RP’s Role in “Asian NATO”
By Erick San Juan
Who could have thought that the naval incident that happened in March can create tensions that might lead to a regional conflict and a global war in the process. I am referring to the March 26 sinking of the South Korean corvette Cheonan in the Yellow Sea where US took the lead of putting the blame on North Korea. But it didn’t end there, after four months, tensions began to build up again using the incident for the US to conduct naval exercises – first with South Korea and then with Vietnam. The timing is perfect as the ASEAN countries met for the Asian regional security meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. In the said meeting, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced her intention to begin meddling on a grand scale in the already difficult disputes about the islands and oil in the South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. As the New York Times sums up Mrs. Clinton’s demarche: ‘Opening a new source of potential friction with China, the Obama administration is stepping into a tangled dispute between China and its smaller Asian neighbors over a string of strategically significant islands in the South China Sea’.
Through Sec. Clinton, Washington expressed its willingness to help facilitate meetings with countries which has claims over the disputed groups of islands in the South China Sea. ‘Though presented as an offer to help ease tensions, the stance amounts to a sharp rebuke to China. Beijing has insisted for years that all the islands belong to China and that any disputes should be resolved by China. In March, senior Chinese officials pointedly warned their American counterparts that they would brook no interference in the South China Sea, which they called part of the “core interest” of sovereignty.’ (Source: Mark Landler, ‘Offering to Aid Talks, U.S. Challenges China on Disputed Islands,’ New York Times, July 23, 2010)
The renewed interest in South China Sea, as tensions build up between US and China, put our country in a very difficult situation as “Retired Navy Adm. James Lyons, in a commentary in the editorial pages of The Washington Times (August 11), said the US should consider leasing a squadron of F-16 along with T-38 supersonic trainers, aircraft for maritime patrol and two FFG-7 guided-missile frigates to provide a recognized capability to enforce the Philippines’ offshore territorial claims.”
Lyons said,"Now that President Barack Obama’s administration has directly challenged China, the US should expand its relations with ASEAN by building on our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.”
Then in August 14, a news item came out through Reuters, " A senior Chinese military strategist called planned US naval exercises in the region a provocation and accused the Obama administration of seeking to encircle China and pursuing a “chaotic” approach towards Beijing. The commentary, in the top paper of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was China’s latest verbal broadside against Washington, which Beijing has accused of stirring tension in the region with a series of military drills near its borders.
“On one hand, it wants China to play a role in regional security issues. On the other hand, it is engaging in an increasingly tight encirclement of China and constantly challenging China’s core interests,” Rear Admiral Yang Yi wrote in the Liberation Army Daily. The Pentagon plans new joint naval exercises with ally South Korea and will send a US aircraft carrier into the Yellow Sea, between China and the Korean peninsula.
Given this scenario, as perceived by the world community, Taiwan News ran a feature entitled "China reports: the US means to set up another NATO in Asia," which cited Chinese news media, scholars and analysts warning that "The US is establishing another 'NATO' in Asia to contain China as evidenced in the ongoing high-profile naval exercise with South Korea and a perceived intrusion in South China Sea affairs. These moves including explicit intervention in Asian affairs underline the US's schemes to challenge China over its growing presence in this area...."
Chinese scholar Shih Yongming, asserted that "The US is capitalizing on the contradictions among East Asian countries to form a front against China," in reference to U.S.
Now that the Filipino nation is in a very tight position between the growing US – China rift that could affect our stand as one of the claimants in the disputed group of islands and our friendly relations with both countries. It is high time that our leaders and the Filipinos as a nation to show a united stand amidst the growing conflicts besetting this region.
As US Retired Navy Adm. James Lyons put it - “The new Philippine president will come under intense pressure from China to prevent any expansion of US activities. However, neither we nor the new Philippine government should be deterred by Chinese bluster from doing what is right.”
This is the litmus test that will show the real color of P-Noy, if what they say is true that he is not an American lapdog. Let us all be vigilant and always be on the lookout when it comes to his administration’s foreign policies. As we always say, for the benefit of all PINOYs!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
When Stability Means Something Else
When Stability Means Something Else
By Erick San Juan
Washington has pledged to provide the Philippines with $18.4 million worth of precision-guided missiles this year to use in its fight against Islamist militants in the south, according to a military document seen by Reuters. This news or can we call it “leak” was picked up by several online news agencies last July 29 and by print media on the following day through Reuters.
"Fiscal year 2010 assistance for the Philippines provides a precision guided missile capability to assist Philippine armed forces' counter-terrorism efforts in southern regions to combat the activities of the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group," said the document, which was shown to Reuters by a defense department official on condition of anonymity.
Methinks that this is a deliberate leak which will make RP a possible target. Why use guided missiles when the military usually engaged in low intensity conflict? And why only now? It has been a decade of the so-called US military aid to fight terrorism in the south and not a single true to life development or hi-tech fire power was given to our AFP. Then suddenly, a precision guided missile capability will be part of this year’s US military assistance to us? To have this kind of weapon that will be used to fight local insurgents seems too much of a good thing. Although, any help that can bring peace and security in some parts of Mindanao is something that is very much welcome by Filipinos who wanted a lasting stability in that region. But is it really the immediate concern of Washington or is there something else?
To quote some news reports as compiled by Michel Chossudovsky’s Preparing for World War III, Targeting Iran :
In turn, large scale weapons transfers have been undertaken under the banner of US "military aid" to selected countries, including a 5 billion dollar arms deal with India which is intended to build India's capabilities directed against China. (Huge U.S.-India Arms Deal To Contain China, Global Times, July 13, 2010).
The US has military cooperation agreements with a number of South East Asian countries including Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, involving "military aid" as well as the participation in U.S. led war games in the Pacific Rim (July -August 2010). These agreements are supportive of weapons deployments directed against The People's Republic of China. (See Rick Rozoff, Confronting both China and Russia: U.S. Risks Military Clash With China In Yellow Sea, Global Research, July 16, 2010).
What is crucial in regards to US weapons transfers to partner countries and allies is the actual timing of delivery and deployment. The launch of a US sponsored military operation would normally occur once these weapons systems are in place, effectively deployed with the implementation of personnel training. (e.g India).
What we are dealing with is a carefully coordinated global military design controlled by the Pentagon, involving the combined armed forces of more than forty countries. This global multinational military deployment is by far the largest display of advanced weapons systems in world history.
The present context is characterized by a global military build-up controlled by one world superpower, which is using its numerous allies to trigger regional wars. (M. Chossudovsky)
The above mentioned report is the real reason why RP and other US allies will be getting “military aid”. Therefore, the planned precision guided missiles in the Philippines will serve as a magnet and we will be an easy target when the regional conflict between China and the US arises. And because of our very strategic location, our country is also relevant in Washington’s plan in the Middle East. I hope that we will play our cards well and pray that this scheme will not start an expanded regional conflict (or be part of a war) not of our choosing. God bless us all......
By Erick San Juan
Washington has pledged to provide the Philippines with $18.4 million worth of precision-guided missiles this year to use in its fight against Islamist militants in the south, according to a military document seen by Reuters. This news or can we call it “leak” was picked up by several online news agencies last July 29 and by print media on the following day through Reuters.
"Fiscal year 2010 assistance for the Philippines provides a precision guided missile capability to assist Philippine armed forces' counter-terrorism efforts in southern regions to combat the activities of the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group," said the document, which was shown to Reuters by a defense department official on condition of anonymity.
Methinks that this is a deliberate leak which will make RP a possible target. Why use guided missiles when the military usually engaged in low intensity conflict? And why only now? It has been a decade of the so-called US military aid to fight terrorism in the south and not a single true to life development or hi-tech fire power was given to our AFP. Then suddenly, a precision guided missile capability will be part of this year’s US military assistance to us? To have this kind of weapon that will be used to fight local insurgents seems too much of a good thing. Although, any help that can bring peace and security in some parts of Mindanao is something that is very much welcome by Filipinos who wanted a lasting stability in that region. But is it really the immediate concern of Washington or is there something else?
To quote some news reports as compiled by Michel Chossudovsky’s Preparing for World War III, Targeting Iran :
In turn, large scale weapons transfers have been undertaken under the banner of US "military aid" to selected countries, including a 5 billion dollar arms deal with India which is intended to build India's capabilities directed against China. (Huge U.S.-India Arms Deal To Contain China, Global Times, July 13, 2010).
The US has military cooperation agreements with a number of South East Asian countries including Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, involving "military aid" as well as the participation in U.S. led war games in the Pacific Rim (July -August 2010). These agreements are supportive of weapons deployments directed against The People's Republic of China. (See Rick Rozoff, Confronting both China and Russia: U.S. Risks Military Clash With China In Yellow Sea, Global Research, July 16, 2010).
What is crucial in regards to US weapons transfers to partner countries and allies is the actual timing of delivery and deployment. The launch of a US sponsored military operation would normally occur once these weapons systems are in place, effectively deployed with the implementation of personnel training. (e.g India).
What we are dealing with is a carefully coordinated global military design controlled by the Pentagon, involving the combined armed forces of more than forty countries. This global multinational military deployment is by far the largest display of advanced weapons systems in world history.
The present context is characterized by a global military build-up controlled by one world superpower, which is using its numerous allies to trigger regional wars. (M. Chossudovsky)
The above mentioned report is the real reason why RP and other US allies will be getting “military aid”. Therefore, the planned precision guided missiles in the Philippines will serve as a magnet and we will be an easy target when the regional conflict between China and the US arises. And because of our very strategic location, our country is also relevant in Washington’s plan in the Middle East. I hope that we will play our cards well and pray that this scheme will not start an expanded regional conflict (or be part of a war) not of our choosing. God bless us all......
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Cheonan Incident- A Prelude to a New Pearl Harbor?
Cheonan Incident- A Prelude to a New Pearl Harbor?
By Erick San Juan
"Three of the largest submarines of the US Seventh Fleet surfaced in Asia-Pacific ports last week, the South China Morning Post reported Monday [July 5,2010].
The appearance of the USS Michigan in Pusan, South Korea; the USS Ohio in Subic Bay, the Philippines and the USS Florida in the strategic Indian Ocean outpost of US and UK at Diego Garcia was a show of force not seen since the end of the Cold War, the paper said, adding that the position of those three ports looks like a siege of China." (Global Times, July 8, 2010)
I was surprised that this important news did not reach our local papers, if it did, the usual “for humanitarian purposes only” reason can never be acceptable because of the glaring fact as shown from respectable print media that this is a show of force by the US in the Pacific region. And, what could be the acceptable alibi for a US submarine’s presence at the Subic Bay port? Such presence is actually against our constitution given the fact that the submarine is equipped with nuclear armaments. This reality also explains the “friendly visits” of some top US diplomats to our newly elected leaders. It must be taken as a warning to all of us to be cautious in our dealings that might drag us to a war because our “friend” said so. To quip (from South China Morning Post by Asia correspondent Greg Torode, "It is another sign that the US is determined not to just maintain its military dominance in Asia, but to be seen doing so...that is a message for Beijing and for everybody else, whether you are a US ally or a nation sitting on the fence." (From a veteran Asian military attaché with reported close ties to both Chinese and U.S. military officials).
Need I say more? That is why I kept on reminding, together with other patriotic Filipinos, to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) – an agreement that is crucial as we enter a very exciting moment in world history.
It was also mentioned in the report that the shift from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean of US military forces is the new military hub of Washington for this century. That is why the “four Ohio class Tomahawk-armed submarines were operationally deployed away from their home ports for the first time”. (Ibid) The justification for the said move could be the realization of the globalists’ agenda of a possible war using the Cheonan incident that happened over four months ago as a pretext. The fact that China is not one with the globalists in punishing North Korea for the alleged sinking of the South Korean warship – Cheonan. The show of military might by the US is perceived by the Chinese military as actually directed against their nation.
It should be remembered that the growing tensions between the US and China has been building up since January when the US revealed the $6.4- billion arms package for Taiwan. Then in May, China refused the planned visit to Beijing by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
I would like to share this quote from Dr. Jaime Sison following “The Art of War”. China has already established a lot of choke points worldwide in preparation for global conflict. US cannot just bully China.
China’s claim in some parts of the Asian waters like the group of islands in the South China Sea has affected the Asean nations who share some of the disputed islands in that area most especially our country. What's very alarming was the response of China. It's defense establishment recently conducted a large naval drill and air exercises using live ammunitions. It is believed that China's exercises were not pre-planned but a response to the 4 day joint military exercises of US and South Korea near the Yellow Sea. China reiterated it's territorial claims in the contentious waters were indesputable. China's defense ministry spokesman Geng Yang Sheng said, "Any territorial disputes should be resolved with relevant countries alone through dialogue and negotiations and not through the United Nations." (Agence France Presse 7/31/10)
We cannot afford to be on the sidelines and watch the unfolding of events that might lead to a global conflict designed by a few heartless people who wanted to rule the world. The arena is right here. The needed pretext is ripe for a justified realization of the globalists’ agenda, as tensions grow in Asian waters.
A deja vu of Pearl Harbor incident is in the offing. The Japanese were provoked to attack and the American soldiers based in Hawaii became the collateral damage that sparked the World War II. The world should never repeat the wrong part of history. God forbid!
By Erick San Juan
"Three of the largest submarines of the US Seventh Fleet surfaced in Asia-Pacific ports last week, the South China Morning Post reported Monday [July 5,2010].
The appearance of the USS Michigan in Pusan, South Korea; the USS Ohio in Subic Bay, the Philippines and the USS Florida in the strategic Indian Ocean outpost of US and UK at Diego Garcia was a show of force not seen since the end of the Cold War, the paper said, adding that the position of those three ports looks like a siege of China." (Global Times, July 8, 2010)
I was surprised that this important news did not reach our local papers, if it did, the usual “for humanitarian purposes only” reason can never be acceptable because of the glaring fact as shown from respectable print media that this is a show of force by the US in the Pacific region. And, what could be the acceptable alibi for a US submarine’s presence at the Subic Bay port? Such presence is actually against our constitution given the fact that the submarine is equipped with nuclear armaments. This reality also explains the “friendly visits” of some top US diplomats to our newly elected leaders. It must be taken as a warning to all of us to be cautious in our dealings that might drag us to a war because our “friend” said so. To quip (from South China Morning Post by Asia correspondent Greg Torode, "It is another sign that the US is determined not to just maintain its military dominance in Asia, but to be seen doing so...that is a message for Beijing and for everybody else, whether you are a US ally or a nation sitting on the fence." (From a veteran Asian military attaché with reported close ties to both Chinese and U.S. military officials).
Need I say more? That is why I kept on reminding, together with other patriotic Filipinos, to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) – an agreement that is crucial as we enter a very exciting moment in world history.
It was also mentioned in the report that the shift from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean of US military forces is the new military hub of Washington for this century. That is why the “four Ohio class Tomahawk-armed submarines were operationally deployed away from their home ports for the first time”. (Ibid) The justification for the said move could be the realization of the globalists’ agenda of a possible war using the Cheonan incident that happened over four months ago as a pretext. The fact that China is not one with the globalists in punishing North Korea for the alleged sinking of the South Korean warship – Cheonan. The show of military might by the US is perceived by the Chinese military as actually directed against their nation.
It should be remembered that the growing tensions between the US and China has been building up since January when the US revealed the $6.4- billion arms package for Taiwan. Then in May, China refused the planned visit to Beijing by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
I would like to share this quote from Dr. Jaime Sison following “The Art of War”. China has already established a lot of choke points worldwide in preparation for global conflict. US cannot just bully China.
China’s claim in some parts of the Asian waters like the group of islands in the South China Sea has affected the Asean nations who share some of the disputed islands in that area most especially our country. What's very alarming was the response of China. It's defense establishment recently conducted a large naval drill and air exercises using live ammunitions. It is believed that China's exercises were not pre-planned but a response to the 4 day joint military exercises of US and South Korea near the Yellow Sea. China reiterated it's territorial claims in the contentious waters were indesputable. China's defense ministry spokesman Geng Yang Sheng said, "Any territorial disputes should be resolved with relevant countries alone through dialogue and negotiations and not through the United Nations." (Agence France Presse 7/31/10)
We cannot afford to be on the sidelines and watch the unfolding of events that might lead to a global conflict designed by a few heartless people who wanted to rule the world. The arena is right here. The needed pretext is ripe for a justified realization of the globalists’ agenda, as tensions grow in Asian waters.
A deja vu of Pearl Harbor incident is in the offing. The Japanese were provoked to attack and the American soldiers based in Hawaii became the collateral damage that sparked the World War II. The world should never repeat the wrong part of history. God forbid!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Who will benefit, U.S. or US?
Who will benefit, U.S. or US?
By Erick San Juan
There seems to be so much renewed interest by Uncle Sam in this part of the world which, according to a US top official is “a dynamic region”. US top officials are doing their “friendly visits” ahead of the largest meeting of foreign ministers on Friday in Hanoi, Vietnam for the 27-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Regional Forum. While the US Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in South Korea last Monday and followed by the US Secretary of State herself, Hillary Clinton, the US Undersecretary for Political Affairs, William Burns arrived in Manila last Tuesday for his two-day visit here.
For barely a month since Pres. Aquino took office, US Usec. For Political Affairs William Burns, the first senior US official who visited President Aquino after he took office, reminded the Filipino nation that they will continue their “support” as a commitment by the Obama administration to the new government.
Burns said that he was able to discuss with Aquino priority issues for the US, including judicial reform, protection of human rights, and efforts to combat trafficking, efforts to improve accountability and transparency and the fight against corruption, which are crucial in any healthy democratic society. (ABS-CBN News)
In his visit to Cotabato City last Wednesday, Mr. Burns reiterated what U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas said, that the US troops stationed in Mindanao will remain there to help train local troops as they fight Islamic militants who are blamed for the country’s worst terrorist attacks. The Mindanaoans are puzzled and asking through the mail why Usec. Burns proceeded to Cotabato instead of Zamboanga where the bulk of the American troops are stationed. Again, for the nth time, let me ask our “friends” – if they have been there in Mindanao for a decade now, helping our soldiers through training, why is it that the supposed “terrorists” are still doing their usual acts of terrorism? Have we forgotten the word transparency here? What could be their real motive, which they are not telling us? Are we really going to benefit here? Or is it for their own hidden agenda?
Remember, tensions have been building up in Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. That is reportedly the reason why Secretaries Clinton and Gates met with South Korean officials to boost their moral and show a united front against North Korea. The tension started in March due to alleged North Korea's apparent sinking of a South Korean corvette-Cheonan. US will be needing us more than ever as a member of the ASEAN and at the same time as an important American ally in this region. That is the main reason why I keep on reiterating that we have to play our cards well and not to be fooled again into entering a war that is not our own choosing. America is our friend but we have to remind their government to give us what due us. Up to now most of our war veterans have not been given what's due them.
We have to consider also as part of the Asean family of nations that we have to maintain a good relationship with our neighbors and help resolve conflicts peacefully. We could not afford another war because our “friend” choose to be at war, this is not the right approach to sustain a peaceful world.
If it’s true, from what I heard from the Palace that P-Noy will revisit the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), well and good. This way, the “lopsided” provisions against our nation’s interest will be reviewed. Hopefully our Congress will do the necessary changes that will benefit US, and not only the U.S......
As the saying goes, "In unity there's strength". This is what we need now to boost the morale of our leaders and negotiate for what is right and good for the "Pinoys".......
By Erick San Juan
There seems to be so much renewed interest by Uncle Sam in this part of the world which, according to a US top official is “a dynamic region”. US top officials are doing their “friendly visits” ahead of the largest meeting of foreign ministers on Friday in Hanoi, Vietnam for the 27-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Regional Forum. While the US Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in South Korea last Monday and followed by the US Secretary of State herself, Hillary Clinton, the US Undersecretary for Political Affairs, William Burns arrived in Manila last Tuesday for his two-day visit here.
For barely a month since Pres. Aquino took office, US Usec. For Political Affairs William Burns, the first senior US official who visited President Aquino after he took office, reminded the Filipino nation that they will continue their “support” as a commitment by the Obama administration to the new government.
Burns said that he was able to discuss with Aquino priority issues for the US, including judicial reform, protection of human rights, and efforts to combat trafficking, efforts to improve accountability and transparency and the fight against corruption, which are crucial in any healthy democratic society. (ABS-CBN News)
In his visit to Cotabato City last Wednesday, Mr. Burns reiterated what U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas said, that the US troops stationed in Mindanao will remain there to help train local troops as they fight Islamic militants who are blamed for the country’s worst terrorist attacks. The Mindanaoans are puzzled and asking through the mail why Usec. Burns proceeded to Cotabato instead of Zamboanga where the bulk of the American troops are stationed. Again, for the nth time, let me ask our “friends” – if they have been there in Mindanao for a decade now, helping our soldiers through training, why is it that the supposed “terrorists” are still doing their usual acts of terrorism? Have we forgotten the word transparency here? What could be their real motive, which they are not telling us? Are we really going to benefit here? Or is it for their own hidden agenda?
Remember, tensions have been building up in Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. That is reportedly the reason why Secretaries Clinton and Gates met with South Korean officials to boost their moral and show a united front against North Korea. The tension started in March due to alleged North Korea's apparent sinking of a South Korean corvette-Cheonan. US will be needing us more than ever as a member of the ASEAN and at the same time as an important American ally in this region. That is the main reason why I keep on reiterating that we have to play our cards well and not to be fooled again into entering a war that is not our own choosing. America is our friend but we have to remind their government to give us what due us. Up to now most of our war veterans have not been given what's due them.
We have to consider also as part of the Asean family of nations that we have to maintain a good relationship with our neighbors and help resolve conflicts peacefully. We could not afford another war because our “friend” choose to be at war, this is not the right approach to sustain a peaceful world.
If it’s true, from what I heard from the Palace that P-Noy will revisit the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), well and good. This way, the “lopsided” provisions against our nation’s interest will be reviewed. Hopefully our Congress will do the necessary changes that will benefit US, and not only the U.S......
As the saying goes, "In unity there's strength". This is what we need now to boost the morale of our leaders and negotiate for what is right and good for the "Pinoys".......
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Much Needed Surprise to Survive!
The Much Needed Surprise to Survive!
By Erick San Juan
A week from now, President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the 15th Congress as it formally begins its session on July 26,2010. The 15th Congress, particularly, the Senate has a big task ahead, which is to decide on the fate of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which was not tackled during the last 14th Congress.
Methinks that the VFA issue should be taken up immediately as what our good Senator, Miriam Santiago did when she reminded President Noy to be firm on his stand for the abrogation of the said agreement. Why do we have to prioritize this agreement among other issues that confronts the Philippine Congress? I don’t want to be an alarmist but we have to be sure that we are not entering another war due to the laxity and naivety of our leaders. Why do I say this?
A few days ago, the 83-year old former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, gave his warning of a possible nuclear war. Mr. Castro writes his columns called “Reflections” for Cuba's state-run media and there he wrote his predictions that a nuclear war will soon break out between the US and Iran. This tension between the two countries has been building up since the US accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons (which Iran had repeatedly denied and claimed that they are actually developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes) that threatens US security and the rest of the world. The United Nations resolution for a fourth round of sanctions, voted in by the Security Council last month, calls for the inspection of vessels suspected of carrying materials, setting the stage for military incidents at sea between Iran and the US Navy, has aggravated the situation that might lead to a nuclear war.
Few days ago, an article also appeared on the internet that: “A former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton says that the only thing which can rescue Barack Obama's increasingly tenuous grip on power as his approval figures continue to plunge is a terror attack on the scale of Oklahoma City or 9/11. Another startling reminder that such events only ever serve to benefit those in authority.
Buried in a Financial Times article is about Pres. Barack Obama's "growing credibility crisis" and fears on behalf of Democrats that they could lose not only the White House but also the Senate to Republicans. Robert Shapiro makes it clear that Obama is relying on an October surprise in the form of a terror attack to rescue his presidency. Shapiro is clearly communicating the necessity for a terror attack to be launched in order to give Obama the opportunity to unite the country around his agenda in the name of fighting terrorists, just as President George Bush Jr. did in the aftermath of 9/11, when his approval ratings shot up from around 50% to well above 80%.” (Paul Joseph Watson, Propaganda Matrix, July 14, 2010).
The predicate has been laid, the much needed “surprise” will alter the confluence of events towards a global conflict. As Fidel Castro put it - "The empire (United States) is at the point of committing a terrible error that nobody can stop. It advances inexorably toward a sinister fate.”
As an observer of events unfolding here and abroad, I am writing this to inform and warn our leaders and the public as to what is happening and might happen that can guide us for future decisions. There is so much to do and crucial decisions to make as an American ally, but let us hope and pray that our leaders will have the divine guidance so as not to drag the whole nation to a war that nobody wants.
By Erick San Juan
A week from now, President Benigno Aquino III will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the 15th Congress as it formally begins its session on July 26,2010. The 15th Congress, particularly, the Senate has a big task ahead, which is to decide on the fate of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which was not tackled during the last 14th Congress.
Methinks that the VFA issue should be taken up immediately as what our good Senator, Miriam Santiago did when she reminded President Noy to be firm on his stand for the abrogation of the said agreement. Why do we have to prioritize this agreement among other issues that confronts the Philippine Congress? I don’t want to be an alarmist but we have to be sure that we are not entering another war due to the laxity and naivety of our leaders. Why do I say this?
A few days ago, the 83-year old former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, gave his warning of a possible nuclear war. Mr. Castro writes his columns called “Reflections” for Cuba's state-run media and there he wrote his predictions that a nuclear war will soon break out between the US and Iran. This tension between the two countries has been building up since the US accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons (which Iran had repeatedly denied and claimed that they are actually developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes) that threatens US security and the rest of the world. The United Nations resolution for a fourth round of sanctions, voted in by the Security Council last month, calls for the inspection of vessels suspected of carrying materials, setting the stage for military incidents at sea between Iran and the US Navy, has aggravated the situation that might lead to a nuclear war.
Few days ago, an article also appeared on the internet that: “A former senior advisor to President Bill Clinton says that the only thing which can rescue Barack Obama's increasingly tenuous grip on power as his approval figures continue to plunge is a terror attack on the scale of Oklahoma City or 9/11. Another startling reminder that such events only ever serve to benefit those in authority.
Buried in a Financial Times article is about Pres. Barack Obama's "growing credibility crisis" and fears on behalf of Democrats that they could lose not only the White House but also the Senate to Republicans. Robert Shapiro makes it clear that Obama is relying on an October surprise in the form of a terror attack to rescue his presidency. Shapiro is clearly communicating the necessity for a terror attack to be launched in order to give Obama the opportunity to unite the country around his agenda in the name of fighting terrorists, just as President George Bush Jr. did in the aftermath of 9/11, when his approval ratings shot up from around 50% to well above 80%.” (Paul Joseph Watson, Propaganda Matrix, July 14, 2010).
The predicate has been laid, the much needed “surprise” will alter the confluence of events towards a global conflict. As Fidel Castro put it - "The empire (United States) is at the point of committing a terrible error that nobody can stop. It advances inexorably toward a sinister fate.”
As an observer of events unfolding here and abroad, I am writing this to inform and warn our leaders and the public as to what is happening and might happen that can guide us for future decisions. There is so much to do and crucial decisions to make as an American ally, but let us hope and pray that our leaders will have the divine guidance so as not to drag the whole nation to a war that nobody wants.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Vague Friendly Arrangement
Vague Friendly Arrangement
By Erick San Juan
The good US Ambassador, Mr. Harry Thomas, made a pronouncement last week about the presence of the US military troops in Mindanao (Manila Times, July 10,2010). Since the day he made that premature visit to the residence of PNoy (President Benigno Aquino III), Washington is telling us to “fulfill the treaty” and he was referring to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). The VFA was ratified in 1999 by the Philippine Senate and signed by then President Joseph Estrada, but it was never ratified by the US Senate.
The American diplomat emphasized that the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) do not engage in combat operations and “are merely there to provide and offer information, training and medical support to the Philippine Armed Forces who are at the frontline (of counter terrorism efforts).”
But what is JSOTF-P? The JSOTF-P was established by the US Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC). It began it's work when SOCPAC deployed to the Philippines Joint Task Force (JTF) 510 with the task “to support Operation Enduring Freedom.” Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to the US government’s military response to the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001 in New York City . It entails a series of anti-“terrorism” activities in Afghanistan, the Philippines, the Horn of Africa, Trans-Sahara, and Pakinsi Gorge. (GlobalSecurity.org)
It is very clear that the so-called “temporary visits” of the US troops here are justified because of the threat from a possible terrorists’ attack. Could this be the only reason? If so, they have been in the south for almost a decade and the secessionists and bandits are still doing their routine of kidnapping, killing, stealing, and so on and so forth. Meaning, they are not effective and like what Sen. Miriam Santiago said, the VFA should be abrogated and review the “lopsided” provisions that are not beneficial to the Filipinos.
Let us remember what Dr. Francisco Nemenzo said – “In the particular case of the VFA, ambiguity is extremely dangerous for the Philippines. As I just pointed out, it can involve us in unnecessary conflicts with America 's potential enemies in the region. And it runs counter to our avowed foreign policy objective of developing good relations with our neighbors.”
Yes, the vagueness of the said agreement can lead us to a war, (especially with our neighbors) that is not of our own liking. If ever a review of the VFA will transpire, it should be transparent and provisions must be clarified as not to shortchanged us in the long run.
This is the fundamental issue: Are our interests identical with those of America ? Are America 's enemies necessarily our own? I believe that our national interests may be different and, at times, contrary to those of the US . Therefore, we must pursue an independent foreign policy. (A paper delivered to the National Defense College of the Philippines by Dr. Francisco Nemenzo on September 18, 1998)
This is a great task for our solons and that of the US leadership to make this friendship last in the midst where border wars and flashpoints seem inevitable. We can make things work as long as it is fair and just on both parties.
If President Noynoy Aquino will be successful in uniting the people, I dream of a better nation, an ideal democracy just like my friend,Dr. Florangel R. Braid wrote at the Manila Bulletin about Costa Rica. It needs a lot of political will, but achievable. As a nation-state member of the Non-Aligned Movement, this is a litmus test for P.Noy and to all of us. "Pag bagsak ni P.Noy,kasama tayo", whether we like it or not. "In unity there's strength", an old adage quote that everyone of us should remember everyday.
By Erick San Juan
The good US Ambassador, Mr. Harry Thomas, made a pronouncement last week about the presence of the US military troops in Mindanao (Manila Times, July 10,2010). Since the day he made that premature visit to the residence of PNoy (President Benigno Aquino III), Washington is telling us to “fulfill the treaty” and he was referring to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). The VFA was ratified in 1999 by the Philippine Senate and signed by then President Joseph Estrada, but it was never ratified by the US Senate.
The American diplomat emphasized that the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) do not engage in combat operations and “are merely there to provide and offer information, training and medical support to the Philippine Armed Forces who are at the frontline (of counter terrorism efforts).”
But what is JSOTF-P? The JSOTF-P was established by the US Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC). It began it's work when SOCPAC deployed to the Philippines Joint Task Force (JTF) 510 with the task “to support Operation Enduring Freedom.” Operation Enduring Freedom is the official name given to the US government’s military response to the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001 in New York City . It entails a series of anti-“terrorism” activities in Afghanistan, the Philippines, the Horn of Africa, Trans-Sahara, and Pakinsi Gorge. (GlobalSecurity.org)
It is very clear that the so-called “temporary visits” of the US troops here are justified because of the threat from a possible terrorists’ attack. Could this be the only reason? If so, they have been in the south for almost a decade and the secessionists and bandits are still doing their routine of kidnapping, killing, stealing, and so on and so forth. Meaning, they are not effective and like what Sen. Miriam Santiago said, the VFA should be abrogated and review the “lopsided” provisions that are not beneficial to the Filipinos.
Let us remember what Dr. Francisco Nemenzo said – “In the particular case of the VFA, ambiguity is extremely dangerous for the Philippines. As I just pointed out, it can involve us in unnecessary conflicts with America 's potential enemies in the region. And it runs counter to our avowed foreign policy objective of developing good relations with our neighbors.”
Yes, the vagueness of the said agreement can lead us to a war, (especially with our neighbors) that is not of our own liking. If ever a review of the VFA will transpire, it should be transparent and provisions must be clarified as not to shortchanged us in the long run.
This is the fundamental issue: Are our interests identical with those of America ? Are America 's enemies necessarily our own? I believe that our national interests may be different and, at times, contrary to those of the US . Therefore, we must pursue an independent foreign policy. (A paper delivered to the National Defense College of the Philippines by Dr. Francisco Nemenzo on September 18, 1998)
This is a great task for our solons and that of the US leadership to make this friendship last in the midst where border wars and flashpoints seem inevitable. We can make things work as long as it is fair and just on both parties.
If President Noynoy Aquino will be successful in uniting the people, I dream of a better nation, an ideal democracy just like my friend,Dr. Florangel R. Braid wrote at the Manila Bulletin about Costa Rica. It needs a lot of political will, but achievable. As a nation-state member of the Non-Aligned Movement, this is a litmus test for P.Noy and to all of us. "Pag bagsak ni P.Noy,kasama tayo", whether we like it or not. "In unity there's strength", an old adage quote that everyone of us should remember everyday.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Friendly Persuasion
Friendly Persuasion
By Erick San Juan
July 4th - the anniversary of the American independence and the Filipino-American friendship, a relationship that has been tested for many decades and now with the Aquino (part 2) Administration, where the US has shown so much so soon. The so called friendly gesture disregarded protocol while the whole electoral process was marred with irregularities and questionable results. But the show must go on, in order to prolong that friendly tie and make the bond stronger.
But for whom is the friendship anyway? Is that badly needed relationship benefit the Filipinos more than the Americans? A friendship is a two-way traffic that is sustained in a give-and-take atmosphere that should be beneficial to both parties. As an observer of events unfolding here and abroad, it seems that the US is gradually losing some of its vital allies especially in this region. I was at the East West Center's 50th anniversary and for the July 4th celebration in Honolulu and I can see that most of the attendees and guests are old hats,alumni and grantees. It was a warm gathering of experts but the young bloods seem not so keen in reviving the camaraderie and the bonding. The perception for that too friendly act towards the new president is to make sure that they will have a "permanent" station here when all hell break loose.
Actually there is nothing wrong if we have a powerful nation as a friend but through the years, the US has been perceived by many as shortchanging us. In the process, this so called alliance was and still is more beneficial to the US than to the Philippines. Presently, there are some crucial issues that our solons had to tackle and decide upon in relation with the US. The status of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is still on the table through the Senate resolution authored by Sen. Miriam Santiago that has to be reviewed and decide upon by the 15th Congress. And, other very important economic issues that are very close to the grumbling stomachs of most Filipinos. We hope that the good ambassador, Harry Thomas can rectify this bad impression and lead us all to a relationship where both parties are equally treated as more than friends but more as brothers.
Together with all the peace-loving Filipinos, we pray that President Noy will not be the next “war president” in this very interesting times when humanity is faced with a threat that is unimaginable – a possible nuclear war. Hoping that what happened in the second World War will not be repeated when we entered a war not of our own liking.
Everyone has a role to play and the new administration should take the necessary precaution in dealing with other countries so that we will not always be at the losing end. Establishing good relationship with the community of nations is a need for any country to survive but such survival can be attained when that nation is ruled by a nationalist leader, who will always act for the good of all its citizenry.
May God bless all of us, most especially our leaders so that they may have the wisdom to unite this nation.
By Erick San Juan
July 4th - the anniversary of the American independence and the Filipino-American friendship, a relationship that has been tested for many decades and now with the Aquino (part 2) Administration, where the US has shown so much so soon. The so called friendly gesture disregarded protocol while the whole electoral process was marred with irregularities and questionable results. But the show must go on, in order to prolong that friendly tie and make the bond stronger.
But for whom is the friendship anyway? Is that badly needed relationship benefit the Filipinos more than the Americans? A friendship is a two-way traffic that is sustained in a give-and-take atmosphere that should be beneficial to both parties. As an observer of events unfolding here and abroad, it seems that the US is gradually losing some of its vital allies especially in this region. I was at the East West Center's 50th anniversary and for the July 4th celebration in Honolulu and I can see that most of the attendees and guests are old hats,alumni and grantees. It was a warm gathering of experts but the young bloods seem not so keen in reviving the camaraderie and the bonding. The perception for that too friendly act towards the new president is to make sure that they will have a "permanent" station here when all hell break loose.
Actually there is nothing wrong if we have a powerful nation as a friend but through the years, the US has been perceived by many as shortchanging us. In the process, this so called alliance was and still is more beneficial to the US than to the Philippines. Presently, there are some crucial issues that our solons had to tackle and decide upon in relation with the US. The status of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is still on the table through the Senate resolution authored by Sen. Miriam Santiago that has to be reviewed and decide upon by the 15th Congress. And, other very important economic issues that are very close to the grumbling stomachs of most Filipinos. We hope that the good ambassador, Harry Thomas can rectify this bad impression and lead us all to a relationship where both parties are equally treated as more than friends but more as brothers.
Together with all the peace-loving Filipinos, we pray that President Noy will not be the next “war president” in this very interesting times when humanity is faced with a threat that is unimaginable – a possible nuclear war. Hoping that what happened in the second World War will not be repeated when we entered a war not of our own liking.
Everyone has a role to play and the new administration should take the necessary precaution in dealing with other countries so that we will not always be at the losing end. Establishing good relationship with the community of nations is a need for any country to survive but such survival can be attained when that nation is ruled by a nationalist leader, who will always act for the good of all its citizenry.
May God bless all of us, most especially our leaders so that they may have the wisdom to unite this nation.
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