from the Palestinian-Israeli peace process a mistake, but she offers no specifics about bringing Israelis and Palestinians to a new understanding, which means she looks at the whole matter with an Israeli eye.

Like Secretary Clinton, the new US administration has repeatedly requested Israel to stop construction in West Bank, but it has no effect. Rather the Israelites protested over it, which means Israelis did not expect any request or appeal from their friends in America which is related to the Palestinians.

A latest survey found that only 38 percent of Israelis think Obama is friendly to Israel, compared with the result of a 2007 poll showing 73 percent of Israelis have favorable views on Obama’s predecessor George W. Bush.

But the ground reality is the same as it was. Israel attacks and war in Gaza early this year in evident that human rights abuses and killing of innocent civilians are not worth than US interests and friends in the area.

The former Hammas government was an elected one and the Palestinians have given them the power to rule, following a democratic process and free and fair election, but along with other friendly countries of Israel in the West, United States, the world champion of Democracy, was also against them. Hammas government was not supported by the Americans, only on the basis of their stance on Palestinian issue. The rich and self-interested states stopped the funds of Hammas government. Other hurdles were created in the way in order to destabilize their government. Finally Mehmood Abbas was used for the task and Hammas government was over thrown.

The Arabs and Palestinians did not expect so much of the Obama administration and there is no hope for them in near future, which helps them to live with peace.

The Obama’s Middle East policy will never be fruitful; until and unless United States stop supporting one parties to the issue. Engagement of true Palestinian leadership including Hammas, in peace negotiations, with Israel on equal basis, will led to a durable and lasting settlement to the issue. The role of neighbouring Arab states is also an important one and they have already shown willingness to the Two States solution formula. The first ever Black President of United States has an opportunity to review and change the policy regarding the Middle East, for the best interest of humanity.



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Justin Mark asked:


Middle East is famous from its business life style to entertainment life. You can enjoy in night, in day even in raised atmosphere temperature with ice skating to high fly riding. You would get some wave in life with style in clothes, its new adopted fashion style in hair too. You would see somehow, there would new life generation with latest adapting fashion.

For Latest lifestyle, now people are adopting their new style in hair. For any attractive personality, hair has important looks for any guy or girl. Just based on lifestyle and hair, there is require to have hair salon for attractive and strong hair.

Jacques Dessange: It was started in 1956, in Paris city and now has salon around the world with Middle East region. They have their rule line “to make the woman, and not the hairdresser, the star of salon.” It has professional person for haircuts, hair treatments, waxing, face and body treatments and manicures. It one of fabulous branch is also in Kuwait with following address, Street 80, Villa 7, Block 8, Al Shaab, Kuwait, 36054 along with phone number 965 264 1111.

Strands Salon: Being known as one of Top Kuwait salon, Strands is established in 2000. With their professional persons in salon, you may get waxing services, body treatment along with body piercing. Strands salon is located at Gulf Road, Kuwait, 15451 along with phone number 965 572 6442.

Retro Salon: With following rule of “Beauty is simply reality seen with the eyes of love”. With their trained field, it provides blow dry, hair curling, hair color and highlight along with hair curling. It has verity with skincare, nails, body waxing and faces thread. With their best services, retro salon is located in 1st floor, Qortuba CO-OP Mall, Block 5, Qortuba, Kuwait along with +(965) 533 0587.

Cutting Edge (The): With new life style, and new hair looks, cutting edge has their professional person for different services like waxing, body treatment, face treatment, hair highlight and coloring. It is located in Gulf Road, Next to the Sultan Centre, Kuwait, 13012 along with telephone number of 965 571 8001.

Visit website for uae beauty salon, Dubai hairdressers, Middle East beauty salon



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drador08 asked:


I’m try to find out information about a friend in the Air Force over in Iraq right now. Hopefully i can find information on the internet if possible

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enigma asked:


I don’t understand why a lot of people don’t support the on-going wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.America sould widen the Wars and also invade Iran,Syria and Saudia Arabia.If america dosen’t fight the Islamic terroists over there they will most likey invade the USA.War is also Good for the US Economy.
If I had only one wish it would be that Total War be waged against the Muslim Middle East countries who harbor terroists.I’m too young to go to War, but I’ve seen a lot of war movies and war dosen’t look that Bad.Does anyone else agree with me?

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