Jon Stewart Show: Messing with Fire

I find it interesting to see how many of the chattering classes go out of their way to paint the U.S. government as the bad guy in the unfolding crisis with Iran.

Tonight Jon Stewart was positioning the administration as a bunch of lying fools following up on Iraq with a similar plan regarding Iran. Maybe it makes great television and truth be told Stewart is very smart and funny. However, it is a serious matter.

Tonight on O'Reilly, General Wesley Clark flat out said the United Nations is useless in dealing with Iran and that the U.S. must speak with them directly. I find it facinating since Clark was critical of the Administration for "going it alone" in Iraq.

Just some thoughts...

Bob Herbet on Hillary and Barack: Hard on Hillary

It is fascinating to see portions of the left turn against Hillary. Today Bob Herbert of The New York Times takes a few shots at the Clintons - man is it going to be interesting.

Mud, Dust, Whatever
By BOB HERBERT

Published: February 26, 2007

If Bill and Hillary Clinton were the stars of a reality TV show, it would be a weekly series called “The Connivers.” The Clintons, the most powerful of power couples, are always scheming at something, and they’re good at it.

http://select.nytimes.com/2007/02/26/opinion/26herbert.html

All Not Well with Ahmadinejad at Home?

Is this the truth or is this a ploy to buy time and confuse the West?

Some in Iran denounce Ahmadinejad stance
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer, CNN

TEHRAN, Iran - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad faced a new round of sharp criticism after he said Iran's nuclear program is an unstoppable train without brakes. Reformers and conservatives said such tough talk only inflames the West as it considers further sanctions. The criticism came even as new signs have arisen that Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is growing discontented with Ahmadinejad, whom he is believed to have supported in 2005 presidential elections.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070226/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_nuclear

The Arab American News: Blame Israeli Policy

You really do not have to go far to find over-the-top Arab view points on United States foreign policy. Right here in the States you have The Arab American News reporting that the U.S. decisions regarding Iranian nuclear containment are driven by their commitment to Israeli dominance in the Middle East.

It is important to note that everyone is entitled to their opinion in this country, but there is a fact to take notice of. The Arab population is growing rapidly in America, not only Europe. While we have quite a different scenario and the Arab American population is far more assimilated than their European counter parts, this is important to note from a future voting perspective. At the end of the day politicians count on votes and as the Arab population and vote tally continues to grow over time, they will be more and more of a force to be lobbied and solicited.

Israel's ultimate deathblow might come from a withdrawal of American support over time as the Arab population and vote far surpasses the pro-Israel ones.

Removing Iran from the 'new Middle East'
By: Ramzy Baroud

The configuration of the new Middle East — as envisaged by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during the Israeli war against Lebanon in July and August 2006, most certainly has no place for more than one regional power broker, namely Israel.

Under such an arrangement — subservient Arabs and Iran governed by an all-powerful Israel and supervised, even from afar by the seemingly philanthropic United States — would ensure Israel's "security," which has for long served as a casus belli, and supposed American interests in the region. Regardless of what one thinks of such logic, in Washington, it prevails.

http://www.arabamericannews.com/newsarticle.php?articleid=7713

Cheney in Pakistan to Meet with Musharraf

Vice President Dick Cheney flew to Pakistan to have a face to face meeting with President Pervez Musharraf. While what goes on behind closed doors is any one's guess, it is safe to say claims of a Taliban "resurgence" in Pakistani territory appears to have some merit.

What influence the United States actually has and to what degree Musharraf can act without toppling his own regime are unknowns. However, when it is reported that the Taliban is strong, regrouping and actively looking to set off a nuclear weapon in the United States, I'd say it's of primary importance to all that this is strongly and immediately addressed.

Cheney Warns Pakistan to Act on Terror

By DAVID E. SANGER and MARK MAZZETTI
Published: February 26, 2007

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 — Vice President Dick Cheney made an unannounced trip to Pakistan on Monday to deliver what officials in Washington described as an unusually tough message to Gen. Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, warning him that the newly Democratic Congress could cut aid to his country unless his forces become far more aggressive in hunting down operatives with Al Qaeda.

Scorsese Finally Gets Oscar: Justice Done!

After almost three decades at bat, Martin Scorsese finally received a best directors award last night at the Academy Awards. It was Scorsese's sixth nomination.

Scorsese has already achieved icon status in the U.S., where his films have captured hearts and minds for decades. He remains one of the most influential film directors of his time.

Scorsese finally an Oscar winner
POSTED: 4:24 a.m. EST, February 26, 2007

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- After losing out five times, director Martin Scorsese was awarded his first Oscar on Sunday for his mob informer movie "The Departed."
And moments after Scorsese walked offstage, clutching his Oscar, "The Departed" was named best picture.

Scorsese, 64, was up against Clint Eastwood, who beat him two years ago and went up against him again this year having directed two critical favorites (though he was nominated for only one, "Letters From Iwo Jima"). (Gallery: The nominees)