Notations On Our World: On #IranTalks (the Latest)

The drama around the Iran Talks continues in earnest.      Earlier, our team released this from Israel on the @DailyOutsider Twitter Feed:

1. 
   
2. The Daily Outsider ‏@DailyOutsider  26m26 minutes ago

   As the #Irantalks deadline looms #Israel looking to Congress to scuttle #Iran deal | i24news - See beyond http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/77356-150706-israel-looking-to-congress-to-scuttle-iran-deal …

There has also been some interesting news coming out of Iran on this question. Jamaran, the offical website of the Khomeini family, has been underscoring how Europe is ready to "sweep in" by reporting on over 100 French companies ready to "sweep into Iran" as the spokesman for the Iranian Interior Ministry has said that the Government has no plans to hold any sanctioned national celebrations.   It has also been striking how the Islamic Republic News Network has been running ads every 15 minutes over the past 36 hours about how the people are behind the negotiators and the confidence they have in that the Iranian negotiators will not give away the "store".

What was also another interesting note was a program that aired on VOA Farsi.  The program "Last Page",  reports on all the transgressions of the Islamic Republic over the past 36 years.    The latest program was on the Iran Nuclear Program and the progression that has ultimately led to the current round of negotations.   It was chilling how it depicted statements by Ayatollah Khameini on the peaceful intentions of Iran's nuclear program with similiar statements by Pakistani Leaders until they actually acquired the bomb through the A.Q. Khan network.  

As we went to press with this early edition of "Notations", we reviewed reports on the Foreign Ministers converging on Vienna.     If the deal is in fact signed, the real work begins the day after as ever so epitomized by the View of Israel.

Notations For the Week-End: On #Greece & #Iran

It has been a busy Week-End on the international scene and our team has been on the "Prowl" assessing some pressing issues before us:  #Greece & #Iran.     Our team has been monitoring the results of the Greek Referednum as indications are that the Greeks have heeded the call of the Greek Prime Minister to vote No.    The Greek Prime Minister has noted that he will be on a plane if the results go the way that they are--and we will have an update on it early On Monday California Time here in #Outsiders on it.    

The Greek Economy is weakeaning by the hour and Greek Banks and capital markets continue to be closed.   They are supposed to be opening on Tuesday--but it is questionable.    The Greek Government is asking for a new bailout that is subject to a mandate by European Parliaments--this is as the Greek Finance Minister just called what had happened to Greece terrorism.       As we went to press, the no vote is at 64% and the margin continues to spread--a profound challenge for Germany and the IMF.    The question is whether Greece will leave the Euro?    Will Russia Help?  What about China?    This is a China has been opposed and this in the China Daily underscored the official position of China on it:

  

Beyond Greece, there is Iran.    The Foreign Minister of Iran issued this that was shared widely on what we have deemed here @ #Outsiders the "Social Grid" over the Week-end:



He underscored Iran's commitment to deal with the menace of Daesh/IS especially as the war continues with no clear end in sight.    We reviewed reports of new airstrikes by US-Led coalition in Iraq and as Assad forces supported by Hezbollah have launched fresh attacks on the outskirts of Damascus.    In the meantime the campaign to derail the negotations continue in earnest.     The Israeli Prime Minister came out earlier this morning underscoring how the deal is a sell-out.    We also reviewed reports that a number of the International Atomic Energy Officials (as reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency) are being dispatched to Tehran to discuss the on-going military concerns.      Despite some of the optimism, the same Islamic Republic News Agency also quoted John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, stating that they are prepared to walk away if there is no progress on a deal.   

Challenging Times.....

Notations On Our World: On #America; #Greece, Iran & Other Thoughts

It is eve of 4th of July Week-End in the United States as Americans celebrate the day that America declared independence.   It is going to be a day of  community events and family barbeque traditionsi which will culminate in the beautiful display of fireworks that would light the skies of America throughout Saturday Night. 

As we prepare to go "dark" throughout #Outsiders over the 4th of July Week-End, our team will continue with on-going key initiatives we have commented on.    We will continue to assess the progress of the Iran Talks as the July 7 deadline looms.    Earlier this morning, we reviewed comments by the Chinese Foreign Minister noting his optimism about the enactment of a deal.  We also just received an update here at our Virtual Studios as we went to press that Foreign Minister Fabius of France is headed to Vienna later on in the Week-End to help facilitate a deal.   Our team is viewing all these developments as very hopeful as the weekend looms.    We also found quite encouraging interesting comments by Iran's Judiciary Head that the Green Movement leaders, Mr. Mousavi and Mr. Karoubi, may be released--especially as we reviewed a very interesting encouraging letter by the current gadflay and thorn in the side of the conservative Majlis, Ali Motahari, who spoke up once again for their release in an open letter.    

Within the broader Middle East, we also have been assessing the situation on the ground in the especially in the aftermath of the horrific assassination of the Prosecutor General of Egypt and the horrific attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia which we have commented on in our "Notations" series.   There is a war that is going on in the Sinai and we reviewed reports of anti-aircraft missles being deployed by Daesh/IS militants battling Egyptian forces.   There is speculation that the missiles. This is as Assad continues to lose ground to the vast array of forces aligned against him over the ensuing weeks.     We also found quite an interesting comment being raised in a recent +Al Monitor article on the question being posed on whether Turkey will invade Syria or not.    This is as Jordan's role continues to be evolving as well in the midst of the inferno engulfing the Middle East Right now.

Beyond the wars, there is also the economic wars as well.    The United States just announced the latest job numbers.    The figure 223,000 seems to be a solid number--but as analysts have noted in the +New York Times and the +BBC, it is a lot weaker than it seems.    The rate of participation is the lowest since 1977.   People have simply stopped looking for work.    Wages have also stagnated--all worrying signs for the future health of the economy.    This is as Greece is on the edge of the abyss as the referendum looms.  As we went to press, IMF came out with a report noting that Greece will need an additional 50 Billion Euros thru 2018--with an implicit attack on the Greek Government for failure to enact reforms.    Although some have said that Greece itself may not "matter", the domino effect is what needs to be thought of especially as the challenges in Puerto Rico with its' $ 74 Billion Dollars in debt presents the same challenge in America's  backyard.   This is why we're quite excited as we begin a new project here at #Outsiders on EB5 program in the United States that has the opportunity to help navigate some of the very minefields before us and the possibilities it represents to help Educate & Empower both potential investors and the opportunities it represents as we continue our on-going work in Outsiders.   Although there are resources at hand virtually on the EB5 program, as we discuss the current state, we also will be assessing the proposed reforms which we hope and believe Congress will enact to spruce up Economic Activity in lieu of the perceived weakness evident today.   We will also be continuing our development work on the current US political scene as we assess the state of the campaigns.  As we went to press, we received reports here at our Virtual Studios that Hillary Clinton raised $ 45 Million Dollars (shattering the record by the Obama Re-Election Campaign).    It will quite interesting to see how other perceived top-tier candidates fare.   

We leave all with this from W.E.B DuBois as we wish all in the United States a Happy and Safe 4th of July and all a safe and enjoyable week-end and remembering the admonition of Junipero Serra, the founder of the California Missions, as he noted to us all:  "Always Forward":

“Believe in life!
Always human beings will progress
to greater, broader, and fuller life.” 
~ W.E.B. Du Bois

As we look forward to the opportunity to be of continued service as our regular features including the Friday Musical Interlude will return next week and noting this!!!

Notations From the Grid (special edition): On An Outreach by Prominent Iranian-Americans

We have been working on gearing up for our latest quarter as we just finished a meeting with our founder.    He advised us of a tweet he released on an open letter by Prominent Iranian Americans coordinated by +PAAIA-a prominent Iranian American Group that drafted an open letter to all Presidential Candidates for 2016 which our team wanted to report on here as talks with Iran continues through July 7:

Thank you @PAAIA !!! Open Letter to 2016 Presidential Candidates from Prominent Iranian Americans - PAAIA http://t.co/i8tIFT6a4F via @paaia

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) July 1, 2015

We also wanted to make sure that Iranian-Americans currently detained in Iran are not forgotten including Amir Hekmati and Jason Rezaian of the Washington Post.       We also wanted to report on another high note:  The opening of the US Embassy in Havana which we look forward to comment on over the ensuing days.

Onward.....

Thought 4 the Week: Step beyond the limitations

As the quarter comes to a close throughout #outsiders,  our team chose this to underscore an implicit objective we have had throughout Outsiders as we look forward to the on-going development and engaging work ahead:

Step beyond the limitations

Don’t take refuge in seeing yourself as a victim. Take pride in getting yourself to do good and valuable things. 

Everybody has problems and limitations and extenuating circumstances. Yet progress is always possible no matter what.

Sure, there is unfairness and there is injustice in the world. Work to right those wrongs but don’t fall into the trap of using them as excuses.

When you choose to move forward, there are all kinds of things that could go wrong. But that is no reason to hide from life or to remain stuck where you are.

You don’t have to be defined by your disappointments, injuries or limitations. Choose instead to define yourself by your highest visions, your dreams, goals and ambitions.

You are a unique, creative bundle of positive possibilities, so live your life that way. There is so very much good you can do, so let go of the excuses, step beyond the limitations, and make more of the goodness happen today.

— Ralph Marston

Notations on Our World: On the US, IS/Daesh & Other Thoughts

June 30, 2015 is turning out to be another pivotal day in our World.  The Greece impending default rattled markets throughout the World yesterday as it noted that it will not pay a loan due to the IMF today.   Although negotations are apparently continuing with a new proposal, banks are closed and capital controls are in effect.  The German Chancellors emphathic statement that there will be no new negotations until after the referndum was clear enough.   But there is a new proposal that the Greek Government has sent forth to Europe as the final deadline looms.

Beyond Europe, there is the continued inferno in the Middle East.     Daesh (also known as the Islamic State) is now one year old.   The war continues with no clear end in site.    This is as the World was shocked by the triple attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia.    It was hoped that somehow the attacks will dissipate during Ramadan.   This has simply not happened as the attacks underscored.   In our team's daily roundup, we saw that 3 Iranians had lost their lives in the Kuwait Attack as a Senior member of the Iranian Government was in Kuwait to meet with Kuwait Officials and visited the wounded in the Hospital:

It is also quite busy on the US Political Scene.   Our team has been working on the "Notations" series on US Politics.    Jeb Bush had fundrasiing appeals sent out under his Son's Name (whos is now Texas Land Commsiioner).    Late yesterday, a fund raising appeal was sent out under his Father's Name, Former President George H.W. Bush.   This is as Hillary Clinton also sent out a fund raising appeal as well as the quarter is drawing to a close.   Governor Jindhal of Louisiana is already in the race as is Governor Christie who just announced today.    This is as the US Supreme Court again came down with a number of pivotal decisions on the Enviroment and on redistricting in Arizona.   One example of th extent of the Social Conservative Backlash was underscored by this call to action from the President of the Heritage Foundation, Jim DeMint as some who have undertaken reforms of redistricting in California can rest easy.

What is ever so interesting as this call to action from Senator DeMint underscores:  It is bound to be quite an exciting year: 

There's no way around it -- this was a horrible week for Americans like you and me who believe in rule of law and the Constitution. It's disheartening to see the leaders of our beloved country trample all over the principles which made America great. Even the Supreme Court, which like the President and the Congress is obliged to uphold the Constitution, has in the span of two days issued rulings on marriage and Obamacare that undermine the rule of law and ignore the Constitution. Reporters and pundits are already saying these decisions are the final word. You and I know better. And we at The Heritage Foundation won't sit back and allow this contempt for the Constitution to continue. Add your name to our open letter demanding that the rule of law and the Constitution be upheld. With your dedication and support, we can get America back to the principles you believe in: free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Sign our open letter to Congress to today. Thank you for all you do. Your support makes us stronger, so we can make your voice louder. Sincerely, Jim DeMint President

The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE | Washington, D.C. 20002 | (800) 546-2843

Notations On Our World: On Iran & the Art of the Deal (Late Breaking Developments)

Our team has been doing the AM "Daily Roundup" as we have just seen reports that the negotations on the Iran Nuclear deal has been extended until July 7 as negotations are continuing.   This image from today's talks was noted on the Islamic Republic Agency Website this morning:

 

Dr. Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, returned from his trip to Tehran and brought back Dr. Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Orgaization and President Rouhani's Brother who serves as a Special Advisor to the President.     Dr. Salehi had surgery recently and was bedridden.   It underscores how Iran is serious on this question--as we view the US is as the agreement has been to extend the talks.     Although gaps do remain, the fact that they are talking is a hopeful sign.

It will be a developing story.....

 

Notations On Our World On Iran & the Art of the Deal

As our team was working away assessing the latest on the talks,  we have been amazed by the onslaught of public comments from former officials on how the deal is such a bad deal.   This was epitomized by this as noted by the +Washington Post  last week:

Pro-Rubio nonprofit to launch seven-figure ad campaign on Iran

By Sean Sullivan

A nonprofit created by allies of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) is preparing to launch a more than $1 million advertising campaign highlighting the presidential candidate's resistance to an emerging Iranian nuclear deal, marking its first commercials since Rubio launched his campaign in April.  Read full article » This appeared on Haaretz last week and one of the signators appeared on CNN and had a discussion with Fareed Zakaria

An article has been sent to you from Haaretz.com:
Ex-Obama aides: U.S. needs tougher Iran nucle

As if the domestic pressures were not enough, Ayatollah Khameini made a pivotal speech that drew headlines for its supposed redlines which was picked up by the likes of the +Huffington Post Politics  and underscored by this from IRNA, the Official Iranian News Agency as noted below:  http://www.irna.com/fa/News/81657801/

What has been interesting is again the public stance by Senior Officials yet again to dampen expectations.   What was also quite interesting was the deferement by the Majlis inTehran not to refer the law they passed simliar to the Coker Bill.     As the Foreign Minister is in Tehran on consultations,  this story also appeared on Al Monitor:

http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/khamenei-demand-immediate-sanctions-relief.html?utm_source=Al-Monitor+Newsletter+%5BEnglish%5D&utm_campaign=4071d02967-June_29_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_28264b27a0-4071d02967-93070437#

The signifcance of this analysis cannot be emphasized enough.    It shows that Khameini has prepared the establishment as the world has already been told that the June 30 deadline will slip as the teams continue their negotations.   Someone noted that this deal is too big to be allowed to fail.   Our team agrees especially as one estimate reflects that 120 Billion Dollars will be freed up from the proceeds of Iranian Oil alone.

  Israel, though, is hard at work.    Though.    Today was the turn of the Defense Minister who said Iran was part of the problem and not the solution.    What was striking was his claim that there was no humanitiran crisis in Gaza and as Israel is mulling withdrawing from the Human Rights Council as the United Nations came out with a very tough report.     

One measure of a commitment that amazed our team was the presence of Secretary Kerry.  Despite being on crutches, he is on the job.     Our team is remaining hopeful desapite all the odds to achieve the impossible.    Our team reflected upon Madiba's admonition that it alwasy seems impossible until it is done.    It is ever true now.....

Thought(s) For the Week: on Gratitude (Updated)

As the final Week-End of June 2015 is before us, our team chose these series of Thoughts courtesy of of the must-reads by our team curated by +Jonathan Huie as our journey continues:

 

A thankful heart is the greatest virtue.
- Cicero

The invariable mark of wisdom is to
see the miraculous in the common.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

&

What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?
- George Eliot

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us;
what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
- Albert Pike

@The White House Tonight

As the dust settles in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court ruling on Marriage Equality,  This was the scene in Washington as noted on http://www.whitehouse.gov

This scene has made the "rounds" on the "Social Grid" this night.......

The Friday Musical Interlude: "Good Day"

As our team works away on our World and assess the day and beyond, there has to be a sense of hope that has to be sustained for the sake of all who yearn for it.    The unspeakable violence the World was witness to in Tunisia, France and Kuwait gives all a moment of pause.   But we must always embrace a "Good Day" as our team decided to choose this as the "Musical Interlude" For this Friday:

View of the Week: On This Tragic Day In Our World.....

This day began in our World with the three separate terror attacks in three different countries.  Our team has been assessing it throughout the day.     Our thoughts and prayers with all the fallen today and their families in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.

This was also a day that South Carolina said good bye to one of the Emmanuel 9, The Rev. State Senator Clemente Pickney.    The President of the United States delivered a powerful euology as he also sang a rendition of Amazing Grace:

“May God continue to shed His grace on the United States of America." —@POTUS http://t.co/14Z3HnNi8v

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2015

His words were of comfort to all in the midst of such tragedy our World has been witness to.

Notations on Our World: On #Obamacare & Other Thoughts

Today was an interesting day in Washington as the US Supreme Court once again surprised all with the decision to uphold subsidies for Obamacare.   Our team has been reviewing the decision, the dissent and the reaction--which has been quite interesting.   Our team has been reaching out over Twitter to leading GOP lawmakers including Senator +Marco Rubio  and Senator McCain to get a sense of what their recommendations are.  We have also seen some of the alternatives lingering in Congress including a measure by Congressman Price of Georgia.   It was also quite interesting how swiftly opponents--including Congresswoman Mimi Waters of California further came out in opposition.      It appears that the Republican Leadership will continue its' efforts, though, through the Budget Process to try and "defund" Obamacare.  

The President has also won another key victory--Fast Track Authority as he continues negotations on the so called TPP (Transpacific Partnership).     As we assess this and other on-going developing scenes while on the "Virtual Prowl",  we wanted to share this we saw on the "Grid" earlier.    It is a beautiful testiment to the Art of the Possible and how it is ever so possible to change the World.   It has been the driving force behind #Outsiders:
  

Amen!!!! :-) :-) https://t.co/UNO77J8nzy

— The Daily Outsider (@DailyOutsider) June 25, 2015

Notations On Our World: Briefly On #Turkey & #Israel

Turkey has gone through a transformation.   Our team here @ #Outsiders was surprised as the ruling party got whipped at the Polls.   Kurdish parties have taken their seats in the Turkish Parliament and this was one quite signficant as our founder noted this on his personal Twitter Feed:

Tending 2 @DailyOutsider..great news!!!: Dilek #Öcalan, niece of jailed Kurdish leader, enters #Turkey parliament http://t.co/OHfSPHO9GR

— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) June 24, 2015

What is also quite interesting to observe is that Turkey and Israel have apparently begun secret reconciliation efforts.   Israel continues to be on the spotlight as the UN has come out with a tough report on the conduct of the Gaza war.   The coverage on it was quite stark as +Fox News noted Israel's right to Self-Defense as +The Guardian put a totally different spin on it.    Our team has released the UN link here for reference as we will also assess this.     +Haaretz הארץ is reporting that Israel is launching a major diplomatic initiative in Europe to mitigate the public relations damage it is bound to cause.  The United States, though, has already noted that it opposes the Gaza Report be referred to the UN Security Council and will probably veto it.      However, Israel has bigger challenges before it also as +Haaretz הארץ noted here:

After Gaza report, Israel is losing its clout on Iran, says Zvi Bar'el http://t.co/nP1GxErhGi pic.twitter.com/RxdEvK48Cx

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) June 24, 2015

An #Outsider Newsflash (II): On the Latest From the US Supreme Court

We have been awaiting a number of pivotal decisions from the United States Supreme Court which will impact a number of key initiatives including The Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and Same Sex Marriage.     According to the US Supreme Court, non-arguments days have been scheduled for Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26.  

It is a developing story which we look forward to commenting as we continue to develop the on-going "Notations" Series on the US.

An #Outsider Newsflash: Transpacific Partnership on Track

We just received this courtesy of +Huffington Post Politics  at our Virtual Studios as the President has been given a victory with the signature initiative of his Second Term-_The Transpacific Partnership despite some setbacks initially and as a coalition of Progressive Groups worked mightily to defeat it:

Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Tuesday handed President Barack Obama the biggest legislative victory of his second term, with a dramatic vote clearing the way for major trade agreements with Pacific Rim nations and the European Union.

Notations on Our World: On a Different & Engaging View on Iran

Power of A Cliche from Haleh Anvari on Vimeo.

The final countdown to June 30 has begun.     This is as Iran's Parliament just passed a new law restricting access to military sites and a prohibition against discussions with Iran's nuclear scientsits--and a demand for an immediate lifting of the sanctions.

There is so much that goes has gone on.     We found this clip on Iran quite compelling to  dispel some of notions on Iran as we await the next phase in the long-running saga of the negotations at hand.      

An #Outsider newsflash: Afghan Parliarment Under Attack in #Kabul

As our team has been working away on assessing the World today, we have received disturbing developments out of Afghanistan at our Virtual Studios.   Afghanistan's Parliament has been attacked in Kabul and the Taliban have claimed responsiblity.    This has also been confirmed by late breaking reports from the Wall Street Journal and +i24news EN.    

This is as brazen an attack in a string of major attacks during the Spring Offensive.    Our team was remaining hopeful that attacks will taper off during Ramadan.   It is a developing story which we continue to monitor.

The Friday Musical Interlude: Walter Beasely's "Coolness'"

On the eve of the Week-End throughout the #Outsider Properties,  our team chose Walter  Beasley's "Coolness" for this edition of the "Friday Musical Interlude" which we hope all enjoy:

Notations On Our World: On the Aftermath of Charleston & On Greece

The Charleston Allegded killer was caught yesterday and was arraigned today on 9 counts of murder.   This is as the U.S. Justice Department has determined that the crime may be deemed a Domestic Terrorist Incident.   Under the provisions of the US Constitution, he will be entitled to a trial by Jury and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.   Funerals of the fallen will start to begin tomorrow.

What was so striking was the forgiveness expressed by the families of the fallen.  One by one they told the alledged gunman that they forgave him.  President Obama, while on a swing through California, spoke for many in this tweet:

In the midst of darkest tragedy, the decency and goodness of the American people shines through in these families. https://t.co/aYtAKrWwCY

— President Obama (@POTUS) June 19, 2015

There was some interesting comment on how the President was "resigned'--He addressed that head-on as he noted how something has to be done.   This was as he also spoke rather personally about how many times he had to come out and speak on such tragedies that occur constantly.    Our team also wondered whether this tragedy will trigger the conversation that Sandy Hook began but could not somehow finish due to the difficult politics that continue to persist today.    Republican Presidential Candidates came out in strong support of gun ownership despite the latest tragedy--as some on the more conservative side resurrected the old argument of taking away "gun rights" as epitomized by the comments by Erik Erickson.

Beyond the shores of the United States, our team has been assessing  the situation in Greece.  The Greek have been withdrawaing billions from their banks due to the continued uncertainty over the status of the Greek Debt negotations.     The Greek Prime Minister flew off to Moscow to meet with the Russians to potentially get a lifeline from them.      This is as the European Central Bank decided to extend a lifeline to Greek Banks to deal with the liquidity crisis (This headline courtesy of the DealBook Blog @ the New York Times) as we will continue to assess the latest over the week-end as a build up to the European Heads of Government Meeting on Monday: 

TOP STORY

E.C.B. Agrees to Extend Lifeline to Athens The central bank has decided to keep Greece's financial system on life support with more funding as anxious depositors accelerated withdrawals.

• NYT » | Greek Leader, Pressuring E.U. Lenders, Cozies Up to Putin in Russia | Explaining the Greek Debt Crisis | Wall St. Edges Lower on Concerns Over Greece Talks
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