Iraq Pie

Today we set ourselves up again as satellite to the "Washington Post" GlobalChat forum. It's true the last post was also from that forum. the scribe has been sidetracked with making of his character Vedette's My Space page, which has turned out to be a wonderful way to get the story to people a natural audience. But he's back now, because that's set up.

This week Vedette is featuring the guitar work of Aydin de Istanbul.

the scribe has also been busy making a new recording of "Vedette Does La Danza" with guitarist Omar Torrez. There are seven pieces adding up to a CD of some 40 minutes (Those on the site are old ones). The recording session was energetic and we are both excited about the result.

Onto the Washington Post question:

Despite U.S. efforts to forge a "unity" government in Iraq, sectarian violence there continues at a frightening level. Iraqis are already separating into different ethnic cantons as neighborhoods are "cleansed" by Shiite death squads and Sunni insurgents.

Given the mess in Iraq, should the U.S. move toward "federalism plus" a plan that devolves power into Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish regions? What would the consequences of such a de-facto partition for the rest of the Middle East?

What the scribe said:

Maybe it’s a moot point. This is the prompt legacy for Bush’s policy in the region: instability. The administration likes to glibly point out there was nothing stable about the Middle East prior to its invasion of Iraq, but that’s not an exhaustive analysis, as Winston Churchill liked to say. Nor is it very funny. Either way, the break-up of a country drawn along wacky lines by an imperial power different than that occupying it now, is probably long overdue and, probably, irreversible. The sectarian division might have been achieved without violence, but the administration closed that door a long time ago. The ramifications, of course, involve more blood, shards of glass, and hellfire for the liberated; ethnic cleansing, displacement, refugees stumbling from one new sharia governed state to another. The president says the pain is necessary, but he’s not feeling it quite as much as a lot of other people both here and over there.

There's a button at left with the faces of two top journalistic dogs. Click there to catch the whole debate at GlobalChat.

also:

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Garden Grove Sailor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor of Garden Grove:

"Petty Officer 2nd Class Monsoor lost his life while courageously serving our country. Maria and I join all Californians in extending our sympathies to Michael's family and friends. We will keep his family in our prayers as they mourn the loss of a brave individual."

Monsoor, 25, died Sept. 29 of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ramadi, Iraq. Monsoor was a SEAL assigned to the West-Coast based command.

In honor of Petty Officer 2nd Class Monsoor, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Twentynine Palms Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Capt. Justin D. Peterson of Davisburg, MI:

"Capt. Peterson was committed to the safety and protection of his fellow Americans. Maria and I wish to express our sympathies to Justin's family, friends and fellow Marines whom he served alongside. He joins a proud legacy of servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

Peterson, 32, died Oct. 1 of injuries sustained from a non-hostile vehicle accident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Capt. Peterson, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Alpine Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Joseph W. Perry of Alpine.

"Sgt. Perry risked his life to protect the freedoms of his fellow Americans. Maria and I offer our condolences to Joseph's family during this painful time. The sacrifice he made through service is an inspiration to all Californians."

Perry, 23, died Oct. 2 of injuries sustained when his mounted patrol came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations in Muhallah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 21st Military Police Company, 16th Military Police Brigade, XVIIIth Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, NC.

In honor of Sgt. Perry, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Alta Loma Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Daniel Isshak of Alta Loma.

"Staff Sgt. Isshak's courage and profound allegiance to a higher calling warrants the highest appreciation of all Californians. Maria and I send our sympathies to Daniel's family as they mourn the loss of a loved one. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and fellow soldiers."

Isshak, 25, died Oct. 3 of injuries sustained during combat operations when his vehicle came under enemy small arms fire in Hawija, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Isshak, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

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Peace.