Senator Joseph Biden, The Best Democratic Candidate for President for 2008

The more I listen to Senator Joseph Biden, the more I am impressed with this man. Many with whom I speak share the same feelings about him. Why is he not a presidential front runner? Is it because of some dirt in the closet our process would expose?

Today on Meet the Press he announced he will join the presidential race for 08. I hope he can raise the money as he is exceptionally bright, knowledgeable, straight talking and has exceptional first hand experience on Iraq. He has visited Iraq seven times over the past three years and had a strong notion on how to proceed in the region.

For the transcript for his appearance on today's Meet the Press see below:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8987534/

Question of the Week for 1/07/07

Why is the domestic media in the United States making a far larger issue over the broadcasting of the Saddam Hussein execution than Al Jazeera? This attention is trackable by the hits received on various websites since the execution took place.

Positive Strategic Steps...

I have not read a single article prior to this one, let alone heard anything remotely along the line of praise, for how the Bush Administration is strategically creating and closing a noose around the necks of Iran, slowly, hopefully forcing them to adopt a more prudent position to avoid a terrible military confrontation. Instead, like today's New York Times, most papers choose to lead with three negative articles about Iraq. I wonder if they are paid by the mullah's in cash or oil.

Of all papers, here's an article that actually mentions some of the effective work from the Bush Administration with respect to Iran matter.

U.S. puts squeeze on Iran's oil fields - A campaign to dry up financing for projects poses a threat to Tehran's ability to maintain exports, analysts say. By Kim Murphy, Times Staff Writer12:18 AM PST, January 7, 2007.

LONDON — As Washington wages a very public battle against Iran's quest for nuclear power, it is quietly gaining ground on another energy front: the oil fields that are the Islamic Republic's lifeblood.Iran's oil industry has raked in record amounts of cash during three years of high oil prices. But a new U.S. campaign to dry up financing for oil and natural gas development poses a threat to the republic's ability to continue exporting oil over the next two decades, many analysts say.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iranoil7jan07,0,4572971.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Israel Taking Iran at it's Word ...

Reading this article from The London Times sent chills down my spine. Heaven help us all if it comes to this. We can all understand Israel's terrible position. Over the past year, the leaders of Iran have publicly called for the destruction of Israel many times, boasting that it will come soon. It is a terrible set of circumstances.

Now is the time for the international community to stand and show it has the will and unity to stop this horrible confrontation before it happens. Otherwise, what is the point of having the U.N. In my mind, there is little doubt that Israel and the US will take out Iran. Further, the lunatic Iran regime will cause thousands of their own good people to die.

Meanwhile, it's Sunday in New York and everyone is drinking Starbucks coffee and playing with their IPODs...


Revealed: Israel plans nuclear strike on Iran
By: Uzi Mahnaimi, New York and Sarah Baxter, Washington

ISRAEL has drawn up secret plans to destroy Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities with tactical nuclear weapons. Two Israeli air force squadrons are training to blow up an Iranian facility using low-yield nuclear “bunker-busters”, according to several Israeli military sources.

The attack would be the first with nuclear weapons since 1945, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Israeli weapons would each have a force equivalent to one-fifteenth of the Hiroshima bomb.

Under the plans, conventional laser-guided bombs would open “tunnels” into the targets. “Mini-nukes” would then immediately be fired into a plant at Natanz, exploding deep underground to reduce the risk of radioactive fallout.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2535310,00.html

It's Heating Up....

China involvement signals seriousness of Iran nuclear position. They are obviously concerned about their oil and their intervention attempt is a sure sign of China diplomatic seriousness.

China seeks Iran nuclear response
BBC News, 01/07/07

Chinese President Hu Jintao has called on Iran to make a serious response to the international community's concern over its nuclear programme.
The Chinese leader also said diplomatic efforts should continue in order to achieve a long-term settlement.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6234603.stm