U.S. to depoly Patriot missiles in Middle East

While at every turn President Obama attempts to distance himself from the policy decisions of the previous administration in Washington, the President sure seems to be following the same playbook in regards to foreign policy.  Several days ago during the State of the Union address, President Obama made a very decisive statement about Iran's 'nuclear capability':  "...Iran's leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no doubt: They, too, will face growing consequences.  That is a promise."

There was certainly no hesitation in this decision, as today, British newspaper the Guardian reports:

The US is dispatching Patriot defensive missiles to four countries – Qatar, United Arab Emirates,  Bahrain  and  Kuwait – and keeping two ships in the Gulf capable of shooting down Iranian missiles. Washington is also helping Saudi Arabia develop a force to protect its oil installations.

It seems quite clear that the Nobel Peace Prize winner intends to remove diplomacy with Iran from the table and scrap any new 'hope' and 'change' in strategy with regards to how Tehran is approached.  It's also interesting to note that while they have operated oil installations for many years, Saudi Arabia appears to have realized a deficiency in its ability to protect their own interests.  You may read the entire article here.  

Does Rising Violence in Pakistan mean more U.S. Involvement?

I posted only half a day ago that the United States appeared to be getting ready to ramp up its potential presence in Pakistan, as Hillary Clinton expressed concern over Pakistani sovereignty.  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has affirmed the assertion today while making a visit to the neighboring country of Afghanistan.  Will 30,000 additional US troops ordered just days ago to the area be spread out and into Pakistan in the near future?

A bomb exploded near an intelligence office in central Pakistan on Tuesday, authorities said, damaging the building and killing at least 12 people amid a surge of extremist violence that has prompted the U.S. to offer additional aid in the country's battle against the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

The attack came as U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Washington was ready to work more closely with Pakistan as soon as Islamabad expressed willingness.

"The more they get attacked internally .. the more open they may be" to help from the United States," Gates said during a trip to Afghanistan. "But we are prepared to expand that relationship at any pace they are prepared to accept."

Read more here.

Onward Christian Killers?

While I'm hardly a believing Christian anymore, I nevertheless retain an appreciation for Biblical writings and Christ's general message. Thus, I have been highly appreciative of LRC columnist Laurence Vance's consistent adherence to the teachings of Holy Scripture and his resultant condemnation of the U.S. state's war machine, as well as individual participation therein.

Laurence Vance heroically decries pro-military attitudes as blatantly unchristian and contrary to Christ's message. His latest piece accurately compares blasphemous Christian worship of the military to the biblical account of the Jews worshipping Aaron's Golden Calf.... I recommend you check it out and forward it to all your pro-war Christian friends.