Russia--your support of the rebels is tantamount to being guilty of murder!

Nearly 300 people have died because a group of rebels who have chosen to fight the regime in Kiev with unmitigated violence, has led to that horrible fact. I do no dispute the right of people to choose self-determination. I do don't support the process that led to the present government in Kiev holding power. Yes, they had an election and it was possibly more fair than the 'referendum' held in the east of the country that the rebels use as their justification for rebelling against the Kiev Government. Russia has supported the rebel groups and the evidence that they have provided sophisticated weapons to a group who do not know how to distinguish between military and non-military targets is obvious. Putin has supported this action by his complicity, by his determination to return as much territory of the former soviet Union a he can. Mr Putin---do 300 people have to die for you to realize your 'dream?' Once again I state that I am not necessarily in favour of the government of Ukraine but do we have to see more of these deaths? Mr Putin, you have become a mass murderer! No doubt you will intrust RT to espouse your thinly disguised defence and perpetrate yet more lies. Shame on you! www.authorneilcoleman.com

How long can the radicalized Islamic State be 'contained' in the Middle East?

The events in the Middle East of the past few decades have had their formation for a good many more years than our lifetimes. Some would say they date back to the Crusades when the West tried to impose its own 'ideals' on the emerging Islamic world, using the justifications, not dissimilar to those we hear today form so-called radical Islam. Then as now, other forces, based more on the political aspirations of nation states and wealthy power groupings, that go beyond mere borders. Since the establishment of a modern Jewish state, the call had gone out to those opposed and the response from Israel had only added to the tension left by artificial colonial map makers, who had previously carved up the oil-rich area into 'vassal' states. Under such conditions, opposition always emerges and how it is handled influences the response. Those who opposed colonial rule and the governments they left behind slowly turned to radicalism; using religion as an excuse as much as the more pragmatic reason for maintaining power at all costs. The call to respond to such moves is weakened by indecisive and fearful governments in the West and to a certain extent, in China and Russia, as they too begin to be drawn in to this struggle that uses religion as the decisive dividing point. The moderate elements in the Middle East are in disarray as they consider their responses. They are divided within themselves and often play a dangerous double game; appearing to suupport the processes of moderation, but secretly supporting armed militants. With the expansion of the ISIS or Islamic State within Iraq and neighbouring countries, we are seeing the emergence of this movement to the point where it threatens not only the very existence of Iraq, but for larger areas, way beyond the lands they purport to control now. The fear on the streets of Bagdad and other capitals is palpable, lessening the governments ability to react. It is a matter of time, be it months, years or decades, but the radical version of Islam, with its complete disregard for dialogue (unless it suits their purposes towards their overall aim) freedom of expression, democratic processes, individual thinking, the arts, science, and every aspect of that which most of the world 'at least pays lip service to,' is threatened by this mediaeval world view. The leaders of this 'movement' have made it clear that they are ready and able to reach out beyond their borders and terrorise populations in the west and beyond. They have proven their ability to do this, in Nigeria, the USA and Europe. Local versions have also emerged in China and parts of the former USSR. The question has to be asked: How much has the colonial adventures of Western powers contributed ton this revival of an Islamic caliphate? The answers are possibly now a moot point, in that the damage done by history and ignorance on the part of the old 'Great Powers,' is now beyond 'repairing,' given that the nations they artificially created are at war within themselves and the consequences are spreading beyond those borders. How the forces, within those nations and the rest of the world react is crucial as to how this modern day crisis plays out. Latter day calls for a war against terrorism will not result in a lasting 'accommodation' unless they include real dialogue with moderate and unified forces within the Middle East. Unfortunately, the Middle East is as dived within itself as the array of nations facing the threats of an expanding Islamic resurgence. Of course the 'big eye,' will move to side-shows, as we are witnessing in Ukraine and the struggle in the 'Biblical Lands.' The ramifications of events in the 'old world' reach far beyond those areas and those far away should not assume that they are exempt from the pain and suffering of how it all plays out. Never has a real United Nations been more needed. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Black Box from the Malaysian plane shot down by (?) is on the way to Moscow!

Why do I and no doubt many people feel a fair bit of 'doubt' about the Russians examining the Black Box of the downed Malaysian plane? Given that they already blame the Ukraine government for causing the 'issues' in the region, and add in some of the prevailing attitudes on 'both sides of the 'divide,' would it not have been better to have the UN oversee such a highly emotive and political time? Putin has made it clear; far more so than the USA as to who was involved in this tragic 'accident.' Some of the alleged recordings of separatists military henchmen, have been released and although I do not say they are totally accurate, they do perhaps point to the strong possibility that this was an error, committed by people who do not have the expertise to identify a target before sending the deadly missiles. Russia may yet face increased sanctions as the facts become clear and its plans for the region become increasingly clear. New Zealand had a resident aboard that fatal flight! www.authorneilcoleman.com

It wasn't us, say the Ukrainians and Russians!

The tragic loss of life after the shooting down of a Malaysian plane over Ukraine represents the absolute low point during the recent 'difficulties' between the Kiev Government and those elements seeking some sort of 'independence.' That such events should bring about the deaths of so many innocents should be a wake-up call to the powers behind the struggle in Ukraine. No doubt Russia will point the finger at the Kiev Government and the same from the later towards either the Moscow allied secessionists, or at Moscow direct. We will find out who was behind this abhorrent action and the world should lay the blame formally at the perpetrators. If it was a mistake, then they need to fess up now, but as with past tragedies of this nature, honesty plays a very low part. Now is not the time to make political capital and the airlines of the world need to take a sensible decision to NOT fly through this region. That for now is paramount re any reactions. Now is the time to grieve. Unfortunately the 'blame' and attack phase will soon follow. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Snippets from New Zealand on another fine Friday.

Waking up today was an exercise in lamenting about the news from beyond NZ.one would have little difficulty in feeling angry at the continuing folly of Governments and their agencies. People around the world are holding their collectives breaths before the accusations begin to flow. 1) The Israelis are about to launch a ground offensive into Gaza, presumably to push back the bases of the rocket launchers, who are sending their missiles into Israel. This can only result in an even more massive loss of life amongst the densely populated Gaza Strip. The deaths will happen for both sides as the IDF pushes into the narrow streets an alleyways of the area. As usual the innocent will die and more 'enemies' of the State of Israel will be created. There are no winners in such a conflagration. 2) Yet another Malaysian airliner has crashed, this time as a result of a missile; one suspected but not yet proven to have been fired from the 'rebel/freedom' fighters' area near the Russian border in Ukraine. There are no survivors and the international community is awaiting more details before launching their own diplomatic offensive. The Malaysian Government is understandably angry after other recent events re their National Carrier. Tensions in the border areas of Ukraine and for the wider region are also set to reach new highs 3) How about some good news, but one based on another long running war--the Afghanistan fiasco. Around a decade ago, the Tampa arrived off the coast of Christmas Island resulting in many refugees. New Zealand took more than a hu8ndred of them and today we read about their successful settlement in NZ. It appears that they have dome well and are contributing well to the NZ economy; a large number of them achieving academic success and consequent high level employment. They have excelled as hard working and very welcome new arrivals. Their efforts should be applauded! 4) Now to something very concerning: New Zealand continues to become larger. NO---we are not adding to our land mass! We are becoming fatter by the day and the health of our children, due to the massive increase in their weight is going to be a future time bomb. There are those who would fight this epidemic with law changes around the taxing of 'unhealthy foods' and others, including the Government who wish to rely on 'educating the masses' as to making responsible decisions around food. The latter is NOT working. We are going to have to take this 'demon' by the horns and act now, or face a future where the health and obesity related illness are going to make a public health budget, one that will be impossible to fund. If we do not take drastic steps to arrest this slide to national fatness , then we face a bleak future as a nation. The answer can not be left solely in the hands of our squabbling, profit seeking, hands off' politicians. I have had my own battle with obesity; one that was finally resolved through Bariatric surgery, and unless we face the wider ramifications of our fat kids---then expect to see medical services to an aging population been severely constrained. The future is happening---NOW! 5) Perdy has just ordered me to take her for her walk with her newly found walking group at Blockhouse Bay! www.authorneilcoleman.com

China--now the biggest market for red wine in the world ----and South East Asia is fast catching up---great!

Hey China and SEA---NZ is willing and able to seel you some damn good red wine---try our whites as well. Drink it with our really good seafood and lamb, beef and other wonderful NZ fresh products. yes, we are vintners and farmers to the world, so it might as well be you who buy our produce. OH---don't forget our very safe dairy products. That bad publicity was just a blip and you just know our food is the best in the world, for quality, standards and safety. BUY NZ! BUT---do not be offended if we prevent you from buying our farms. After all--we can not buy them in China. Fairs fair eh! You can of course buy my books from my website! www.authorneilcoleman.com

Phiippines hit by typhoon--again!

The Philippines live in the 'typhoon pathway' of the Pacific. Each year they are hit by these deadly storms and each time they gather themselves together and get on with life. They have to be admired for their resilience but that does not mean that we should not give them aid or allow their citizens into our country to work and eventually to settle. Those very qualities that give them strength are much valued here in our workforce and New Zealand is the better for their addition. So, Philippines---we are with you in your struggle and wish you well. Young will never lay down to Mother Nature; you prefer to work with her and live! Kia Kaha from New Zealand. (Be strong) www.authorneilcoleman.com