RWNJ » Foreign Affairs

North Korea Launches Rocket

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:18:14 +0000

At no real surprise to anyone, North Korea has launched a long-range missile. They claim it was a successful attempt to launch a propaganda satellite into orbit. There has been no evidence that a satellite made it into orbit.

This launch is in direct defiance of a 2006 UN Resolution barring North Korea from developing ballistic missiles. The UN is holding an emergency session to come up with any possible response, however China and Russia have jumped to the defense of North Korea saying that no punishment or action is needed.

North Korea lost its financial support from South Korea when President Lee Myung-bak was elected in 2008. North Korea has little leverage left to get aid now aside from their missle and nuclear programs. They offer to stop development in return for aid and, like a tempermental child, flaunt their defiance when they don’t get their way. It will be interesting to see how the Obama administration responds.

Trivial Coverage of Obama’s Trip

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:00:12 +0000

It’s hard to say if it was design by the Obama team but coverage so-far of the trip to Great Brittan is weak to say the least. Contrary to Bush, who used to schedule events to co-incide with U.S. morning shows, Obama started his day at 5:15AM Eastern. Nearly every event banned news cameras, including his visit with the Queen.

On a side note, at least Obama learned a little from his ill-fated gift to the Prime Minister. He loaded an iPod with a video and photographs from the Queen’s 2007 United States visit. On the good side, at least the Queen can watch the video. On the bad side, the Queen already has an iPod.

At least the G20 protests may give news crews following Obama may have something to do, even if Obama won’t let them cover him.

Brown Can’t Use Obama’s Gift

admin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:33:51 +0000

I was surprised enough when I heard that President Obama gave Prime Minister Brown 25 DVD’s (Brown gave Obama a pen holder carved from the timber of an anti-slavery ship). Now word is spreading on the news wires that when Brown sat down to watch one of the DVDs, it would not work.

The DVDs that Obama gave are Region 1. Region 1 DVDs will only play on players in the United States and Canada. Brown needed Region 2 DVDs in order to play them in the United Kingdom. So, not only was the gift questionable, it was downright unusable. Perhaps Brown should re-gift them to Hillary Clinton.

Will Hillary Clinton be the Next Secretary of State?

admin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:26:52 +0000

Several news outlets are spreading the rumor that Hillary Clinton is in the running to be nominated to Obama’s cabinet as Secretary of State. Democratic officials are confirming that Clinton is in the running for the job. Others apparently in the running include Senator John Kerry, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, and former Senate Leader Tom Daschle.

Hillary clearly has some contacts she can lean on, especially if you consider Bill’s 8 years as President. There is no word on if she would want the job or not if she is offered it. It might help patch some of the rift that has formed between Hillary supporters and Obama supporters if it happened though.

Hopefully the sniper fire will stay at a minimum if she does get and take the post! (Sorry, couldn’t resist)