Tag Archives: Libya

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Emergencie​s in Libya and Ivory Coast … help Helene Gayle,President &CEO, Care


The fighting in Libya continues to force people to flee in droves. The surge of Libyan refugees into neighboring countries is putting increased pressure on some of the poorest countries — and families — in the world. Many of the refugees were in Libya to work and now have returned to their native countries, where their families already are suffering from poverty, hunger, disease and drought. Others are Libyans on the run for fear of what may happen to them and their families. The humanitarian crisis is increasing by the minute.

In fact, more than 405,000 people have already left Libya for bordering countries, including Egypt, Niger and Tunisia. If the fighting continues, many more are expected to flee. The influx of people may overwhelm already-fragile economies and create additional human suffering.

You can support our work around the world by giving a generous gift now.

The situation is changing day by day, even hour by hour. That’s why, right now, CARE staff is coordinating with the United Nations, government agencies and local partner organizations to carry out an effective humanitarian response to this and other refugee crises, such as the one sparked by

post-election conflict in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

Today, CARE is reaching tens of thousands of people with basic survival supplies: the distribution of clean water, food, hygiene kits, blankets and more. Should needs increase, we’ll be able to ramp up our response thanks to the support of generous donors like you.

Please help ensure CARE is prepared to respond to humanitarian crises and crushing poverty with your gift today.

Your ongoing financial support makes it possible for CARE to help in emergencies like Libya and Cote d’Ivoire, and supports our poverty-fighting programs and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of the world’s poorest people. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH

President and CEO, CARE

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International Relations:Intervention In Libya


Over the weekend, U.S. and allied air and naval forces launched strikes on the military assets of the regime of Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi. Last night marked the third night of air strikes and the New York Times is reporting “the military campaign to   destroy air defenses and establish a no-fly zone  over Libya has nearly accomplished its initial objectives, and the United States is moving swiftly to hand command to allies in Europe, American officials said on Monday.” The intervention came following a UN Security Council resolution on Friday that   endorsed the creation of a no-fly zone  and authorized “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. The UN resolution came as Qaddafi forces were threatening to rout — and some fear massacre — anti-government forces that had retreated to the eastern city of Benghazi. President Obama also explained the decision to authorize force: “The core point that has to be upheld here , is that the entire international community, almost unanimously, says that when there is a potential humanitarian crisis about to take place, when a leader that has lost legitimacy and decides to turn his military on his own people, we simply can’t stand by with empty words, we have to take some sort of action.” The sudden US intervention has proved controversial and spawned a serious debate over the nature of the mission’s objectives and the extent of US involvement that has divided foreign policy thinkers and political leaders on both sides of the aisle. While there is legitimate debate over the merits of intervention, many Republican 2012 candidates and conservative talking heads, ever desperate to attack the President and score cheap political points, are launching absurd attacks and even  critiquing him for taking action they days before supported. As Politico noted, this is a “reminder of the dearth of foreign policy experience among the main GOP contenders.”

CONTEXT:   What began as a popular uprising, similar to Egypt and Tunisia, quickly spiraled into an armed revolt following Qaddafi’s use of mercenary forces to brutally and indiscriminately suppress the protests. Just a few weeks ago, rebel forces controlled much of the country and appeared on the cusp of toppling Qaddafi. But Qaddafi rallied and launched a furious counter-attack, which forced a rebel retreat across the country. As Qaddafi’s forces approached the eastern city of Benghazi, there were growing fears of a massacre and humanitarian and refugee crisis. This prompted the Arab League to call for Western intervention. On Friday, the United Nations Security Council authorized international action in Libya by a vote of 10-0 with five countries (Brazil, Germany, Russia, China, India) choosing to abstain. Over the past three days, the U.S. fired more than 130 Tomahawk cruise missiles and launched numerous air strikes, which have prevented the fall of Benghazi and a humanitarian crisis. President Obama said yesterday that “after the initial thrust has disabled Gaddafi’s air defences… there will be a transition in which we have a range of coalition partners, who will then be participating in establishing a no-fly zone.” Yet there is some  confusion and disagreement within NATO over who will take charge of the operations from the US. The sudden nature of the intervention has also led to complaints from congress that the President did not properly consult with congress. The New York Times noted that “lawmakers from both parties argued that Mr. Obama had exceeded his constitutional authority by authorizing the military’s participation without Congressional approval. The president said in a letter to Congress that he had the power to authorize the strikes, which would be limited in duration and scope, and that preventing a humanitarian disaster in Libya was in the national interest.”

END GAME?:   Intervention has led to a serious debate that has cross-cut party lines over the merits and objectives of the operation. Many fear the administration has not defined clear objectives or laid out an end game for its intervention. Republican Sen. Richard Lugar said, “I do not understand the mission  because as far as I can tell in the United States there is no mission and there are no guidelines for success.” One cause for confusion is that in the first few weeks of the uprising in Libya the Obama administration called for Qaddafi to go, but it is unclear whether rebel forces have the capability to oust Qaddafi. Brian Katulis of the Center for American Progress warns, “you could have this very awkward phase emerging where Gaddafi is entrenched while there’s a rump state in eastern Libya and some but not all states in the Arab world work to isolate the regime.” This has led to fears of mission creep, where U.S. forces would escalate their intervention to ensure Qaddafi’s ouster. James Fallows of the Atlantic writes, “the  most predictable failure in modern American military policy has been the reluctance to ask, And what happens then? … After this spectacular first stage of air war, what happens then? If the airstrikes persuade Qaddafi and his forces just to quit, great! But what if they don’t?” Conservative Wall Street Journal columnist noted that “the  biggest takeaway, the biggest foreign-policy fact, of the past decade is this: America has to be very careful where it goes in the world, because the minute it’s there — the minute there are boots on the ground, the minute we leave a footprint — there will spring up, immediately, 15 reasons America cannot leave.” However, Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said on Meet the Press that the President “has a  military operation with very clear mission, and that’s what the president should do is have a clear mission and to avoid mission creep…this mission has been very carefully limited.” The Obama administration has insisted that the military intervention will be limited and has rejected sending in U.S. ground troops. President Obama said yesterday in Chile, “First of all,   I think it’s very easy to square   our military actions and our stated policies. Our military action is in support of a international mandate from the Security Council that specifically focuses on the humanitarian threat posed by Colonel Qaddafi to his people. … As part of that international coalition, I authorized the United States military to work with our international partners to fulfill that mandate. Now, I also have stated that it is U.S. policy that Qaddafi needs to go. And we got a wide range of tools in addition to our military efforts to support that policy… But when it comes to our military action, we are doing so in support of U.N. Security Resolution 1973, that specifically talks about humanitarian efforts. And we are going to make sure that we stick to that mandate.”
 
RIGHT WING NOISE:   For days, many conservative presidential hopefuls and political pundits had called for U.S. intervention in Libya, but following the international community’s action, few took to the airwaves to back the President. Politico reported,   “After  demanding for weeks that he be more decisive on Libya, not one candidate in the field of 2012 GOP hopefuls has expressed support for President Barack Obama since he began bombing the North African nation. The GOP’s presidential prospects either sharply criticized the commander-in-chief this weekend or avoided weighing in.” For those GOP hopefuls and pundits that attacked the President, the critique centered on the premise that he waited too long and shouldn’t have sought international support — apparently it is preferable to go to war without international support. Sarah Palin said she wouldn’t criticize the President while she was abroad in India, but then went on to criticize the President saying if she were there would have been “less dithering.” John Bolton said on Fox News that the Obama administration was “wrong to base its decision to use force” due to the support of the Arab League or the United Nations. HBO’s Bill Maher noted on Friday, “Republicans don’t know what to do  with this because they wanted this to happen, the no fly zone, so that’s good, but now Obama wants it so it’s bad. … Fox News today just put up a test pattern that said, ‘Please be patient while we figure out how this makes Obama the worst president ever.'”

~ my 2cents ...

tempest Tuesday &some News


 I will admit the last couple of days actually felt like spring but only because my nose told me. The NW high 50’s only last a couple of hours a day so ok it’s Spring but it’s still 40’s and high 30’s most of the morning and comes back right around dinner time. That is still a cold day to me but the sunshine definitely is nice.

Good news, VP Biden speaks on the Importance of investing in Education at 10amET if you have a little time tune into President Obama’s and President Funes Press Conference which will start at 4:55pmET and Wednesday, there will be an Open for Questions: Start Up America: Reducing Barriers. These events can be viewed on whitehouse.gov/live …I say stay informed, keep your heart open to other opinions from other places for information aside from cable News and mainstream News especially if  you can hear the news from President Obama and or V.P. Biden -from the source the deciders … so to speak. If you miss the events just go to whitehouse.gov and find the schedule.

In response to an article i posted “Help protect the right to choose” …written by MoveOn.org

3/22 My final response to the question …So, when do you believe life begins? 3/22

I believe it probably is when a heartbeat can be heard, which is about at 9weeks depending on the woman. I do not know what you want from me but even with the facts about when life begins does not change my mind about abortion. I believe women should not lose the right to choose be treated as intelligent enough to decide and contrary to popular thought doctors actually do counsel and discuss options but those choices options have been taken away by the Republican Tea Party under the platform of family values when in reality it is family enforcement. It makes no sense to think this is anyone’s business except for the woman and her doctor, it baffles my mind to think a member of congress, a stranger thinks my uterus should be controlled by them because of their own personal beliefs, religion, values. I do believe that the Senate will respect a woman’s right to choose though Republicans feel women should be seen and not heard i guess with the cutting slashing and burning of safe, clean and truly great facilities that help girls, young women and older women on a daily basis for all kinds of things not just abortion. The fact is that places like Planned Parenthood also talk to young men about their responsibilities too regarding contraceptive etc. trying to keep a strong hold on information, procedures and personal choice can only be detrimental to the progress in the realm of women’s health –

3/18 I received a comment. I definitely like getting comments and appreciate comments with a different opinion it makes you decide why you feel the way you do ,stand up, speak out and this current war being waged on us women will take all of us because the alternative is not an option.

3/18 Choosing to kill a baby is not a right. http://www.abortiontruth.com/pictures.html

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3/18 My response …

…I can only say that we can debate at what point a fetus becomes a baby and at what point a fetus becomes anything after conception. Then we have to ask at what point is conception and if you believe a baby or life begins at conception, then we have nothing to discuss because i do not believe that at conception whenever that is, creates a baby. I believe an egg becomes a fetus then after the first tri-mister, a baby is developed. Even with all this rhetoric i do not believe you or anyone else has the right to tell me what to do with my body-and if you do feel comfortable telling me what to do with my body; what could be bigger Government then that? The fact is and just so you know desperate women have used instruments, back alley doctors, drugs to abort and suicide when it becomes too much. It is my wish that legal, safe and credible places remain available for all women because no one should have to feel so stressed out about a personal choice and no woman chooses abortion because it is fun believe me.

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3/21 An additional comment/question …

When do you believe life begins? Let us start with your measuring stick for life.

FYI: The word fetus (plural fetuses) is from the Latin fetus, meaning offspring, bringing forth, hatching of young. It has Indo-European roots related to sucking or suckling, from the Aryan prefix bheu-, meaning “To come into being”.

I prefer to speak English and just call the developing life form in women, I don’t speak Latin in my daily use of language.

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3/21 And my response

Again, do you believe in less government? If so, my uterus should be outside your control, especially if i pay for the abortion it is my personal business –you really should mind your own business right. It is my opinion that the Hyde amendment is enough for everyone to accept and has been for years. The question for you is why you feel it is your right to dictate to a woman as it relates to woman’s health or contraceptive choices. It is this kind of attitude by folks with that family values platform that most if not all Republicans subscribe to in the House of Representatives that wanted to defund Planned Parenthood. First, it makes no sense to take social services away from those who are in need then say if you become pregnant, you might have to go full-term. In my opinion, life without places like  Planned Parenthood,would mean more young women suffering unwanted pregnancies, diseases, and or worse. I do not think you get it, you are using words Latin words instead of emotions, and that is because you have no idea what it takes to decide and or go through. While you may think abortion services are used improperly, the point is women are smart enough to decide on their own; having a choice to make a personal decision that is definitely not the same for all women is the point. I do not think most women have abortions for fun but it is far more than the clinical crap you are spewing. The fact is women girls desperate enough to use coat hangers drugs or fake doctors is a reality-having unwanted births is not the answer and a woman’s body does not belong to you or the government. I think the current laws rules and attitudes are so disgusting …just read your comment you act like the decider the guy/gal who thinks women should be pregnant & barefoot -pure BS- i don’t understand this logic. The clinical and or professorial attitude you seem to have shows just how little you know about the topic and or experience and giving up my personal control to you or my government is definitely a definition of big Government.

Other News …

**US jets crash but the 2crew members are OK

**As bombs fall the criticism of Gaddafi increases

**CBS wants Charle Sheen back

**DWTS premiered on Monday night and my pick is Kristy -been a fan of hers for awhile very impress by wax on wax off guy and whoever that chelsea person … no idea

**FOX has bit off more than they can choose with their criticism of CNN reporter Nic Robertson-given we never never see a Fox reporter on site reporting

**AL is holding a meeting on Libya …   http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-03/22/c_13792552.htm

**Bahraini foreign minister meets Egyptian leaders, Arab League chief

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1627885.php/Bahraini-foreign-minister-meets-Egyptian-leaders-Arab-League-chief

**Seawater damage worse than first believed

**Former Israeli Prez sentenced to 7yrs in prison

**Yemen leader/gen discusses transition of power

**Stocks waver as investors take a pause

CSPAN …

Coalition Airstrikes In Libya Expand To Tripoli

http://c-span.com/Events/Coalition-Airstrikes-In-Libya-Expand-To-Tripoli/10737420395/

Canada and UK Roll-out Budget Plans

Canadian parliament hears from Finance Minister

http://c-span.com/Events/Canada-and-UK-Roll-out-Budget-Plans/10737420394/

Nuclear Regulators to Enhance U.S. Safety Protocols

Japanese continue stabilizing plants

http://c-span.com/Events/Nuclear-Regulators-to-Enhance-US-Safety-Protocols/10737420398/

As President Obama’s health care overhaul law, the Affordable Care Act, approaches its one year anniversary, the Cato Institute held a conference today examining the current and future impact of the law.  http://c-span.com/Events/Scholars-Debate-quotThe-New-Health-Care-Law-What-a-Difference-a-Year-Makesquot/10737420376/

President Obama gave a speech on U.S.-Latin America relations in Chile while traveling through Latin America. He was in Chile for talks with President Sebastian Pinera and an official dinner at La Moneda Palace.

http://c-span.com/Events/Pres-Obama-Remarks-on-Latin-America/10737420392/

Egyptian voters went the polls recently and approved constitutional changes that set the country on a path for parliamentary and presidential elections later in the year. One of the leading political movements in Egypt is the Muslim Brotherhood. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies here in Washington hosted a panel discussion looking at the role of that group in the future of Egypt, and what the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt might mean for international politics. Speakers include a former Middle East specialist with the CIA, and a former Treasury Department counterterrorism analyst.

http://c-span.com/Events/Discussion-on-the-Muslim-Brotherhood/10737420405/

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EMERGENCY ALERT: CARE responds to the crisis in Libya


With fighting in the streets of Libya and more than 180,000 refugees flooding into neighboring countries, CARE‘s emergency teams have deployed to Egypt and Tunisia to assess the humanitarian situation and determine how CARE — with your help — can assist with this rapidly-expanding emergency.

Just today, CARE Egypt’s country director told us that 70,000-80,000 Egyptians working in Libya have fled the fighting. These people have lost their jobs and most of them were not able to collect their last paychecks.

The sudden influx of people without money and without their possessions into Egypt is causing a strain on many of country’s poorest families. Many of these families were scraping by on the money that their family members sent from Libya. Now, already short on food and cash, these families must house, feed and take care of the returnees. The situation is serious.

CARE’s response to this and other crises, as well as our ability to help people living in many of the world’s poorest countries access the tools and resources they need to escape poverty, depends on the support of people like you.

Sincerely,

CARE www.care.org

A Sudanese migrant who fled the unrest in Libya holds her child as she walks at the Libyan and Tunisian border crossing of Ras Jdir. Reuters/Zohra Bensemra, courtesy Trust.org – AlertNet

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF …&some News


Today, many on cable will either choose not to talk about what is considered good news for Americans or manipulate the information or hijack it and claim that Republicans are responsible for the job numbers announced today that unemployment dropped again to 8.9%. Yes, that number can be debated but we cannot debate the fact that 192thousand jobs were created in the private sector and contrary to what we will all be, hearing this positive news belongs to the efforts made by our President and the Democratic Party. In addition to this great news about job creation and or improvement we all should remember Rodney King. Rodney King, who was beaten to a pulp for a speeding ticket and ask ourselves have things changed that much 20 years later even with all that he has gone through since and if you would like to find out more about him tune into CNN with Don Lemon.

President Obama will be meeting with new Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel at the White House and later the President will be travelling to Miami with Arne Duncan and Jeb Bush to talk about Education.

Lastly, to the doubter’s haters and those who fear the unknown or who keep engaging in typical fear mongering via the interwebs

My response …

i respect your opinion, I may not agree but i will not call you names or think less of you … i don’t know you, however i did vote for Obama and will again because Republicans/Conservatives proved themselves to be useless… they have no one in charge, they have no solutions only complaints. The solutions they do have are only for the top 2% and that 2% has been getting breaks for too long it’s obvious in my opinion that Bush, Cheney and Paulson all f’d us and because of that i personally am subscribing to what works and that is the Government right now. If you need reminding to realize why we need the government right now just watch the House of Cards, a film created by CNBC definitely worth the time. This film will help you understand why Wall Street types capitalists like bernie madoff and others like him engaged in creative accounting, why AIG created a monster and the pay out by AIG to various Banks was big and how it worked its way overseas to become something too big to fail. Republicans want to continue on this same path of less regulation and people need to see it as it is. I wonder why after all that has happened since the mid-term elections would anyone with common sense feel this is the kind of Capitalism you want and if you are still expecting Republicans to solve our problems with every American in mind… I have to say you are foolish…

Capitalism does not mean firms should engage in cooking the books, secret transactions and or becoming bigger than their sum value or investing in schemes … that — is what happened …

We the People need capitalism with a small c and more regulation … with a huge R

 Other News …

**America sturggles & bargaining for thier rights

**Libya makes it harder to cross border

**Tunisia steps up evacuations of people fleeing Libya- also prepare for elections

**Libya’s tribes rise up against Gadhafi

**Chavez and Gadhafi want the UN to visit Libya

**Walker threatens democratic senators -if they don’t come back he will hand out pink slips

**Ohio priest propositions police officers while being picked up for dui

**China will boost their Military spending

**Crude Rises based on Libya Violence

CSPAN …

TARP Oversight Panel Holding its Final Hearing

http://c-span.com/Events/TARP-Oversight-Panel-Holding-its-Final-Hearing/10737419983/

Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.9%

economy adds 192,000 new jobs

http://c-span.com/Events/Unemployment-Rate-Drops-to-89/10737419949/

Earlier today the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lisa Jackson testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment on the proposed 2012 budget, where she urged Congress not to cut her agency’s budget.  http://c-span.com/Events/EPA-Head-and-Congress-Discuss-Environmental-Issues/10737419951/

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano went before a House panel to talk about President Obama’s 2012 budget request for her department. She discussed the needs of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and how the proposed budget will allow the department to continue essential programs to protect U.S. borders.

http://c-span.com/Events/Napolitano-and-Congress-debate-Border-Security/10737419952/

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was on Capitol Hill to defend the President’s $79.9 billion 2012 spending request for her department. This morning’s hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health focused on the implementation of the health care law.  http://c-span.com/Events/Sebelius-defends-Health-Care-Law/10737419948/

President Obama called on Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down from power. He also said the U.S. military should be prepared to act if a humanitarian crisis develops in Libya. Speaking at a joint news conference with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama said the two leaders have come to an agreement on Mexican trucks’ ability to enter the U.S. http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-amp-President-Calderon-of-Mexico-Joint-Press-Conference/10737419986/  

House Republicans held a news conference to discuss a bill that would change some of the health care law’s reporting rules for small businesses. http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republican-and-Democrat-Leadership-Press-Briefings/10737419990/