Obama is over in the Middle East right now.
Some interesting things are starting to happen over there.
First, he seems to have realized that Israel is actually a good friend of the US. In his speeches he seems to have recognized that Israel isn't the bad guy over there. There appeared to be no daylight between the US and Israel with regard to Iran. It was an amazing turnaround.
Today I've received two news flashes on my phone. First, Israel apologized for the casualties caused when it raided that Turkish weapons ship bound for Gaza a couple of years ago.
Now Turkey has announced that it has normalized relations with Israel after the apology.
In all this appears to be a dramatic and swift change in the state of affairs over there. It's probably caused by a realization that both Syria and Iran are major sources of problems for all involved, but it cannot be a coincidence that the timing is so close to Obama's visit.
There may yet be hope that he's figuring out how the world works. It can't happen too soon.
Shouldn't this be in R&P? I think statements like:
Quote
There may yet be hope that he's figuring out how the world works. It can't happen too soon.
Could be a little contentious... ;)
Quote from: son_of_montfort on March 22, 2013, 12:36:14 PM
Shouldn't this be in R&P? I think statements like:
Quote
There may yet be hope that he's figuring out how the world works. It can't happen too soon.
Could be a little contentious... ;)
I'm leaving room for him not being able to figure things out so I don't know how that could possibly be a controversial statement 8)
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 12:39:05 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on March 22, 2013, 12:36:14 PM
Shouldn't this be in R&P? I think statements like:
Quote
There may yet be hope that he's figuring out how the world works. It can't happen too soon.
Could be a little contentious... ;)
I'm leaving room for him not being able to figure things out so I don't know how that could possibly be a controversial statement 8)
You might want to start to say nice things about him. Think of who is coming next.
I'm not holding my breath for any further good news out of the region. And why was an apology to Turkey necessary? Don't sail ships laden with weapons to sworn enemies of Israel. Easy solution for the Turks.
Turkey is an interesting country - you wouldn't want to trust them in a pinch. I suspect that they should be more concerned about their human rights record in dealing with ethnic minorities then worrying about about a nation trying to protect itself.
Quote from: MIGMaster on March 22, 2013, 01:14:57 PM
Turkey is an interesting country - you wouldn't want to trust them in a pinch.
That's a really bad assessment of an ally we're all pledged to escalate up to and including tossing nukes in order to protect. Not that I am going to disagree with it...
My guess is that Turkey got a face-saving apology and Israel got a back-channel confirmation that the Turks will do their best to keep a lid on their southern neighbor.
That sounds about right. Behind the Turks' backs I am sure the Israeli diplomats were giving them the finger. Or at least I hope they were.
Quote from: Longdan on March 22, 2013, 12:47:28 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 12:39:05 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on March 22, 2013, 12:36:14 PM
Shouldn't this be in R&P? I think statements like:
Quote
There may yet be hope that he's figuring out how the world works. It can't happen too soon.
Could be a little contentious... ;)
I'm leaving room for him not being able to figure things out so I don't know how that could possibly be a controversial statement 8)
You might want to start to say nice things about him. Think of who is coming next.
Hilary? <shudder>
Quote from: Gusington on March 22, 2013, 12:59:04 PM
I'm not holding my breath for any further good news out of the region. And why was an apology to Turkey necessary? Don't sail ships laden with weapons to sworn enemies of Israel. Easy solution for the Turks.
It sounds like the apology was over the loss of life rather than the incident as a whole. At any rate, it's an impressive bit of diplomacy by Obama. Netanyahu isn't the sort to apologize for much of anything.
This a quote from a Turkish official regarding the apology:
Quote"The Israeli prime minister, in a phone call that lasted 10 minutes, apologized to the Turkish nation for all operational mistakes, evident in an investigation, that led to human losses, and agreed to offer compensation."
When was it that Turkey wouldn't let US aircraft launch air strikes from their soil. Was that during Iraq 2 ? I can't remember anything since I turned 45!
Quote from: mirth on March 22, 2013, 01:55:16 PM
Quote from: Longdan on March 22, 2013, 12:47:28 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 12:39:05 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on March 22, 2013, 12:36:14 PM
Shouldn't this be in R&P? I think statements like:
Quote
There may yet be hope that he's figuring out how the world works. It can't happen too soon.
Could be a little contentious... ;)
I'm leaving room for him not being able to figure things out so I don't know how that could possibly be a controversial statement 8)
You might want to start to say nice things about him. Think of who is coming next.
Hilary? <shudder>
...even worse Hillary-Michelle 2016 (http://washingtonexaminer.com/2016-hillary-michelle-dream-ticket-floated/article/2524072)
Quote from: Gusington on March 22, 2013, 01:54:12 PM
That sounds about right. Behind the Turks' backs I am sure the Israeli diplomats were giving them the finger. Or at least I hope they were.
And I'm sure the Turks were also giving the finger. I'm with MigMaster in that you cannot trust the Turks. They are famous for playing both sides of the fence to get what they want.
Quote from: MIGMaster on March 22, 2013, 01:14:57 PM
Turkey is an interesting country - you wouldn't want to trust them in a pinch. I suspect that they should be more concerned about their human rights record in dealing with ethnic minorities then worrying about about a nation trying to protect itself.
LMAO.... yup!
I dated a hot armenian labtech in university .... her eyes were sizzlin'
What about her whispering eye? Did that sizzle too??!!
Quote from: Centurion40 on March 22, 2013, 02:52:55 PM
What about her whispering eye? Did that sizzle too??!!
uhhhh..... whispering eye?
dont forget that theres a certain banking system about to collapse in a country that Turkey has had major problems with in the past. they might be clearing the decks for more important things.
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 22, 2013, 03:01:52 PM
dont forget that theres a certain banking system about to collapse in a country that Turkey has had major problems with in the past. they might be clearing the decks for more important things.
hmmm, that would bring Russia even more into the area
over Cyprus? I dont know about that.
mob money?
Quote from: Keunert on March 22, 2013, 03:03:52 PM
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
That a NATO signatory would show a modicum of restraint.
Turkey has for years wanted into the European club and was happy to show their bona fides by virtue of the fact that they have a sliver of land on the European continent.
But in the last couple of years they've been acting like they've no European interests at all. It's a curious change.
More on the trip:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/twittersphere-mocks-obama-comparisson-israel-palestine-relationship-u-185915624.html
Heh.
Nice find. Thanks for sharing.
+1 That twitter feed is gold.
QuoteWe burned down the WHite House once... don't make us come and do it again!
https://twitter.com/search/realtime?q=%23thecanucksarecoming&src=typd
LOL
"Snowball intifada" ;D
Quotebearing poutine and maple syrup, threatening genocide by arteriosclerosis.
The #TheCanucksAreComing twitter feed may be the best thing to come out of the Mideast trip. Thank you Mr. President!
We are sharpening our skates. We have walked among you unnoticed since 1814. We could never figure out why the MIA's from that
war didn't want to come home. It wasn't the beer they stayed for. Maybe because you don't have to unwrap a girl to see what she looks like.
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 05:07:00 PM
Quote from: Keunert on March 22, 2013, 03:03:52 PM
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
That a NATO signatory would show a modicum of restraint.
Turkey has for years wanted into the European club and was happy to show their bona fides by virtue of the fact that they have a sliver of land on the European continent.
But in the last couple of years they've been acting like they've no European interests at all. It's a curious change.
Not really since it has dawned on everyone except a few technocrats in brussel that no one wants them there. well none of the citizens in EU anyway. Every vote or poll has shown an overwhelming rejection on letting them in.
It must be uncomfortable to be a Turk resident in Europe. I remember seeing anti-Turkish posters and graffiti all over.
Quote from: jejo68 on March 24, 2013, 12:39:54 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 05:07:00 PM
Quote from: Keunert on March 22, 2013, 03:03:52 PM
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
That a NATO signatory would show a modicum of restraint.
Turkey has for years wanted into the European club and was happy to show their bona fides by virtue of the fact that they have a sliver of land on the European continent.
But in the last couple of years they've been acting like they've no European interests at all. It's a curious change.
Not really since it has dawned on everyone except a few technocrats in brussel that no one wants them there. well none of the citizens in EU anyway. Every vote or poll has shown an overwhelming rejection on letting them in.
I thought the Germans loved them for the cheap labor.
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 05:07:00 PM
Quote from: Keunert on March 22, 2013, 03:03:52 PM
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
That a NATO signatory would show a modicum of restraint.
Turkey has for years wanted into the European club and was happy to show their bona fides by virtue of the fact that they have a sliver of land on the European continent.
But in the last couple of years they've been acting like they've no European interests at all. It's a curious change.
Considering the economic problems some Eurozone countries were having lately, that is not surprising. Personally I would think that a more gradual association via status like Norway and Switzerland would be better for all concerned.
Quote
I thought the Germans loved them for the cheap labor.
Oh muslims arent very well liked in most of europe atm and it will get worse
Quote from: OJsDad on March 24, 2013, 04:47:14 PM
Quote from: jejo68 on March 24, 2013, 12:39:54 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 05:07:00 PM
Quote from: Keunert on March 22, 2013, 03:03:52 PM
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
That a NATO signatory would show a modicum of restraint.
Turkey has for years wanted into the European club and was happy to show their bona fides by virtue of the fact that they have a sliver of land on the European continent.
But in the last couple of years they've been acting like they've no European interests at all. It's a curious change.
Not really since it has dawned on everyone except a few technocrats in brussel that no one wants them there. well none of the citizens in EU anyway. Every vote or poll has shown an overwhelming rejection on letting them in.
I thought the Germans loved them for the cheap labor.
Germans are also known for their love of the land. Especially the land of their neighbours.
Quote from: Longdan on March 26, 2013, 10:41:29 AM
Quote from: OJsDad on March 24, 2013, 04:47:14 PM
Quote from: jejo68 on March 24, 2013, 12:39:54 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on March 22, 2013, 05:07:00 PM
Quote from: Keunert on March 22, 2013, 03:03:52 PM
maybe, just maybe the Turks are more concerned about their own agenda than those of us westerners? what do you guys expect?
That a NATO signatory would show a modicum of restraint.
Turkey has for years wanted into the European club and was happy to show their bona fides by virtue of the fact that they have a sliver of land on the European continent.
But in the last couple of years they've been acting like they've no European interests at all. It's a curious change.
Not really since it has dawned on everyone except a few technocrats in brussel that no one wants them there. well none of the citizens in EU anyway. Every vote or poll has shown an overwhelming rejection on letting them in.
I thought the Germans loved them for the cheap labor.
Germans are also known for their love of the land. Especially the land of their neighbours.
*eye roll*, if you take all of human history into perspective/consideration; they are just one of a very long list of 'land' loving groups/people's/nations/empires .... yaddah yaddah yaddah
Hey. They've been bothering their neighbours from the same location for two millennia.
Top that.
Quote from: Longdan on March 26, 2013, 02:38:45 PM
Hey. They've been bothering their neighbours from the same location for two millennia.
Top that.
The Brits. They have only NOT invaded 22 countries on Earth. Map shows them as white.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F02388%2FBRITAIN_2388153b.jpg&hash=7272f2b70066ca2fb2a6ce2ec9bfd3554c80befe)
They are just another kind of German.
Quote from: Windigo on March 26, 2013, 02:47:42 PM
Quote from: Longdan on March 26, 2013, 02:38:45 PM
Hey. They've been bothering their neighbours from the same location for two millennia.
Top that.
The Brits. They have only NOT invaded 22 countries on Earth. Map shows them as white.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F02388%2FBRITAIN_2388153b.jpg&hash=7272f2b70066ca2fb2a6ce2ec9bfd3554c80befe)
Well...what's the hangup? They've come so far. Finish the job!
Maybe us colonials should fly around the world in redcoat uniforms and in a checkbox fashion; declare them invaded, sack their capitals, ravish their women, loot their beers, and generally be brash and ribald .... all in the name of the crown and good fun
Having been to Vatican City I can assure you that the native ravishable wimmenz are scarce.
Then we would be obligated the give them billions in nation building.
BTW, when did the British invade Poland.
When it wasn't Poland?
Quote from: OJsDad on March 26, 2013, 05:26:06 PM
BTW, when did the British invade Poland.
Excellent question.
The government-in-exile of Poland found shelter with the British. A quick search around the internet didn't yield news of multiple divisions landing in Gdansk circa D-Day, but it's possible to stretch things I suppose. Maybe the Polish Air Force out of the UK had some dealings over there? Certainly the Brits would have provided help for the partisans if at all possible.
Maybe not exactly the droids we were looking for. Anyone else have some thoughts?
The UK fought and invaded Russia when Poland was a province. The UK fought Austrian-Hungary when Poland was a province (Galicia).
The UK fought Germany when most of what is now Poland was part of Germany. (Prussia, Pomerania, Silesia et al.)
Like I said above ^^ the British fought Poland when it wasn't Poland.
Quote from: Longdan on March 26, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
The UK fought and invaded Russia when Poland was a province. The UK fought Austrian-Hungary when Poland was a province (Galicia).
The UK fought Germany when most of what is now Poland was part of Germany. (Prussia, Pomerania, Silesia et al.)
Like I said above ^^ the British fought Poland when it wasn't Poland.
I don't know if that makes you right or wrong, but it does prove you know more about that era of history than I do...
Quote from: LongBlade on March 26, 2013, 09:10:18 PM
Quote from: Longdan on March 26, 2013, 08:19:58 PM
The UK fought and invaded Russia when Poland was a province. The UK fought Austrian-Hungary when Poland was a province (Galicia).
The UK fought Germany when most of what is now Poland was part of Germany. (Prussia, Pomerania, Silesia et al.)
Like I said above ^^ the British fought Poland when it wasn't Poland.
I don't know if that makes you right or wrong, but it does prove you know more about that era of history than I do...
Bollocks! The same applies to Bielarus as to Poland, and it is listed as never invaded. Whoever wrote the list of non-invaded countries is an idiot. Blade is right.
^^That is a little extreme. I would not say the author of the map was an idiot.
he used pink not blue.
stupidity confirmed.
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on April 01, 2013, 01:37:41 PM
he used pink not blue.
It lulls countries into a false sense of security, surely the pink people can't invade and conquer us? Guess what, yes we can, also the reason our best warriors wore kilts or skirts as the misguided saw them.
Quote from: The Puss on April 01, 2013, 03:07:16 PM
also the reason our best warriors wore kilts or skirts as the misguided saw them.
I'm guessing that you hail from well north of the Tyne then. Any men wearing 'skirts' far south of there are most likely either in 'The Theatre' or possibly employed at clientele-specific drinking establishments.
;)
Or Hollywood.
Now since we are well off topic back to the Prez:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/13-americans-believe-president-obama-antichrist-163515257--politics.html
I am proud to be your neighbour. It is much too cold up here. No need to come up and look around. We all talk French or are commies or something.
^Interesting.
I saw something on YouTube a while back saying that Obama is not the Antichrist but instead he's the guy paving the way for the Antichrist.
I like the one about how 4% of the population believe that 'V', the tv series, is real.
I would *never* punk a poll just to have fun.
Ever.
8)
V wasn't real? Nice try. Next thing you'll try to pass off is that Mars did not invade New Jersey in 1938.
Quote from: Gusington on April 03, 2013, 10:25:33 AM
V wasn't real? Nice try. Next thing you'll try to pass off is that Mars did not invade New Jersey in 1938.
Why would anyone or anything want to invade New Jersey?
Lawyers looking for a breeding ground?
Quote...4 percent of American voters said they believe shape-shifting lizard people "control our world by taking on human form and gaining political power to manipulate our societies." In the lead-up to November's presidential election, a major satirical expose by Daily Caller editors Jamie Weinstein and Will Rahn, "The Lizard King," revealed that President Obama himself was shape-shifting lizard man.
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/04/03/poll-4-percent-of-americans-believe-lizard-people-control-world/
I thought you guys knew all about the lizardmen and how they stole that last election or some variation of that.
Lizardmen trump any vote machine chicanery. Because...Lizardmen!