Foreign Policy Ramblings

Isn't it about time to start arming some of these ships so that they can defend themselves against the Somalian Pirates? Now that they've taken one of our captains hostage, hopefully this will spur some action here. I just don't understand why something more can't be done.

When was Cuba a threat to us? Okay, back in 1961 when we had the missile crisis and essentially up until the Soviet Union crumbled. But since then? I don't know why we haven't restored diplomatic relations with them. Yeah, so Castro has outlasted several U.S. Presidents, but really, is there anything to lose by restoring relations? I believe it was Bill Clinton that enacted laws that makes it much tougher to restore relations (it now takes an act of Congress as opposed to the President just wanting it to happen). But, why not? Just not sure what we're gaining by keeping them down.

On September 12, 2001, a candlelight vigil took place to honor those killed on 9/11. The vigil took place in . . . Tehran. the Iranian people have actually always liked us, just not our government. They've also been cursed with some horrible leaders. I think they could be a pretty good ally for us, but we also have to keep a sharp eye on them too. They still have the radical element that could cause trouble.

As for North Korea, I really feel sorry for them. They are still trying to live out some sort of glorious communist past. Their economy is in a shambles and their leader is truly unstable and not one I'd really trust. I would think China should be able to play a role here in taming this guy. But I don't consider them a true threat, Kim Jong just likes to pretend he's all powerful, kinda like Noriega when he was in Panama.