When President Benigno Aquino assumed office, one of the most important things that his staff had to do was to renew his expired (six years) passport. True enough that as a member of the Philippine Congress, he rarely traveled reason why he has expired passport. In 2010, he limited his foreign trips to only three – USA, Vietnam and Japan, which was originally scheduled for eight trips abroad for the same year..
Before PNoy is not fond of traveling unless there is a necessity for it and will benefit the country in some ways. Unlike his predecessor, former President Gloria Arroyo has eighty-one international trips from August 2001 to September 2009 (an average of nine trips per year). That is why in PNoy’s inaugural address, he mentioned that he will put an end to junkets and senseless spending especially in foreign trips. He would rather send his cabinet secretaries to such trips than attend to them himself.
But in 2011, PNoy had eleven foreign trips which included USA (twice), Japan (twice), Indonesia (thrice), Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and China. According to the Palace press office, all these trips were meetings, summits and conferences that will establish solidarity among neighboring countries. Aside from establishing contacts for possible foreign investments and job opportunities for our overseas Filipino workers.
For the current year, the scheduled trips abroad for the President are for the following: Cambodia in April; USA, United Kingdom after the high level meeting of DND secretary Voltaire Gazmin and DFA secretary Albert del Rosario with DOD secretary Leon Panetta and State Department secretary Hillary Clinton by the end of April; Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Rome in Italy and probably Belgium and Germany. Now, can the President refuse all these as part of his job as the leader of this nation and still say he is not fond of traveling?
Actually there is one summit he didn’t attend last week, the one in Seoul, South Korea, the two-day Nuclear Security Summit which was attended by our Vice President, Jejomar Binay. It was timed with the arrival and state visit by the Emir of Kuwait, an important meeting that PNoy had to attend to..
With so many scheduled travels prepared for him, the president's diplomat-advisers should look into the condition and welfare of Filipinos living in those places where he's going. There's a possible security arrangement and investment opportunities from Australia and New Zealand. In September, the APEC meeting will be hosted by Russia. APEC(Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) blogsite said that Russia is bolstering it's food security. This is a welcome information to our local food producers and exporters. Russia can also supply us with gas and oil just in case war broke out in Iran. A barter trade could be in the offing among nations if currency wars continue.
The nation has to be on the lookout for the two most important travels ahead by PNoy, the one in Washington DC and in the United Kingdom. Remember that the postponed 2+2 defense meeting in Washington was moved to April 30. This is the first meeting to be attended by DFA Secretary Del Rosario and Defense Secretary Gazmin with their Washington’s counterpart – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. This bilateral talk will focus on both country’s foreign policy via-à-vis defense cooperation.
Then by May, PNoy will visit Washington which will be followed by his trip to the UK. Some pundits are monitoring these future trips because of the possible repeat of what happened to former president GMA when she was appointed by President Barack Obama as the coordinator in Asia for the war on terror. The schedule of the trips and the high-level defense meeting is suspect for a possible agenda that might put our country back to Uncle Sam’s pawn in the global war on terror (GWOT).
If the present leadership will not be cautious enough, he might be trapped in a game where he is enjoying himself too much with so much power and “perks” and will forget what happened in contemporary history when leaders from different countries, including here were ousted with the blessing of a perceived ally. Or maybe, just maybe, he has already an idea what such trip will bring – translation, his benefit more than the country’s.
Be transparent Mr. President and give what is rightfully due us, your constituents, YOUR BOSS! Is it more fun traveling than noynoying?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
War Against Iran, Who Will Benefit by Erick San Juan
War Against Iran, Who Will Benefit by Erick San Juan
After the Arab Spring and then Syria, the Near East is at the threshold of war, this time with Iran. Overtly, U.S. President Barack Obama has been trying to stop Israel from bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. But according to Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former Iranian targets officer in the CIA's clandestine service (WSJ,March 27,2012), Obama actually made it much easier for Israel to attack. The critical parts of the Obama administration's Iran policy plus the behavior of Ali Khamenei, the Iran's Islamic ruler have combined to encourage the Israelis to strike., Gerecht added.
It's now getting clearer that Obama is doing a double talk. In his public statements, it define a president's diplomacy. But recently, in front of the AIPAC(the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee), a very strong Jewish lobby group, he told the AIPAC the efficacy of the sanctions against Iran and the quality of US intelligence on Tehran's nuclear program. The sanctions could reportedly collapse the Iranian economy. The world is suffering the worst economic debacle, but the west with it's action against Iran complicates the situation. The condition worsens when Tehran seems to speed up the arms race and threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz. This will inevitably affect the upsurge of oil prices. Some countries could benefit from the changes in the global policy, although this trend could be in contradiction with a superficial logic. In view of this, it is worth looking for better solutions than go to war.
The pretext is to put pressure on Tehran for it's nuclear program. As the saying goes, 'the mullahs with the nuclear bomb are much worse than the mullahs without the bomb'. But the Nuke Club members like the US and Israel have more bombs than those perceived rogue states. War is an extreme measure, especially with this global downturn. But it looks like the possible occurrence is inevitable. The signature of the previous world wars are already there. The west has it's own reason. The US approaches their presidential elections. President Obama needs a successful foreign policy and firm resolution of the Iran problem. However, it's success is not guaranteed, whereas a failure will surely destroy Obama's re-election bid. Thus,a war requires a more serious reason- to unite the American people against a perceived enemy or profit out of chaos. A well planned op allegedly by the military industrial complex.
The resolution of the problem of the 'axis of evil' represented by Iran and North Korea could be a good idea, but the experience in Afghanistan and Iraq proved that the democratization of the near east and the middle east is a difficult task. It gave birth to more extremism as continuation of the Arab spring and the realization of geopolitical chaos.
Will the European Union support this war? If war breaks out in Iran, the situation for sure will worsen and could lead to either unification or collapse of the Euro zone or even the entire EU.
The Arab world has been silent during the attacks against Afghanistan. It was also silent during the 're-organization' of Iraq. It supported the Arab spring. The Arab oil exporting countries want to sell oil peacefully and avoid conflicts with the west. Besides, most of them believe that the elimination of the Shiite, Iran would be a blessing for Saudi Arabia and other Sunni nation states.
It's divide and conquer! "Mapi Muk!"
After the Arab Spring and then Syria, the Near East is at the threshold of war, this time with Iran. Overtly, U.S. President Barack Obama has been trying to stop Israel from bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. But according to Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former Iranian targets officer in the CIA's clandestine service (WSJ,March 27,2012), Obama actually made it much easier for Israel to attack. The critical parts of the Obama administration's Iran policy plus the behavior of Ali Khamenei, the Iran's Islamic ruler have combined to encourage the Israelis to strike., Gerecht added.
It's now getting clearer that Obama is doing a double talk. In his public statements, it define a president's diplomacy. But recently, in front of the AIPAC(the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee), a very strong Jewish lobby group, he told the AIPAC the efficacy of the sanctions against Iran and the quality of US intelligence on Tehran's nuclear program. The sanctions could reportedly collapse the Iranian economy. The world is suffering the worst economic debacle, but the west with it's action against Iran complicates the situation. The condition worsens when Tehran seems to speed up the arms race and threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz. This will inevitably affect the upsurge of oil prices. Some countries could benefit from the changes in the global policy, although this trend could be in contradiction with a superficial logic. In view of this, it is worth looking for better solutions than go to war.
The pretext is to put pressure on Tehran for it's nuclear program. As the saying goes, 'the mullahs with the nuclear bomb are much worse than the mullahs without the bomb'. But the Nuke Club members like the US and Israel have more bombs than those perceived rogue states. War is an extreme measure, especially with this global downturn. But it looks like the possible occurrence is inevitable. The signature of the previous world wars are already there. The west has it's own reason. The US approaches their presidential elections. President Obama needs a successful foreign policy and firm resolution of the Iran problem. However, it's success is not guaranteed, whereas a failure will surely destroy Obama's re-election bid. Thus,a war requires a more serious reason- to unite the American people against a perceived enemy or profit out of chaos. A well planned op allegedly by the military industrial complex.
The resolution of the problem of the 'axis of evil' represented by Iran and North Korea could be a good idea, but the experience in Afghanistan and Iraq proved that the democratization of the near east and the middle east is a difficult task. It gave birth to more extremism as continuation of the Arab spring and the realization of geopolitical chaos.
Will the European Union support this war? If war breaks out in Iran, the situation for sure will worsen and could lead to either unification or collapse of the Euro zone or even the entire EU.
The Arab world has been silent during the attacks against Afghanistan. It was also silent during the 're-organization' of Iraq. It supported the Arab spring. The Arab oil exporting countries want to sell oil peacefully and avoid conflicts with the west. Besides, most of them believe that the elimination of the Shiite, Iran would be a blessing for Saudi Arabia and other Sunni nation states.
It's divide and conquer! "Mapi Muk!"
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Super Elites Playing War Games with the World by Erick San Juan
Super Elites Playing War Games with the World by Erick San Juan
"The Chinese people would revolt against overt foreign domination, but embrace their place in the NWO if they believed they were in control."
by St. John Bartholomew
This is the introduction of the article that was posted at Truther last February 13, 2012 entitled : Colonial Elite Rules China for the Illuminati. It was first posted at henrymakow.com.
Since then, several other websites and bloggers picked up the article and reposted it. Various comments from readers ranges from skepticism to amazement.
What interest me most is how this article’s revelation affects the ‘cold war’ (word wars) and tension in the disputed areas in the South China Sea. As one of the claimants, we have to be aware of the undercurrents that’s going on in the region. Why is Uncle Sam so persistent that the disputes between China and the claimant countries should be resolved multilaterally?
It was mentioned in the said article that “the fascist superpower we know today was created in the second half of the 20th century by the bogus Cold War dialectic of communism vs. capitalism.”
Will there be a repeat of this scenario today?
Illuminati and NWO
In a nutshell (from various research materials), here is an excerpt from my book, Marcos Legacy Revisited: Raiders of the Lost Gold – "The Illuminati is a secret society founded and established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria by ex-Jesuit Adam Weishaupt on May 1, 1776." Translated literally, the order’s name means “the enlightened ones,” whose avowed objective is world domination. It is they who decide who will be allowed to run for the offices of President, Prime Minister, Chancellor, Governor-General and all other titles for the leaders of major countries around the world.
“The stage was set in 1898 when Britain and China signed a contract stipulating that Hong Kong would be handed back to the Chinese in 1997. This meant that the fierce Communism of the mainland and laissez faire capitalism of Hong Kong were always destined to merge. The process of unification gave rise to the current China power elite.”
Others believed that all –ism were created by the Illuminati.
This explains how the Illuminati entered the picture.
“Because Communism is an Illuminati creation, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are by definition, Illuminati agents.
Mao was a Soviet agent. (Mao-The Untold Story, Chang & Halliday, p.49.) The CCP implemented policies that set the foundations for an Illuminati super state. They unified the country, attacked traditional Chinese culture, instigated industrialization programs and created a common language.”
The three elements of leadership, according to the article, are the communist leadership, the Hong Kong Tycoons and the criminal Triads.
The Hong Kong Tycoons represent Western economic know-how and the Triads provide the muscle that has allowed the Tycoons to thrive within the larger regional environment of the ChiCom-leveling enterprise.
This is slightly different than what we've envisioned, in that we believed that the great Chinese leader-families were indigenous to Mainland China, but it makes a lot of sense. The great Asian families fled to Hong Kong, allied themselves with the Triads and gradually regrouped and took control. (Source: Will Chinese and Western Elites Bring Down the World? by Anthony Wile, 2/18/12)
According to Anthony Wile, it could be more appropriate to use Western power elite than Illuminati but what comprises the Western power elite anyway?
When one mentions the Illuminati, NWO or New World Order follows, because this is their main goal.
The article of St. John Bartholomew ended with this – “The mainstream media portrays China as hostile to Western power. However, by studying the triumvirate Chinese elite and their intimate ties to the Illuminati, it is clear that modern China is an Illuminati creation.
The Chinese elite must never stray from the NWO agenda, for it follows that if the Illuminati made them, they can break them too.” The design is the same in all four corners of the world.
The program is on. It has long been delayed but can we stop it? The great unleashing is in the works. The Illuminati never changed pattern. It was a self fulfilling prophesy fanned and repeated by many of us. From graft and corruption, blackmail, believing that 'everybody has a price', global economic collapse, arms proliferation, terrorism, famine, pandemic,etc. are all the ingredients of a world war. Despite the threat of nuclear holocaust and a mutually assured destruction, the ruling elite of big powers will let their nation states depopulate and wage small but sophisticated wars. There will be a struggle for survival and survival for the fittest. Those who will survive will be forced to embrace a one world government and religion by the Illuminati through the super elites. God forbid.
"The Chinese people would revolt against overt foreign domination, but embrace their place in the NWO if they believed they were in control."
by St. John Bartholomew
This is the introduction of the article that was posted at Truther last February 13, 2012 entitled : Colonial Elite Rules China for the Illuminati. It was first posted at henrymakow.com.
Since then, several other websites and bloggers picked up the article and reposted it. Various comments from readers ranges from skepticism to amazement.
What interest me most is how this article’s revelation affects the ‘cold war’ (word wars) and tension in the disputed areas in the South China Sea. As one of the claimants, we have to be aware of the undercurrents that’s going on in the region. Why is Uncle Sam so persistent that the disputes between China and the claimant countries should be resolved multilaterally?
It was mentioned in the said article that “the fascist superpower we know today was created in the second half of the 20th century by the bogus Cold War dialectic of communism vs. capitalism.”
Will there be a repeat of this scenario today?
Illuminati and NWO
In a nutshell (from various research materials), here is an excerpt from my book, Marcos Legacy Revisited: Raiders of the Lost Gold – "The Illuminati is a secret society founded and established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria by ex-Jesuit Adam Weishaupt on May 1, 1776." Translated literally, the order’s name means “the enlightened ones,” whose avowed objective is world domination. It is they who decide who will be allowed to run for the offices of President, Prime Minister, Chancellor, Governor-General and all other titles for the leaders of major countries around the world.
“The stage was set in 1898 when Britain and China signed a contract stipulating that Hong Kong would be handed back to the Chinese in 1997. This meant that the fierce Communism of the mainland and laissez faire capitalism of Hong Kong were always destined to merge. The process of unification gave rise to the current China power elite.”
Others believed that all –ism were created by the Illuminati.
This explains how the Illuminati entered the picture.
“Because Communism is an Illuminati creation, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are by definition, Illuminati agents.
Mao was a Soviet agent. (Mao-The Untold Story, Chang & Halliday, p.49.) The CCP implemented policies that set the foundations for an Illuminati super state. They unified the country, attacked traditional Chinese culture, instigated industrialization programs and created a common language.”
The three elements of leadership, according to the article, are the communist leadership, the Hong Kong Tycoons and the criminal Triads.
The Hong Kong Tycoons represent Western economic know-how and the Triads provide the muscle that has allowed the Tycoons to thrive within the larger regional environment of the ChiCom-leveling enterprise.
This is slightly different than what we've envisioned, in that we believed that the great Chinese leader-families were indigenous to Mainland China, but it makes a lot of sense. The great Asian families fled to Hong Kong, allied themselves with the Triads and gradually regrouped and took control. (Source: Will Chinese and Western Elites Bring Down the World? by Anthony Wile, 2/18/12)
According to Anthony Wile, it could be more appropriate to use Western power elite than Illuminati but what comprises the Western power elite anyway?
When one mentions the Illuminati, NWO or New World Order follows, because this is their main goal.
The article of St. John Bartholomew ended with this – “The mainstream media portrays China as hostile to Western power. However, by studying the triumvirate Chinese elite and their intimate ties to the Illuminati, it is clear that modern China is an Illuminati creation.
The Chinese elite must never stray from the NWO agenda, for it follows that if the Illuminati made them, they can break them too.” The design is the same in all four corners of the world.
The program is on. It has long been delayed but can we stop it? The great unleashing is in the works. The Illuminati never changed pattern. It was a self fulfilling prophesy fanned and repeated by many of us. From graft and corruption, blackmail, believing that 'everybody has a price', global economic collapse, arms proliferation, terrorism, famine, pandemic,etc. are all the ingredients of a world war. Despite the threat of nuclear holocaust and a mutually assured destruction, the ruling elite of big powers will let their nation states depopulate and wage small but sophisticated wars. There will be a struggle for survival and survival for the fittest. Those who will survive will be forced to embrace a one world government and religion by the Illuminati through the super elites. God forbid.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
In These Exciting Times – Be Wary
In These Exciting Times – Be Wary
By Erick San Juan
The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) or drone was first used in the US wars in Bosnia in 1995. After the balkanization of Yugoslavia, it was used in Southeast Asia, in the Philippines. Have we forgotten how the US drones monitored the attack by the Abu Sayyaf's of our soldiers in Basilan as reported by several newspapers in Mindanao? What about the successful simultaneous attack by the drones at several camps of the MILF in central Mindanao, assisting our armed forces as told to us by the late Defense secretary Angelo Reyes?
As reported by different news network, remember the airstrike by the AFP, killing three senior militants from al-Qaeda-linked groups (last February 2) in the south known to be the terror groups stronghold, has also been fruitful.
Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan has aired her concern of a possible hand of the US troops stationed in Mindanao in the said airstrike. Her fear regarding the said operation also worries us of Uncle Sam’s meddling in our military’s undertakings on the insurgency problems in the south.
In his article ‘US drones circle over the Philippines’ (Asia Times online, 2/29/12), Jacob Zenn cited that the first known drone strike in the archipelago occurred earlier in February where it reportedly killed 15 members of the Islamic, Al Qaeda backed terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah, including three most-wanted terrorist leaders - Zulkifli bin Hir (alias Marwan), Gumbahali Jumdail (alias Doc Abu), and Mumanda Ali (alias Muawayah). The strike happened on Jolo Island in the southern Philippines.
The use of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones is not farfetched. It seems that the Obama administration has made them to become the Pentagon's weapon of choice.
Actually, a bill passed in by Congress paved the way for the use of surveillance drones in US skies. The FAA predicts that by 2020 there could be up to 30,000 drones in operation. Once signed by President Barack Obama, the FAA Reauthorization Act allows for the FAA to permit the use of drones and develop regulations for testing and licensing by 2015. (Source: Steve Watson, Infowars.com 2/8/2012)
In fairness to our AFP, the operation was a huge success that has killed the suspected terrorists but the US troops’ meddling is a big no-no. I may sound like a broken record, but when it comes to this administration’s foreign policy and the country’s relationship with Washington, our leaders should send a clear message that we can continue such alliance but we must be given what is due us in the process.
For the past months, we have heard too much rhetoric on how Uncle Sam is helping us, especially our AFP in its modernization program. But the nagging question here is, are we getting our money’s worth in the acquisition of these so-called “modern” military hardware?
Methinks that we are being taken for a ride here and that we were fooled to believe that we are ready for combat, if such conflict will occur in the region. People running this country never learned from history. We were shortchanged several times in the past and we just keep on repeating history. In the end, we’ll just be but a part of the collateral damage.
As I have written before, we have to be wary and always on the lookout that Uncle Sam’s new defense policy will consists more of clandestine operations. Translation- more “spy planes/drones” and more troops in rotational basis that we are unaware of, secretly staying in some “temporary bases.”
This writer together with other nationalists call on our leaders, that once and for all we have to be clear where we stand in our alliance with Washington. We just cannot stand on the sideline and watch our people go to war not of our liking.
Let this warning be our guide from Danny Schechter (blogger and filmmaker) that -
“A commitment to more special forces is a commitment to more imperial intervention, and specialized units operating above the law and beyond the law. It’s more secrecy in government with a constant danger of abuse. It promises more secrecy and manipulation.”
Are we going to allow such manipulation and deceit to continue from a long time ally?
Wake up PNoy and PINOYs!
By Erick San Juan
The UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) or drone was first used in the US wars in Bosnia in 1995. After the balkanization of Yugoslavia, it was used in Southeast Asia, in the Philippines. Have we forgotten how the US drones monitored the attack by the Abu Sayyaf's of our soldiers in Basilan as reported by several newspapers in Mindanao? What about the successful simultaneous attack by the drones at several camps of the MILF in central Mindanao, assisting our armed forces as told to us by the late Defense secretary Angelo Reyes?
As reported by different news network, remember the airstrike by the AFP, killing three senior militants from al-Qaeda-linked groups (last February 2) in the south known to be the terror groups stronghold, has also been fruitful.
Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan has aired her concern of a possible hand of the US troops stationed in Mindanao in the said airstrike. Her fear regarding the said operation also worries us of Uncle Sam’s meddling in our military’s undertakings on the insurgency problems in the south.
In his article ‘US drones circle over the Philippines’ (Asia Times online, 2/29/12), Jacob Zenn cited that the first known drone strike in the archipelago occurred earlier in February where it reportedly killed 15 members of the Islamic, Al Qaeda backed terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah, including three most-wanted terrorist leaders - Zulkifli bin Hir (alias Marwan), Gumbahali Jumdail (alias Doc Abu), and Mumanda Ali (alias Muawayah). The strike happened on Jolo Island in the southern Philippines.
The use of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones is not farfetched. It seems that the Obama administration has made them to become the Pentagon's weapon of choice.
Actually, a bill passed in by Congress paved the way for the use of surveillance drones in US skies. The FAA predicts that by 2020 there could be up to 30,000 drones in operation. Once signed by President Barack Obama, the FAA Reauthorization Act allows for the FAA to permit the use of drones and develop regulations for testing and licensing by 2015. (Source: Steve Watson, Infowars.com 2/8/2012)
In fairness to our AFP, the operation was a huge success that has killed the suspected terrorists but the US troops’ meddling is a big no-no. I may sound like a broken record, but when it comes to this administration’s foreign policy and the country’s relationship with Washington, our leaders should send a clear message that we can continue such alliance but we must be given what is due us in the process.
For the past months, we have heard too much rhetoric on how Uncle Sam is helping us, especially our AFP in its modernization program. But the nagging question here is, are we getting our money’s worth in the acquisition of these so-called “modern” military hardware?
Methinks that we are being taken for a ride here and that we were fooled to believe that we are ready for combat, if such conflict will occur in the region. People running this country never learned from history. We were shortchanged several times in the past and we just keep on repeating history. In the end, we’ll just be but a part of the collateral damage.
As I have written before, we have to be wary and always on the lookout that Uncle Sam’s new defense policy will consists more of clandestine operations. Translation- more “spy planes/drones” and more troops in rotational basis that we are unaware of, secretly staying in some “temporary bases.”
This writer together with other nationalists call on our leaders, that once and for all we have to be clear where we stand in our alliance with Washington. We just cannot stand on the sideline and watch our people go to war not of our liking.
Let this warning be our guide from Danny Schechter (blogger and filmmaker) that -
“A commitment to more special forces is a commitment to more imperial intervention, and specialized units operating above the law and beyond the law. It’s more secrecy in government with a constant danger of abuse. It promises more secrecy and manipulation.”
Are we going to allow such manipulation and deceit to continue from a long time ally?
Wake up PNoy and PINOYs!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
South China Sea – Asia’s Tinderbox
South China Sea – Asia’s Tinderbox
By Erick San Juan
Over half of the world's annual merchant traffic in tonnage passes through the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits with some 10 million barrels of crude oil transiting the region everyday. As well as being a vital transit route, the South China Sea is also a resource in itself with an estimated seven billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet (25 trillion cubic meters) of natural gas. (Source: Broadsides Sink South China Sea Peace by Chietigj Bajpaee)
Given the abovementioned situation, the fact remains that its still the world’s economy which is at stake here. Whether we like it or not, both big powers-the US and China are watching and suspect each other. Uncle Sam’s dislike on China’s rise gave way to more US troops in the region while China has been protesting and re-arming to counter US intervention. There is a greater possibility of a regional conflict that might lead to a global confrontation this time.
The stake is high in maintaining peace in this region. For as I have mentioned, the world’s economy will be the most affected here, not only the claimants of the disputed areas in the South China Sea. The mere fact that Uncle Sam’s “return to Asia” has added greater tensions among the claimants especially Beijing, which actually turned the region into a military camp.
Arms Race And The Impending War
An arms race denotes a rapid, competitive increase in the quantity or quality of instruments of military or naval power by rival states in peacetime. As Charles H. Fairbanks, Jr., has noted, "The strange result is that the activity of the other side, and not one's own resources, plans, and motives, becomes the determinant of one's behavior."
Many onlookers, and some participants, have claimed that the likelihood of war increases as the accumulation of arms proceeds apace. (Source: www.history.com)
Unfortunately, our country joined the arms race in the midst of numerous domestic problems and issues that confronts the Aquino administration. The so-called AFP modernization program was criticized due to the acquisition of not-so-modernized (actually museum-grade) cutter or patrol ship purchased from Uncle Sam. Filipinos were taken for a ride thinking that we have the capability of fighting our neighbors by strengthening our maritime sector. Translation – we are being used in the proxy war and turned into a pawn in the game of the powerful nations. Worst of all, we are wittingly attracting Washington’s enemies through our leader's kowtowing to Uncle Sam’s whims.
Every Filipino should be wary with the coming high-level consultation through a joint ministerial meeting of respective Secretaries of defense and foreign affairs next month in Washington. The so-called enhancement of the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 will be the subject of the meeting. Methinks that this could only mean that the whole country will be converted into one military base for the sole interest of Uncle Sam.
Uncle Sam’s Tinderbox
In a desperate move to contain (encircle) China, Uncle Sam has created a tinderbox (a situation that is potential source of violence) in the process. According to Elliot Brennan of Asia Times Online, "Any conflict in the South China Sea could draw the navies of the world to the brink of war. The militarization of the region is a growing concern for Asia and the international community at large."
Countries in the region should be cautious to any eventualities that might provoke a conflict that will start a global upheaval. Especially now that some power blocs want to rule the world.
By Erick San Juan
Over half of the world's annual merchant traffic in tonnage passes through the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits with some 10 million barrels of crude oil transiting the region everyday. As well as being a vital transit route, the South China Sea is also a resource in itself with an estimated seven billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet (25 trillion cubic meters) of natural gas. (Source: Broadsides Sink South China Sea Peace by Chietigj Bajpaee)
Given the abovementioned situation, the fact remains that its still the world’s economy which is at stake here. Whether we like it or not, both big powers-the US and China are watching and suspect each other. Uncle Sam’s dislike on China’s rise gave way to more US troops in the region while China has been protesting and re-arming to counter US intervention. There is a greater possibility of a regional conflict that might lead to a global confrontation this time.
The stake is high in maintaining peace in this region. For as I have mentioned, the world’s economy will be the most affected here, not only the claimants of the disputed areas in the South China Sea. The mere fact that Uncle Sam’s “return to Asia” has added greater tensions among the claimants especially Beijing, which actually turned the region into a military camp.
Arms Race And The Impending War
An arms race denotes a rapid, competitive increase in the quantity or quality of instruments of military or naval power by rival states in peacetime. As Charles H. Fairbanks, Jr., has noted, "The strange result is that the activity of the other side, and not one's own resources, plans, and motives, becomes the determinant of one's behavior."
Many onlookers, and some participants, have claimed that the likelihood of war increases as the accumulation of arms proceeds apace. (Source: www.history.com)
Unfortunately, our country joined the arms race in the midst of numerous domestic problems and issues that confronts the Aquino administration. The so-called AFP modernization program was criticized due to the acquisition of not-so-modernized (actually museum-grade) cutter or patrol ship purchased from Uncle Sam. Filipinos were taken for a ride thinking that we have the capability of fighting our neighbors by strengthening our maritime sector. Translation – we are being used in the proxy war and turned into a pawn in the game of the powerful nations. Worst of all, we are wittingly attracting Washington’s enemies through our leader's kowtowing to Uncle Sam’s whims.
Every Filipino should be wary with the coming high-level consultation through a joint ministerial meeting of respective Secretaries of defense and foreign affairs next month in Washington. The so-called enhancement of the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 will be the subject of the meeting. Methinks that this could only mean that the whole country will be converted into one military base for the sole interest of Uncle Sam.
Uncle Sam’s Tinderbox
In a desperate move to contain (encircle) China, Uncle Sam has created a tinderbox (a situation that is potential source of violence) in the process. According to Elliot Brennan of Asia Times Online, "Any conflict in the South China Sea could draw the navies of the world to the brink of war. The militarization of the region is a growing concern for Asia and the international community at large."
Countries in the region should be cautious to any eventualities that might provoke a conflict that will start a global upheaval. Especially now that some power blocs want to rule the world.
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