Omid Kokabee is an Iranian Physicist currently in detention in Iran. Maz Jobrani produced this to remind the World of this injustice:
Post by Maz Jobrani.
10/15/2014
View of the Week: On the continued tragedy that is #Iraq
The war in Iraq and Syria rages on and a consensus solution seems to be ever so out of reach. One of the more insightful of analysis on the current prowess of the Islamic State was noted in Al Monitor Today:
The problem is that this insightful analysis called for a miracle which is currently not in the cards. This is as the collateral damage of the disastrous Iraq war continues to be reported as epitomized by this report from the New York Times:
It is also ever so irnoic that the same paper that was one of the cheerleaders of the same war also had a front page story about how the plans to arms the moderate Syrian will not work based on CIA confidential reports. What underscores the dilemma by the United States is ever so noted by the always eloquent KAL from the Economist Magazine:
He's asking for a miracle which is not in the cards: How to defeat #IslamicState war machine :http://t.co/4RebskLcPi
— Mike Pouraryan (@mikepouraryan) October 15, 2014
The problem is that this insightful analysis called for a miracle which is currently not in the cards. This is as the collateral damage of the disastrous Iraq war continues to be reported as epitomized by this report from the New York Times:
It is also ever so irnoic that the same paper that was one of the cheerleaders of the same war also had a front page story about how the plans to arms the moderate Syrian will not work based on CIA confidential reports. What underscores the dilemma by the United States is ever so noted by the always eloquent KAL from the Economist Magazine:
10/14/2014
Notations on the US Politics: As Elections Fever Spreads....
The final push has begun by all candidates throughout the United States. It has been quite a spectacle to see the parties be on the money grab that they have been and the pathethic ways in which they have been on the prowl with emails like "I'm begging". The targeted emails have been perfected to quite a science now as exemplified by this sent out by the Democratic Governors Association:
Many in the United States have already voted via absentee ballot. This is in spite of the fact that there have been constant challenges to the early voting process in a number of states--with challenges having gone all the way to the US Supreme Court. What was unfortunate to observe though was such reporting and commentary as reported by the Washington Post and noted by Professor Jonathan Turley on his blog:
Hillary Clinton wrote to you: “Losing isn’t an option. Not this time. Not in these crucial midterm elections. There’s just too much at stake.”
Hillary is doing ALL SHE CAN, but she cannot…
elect.
democrats.
alone.
democrats.
alone.
Unless you immediately step up with a donation to answer Hillary’s call, DEMOCRATS WILL LOSE.
Mike, please don’t say no: We need you to give as much as you can before MIDNIGHT so we can rush it to our campaigns to pay for ads, vans, and voter protection.
If you say no, REPUBLICANS WILL SUPPRESS VOTERS AND … Wisconsin could be LOST. Texas, Georgia=STAYING RED. We won’t even take back deep-blueMaine.
So this is it: Could you tell Hillary you can’t join her in the FIGHT? Please, give this very second.
ALL GIFTS DOUBLED BEFORE MIDNIGHT!!! WE NEED $75,145:
If you've saved payment info with ActBlue Express, your donation to the DGA will go through immediately:
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Notations From the Middle East: A Blast From the Past: On #Rouhani the Voyager & #Iran
Iran is about to begin a new round of negotiations on the nuclear question. Dr. Zarif is in Vienna right now:
We here @ "outsiders" took a moment of pause to reflect upon the year or so that President Rouhani has been at the helm navigating a very tough economic and political climate both inside and outside the Country as the war rages on in Syria, Iran deals with profound challenges in the border with Pakistan and the Taliban insurgency continues to rage on in Afghanistan.
His inauguration was a desire to somehow transform the Country:
The hope was ever so expressed as milestones were achieved. The scenes of Dr. Zarif, the Foreign Minister, as he returned to Tehran and was mobbed by well-wishers underscored the desire of all for some sort of change. But the dead-enders were at it in the Parliament and the Judiciary--and are continuing their efforts even today. President Rouhani has been playing his cards close to his chest especially as he had to deal with impeachment of his Ministers and trying to at least somehow steer the economic path to some reasonable sense of stability.
Some further indication of his thinking has been about comments he made in this clip as he noted how some live in the "Stone age" and don't realize that the Country belongs to the people. He also underscored how the need to open up the Country was not a matter of "if", but when as the debate raged on about how "unlslamic" 3G could be--even as the Developed World has been debating the merits of 5G. He also during the same clip underscored the challenge faced as the World fights Dayesh (also known as the Islamic State/ISIL/etc.). It was quite interesting that the Secretary of State referred to them as Dayesh or "Dash" which apparently shows that the State Department is opening up to the thinking on the ground in the Middle East on the sub human mutant thugs. He also called for unity and togetherness as he spoke at celebrations commemorating the birth of the 12th Imam. The clip below is in Farsi:
A true sense of the love Iranians have for the land and the culture is underscored by this clip and the scenes from the traditions, history & beauty of Iran underscores what Rouhani seems to understand--whether the dead-enders are able to stiffle him (as they did Khatami) is an open question. As all enjoy the music and the images, some images will be familiar (including one Noble Laureate, an Oscar Winner and the winner of the top prize in Mathematics):
this is the car in vienna airportwhich is going to take @JZarif to hotel / zarif hasnt arrived yet #irantalksvienna pic.twitter.com/QDjvjWBJEM
— mohammad farahani (@FarahaniReports) October 14, 2014
We here @ "outsiders" took a moment of pause to reflect upon the year or so that President Rouhani has been at the helm navigating a very tough economic and political climate both inside and outside the Country as the war rages on in Syria, Iran deals with profound challenges in the border with Pakistan and the Taliban insurgency continues to rage on in Afghanistan.
His inauguration was a desire to somehow transform the Country:
The hope was ever so expressed as milestones were achieved. The scenes of Dr. Zarif, the Foreign Minister, as he returned to Tehran and was mobbed by well-wishers underscored the desire of all for some sort of change. But the dead-enders were at it in the Parliament and the Judiciary--and are continuing their efforts even today. President Rouhani has been playing his cards close to his chest especially as he had to deal with impeachment of his Ministers and trying to at least somehow steer the economic path to some reasonable sense of stability.
Some further indication of his thinking has been about comments he made in this clip as he noted how some live in the "Stone age" and don't realize that the Country belongs to the people. He also underscored how the need to open up the Country was not a matter of "if", but when as the debate raged on about how "unlslamic" 3G could be--even as the Developed World has been debating the merits of 5G. He also during the same clip underscored the challenge faced as the World fights Dayesh (also known as the Islamic State/ISIL/etc.). It was quite interesting that the Secretary of State referred to them as Dayesh or "Dash" which apparently shows that the State Department is opening up to the thinking on the ground in the Middle East on the sub human mutant thugs. He also called for unity and togetherness as he spoke at celebrations commemorating the birth of the 12th Imam. The clip below is in Farsi:
A true sense of the love Iranians have for the land and the culture is underscored by this clip and the scenes from the traditions, history & beauty of Iran underscores what Rouhani seems to understand--whether the dead-enders are able to stiffle him (as they did Khatami) is an open question. As all enjoy the music and the images, some images will be familiar (including one Noble Laureate, an Oscar Winner and the winner of the top prize in Mathematics):
10/10/2014
Thought(s) 4 the Week: Stop Longing for "Easy"
On the eve of the Week-End here in "Outsiders", once again Jonathan Lockwood Huie exceeded expectations with his weekly outreach which was ever so on point--and it is a pleasure to share it as this edition of "Thought 4 the Week" --may we all be ever so strong....
Of course there will be disappointments
and the way will not always be as I expected it.
But if it seemed easy, then that would be the time
to worry that I am on the wrong path.
- Anne Perry
When life is too easy for us, we must beware
or we may not be ready to meet the blows
which sooner or later come to everyone, rich or poor.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Life is not easy for any of us.
But what of that?
We must have perseverance
and above all confidence in ourselves.
We must believe that we are gifted for something
and that this thing must be attained.
- Marie Curie
Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking.
There is an almost universal quest
for easy answers and half-baked solutions.
Nothing pains some people more than having to think.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Do not pray for easy lives.
Pray to be stronger men.
- John F. Kennedy
Notations On Our World: : On #Malala and Satyarthi awarded #Nobel Prize; #Pakistan, #Markets & #Kobani
Photos: © AP Photo/Bernat Armangue/NTB scanpix ; Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/NTB scanpix as noted by http://nobelpeaceprize.org/
The day began with the Nobel Committee exceeding expectations by awarding the Peace Price to two ordinary individuals who have worked ever so to make a difference. Al Jazeera reported on it as such and it has also continued to make inroads around the World: Malala and Satyarthi awarded Nobel Prize - Europe - Al Jazeera English. It was also gratifying to see the View from Pakistan as GEO TV had it on its headline.
What was striking was the silence of Prime Minister Sharif. His brother, the Chief Minister of Punjab, noted that Malala was "misguided". That should be some indication of what Official Pakistan thinks of this brave little girl who has done ever so to make a difference for all. But Molana noted that she wishes both Prime Minister Modi of India and the Pakistani Prime Minister to attend the ceremonies. In lieu of the firing by Pakistan on Indian border posts, it will be a sight to see.. It was gratifying though to see that Pakistan's Army congratulated Malala. We here @ "outsiders" congratulate both of these wonderful souls for what they have done to make a difference.
Beyond this wonderful news, though, being witness to war is disheartening. Overnight reports reflect the siege of Kobani in Syria continuing as the thugs of Dayesh (Also known as the IS/ISIS/ISIL in Western Media) continue to push along despite US-Led airstrikes that seem to have no effect. The last updates reflect that they have seized the headquarters of the Kurdish defenders and the City Jail. As the War continues, there is the continued economic uncertainty underscored by Bill Gross, the former Pimco founder now at Janus Capital.--and Bill Gross is one of those men that should be listened to.
Speculators are apparently starting to push markets lower especially with all the uncertainty that is ever so prevalent around the World. This includes the profound uncertainty in Europe and the fight against Ebola. There is one welcome respite: The price of Oil. It is continuing to drop with the last price at $ 84 a Barrel.
10/08/2014
Thought(s) 4 the Week: On Doors & Opportunities
It has been another challenging day around the World. As we remembered the valiant Kurd who gave her life, reports just reviewed reflect that it is increasingly likely that Kobane, the Syrian Kurdish Border Town, will fall to the Sub Human Mutant Scum. What is so amazing that this Army with maybe a strength of 50,000 (if the figures are to be believed) has been able to basically fight one Army to a Standstill and force another Army to flee.
Jonathan Lockwood Huie sent out his latest "thoughts 4 the Week" for his community early this morning. It is small comfort for those who have lost everything and do not know if they will survive--however the need to move on is ever more:
If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up.
Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
- Michael Jordan
When God closes a door, he opens a window.
- Anonymous
When ordinary life shackles me,
I escape, one way or another. No more walls.
- Anais Nin
Love recognizes no barriers.
It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to
arrive at it destination full of hope.
- Maya Angelou
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