Iraqi army melts away in the face of the Jihadists.

After years of being propped up by the USA and receiving extensive training and equipment, the Iraqi army has simply vanished as the Jihadists take over a second major city. What does tis say about what Iraq's people want and how deeply the Jihadists have penetrated Iraqi society? Does it mean that the medieval preaching's of the Taliban-type 'psychos' have taken root to the point that any alternative tis no longer a viable scenario? Are the Iraqi people so war-weary that they and their institutions have simply given up on any prospect of peace, democracy and a Government free of corruption? How much influence have the actions of the USA and its allies had on this terrible outcome?
We all know who suffers most--- the weakest in this society; the women, children and elderly. While the politicians involve themselves in 'tribal' and semi-religious quarrels and the greed for 'power,' the ordinary citizens seek peace in lands elsewhere. Now we have the prospect of the USA bombing the jihadists back to the sans form whence they came, with the inevitable 'collateral' that goes along with any military response. THERE ARE NO WINNERS in this diabolical battlefield that is Iraq. 

Iraq and the 'failed US policy.' When will they ever learn?

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the US’s policy of intervening (in its own interests) in various countries in the unstable area that is the Middle-East, has failed spectacularly. The USA has always underestimated the strength of these jihadist groups; especially re the sudden success of those forces about to take over Iraq. The quick-fire fall of several major cities to that group is a prime example of quickly the tables can turn in this region.

 After years of occupation and so-called pacification of Iraq, then the withdrawal of American (and its allies) troops from the country, the Government forces are in disarray. We even have the ‘spectre or Iranian troops moving across the border of Iraq in an attempt to push the tide back. Who would have thought that Iran and the USA would have ever been on the same page vis-à-vis Iraq? It is a strange world when two nations, with diametrically opposed polices could be overcome and an agreement reached, so quickly. Maybe forces other than those existing at surface level are operating here. History is full of such examples (the alliance between the former Soviet Union and the West during WW2, being an example).

 When the chips are down and National interests are threatened, common ground can be found that transcends other differences. That is what we are about to see, because one thing is for sure, the USA will ‘go back in’ to Iraq, in one form or another and the ‘wheel will turn another circle,’ using spurious excuses in order to justify yet more bloodshed. Perhaps the West and Iran should desist and let forces take their natural direction. At some stage the Iraqi people will work through their differences and come to a logical conclusion, that continual warfare between its various groups will never form a peace-loving state. Yes, that will happen when we prove the world is ‘flat.’

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Iraq---another 'failed USA policy.'

Two more cities have fallen to the ‘extremist or fundamentalist Islamic forces,’ reinforcing the failure of the American led invasion of Iraq. We are now faced with the ‘unravelling’ of a nation as those forces that oppose the Iraqi Government become stronger, not just in that country but in several other failed nations in the Middle-East.

When is the USA going to learn that its ‘armed forces’ are not enough on their own to stabilize a country. When did the intervention on the part of the USA and its ‘friends’ leave behind a fully functioning and successful regime in place? It just doesn’t happen, because the USA and others fail to realise that  ‘their’ ideals’ about what constitutes a ’democracy’ do not fit in most other countries where they try to impose their will. Let’s face it, it is more about big power rivalry than it is for a real humane considerations for what is perceived to be happening in the recipient of USA’s ‘generosity.’

Iraq is heading the way of Somalia and perhaps Libya. If there is no united, international agreement, one that takes into account the situation on the ‘ground,’ in the likes of Iraq, Syria and the list goes on----then interventions are doomed to failure. If we take out the ‘oil and strategic importance of these nations, would anyone even bother to ‘help out’ the regimes that are often little better than the ones opposing them. Add in the ‘religious fanaticism, and what are we left with?  A situation that cannot be resolved by the actions of one power. Unless Russia, the EU, the UN and China are speaking as one, then failure will continue to be the ‘main player.’ Even then, when one is faced with a collection of disparate groups, many believing that their reward lies in Heaven, then that is a hard foe to ‘conquer.’

Japan says it will start whaling again---just plain old-fashioned arrogance!

What is it about some nations, whereby they feel they can flout ‘International Law’ and ignore the opinions of the vast majority of nations? In this case I am talking about Japan’s arrogant response to the ruling that they stop all whaling, be it for ‘Scientific research,’ or for other ‘cultural reasons.’ OK, I can almost go along with a small indigenous population that has traditionally relied on the ‘harvesting’ of a few whales, because they rely on such practices and have done so for millennium, but Japan is not in that category; indeed the practice is probably only part of a diminishing part of their population at best.

When the UN forbad Japan to continue with this abhorrent practice, Japan looked like they were going to comply with the request, but there were many of us who knew deep down that this ‘proud’ and rich nation would find a way of resurrecting their ‘hunting season.’

Now we hear their Prime Minister, Abe, saying that it is probably going to be all on again. If he is just putting up a kite to see if it flies, then we need to cut the string before it takes wings. The international community must make it clear that we will not accept this. The British have often been labelled as being ‘stiff upper lipped,’ re their actions in the past, but Japan takes this to a whole new level. It seems that they see the rest of the world telling them what to do, is something that they cannot and will not stomach. Of course there are others out there who also react in this manner, and do their thing; take the USA and Russia, for example, so they are not alone.

We must all pressure our governments to send a very strong message to Japan. We know that the various ‘protests groups’ will ramp up their opposition and it will be ‘game on’ in that very dangerous way, that we have seen over the years in those frigid and perilous seas down at the Antarctic.

Japan, if you wish to be seen as a modern and progressive nation, as part of the international community, then ;listen to the many voices who find what you are about to do----so very wrong. Maybe the only message you will hear is one based on world-wide boycotting of the things you sell to us!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Thirteen year old 'allegedly' murders shop owner. What's going so wrong?

This morning we awoke in Auckland to hear of yet another death of a dairy owner, highlighting the dangers that small traders face from time to time. It is usually criminals looking for quick cash and the occasional young person seeking other items, including smokes and whatever else they can grab. There is a strong possibility that a young person, just 13 years of age with a 12 year old accomplice, has shocked the Henderson community, after having endured the deaths of three other residents in nearby suburbs in the past month. That the alleged perpetrators o this latest crime are so young causes us to wonder just where we are going as a society.

This crime has many victims; the major ones being the shop owner and is family, but also the young lives destroyed by the actions they inflicted upon their victims. How is it that young people feel that they can enter a property and callously carry out their deeds, God alone knows for what reason? Surely not for the small gains that result. Let’s face it; apart from some cash and a few grocery items, smokes and confectionary---what’s to gain?

The thinking or lack of it speaks much for how we are bringing up our children. If they had not been caught (which would be unusual in NZ) what else would they have gone on enact upon their communities? Their parents will also be grieving for the imminent loss of their children into a system that will not necessarily change their offspring. Some wold say it is too late for these kids, if it is proven that they are responsible for this latest crime. The damage has already been done. I am sure that many will be looking at the homes these young people come from, but do not be surprised if the answers are not found there, but more in the wider community, where we all need to take responsibility to look after one another. Sure, if there is found to be a lacking in parental responsibility, then the ‘words will flow’ in the media, including this ‘platform,’ but we need to be careful in this time of grief and confusion, before we label, accuse and cast our nets wider.

Let’s look at what we as a society are doing, that result is so many criminal acts. Is it the perceived and real poverty of a large section of our communities or is it simply bad choices, learnt from those older and by the images we portray on our screens and other media. Either way, the difference between right and wrong is a fact that cannot be veered away from and those who cross the line, ultimately must step up or take responsibility. NO 12 or 13 year old, ‘known’ to the police should be in a position whereby they feel they can commit such terrible acts upon anyone in society.

I am sure the debate is going to become murky and all-inclusive’ in the responses we are about to hear; on out airwaves, newspapers and social media. Let us step back and see the bigger picture, but at the same time do whatever it takes to turn the lives around for the two ‘alleged’ perpetrators of this heinous crime. Last night was a stormy and sad time in Auckland for both man-made and natural events! THINK--- NZ!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Brazil---your time has come, but are you ready?

Brazil is about to take centre stage as the World Cup for the ‘beautiful game’ takes hold of ----everything. It has been a difficult run-up to the opening and there are still issues re the readiness of some of the stadiums. There are also many political problems; around crime, housing and transport and the overall safety of the tourists who are descending upon this giant in South America.

 No doubt most Brazilians are very proud of the efforts their country has made to host this momentous event, but there are those who are feeling left out and ignored; namely the poor and the underpaid who have taken action ns to improve their lot. Whether this will impact on the smooth running of the games, and not cause embarrassment or even endanger aspects of the Cup, is yet to be seen. For sure there have been heavy actions on the part of the police as they try to minimise any actions various groups may take, to get their point across. There is no doubt that Brazil is an emerging giant and economic powerhouse, but it has still to achieve an answer to the old problem that many countries have---addressing the gap between the rich and powerless.

I wish Brazil well and hope that they can enjoy and celebrate the games; working towards a more equal society. But, those in power, not just political, are not known for giving up their privileged positions.  Who’s going to win? Hopefully everyone!

www.authorneilcoleman.com

Haunted house? What to do if you buy a home and then find someone has suicided there.

Often life throws a curve ball at us and sometimes in quite unexpected ways. Take for example, the case of the couple who brought a house in good faith, only to find the home to be depressing and ‘dark,’ once they moved in. They became depressed and put the home on the market again and at the time of sale were told by a neighbour that there had been a suicide before they had brought it. The new owners found out and were upset and also sold the home on. The agents were subsequently taken to account and although they paid no compensation, it was found that they should have made prospective buyers aware of the ‘issues.

This is a hard one. Fault seems to be the wrong word and divulging information may well have had an effect on the price or even contribute to a non-sale for many buyers, however for some, it may have been down to some sort of ‘spiritual cleansing,’ and that may have been enough. I can only say that for myself, I would like to have been made aware and then taken things from there. Whether that would have translated into a lower price, I do not know.

This issue must arise a great deal in markets where the homes are hundreds of years old; take in Europe for example. How do they deal with the situation? Is a ‘blessing’ by a priest or other spiritual leader, enough? For sure, as New Zealand comes ‘of age,’ this vexing issue will arise again. Given that, maybe we need to have the discussion and find a way forward that satisfies all eventualities. To be given the choice as to what to do, very much depends on having the correct information about a property. After all, if a property is flood-prone, we are at least aware and can adjust our actions accordingly. Te be warned is to be prepared and be able to make appropriate decisions.

www.authorneilcoleman.com