Russia in the vanguard against America and NATO: Missile Defense System and Japan

Russia in the vanguard against America and NATO: Missile Defense System and Japan

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The two-party system in America which maintains the endless power mechanisms century after century, finds it difficult to support a world based on special interests. Instead, irrespective if a Democratic government or Republican government, it is one endless system based on the containment of perceived threats. Therefore, President Obama is following on from George W. Bush with regards to the missile defense system. It is once more apparent that politicians in Washington care little about a world based on mutual respect, special interests, understanding the geopolitics of other major powers, and so forth.

According to America and NATO the missile defense system is aimed at protecting nations from Iran and North Korea. This is clearly manipulating reality because how is North Korea a threat to mainland America and NATO members?  After all, which nation and military alliance invades other nations and controls vast military resources? Yes, of course this applies to America and NATO. However, in the world of “reality” and “unreality,” political leaders in Washington just have to keep on pressing ahead with their power mechanisms along with NATO.

Iran could not even defeat Iraq during the brutal war between both nations (1980-1988). Also, which nations did Iran and North Korea invade in the last 50 years? Of course, the situation on the Korean peninsula is delicate but the status quo is maintained because of many factors. Indeed, if North Korea collapsed then this would highlight the “sham” of the real objectives of America in northeast Asia. After all, the bigger picture for America is containing China and the Russian Federation.

Therefore, ironically, the status quo on the Korean peninsula isn’t such a bad thing for America. If North Korea did collapse, then what would be the reasons behind the continuing presence of American forces in Japan and South Korea? Japan, on the other hand, is concerned about nuclear weapons in the hands of North Korea and the ongoing militarization of the armed forces of China.

Japan also is beset with territorial disputes with China, the Russian Federation, South Korea, and Taiwan. However, Japan and Taiwan have very good relations and the economic angle between China and Japan is continuing to strengthen. Despite this, Japan is rightly concerned about the militarization of China. Also, many other regional nations which share territorial disputes with China feel the same. Therefore, it is essential for Japan to build-up stronger relations with India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other nations. At the same time, Japan also needs to develop stronger ties with China providing this is reciprocal.

Turning back to the proposed missile defense system by America and NATO, it is clear that this is raising tensions with Moscow. However, political leaders in Moscow are not interested in “a new Cold War” because the Russian Federation wants to see a world based on greater understanding. This applies to respecting the changing nature of the power dynamics of the twenty-first century and respecting international law.

The economic power of nations who belong to the BRICS group (Brazil, China, India, the Russian Federation, and South Africa) is extremely high. President Hu Jintao of China commented about the BRICS group that“These countries form an important part of common development of the world, which is conducive to a more balanced world economy, more reasonable international relations, more effective global governance and more durable world peace…..It is consistent with the trend of times characterized by peace, development and co-operation, and fully conducive to building a harmonious world of durable peace and common prosperity.”

Nations which comprise of the BRICS group don’t have a military angle like NATO but these countries want to see a world whereby greater international transparency emerges. The United States have invaded or supported proxies since World War Two in Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, East Timor, El Salvador, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Libya, North Korea/South Korea (Korean War), Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan/Bangladesh (West Pakistan/East Pakistan war), Panama, Philippines, Syria, Vietnam, and Yugoslavia. The list could have included others but clearly the point is that tens of millions of people have been killed by America’s direct involvement in these conflicts or because of America supporting proxy armies to do its bidding.

Clearly, the world was complex during the Cold War because America and the Soviet Union had no qualms about abusing power mechanisms. Also, in some conflicts America may have had good intentions where the political angle wasn’t the real motive but these are few and far. It also must be stated that other powers have been involved in supporting bloodshed and brutal dictators have also killed untold numbers. However, for political leaders in Washington it is clear that no continent is beyond their meddling and so-called special interests.

NATO for its part is firmly based on the northern hemisphere and of special interests are the Russian Federation, China, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans. Central Asia is an area where America and NATO can reach into the underbelly of China and the Russian Federation therefore this area is of major strategic importance. However, the Russian Federation doesn’t desire to have such hostilities with political leaders in Washington but the encroachment of NATO, despite the demise of the Cold War, is clear evidence that Moscow is deemed with suspicion.

Therefore, Obama’s support of the missile defense system may be “the final nail in the coffin” for Moscow because clearly North Korea and Iran isn’t the issue. Anatoly Serdyukov, Russian Defense Minister, stated that talks with Washington and NATO over the defense missile system were “close to a dead end.”

Gen Nikolai Makarov, the Russian defense staff, stated that “A decision to use destructive force pre-emptively will be taken if the situation worsens.” Therefore, once more political leaders in Washington are creating tensions rather than understanding the genuine concerns of other nations. Gen Nikolai Makarov also made it clear that if a European shield came into fruition then Moscow would increase its warheads to be even more destructive. However, this crisis shouldn’t even be on the map and the same applies to NATO expansion despite the demise of the Soviet Union.

Turning back to Japan, a nation which is helping the international community greatly by its economic support of major institutions, for example the United Nations and International Monetary Fund; it is vital that political leaders in Tokyo don’t become embroiled in America’s containment policies of the Russian Federation. After all, Japan and the Russian Federation have much to offer each other. This applies to high technology and major investments from Japan – and from the side of the Russian Federation, it applies to energy pipelines and other natural resources. Therefore, it is essential that both Moscow and Tokyo move closer together because leaders in the Russian Federation don’t have any ill will towards Northeast Asia.

Indeed, if relations began to blossom between Japan and the Russian Federation, then this would strengthen both nations throughout this very strategic region. Japan’s main concerns internationally are China and North Korea. Domestically it applies to energy related issues　and implementing a diverse energy policy. Therefore, political leaders in Moscow could wield their influence on China in order to strengthen ties between Japan and China. At the same time, the special relationship between America and Japan should co-exist but within a framework of greater parity for Japan. This would be a win-win situation for Japan because it would create greater stability for the people of Northeast Asia.

It is essential that political leaders in Moscow remain firm and seek to create greater international mechanisms which prevent the ongoing containment policies of Washington and NATO. China, the Russian Federation, Iran, and other nations, within the containment policies of Washington, have American forces within a close proximity of their respective nations. How would Americans feel if these nations did the same and developed bases in Canada and Mexico – and then developed a new defense missile system in the backyard of America – would Americans welcome this?

Political leaders in Moscow and Beijing want more honesty and neither nation is interested in creating tensions with Washington. On the contrary, both nations are seeking greater economic, political, and cultural ties with nations internationally. It is time for political leaders in Washington to escape their ongoing “Cold War mentality” and interventionist policies, which often backfire and cause even more chaos.

Meanwhile for Japan it is essential to maintain its special relationship with America but based on greater parity. At the same time, Japan must develop a greater strategy to overcome territorial disputes with regional nations and to strengthen relations with the Russian Federation. This will help Japan greatly to develop a more diverse energy policy and increase its dealings with China.

The American people for decades have given vast sums to charity projects throughout the world and done so much to help in the area of greater cultural understanding. It is about time that political leaders in Washington followed suit, in order to strengthen international systems which can respond to major events. If change doesn’t occur then more American soldiers will die based on policies which are not related to protecting America. Also, “a new Cold War” will emerge based on the geopolitics of nations which feel threatened by the expansion of America and NATO.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Syria: terrorist bomb factory blows up and Christian churches destroyed

Syria: terrorist bomb factory blows up and Christian churches destroyed

Murad Makhmudov, Boutros Hussein and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The people of Syria have become the target of “a geopolitical game” by powerful nations in the West and by “Sunni Islamic Wahhabi/Salafi” power games emanating in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and with Turkey taking the position of both forces. This means that the chances of reaching an internal political solution in Syria, is being reduced by the day because of outside meddling which is fermenting sectarianism. Also, the recent terrorist bomb factory which blew up and killed many individuals in Hama highlights the duplicity of the international community.

After all, just like the military insurrection in Libya, the military arming of terrorists in Syria also happened “overnight” and within a ridiculously short period of time. Therefore, it is abundantly clear that outside meddling; geopolitical games to enter the “vacuum” that opened-up in the Middle East and North Africa; promised deals with military personnel to turn them into mercenaries; the movement of international terrorists via the usual ratlines; and a host of other factors related to “a geopolitical game” and “Sunni Islamic Wahhabi/Salafi” opportunism, have all entered the fray. The upshot of all this is that innocent civilians are being killed and sectarianism is being used in order to weaken Syria because of political and geopolitical factors.

If individuals http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2012/04/26/414867.htm　check this link by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) then clearly the photos are harrowing. It is important to note that the so-called “Free Syrian Army (FSA)” and terrorists within the FSA, and other terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda, have no qualms in setting up terrorist houses in the middle of housing and heavily built-up areas. They also have no qualms about attacking religious minorities, killing individuals who don’t support their objectives, firing on the armed forces of Syria, and then melting back into built-up areas knowing full well that the armed forces will fire back in order to defend themselves.

The weakness in the Kofi Annan plan, despite good intentions, is that it means that terrorist bases of various Sunni Islamic terrorist organizations and the FSA, have a free rein to maintain and develop their power bases. This is because outside nations are continuing to send military and economic support to a variety of terrorist and mercenary organizations. Therefore, unless these “forces of darkness” are forced out to a special buffer zone inside Turkey and the ratlines of funding terrorism is stopped – then how can political dialogue and the Kofi Annan plan work?

Clearly, nations which are meddling into the internal affairs of Syria desire to see the Kofi Annan plan fail. After all, the deaths of Syrians killing Syrians doesn’t concern them because Western powers have political objectives to pursue and Saudi Arabia and Qatar have religious objectives to implement by stealth – with Turkey being sat in the middle and happy with both situations. This means more violence and the death of innocent civilians who are caught-up in all of this because the FSA and various other terrorists organizations, have built up their forces within major cities.

Therefore, while many international media outlets mention the ongoing crisis in many parts of Syria, not enough are focusing on what it is like under the control of the FSA/terrorist organizations which are spreading their hatred. This is where the picture breaks down because in areas controlled by the government of Syria all individuals, irrespective if Alawite Muslim, Sunni Muslim, Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic, Druze, or irrespective of having no faith – all reside in peace and based on the mosaic of Syria. In contrast, areas under the control of the so-called opposition are based on sectarianism and destroying the mosaic of Syria.

The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom published an interesting article written by Constanze Letsch (link below this article). This writer comments that “A few streets down, Ferit’s schoolfriend Ahmet was sitting in his garden, chatting with his parents-in-law, Ibrahim and Meryem, who are from Homs. At the end of February they fled their house in Hamidiyeh, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood, to live with relatives in Tartous, and two weeks ago, they joined their daughter Rana, their three granddaughters and their son-in-law Ahmet in Samandagi.”

“Armed men of the opposition have destroyed all 12 churches in the neighbourhood of Hamidiyeh,” said Ahmet, a master tailor. He added that many houses had been severely damaged, while others had been vacated by people fleeing from the violent conflict in the city.”

“In some cases, opposition members allowed people to take their possessions,” Rana said. “But the insurgents live in the houses now, fighting against the army.”

“Asked if he had recognised any of the armed men, Ibrahim shook his head.”Their faces were covered. Some of them wore bandanas that said: ‘There is no God except Allah.’”

“Meryem said she has been threatened for not wearing a headscarf.”They told us: ‘We will cover you up, too’ and ‘It will be your turn [after the Alevis].’ We are very scared.”

In another article about Syria published by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “If democrats in the West believe that their version of history is winning, then not only do these people have blinkers on, but more alarming they are supporting forces which are hostile to democracy, religious pluralism, the rights of women, and all progressive forces. The Muslim Brotherhood, Saudi Arabian, and Western alliance, is a “strange bedfellow” if looked at rationally. Therefore, is the alliance based on Western governments supporting Islamism or is it based on naivety, a picture unseen, or other factors?”

“Either way, for Alawites, Christians, the Druze, Sunni Muslims, secularists, women, and so forth; the growing menace of radical Sunni Islam threatens the civilization of Syria and the multi-religious nature of this society. The so-called forces of “democracy” have killed over 2,000 soldiers and police officers in Syria; attacked Christians; threaten the rights of women; and are spreading their terrorism throughout Syria.”

It is essential that the FSA/terrorist organizations are forced out of major cities because until this happens then the bloodshed will just continue. The government of Syria can’t be forced to sit and watch, while terrorists continue to enter the country and internal mercenaries persecute religious minorities and women.

Turning back to the article by Constanze Letsch it was also stated that “Mehmet, the owner of a textile shop across the street, said he had had to fire all of his four employees.”Business dropped by 95%. There used to be many Syrians who came for a day or two to shop here, but that has stopped.” He paused. “Many of us want Bashar [al-Assad] to stay, and stability to return to Syria. We were better off before.”

“They are not the only Turks who quietly express support for the regime in Damascus. Religious minorities including Christians, Alevis (a Turkish Muslim sect) and Alawites (their Arabic-speaking counterparts) are increasingly anxious that the government’s active support for Syria’s armed opposition could have a distinctly negative upshot.”

“Cemil Mityasoglu, a Christian wholesale market trader from Antakya, summed it up: “For many Alevis and Christians, Syria seemed like a safe haven. For them it was reassuring to live so close to the Syrian border, knowing that they could always go there if things became ugly in Turkey.”

Whatever the real truth is about the situation in Syria and why so many Syrians have been killed. It clearly can’t be separated by the funding of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to spread radical Sunni Islam in Syria – and the political agreement with certain Western powers and Turkey to enter the “political vacuum,” which was opened by the so-called Arab Spring. The current situation in Syria began because of outside meddling and the ongoing chaos suits their agenda. After all, many outside nations desire direct military intervention in order to not only weaken Syria but to alter the political and religious landscape based on religious fundamentalism.

The religious mosaic of Syria is being threatened and the same applies to the rights of women. It is essential that political reforms come from within the government of Syria and with other political organizations which are opposed to outside meddling and terrorism. If the center in Syria collapses then a future nightmare awaits Syria because over 100,000 people in Iraq were killed and even today terrorism is a daily threat. Similarly, in Afghanistan you have had over 30 years of chaos and untold numbers of people have been killed because of outside meddling. This applies to firstly supporting radical Sunni Islamic terrorism and organizations – and then, after September 11, fighting former allies. Either way, both periods just engulfed the people of Afghanistan and after 30 years the country is worse off than before.

http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2012/04/26/414867.htm　

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/25/tough-times-turks-border-syria

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Japanese art and Bunjinga (Nanga): the influence of China and Korea in the Edo period

Japanese art and Bunjinga (Nanga): the influence of China and Korea in the Edo period

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The Bunjinga school of thought ran deep within the literati of Japan during the Edo period. Bunjin (literati) artists trace their artistic roots to the literati of China during the Song Dynasty (960-1267). However, the differences between the Japanese literati and Chinese literati, is notable because of the opposite side of the coin applying.  Also, the isolationist policies of Japan in the Edo period meant that bunjin artists didn’t have the complete picture of the cultural reality of the Song Dynasty.

Bunjinga is also called Nanga and on the British Museum website it states that “The Japanese Bunjinga school of literati ‘scholar-amateur’ artists flourished in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is also known as Nanga (‘Southern painting’). The school was based on the literati movement that developed in China over a long period of time as a reaction against the formal academic painting of the Northern Song dynasty (960-1126). Rather than technical proficiency, literati artists cultivated a lack of affectation in an attempt to tune in to the rhythms of nature. In Japan, this was only partially understood: many Japanese bunjin were simply trying to escape the restrictions of the academic Kanō and Tosa schools while imitating Chinese culture. At first, the only models available were woodblock-printed manuals such as the Kaishien gaden (‘Mustard Seed Garden’) and a few imported Chinese paintings. Some Chinese monks of the ōbaku Zen sect taught painting in Nagasaki. Unlike their Chinese counterparts, the Japanese bunjin were not necessarily carefree artists and scholars from wealthy, bureaucratic backgrounds, and many had to sell their work to make a living.”

The political reality of the Edo period meant that Japanese artists were forbidden to travel to China. This policy was called sakoku (locked country) and clearly this prevented the real study of the Song Dynasty.  Therefore, the free movement of people leaving or entering Japan was enforced strictly and only limited “windows” were open.

Given this, the real terminology should be kaikin (maritime prohibitions) but from the point of view of bunjingaartists, then clearly sakoku created major restrictions in their pursuit of knowledge and reality. Japan wasn’t fully isolated because cultural meeting points happened with the people of Ryuku (Okinawa) and the Ainu. Also, Nagasaki, and a few other places, enabled outside cultural interactions despite the severe limitations on “real interaction” based on the freedom of movement.

Bunjinga artists therefore resided in a world where restrictions were put in place and clearly even in the modern world certain nations are still hostile to outside influences which threaten the status quo. For example, in modern day Saudi Arabia all converts from Islam face death, just like all converts to Christianity faced death during the Edo period. Meanwhile, in North Korea this nation wants to maintain severe restrictions on the outside world based on political motives. In both Saudi Arabia and North Korea many windows are open in the field of trade. However, despite the huge differences of these two nations, you do see aspects of sakokudespite major cultural, political, religious, and other differences in these societies.

Therefore, the world of bunjinga artists in this period of history had severe restrictions to overcome. However, unlike ukiyo-e artists who focused on many aspects of Japanese culture, mythology, history, the spirit world, and so forth; for bunjinga artists their problems were different because of their admiration of Chinese culture. This meant that ukiyo-e artists could connect with the world they knew but for bunjinga artists much of their literati world was clouded by the restrictions of obtaining real knowledge of the world they wanted to portray.

Famous artists who followed the bunjinga school of thought applies to Gion Nankai, Sakaki Hyakusen, Yanagisawa Kien, Okada Beisanjin, Kameda Bosai, Hanabusa Itcho, Ike no Taiga, Watanabe Kazan, Tomioka Tessai, Yosa Buson, Uragami Gyokudo, Tani Buncho, Takahashi Sohei, Okada Hanko, Ki Baitei , Matsumura Goshun, Yokoi Kinkoku (1761-1832), Yamamoto Baiitsu, Nukina Kaioku, Takahashi Sohei, Nakabayashi Chikuto, and many others.

In an earlier article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “This school of thought flourished in the late Edo period and highlights the power of traditional Chinese culture in Japan despite the ongoing isolation of this nation. The bunjinga, the literati according to their mode of thinking, all had one binding feature and this applies to their deep admiration of traditional Chinese culture. This enabled their individuality to be linked together within the ideas and art work of bunjinga concepts.”

The Philadelphia Museum of Art comments that “The mid-eighteenth century in Japan was a time of political and social stability and economic prosperity. The Tokugawa family of military rulers (shogun) was firmly ensconced in the new eastern capital of Edo as the de facto political power, while the emperor reigned as spiritual and cultural sovereign in the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto in western Japan. Regional schools were established to spread the Chinese studies that the central government espoused along with the Confucian-based political system. The study of fields such as Chinese literature, music, and medicine became specializations among the educated elite of the newly rich merchant class as well.”

Therefore, while the Edo period is famous for being isolationist it is abundantly clear that the Tokugawa ruling elites spread the power of Chinese studies. This makes sense given the fact that the political system was Confucian based.

Influence of Korea

The role of Korea in this art movement is often neglected despite cultural interaction and influence which went in both directions. On the Princeton University Press website it is stated (based on the book by Burglind Jungmann) that “It is well known that Japanese literati painting of the eighteenth century was inspired by Chinese styles that found their way to Japan through trade relations. However, because Japanese and American art historians have focused on Japanese-Chinese ties, the fact that Japan also maintained important diplomatic–and aesthetic–relations with Korea during the same period has long been neglected. This richly illustrated, cogently argued book examines the role of Korean embassies in shaping the new Japanese literati style, known as Nanga in Japan.”

“Burglind Jungmann describes the eighteenth-century Korean-Japanese diplomatic exchange and the circumstances under which Korean and Japanese painters met. Since diplomatic relations were conducted on both sides by scholars with a classical Chinese education, Korean envoys and their Japanese hosts shared a deep interest in Chinese philosophy, literature, calligraphy, and painting. Texts, such as Ike Taiga’s letter to Kim Yusöng and Gion Nankai’s poem for Yi Hyön, and accounts by Korean and Japanese diplomats, give a vivid picture of the interaction between Korean and Japanese painters and envoys. Further, the paintings done by Korean painters during their sojourns in Japan attest to the transmission of a distinctly Korean literati style, called Namjonghwa. By comparing Korean, Japanese, and Chinese paintings, the author shows how the Korean interpretation of Chinese styles influenced Japanese literati painters and helped inspire the creation of their new style.”

The book by Burglind Jungmann called Painters as Envoys: Korean Inspiration in Eighteenth-Century Japanese Nanga is very intriguing because the Korean angle is neglected too much. However, cultural interaction within the richness of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese culture, went in all directions. Therefore, irrespective of the alterations which developed because of different cultural concepts within each different society – and within regions of all societies which had different energies and thought patterns – the Korean dimension is a reality and needs to be studied and highlighted more.

Timon Screech (School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London) comments that “This is an important book that will be useful to scholars and students alike. In elegant prose and with excellent scholarship, Burglind Jungmann proposes that Korean amateur painting had a large impact in Japan. This point has never been so closely argued before, in any language. The author has been diligent in finding little-known works in many collections around the world to support her claims. This is the first book on the subject, but it is much more than an introductory work.”

The bunjinga movement is interesting within the context of sakoku (locked country) because it opens up many intriguing questions. Also, the Korean dimension further hints at deep cultural interactions despite policies by the Tokugawa ruling elites.

Therefore, the bunjinga art movement is an area of great richness when it comes to art, thought patterns, cultural interaction, and understanding aspects of Japanese culture during the Edo period. Famous bunjingaartists have also left a rich legacy because of the art they left behind. This article is meant to intrigue people to delve into the many amazing artists who belonged to the bunjinga school of thought and then to focus on the shared civilization of Northeast Asia, despite the unique richness of all societies involved.

 

http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/108.html?page=3

http://press.princeton.edu/titles/7743.html 

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Syria and secularism faces the American-Saudi Arabian forces of Islamic Sharia law

Syria and secularism faces the American-Saudi Arabian forces of Islamic Sharia law

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Around 1 million people in the capital of Syria showing their support for Assad. Why don’t their voices count in the mass media?

The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, is hoping that “moderate forces” will try to find a solution whereby all sides sit down at the table and focus on recent political events in Syria. This is a far cry from statements coming out of Washington which are only focused on another Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, Libya, and so forth.

Equally important, if you turn the clock back to Afghanistan in 1979 before America, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and others, supported international terrorism and the “dark forces” of radical Sunni Islam; then a secular based Kabul and other major cities were trying to modernize and radically alter the dynamics of society. However, the American-Saudi Arabian axis of “Sunni Islamic militancy” had other draconian ideas and this led to the “Talibanization” of minds which now predominates throughout many parts of northwestern Pakistan and vast areas of Afghanistan. Therefore, the American-Saudi Arabian axis of “Sunni Islamic militancy” supported Islamic terrorism and ultra-conservative Islamic forces throughout the 1980s and 1990s. After all, when the Taliban rose to power and supported the killing of all converts to Christianity, killing homosexuals, enslaving women, and preventing any forms of democracy and secularism – this was fine with America in this period.

The American-Saudi Arabia ratlines meant that Sunni Islamic fanatics spread their hatred, including burning female schools down, and this happened under both Democratic and Republican governments. Yet September 11 witnessed “blowback” because former allies now turned against their former “masters” but of course American leaders still protected Saudi Arabia. After all, not one single Iraqi was involved in September 11 but ratlines reached far within Saudi Arabian circles and nearly everyone involved came from this nation.

Images of George Bush holding a sword in Saudi Arabia despite this nation supporting the beheadings of Muslim converts to Christianity, and then President Obama bowing to the leader of Saudi Arabia, was truly sickening given the reality that this nation is the most draconian in the world. After all, females in North Korea have more freedom than in Saudi Arabia whereby females can’t go shopping with males, are forbidden to drive cars, and will be whipped if not covered from head to toe.

Despite everything, and with the full knowledge that around 120,000 people have been killed in Iraq and that in Afghanistan you have a nation based on fear, Islamic Sharia law, inequality, and where all converts to Buddhism and Christianity face death – America isn’t content. Therefore, America, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and other nations, now want to turn Syria into “year zero” and destroy a multi-religious society because these nations can no longer claim ignorance. After all, the same methodology keeps on popping up. In the past “Sunni Islamic fanaticism” was aided and trained by ratlines involving the American-Saudi Arabian axis and this led to the role of women and minorities being crushed and even after the Cold War ended this policy is continuing. Given this reality, then this “global policy” should be condemned for unleashing the same brutal forces which have crushed women, religious minorities, secularism, moderate forces within Sunni Islam, and so forth.

Saudi Arabia must be laughing at the most powerful mainly Christian society in the world which is based on secularism because why is America supporting Islamization? In Iraq around 60% of all Christians have fled and the same applies to the vast majority of Mandaeans. Also, in Saudi Arabia not one single Christian church or Buddhist temple is allowed but this doesn’t stop President Obama from bowing down to the leaders of this nation.

The fall of the former leaders of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, and others, which were welcomed by political leaders in Washington, was replaced by nothing more than the rise of Islamic Sharia law and the de-humanization of non-Muslims and women. President Obama even welcomed the fall of Hosni Mubarak who was a staunch ally of America for decades and just like Hillary Clinton he continues with the spin. However, the ten million Coptic Christian minority in Egypt now faces greater Sharia Islamic law and persecution; the role of women will be put in “deeper shadows” when the power vacuum is handed over to Islamists; secular and liberal forces are becoming alienated from power mechanism; and even the Muslim Brotherhood was surprised by the showing of the Salafists who desire a Talibanization of society. Therefore, this highlights how out of touch the leaders of America are or that they are playing “an end-game” based on the wishes of Saudi Arabia – either way the end result is terrible because it isn’t based on democracy, secularism, or liberalism.

In Syria, the majority of members of the ruling party are moderate Sunni Muslims who share in a society whereby various Christian and Muslim sects have freedom. This religious freedom isn’t tolerated in the allies of Washington and this applies to Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Coptic Christians in Egypt are worried about their future because they know that forces of Sunni Islamic monoculture desire to turn the clock back and to Islamize all major institutions.

The Syria of Assad is a place where Alawites, the Druze, Christians, Sunni Muslims, secularists, socialists, and others, are part and parcel of society. Opposition forces desire to crush this multi-cultural and multi-religious society and obviously the role of women will suffer greatly. However, despite this the Western and Saudi Arabian propaganda machine is putting a spin on everything. Yet, if the Assad government collapses to the opposition then another Sunni Islamic monoculture will turn on the diversity within this nation because Alawites, Christians, the Druze, moderate Sunni Muslims, women, secularists, and so forth; will suffer at the hands of “conservative Sunni Islamic absolutism” and the richness of the Levant will be crushed like the richness of others nations which have fallen to Sharia Islamic law.

Afghanistan and Iraq were secular societies which were overthrown by America and its allies. Egypt is now entering a stage of growing Sharia Islamic law and anti-Christian persecution. Therefore, the “new Egypt” which was welcomed by President Obama, despite him not even knowing what the “new Egypt” was, is now showing its real color and it isn’t based on liberty. In 1983 the nation of Sudan introduced Islamic Sharia law and this was also welcomed and supported by America despite the fact that African Christians and Animists rejected this. The leader of Libya last year was overthrown and now you have the usual chaos and in time greater Islamization will take place whereby moderate secular forces and moderate Sunni Muslim forces will be crushed.

Given this reality, Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation commented in an article called “Russia and the Changing World” published in Moskovskie Novosti that “A year ago the world witnessed a new phenomenon – nearly simultaneous demonstrations against authoritarian regimes in many Arab countries. The Arab Spring was initially received with hope for positive change. People in Russia sympathized with those who were seeking democratic reform.”

“However, it soon became clear that events in many countries were not following a civilized scenario. Instead of asserting democracy and protecting the rights of the minority, attempts were being made to depose an enemy and to stage a coup, which only resulted in the replacement of one dominant force with another even more aggressive dominant force.”

“Foreign interference in support of one side of a domestic conflict and the use of power in this interference gave developments a negative aura. A number of countries did away with the Libyan regime by using air power in the name of humanitarian support. The revolting slaughter of Muammar Gaddafi – not just medieval but primeval – was the manifestation of these actions.”

“No one should be allowed to employ the Libyan scenario in Syria. The international community must work to achieve an internal Syrian reconciliation. It is important to achieve an early end to the violence no matter what the source, and to initiate a national dialogue – without preconditions or foreign interference and with due respect for the country’s sovereignty. This would create the conditions necessary to introduce the measures for democratization announced by the Syrian leadership. The key objective is to prevent an all-out civil war. Russian diplomacy has worked and will continue to work toward this end.”

The recent vote on the Constitution of Syria highlights the future direction of this nation but only a united Syria can provide a genuine future for all the people of this country irrespective of religion, sexuality, or no faith. Therefore, it is essential that the government and opposition forces seek compromise because the military solution and the encouragement of a civil war by the American-Saudi Arabian axis, will lead to the demise of a multi-cultural and multi-religious nation.

Saudi Arabia which is despotic and doesn’t tolerate one single Buddhist temple or Christian church and which crushes female emancipation, is happy about creating “mirror images” like Afghanistan which also supports killing apostates from Islam and trampling down on freedom. However, why is the secular nation of America which is overwhelmingly Christian following the same logic of “year zero?”

During the Cold War the United States tried to force “Agent Orange” democracy on the people of Vietnam and America also supported the massacre of millions of left-wing forces in Indonesia. In recent times the “moralistic” nation which went to war against Iraq “over a lie” is still whipping up hatred towards secular forces in order to maintain the American-Saudi Arabian axis. After all, the United States isn’t forcing the hand of Bahrain to accept a changing power balance and nor is America concerned about religious freedom and equal rights for women in Saudi Arabia.

The marriage of convenience now desires to destroy the last bastion of secularism in the Arabic speaking world. However, this shouldn’t be tolerated because the reality of what happened in Afghanistan could easily become the future of a “changing Syria,” which unleashes untold hatred towards religious minorities and reduces the role of women.

It is time for the nation of secularism to support the values that were founded by the American Constitution rather than supporting the dictates and blind hatred of Saudi Arabia which crushes all different thought patterns. After all, the “universal values of Saudi Arabia” supports killing apostates, killing homosexuals, shackling women, crushing the Shia, and clamping down on liberal Sunni Islam. The ruling elites in this nation oppose democracy, secularism, religious freedom, female equality, and other important areas to the hilt. Therefore, why is America “in bed” with Saudi Arabia and why does the United States desire to crush the last secular nation in the Arabic speaking Middle East?

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20120227/171547818.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Japan must reject American pressure against oil sanctions on Iran

Japan must reject American pressure against oil sanctions on Iran

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The United States is continuing to put pressure on Japan about sanctions against Iran’s oil industry and thankfully the Finance Minister of Japan, Jun Azumi, was sidelined after appearing to cave in several weeks ago. However, foreign policy specialists and many bureaucrats in Japan understand that this issue is extremely delicate and Japan doesn’t want to appear to be hostile towards Iran. After all, other nations have developed nuclear weapons like India and Pakistan and after making a lot of noise it appears that this issue is on a backburner in Washington.

Similar pressure is being put on South Korea but the issue in Japan is extremely severe because of the Fukushima nuclear crisis. Therefore, now is the wrong time for Japan to put even greater stress on a valuable source of energy. Surely America must understand that the “special relationship” between both nations must be based on greater equality and that this demand is too great given the internal energy crisis in Japan.

The vast majority of nuclear reactors are not in working order in Japan at the moment and nobody knows the real future of this sector within Japan. At the same time, alternative sources of energy will mean that Japan is taking sides in a dispute which doesn’t concern Japan at the moment. After all, Iran is not a threat to Japan and both nations have cordial relations.

From a Japanese perspective, if Washington truly cares, then why is Iran a bigger concern than the nuclear stockpile of China and continuing modernization of the armed forces of this nation? It is unimaginable that Iran would ever threaten Japan or create a major international war based on irrationality.

Also, from Iran’s point of view then it is inconceivable that nations like Pakistan and Israel have the right to defend themselves but Iran doesn’t. This isn’t implying that Israel and Pakistan don’t have the right to develop nuclear weapons when all the major powers have a nuclear arsenal. However, from Iran’s geopolitical point of view then the nuclear arsenal of Israel and Pakistan may be making policy makers in Tehran nervous.

While all the focus is on relations between Iran and Israel the real uncertain nation is Pakistan. The Taliban and other Sunni Islamic extremists have killed and massacred Shia Muslims in Afghanistan and Pakistan and for this reason Iran supported anti-Taliban and anti-Al Qaeda forces in the past. Ironically, Iran had this policy when America still had open relations with the Taliban prior to September 11 which was done by Sunni Islamic extremists who were mainly Saudi Arabian nationals.

Also, the central state of Iran is much more dynamic and in control of the nation rather than the reality in Pakistan. This fact can’t be debated currently and China is seriously concerned about this issue despite having very good relations with Pakistan. The possibility of a failed state in Pakistan is a nightmare because radical Sunni Islamists in this nation are extremely militant and this applies to being anti-Shia, anti-India, anti-democratic, anti-secular, and so forth. Therefore, nations should be more focused on the power of central forces in Pakistan and the internal Sunni Islamic jihad against the Pakistan army rather than Iran.

This isn’t underplaying the Iranian issue but surely this “game” concerns America, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Lebanon (Hezbollah and links with Iran), and other regional nations, irrespective of being pro or anti Iran. However, it isn’t an issue which should concern Japan from a military angle. Instead, Japan should be trying to influence greater restraint on all sides and be a “middle broker” in order to contain negative forces from either side.

Much is mentioned about the US and Iran relationship but this is also complex because America left “a window of opportunity” for Iran to break the arms embargo which had been put on Bosnia during the three sided civil war. Also, Iranian intelligence clearly gave tacit approval of the American led invasion of Iraq because Iran knew that this would end a regime which was anti-Iranian and in the long term the power shift would work in the favor of the Shia.

In a recent article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “If political leaders in Tokyo believe that Iran is a threat to the national security of Japan or that Iran is an international threat, then clearly Japan must state this categorically and not hide behind the political intrigues in Washington. However, Iran does not have any ill intent towards Japan and clearly with China, India, Israel, and Pakistan, having nuclear weapons in Asia, it is understandable for Iran to be concerned about this reality from their respective geopolitical point of view.”

“It must be stated that September 11, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have one common theme and this applies to radical Sunni Muslims being involved in the deaths of American civilians and American soldiers. The Shia community in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have not protected or funded global terrorist networks which were responsible for September 11, London, Bali, and countless terrorist attacks in Iraq and Pakistan. Therefore, the government in Tehran is much more responsible than the ruling elites in Saudi Arabia which have many ratlines and hidden agendas.”

Liu Weimin a ministry spokesperson for the government of China commented that “To place one country’s domestic law above international law and press others to obey is not reasonable.” Other nations share this point of view and if America believes that Iran is a threat to the security of America, then Washington should deal with this without putting pressure on Japan. After all, the pressing concerns for Japan are many and this notably applies to the energy shortfall after the devastating March 11 tsunami and the ongoing Fukushima crisis.

It must also be stated the tangle web of America and Saudi Arabia is not aimed at democracy and human rights, after all just look at the crisis in Bahrain whereby the Shia face daily oppression and outside meddling from Saudi Arabia. The Shia community is also often attacked in Yemen and Japan can’t afford to take sides in “a dirty political game” which is taking place.

Of course Japan must maintain the strong relationship between Washington and Tokyo when it applies to Northeast Asia and other important issues. However, the nuclear crisis in Iran isn’t a national security issue for Japan and the neutral nature of Japan’s foreign policy must be respected.

If political leaders in Tokyo believe that the government of Tehran is a threat to the security concerns of Japan and the international community, then Japan must fall in line. Yet clearly senior politicians in Japan don’t share this view and the main concern for the people of Japan is maintaining the economy and having a steady flow of energy. Therefore, the timing is wrong and Japan shouldn’t get involved in the American-Saudi Arabian alliance against Iran.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Korean International Style Show in Tokyo Jan 25/26/27: Fashion and K-pop

Korean International Style Show in Tokyo Jan 25/26/27: Fashion and K-pop

Michel Lebon and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

In Tokyo (http://www.mbcjapan.net/kiss/) the buzzing nature of Korean fashion and K-pop will be on show for three days starting on January 25. The “Korean wave” which is spreading internationally and growing in power in distant lands, will be on show in the ultra-modern city of Tokyo. Also, while the K-pop phenomena is internationally known because of the vibrancy of the younger generation in South Korea, this three day event will also focus on Korean fashion and show the buzzing nature of fashion in this nation which is rich in culture and history.

The event will be held at Yoyogi National Gymnasium in trendy Tokyo and this building is in walking distance of the amazing fashion district of Harajuku. Girls Award presents KISS (Korean International Style Show) and clearly everything is being prepared for a stunning fashion and K-pop event which will reverberate throughout Tokyo.

The Korean fashion angle is showing the natural extension of the vibrant K-pop music scene because both flow naturally together. More important, the fashion and music vibes of Tokyo, Seoul, Busan, Osaka, and other major cities in Japan and South Korea respectively, are in high demand and with the economic power of major international cities like Tokyo then these are exciting times.

Stunning models will also enhance the fashion vibes of South Korea. Also, the “Tokyo apple pie” and “Osaka apple pie” continues to attract amazing K-pop groups and soloists from South Korea. Therefore, this event will highlight the energy and vibrancy of fashion and K-pop and show the synergy of both nations.

Japanese fashion will also be highlighted despite the main focus being South Korean fashion. Also, Lumine which is adored in Japan will show the huge crowd why this department store is one step ahead. The mixture of Japanese fashion being in the background but providing a nice angle is a really nice touch and Lumine will express the trends within the Tokyo and Japanese fashion scene.

On the first day on January 25 high end fashion companies will be showing their latest trends and the elegance of South Korean fashion. This applies to Lie Sang Bong, Doho, Couronne, and Resurrection by Juyoung. Japanese fashion brands will also be on show and this applies to Dresscamp and Loveless x MCM.

The following day on January 26 will witness the buzzing South Korean fashion trends of Spicy Color, Mag/Mag (Magnificon/Magnificent), Who A.U. California Dream, and LAP (Los Angeles Project). Lumine will also compliment proceedings by showing the vibe of this amazing department store which is based throughout Tokyo. This day promises to be high action and will show a different angle to day one.

The final day of this three day event will highlight South Korean street fashion from the shopping mall Doota. This applies to brands which can be found in this trendy shopping mall in South Korea and brands on show will be Blooming, Gshopgirl, Senorita, Cres.edim, The Style, and Le Queen Couture. On the same day the Japanese fashion brand Guild Prime will highlight their latest products.

Of course the music aspect is very important and currently 33,000 tickets have been sold. K-pop groups on show include Kara, Girls’ Generation, After School, T-ara, CN Blue, Beast, Sistar, F-T Island, 4 Minute, Rainbow, Secret, and Infinite.

Kara, Girls’ Generation, After School, and T-ara, are often highlighted in the media in Japan because these stunning bands have enabled the “Korean Wave” to grow and prosper in Japan. BoA laid the foundation stone and this stunning soloist is still going strong because her recent track “Milestone” was full of emotion and passion. Therefore, for all K-pop lovers in Tokyo and throughout Japan, this is a great chance to witness amazing music acts from South Korea and to view the buzzing nature of South Korean fashion.

The three day event is a must for all individuals who adore K-pop and the fashion scene.

 

http://www.mbcjapan.net/kiss/ – Website for full details of the event

http://www.liesangbong.com/gb/index.php

http://www.whoau.com/engCover/index.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

:

 

Saudi Arabia, Sept 11 & no churches: never mind, more military sales from US and UK

Saudi Arabia, Sept 11 & no churches: never mind, more military sales from US and UK

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

International terrorism, the radical Sunni Islamic angle, and massive funding coming out of Saudi Arabia, is clear for all to see despite the continuing lambast of Iran. Indeed, the vast majority of individuals involved in September 11 came from Saudi Arabia and only Saudi Arabian funding schools have preached hatred towards Christians, Jews, and others, in the United Kingdom. However, despite this, and much more, the clattering of commerce outweighs everything.

Therefore, political leaders who only care about democracy when the time suits their political objectives, send innocent American and British soldiers to distant lands whereby many are killed or disabled. At the same time political leaders play the democracy and “shared civilization card” but under all the political manipulation both nations continue to pander to Saudi Arabia.

It matters not if the government is Democratic or Republican in America, or if Conservative or Labour in the United Kingdom – because the central theme of supporting Saudi Arabia remains the same. This means that elected officials in both nations abuse the political system in order to support the most undemocratic, gender biased, and hater of religious diversity on the face of this planet. Yes, this applies to Saudi Arabia which crushes all diversity and maintains a firm gender apartheid and religious system.

Astonishingly, despite the complete mass discrimination of Saudi Arabia this nation sponsors major Islamic networks throughout the world in order to spread conservative Islam. In return, the West and the non-Muslim East sells its soul and demands nothing in return. The upshot of all this is that not one single Christian church, Buddhist temple, Shinto shrine, Zoroastrian temple, Hindu temple, Jewish synagogue, and other non-Muslim places of worship like the Sikh faith, is tolerated.

More alarming, all male Saudi converts to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, or to any non-Muslim faith, face the death penalty for merely leaving the Islamic faith. Also, from a gender point of view you have female apartheid because Saudi women are not allowed to own their own passports and to mix freely in society. Indeed, several years ago many young girls were allowed to burn to death because the fire services feared being punished for entering a female school. This all happens in the land of institutional hatred and where brave Saudi individuals face massive intolerance at the hands of the state apparatus.

Shia Muslims also face severe oppression and in many of the higher institutions of Saudi Arabia the followers of Shia Islam are denied full representation. At the same time the government of Saudi Arabia is helping the Sunni Muslim elite to clampdown on the Shias of Bahrain and many Shia followers have been killed by Saudi Arabian duplicity in Yemen.

Currently the leader of the United Kingdom is in Saudi Arabia whereby he hopes to “broaden and deepen” the UK-Saudi relationship. Of course, the relationship is all one sided because non-Muslims have no equality in Saudi Arabia and women, homosexuals, the followers of the Shia, face so much discrimination. However, the military expansion of this religious and gender apartheid nation will continue because of new enormous military contracts.

Recently, the ethical policy of the Obama administration was seen for what it is after announcing a 60 billion dollar military deal with Saudi Arabia. Clearly the leader of the United Kingdom will follow suit and announce another major arms deal with the most authoritarian and draconian nation in the world where religious freedom and gender equality is crushed.

The terrorist angle and September 11 should have woken many people up because the US and UK were involved in murky dealings in the past in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Pakistan, to name just a few. Therefore, the CIA and other covert ratlines in the 1980s and 1990s were allies of radical Sunni Islam in several parts of the world because of so-called security concerns.

David E. Kaplan in his article called How billions in oil money spawned a global terror network which was published in U.S. News, commented that “The evidence was indisputable: Saudi Arabia. America’s longtime ally and the world’s largest oil producer had somehow become, as a senior Treasury Department official put it, “the epicenter” of terrorist financing. This didn’t come entirely as a surprise to intelligence specialists. But until the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. officials did painfully little to confront the Saudis not only on financing terror but on backing fundamentalists and jihadists overseas. Over the past 25 years, the desert kingdom has been the single greatest force in spreading Islamic fundamentalism, while its huge, unregulated charities funneled hundreds of millions of dollars to jihad groups and al Qaeda cells around the world. Those findings are the result of a five-month investigation by U.S. News. The magazine’s inquiry is based on a review of thousands of pages of court records, U.S. and foreign intelligence reports, and other documents. In addition, the magazine spoke at length with more than three dozen current and former counterterrorism officers, as well as government officials and outside experts in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.”

It is apparent that Saudi Arabian ratlines got away with September 11 and religious leaders in the West and non-Muslim East have been shackled by political governments and political correctness which is switched on and off at random. The outcome is that the nation of Saudi Arabia continues to fund conservative Islam to the tune of over 100 billion dollars since the mid-1970s in the non-Muslim world. However, not one Buddhist temple and Christian church is allowed in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, not surprisingly nations like the UK now have around 100,000 converts to Islam with the vast majority being followers of the Sunni faith.

Saudi Arabia for decades funded a major Sunni Islamization policy and more militant individuals sponsored global terrorism. The Al-Shabaab in Somalia doesn’t dress and behave in traditional Somali ways and militants in Northern Nigeria are spreading the sword to Christians and moderate Muslims.

Irrespective of everything, including inaction after September 11, ignoring the real facts before this event, continuing to ignore the real long-term objective of conservative Sunni Islamic elites in this nation, maintaining the threat of killing all apostates, gender apartheid, and other draconian realities – it is more military sales from the nations of America and the United Kingdom. The ongoing silence about the reality of Saudi Arabia refusing religious freedom, political freedom, and gender freedom, shames both nations and many others which also ignore this reality.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/031215/15terror.htm Terrorist network

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1874471.stm Girls allowed to be burnt alive because they weren’t covered up – the reality of Saudi Arabia

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2011/12/19/siege-of-mecca-and-juhayman-al-otaibi-cia-and-gign-operatives-converted-to-islam/ - The Siege of Mecca and Juhayman al-Otaibi and CIA and GIGN operatives converted to Islam

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

North Korea: Associated Press news agency opens a bureau in Pyongyang

North Korea: Associated Press news agency opens a bureau in Pyongyang

Joachim de Villiers and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

North Korea gave the go ahead for the Associated Press news agency to open a small bureau in the capital Pyongyang on January 16, 2012. This is a very important scoop for this news agency because it is the first Western based agency to open up a bureau in North Korea. Therefore, irrespective of the size of the new office it is a positive start and much needed.

It is unsure if Kim Jong-un, the new leader of North Korea, rushed up the process or if he is firmly behind supporting the move. However, it would be welcome if he supported this because it would be a positive sign that the new leader is focused on opening-up North Korea in the field of economics and other important areas.

Other international agencies have a presence in Pyongyang, for example Xinhau from China, but like it was stated earlier the new Associated Press bureau is the first Western news agency. However, it is clear that this move will be welcomed by Xinhau and other agencies because it will enable more coverage to reach the international community. This fact must be welcomed by all individuals who are interested in “the real facts and stories” in North Korea because the vast majority of articles carry little substance and are biased to an extreme.

It is understood that the new bureau will be supervised from South Korea and will involve two journalists from North Korea who will be based in Pyongyang. Associated Press opened a video bureau in the capital of North Korea in 2006 and clearly this laid the foundation stone.

Bridges in many areas need to be built between North Korea and the international community and this is a positive step. Also, it will be interesting to follow the news coming out of North Korea and how it is reported. After all, this will provide details about the real substance of this new venture.

John Daniszewski from Associated Press commented that “For North Korea, which for decades has remained largely off-limits to international journalists, the opening marked an important gesture, particularly because North Korea and the United States have never had formal diplomatic relations. The AP, an independent 165-year-old news cooperative founded in New York and owned by its U.S. newspaper membership, has operations in more than 100 countries and employs nearly 2,500 journalists across the world in 300 locations.”

“The bureau puts AP in a position to document the people, places and politics of North Korea across all media platforms at a critical moment in its history, with Kim’s death and the ascension of his young son as the country’s new leader, Curley said in remarks prepared for the opening.”

This move by Associated Press is very positive because it provides “a bridge” to the international community. Also, this news agency is internationally famous and because of this the readership is vast throughout the world.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Japan bows down to America and reduces Iran oil imports: China remains neutral

Japan bows down to America and reduces Iran oil imports: China remains neutral

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The United States put pressure on China and Japan to introduce sanctions on Iran’s oil industry and sadly Japan showed its weakness once more. However, China showed its independence by remaining neutral. After all, the government of America is an ally of Pakistan despite the complex relationship. Also, it is clear that India and Pakistan continue to spend vast sums on their respective military capabilities, including the nuclear angle. This in itself shows the lack of either sincerity or commitment on behalf of America and other nations like France which lambast Iran over the nuclear issue.

If political leaders in Tokyo believe that Iran is a threat to the national security of Japan or that Iran is an international threat, then clearly Japan must state this categorically and not hide behind the political intrigues in Washington. However, Iran does not have any ill intent towards Japan and clearly with China, India, Israel, and Pakistan, having nuclear weapons in Asia, it is understandable for Iran to be concerned about this reality from their respective geopolitical point of view.

Therefore, Japan should only follow suit on the grounds of national interests and the interest of the international community. However, the national interest of Japan isn’t threatened by Iran and the international community is divided on this issue because of so many internal pressing issues throughout every continent. This fact would imply that Japan bowed down to the “messenger,” US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, because why is Japan deciding on this now?

It must be stated that September 11, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have one common theme and this applies to radical Sunni Muslims being involved in the deaths of American civilians and American soldiers. The Shia community in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have not protected or funded global terrorist networks which were responsible for September 11, London, Bali, and countless terrorist attacks in Iraq and Pakistan. Therefore, the government in Tehran is much more responsible than the ruling elites in Saudi Arabia which have many ratlines and hidden agendas.

The Finance Minister of Japan, Jun Azumi, commented that “In the past five years, we have reduced… the amount of oil imported (from Iran).” He further continued by stating that “We wish to take planned and concrete steps to further reduce this share, which now stands at 10%.”

However, after the devastating March 11 tsunami hit Japan in 2011 this unleashed the tragedy of the nuclear crisis in Fukushima. Therefore, Japan is already facing many energy shortfalls and this political burden will further put pressure on political leaders in Tokyo.

Timothy Geithner commented that ”We are working very closely with Europe and Japan and allies around the world to substantially increase the amount of pressure we bring on Iran…We very much appreciate the support Japan has provided standing with us and the international community in support of this very important strategic objective.”

China took a neutral stance because political leaders made it clear that they hoped for a resolution to be found between Iran and the nuclear watchdog (International Atomic Energy Agency). Also, political leaders in Beijing stressed that oil related issues should not be solved by relating this to the nuclear issue. Liu Weimin a ministry spokesperson for the government of China commented that “To place one country’s domestic law above international law and press others to obey is not reasonable.”

Japan also stressed that they will seek more oil exports from other nations in the Gulf. However, at a time when Shia Muslims are being persecuted in Bahrain and continue to be second-class citizens in Saudi Arabia – then this would appear to be taking an anti-Iran stance for no reason. Therefore, political leaders in Tokyo should think more deeply before becoming entangled in the web of America and Saudi Arabia.

If Japan sincerely believes that Iran is a threat to the national security of Japan and that this nation threatens the international community, then by all means Japan must stand firm with America. However, it would appear that Japan doesn’t believe this and that the only binding factor is the pressure put on Tokyo by political leaders in Washington. The timing for Japan, with internal energy problems, could not be worse and domestic issues should have meant more than the political meddling of America and Saudi Arabia.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

Fashion in South Korea: Kpopsicle & the trends of Seoul, Tokyo and K-pop

Fashion in South Korea: Kpopsicle & the trends of Seoul, Tokyo and K-pop

Michel Lebon and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Kpopsicle ( http://kpopsicle.com) is a stunning South Korean fashion company which is based in South Korea and America. In recent years the buzzing nature of Seoul, Tokyo, Busan, Osaka, Kobe, and other major cities in South Korea and Japan have impacted internationally. This applies to Tokyo being one of the most fashionable cities in the world, the growing rise of K-pop (Korean pop music), kawaii culture, modern technology from both nations, anime, and a host of other factors.

Of course both nations are also famous because of their rich and unique cultures and Japan and South Korea share many common themes. Most notable, it was Koreans who introduced Buddhism to Japan and not surprisingly both nations also modernized rapidly because of the emphasis on education in both countries.

Kpopsicle (https://twitter.com/#!/kpopsicle_com/followers) fashion have harnessed the richness of Korean culture and put a heavy emphasis on clothes and accessories being made in Korea. The reason behind this is to guarantee extreme quality and to utilize the richness of fabrics, designs, and techniques in Korea, which creates such elegant clothes and accessories.

Therefore, Kpopsicle is aimed at providing stunning Korean style clothes, monitoring the fashion streets of Japan and the collective buzz of Asian style, in order to cater for the needs of modern and trendy women all over the world. At the same time, the company refuses to compromise with quality because this is the firm foundation of Kpopsicle. Given this, it is clear by the products on sale that the vibes of K-pop style, the streets of Seoul, Tokyo, Busan, Osaka, Kobe, and others can be felt, alongside the elegance of modern fashion which is highlighted through dramas on television in South Korea and Japan.

Throughout Asia K-pop stars are making headlines daily because of groups and soloists like BoA, Girls’ Generation, Kara, Kan Mi Youn, Orange Caramel (a sub unit from After School), G.Na, After School, A Pink, T-ara, Sistar, and many more. Also, K-pop is starting to expand in Europe and America and individuals like BoA know the international market. This musical vibe is also impacting on the fashion scene because all the above are fashion conscious and their images are being replicated and admired throughout Asia and further afield.

Kpopsicle is therefore utilizing high quality online fashion with the vibrant nature of the fashion industry in major cities in Asia, the K-pop music scene, Japanese street fashion, the buzz of Seoul, and fusing this with the creativity of Korean designers. The outcome of this is stunning fashion which suits the streets of Harajuku, Omotesando, Ebisu, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and other trendy areas in Tokyo, and the same applies to other areas of high octane fashion throughout Asia.

Also, the website of Kpopsicle is user-friendly and they highlight their fashion by showing all products from different angles. Not only this, they can be contacted easily via facebook, twitter, and other social mediums. Another nice aspect of Kpopsicle is that you can read important sections in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Spanish.

The elegant and stylish nature of Kpopsicle fashion speaks for itself by the images in this article and by viewing the website of Kpopsicle. Therefore, if you are a modern lady who adores fashion then Kpopsicle is only a click away and the same applies to any males who want to buy gifts for their girlfriends, sisters, friends, and so forth.

Kpopsicle harnesses many aspects of Asia with the outcome being a truly stunning international online fashion company.

 http://kpopsicle.com　 Kpopsicle – STUNNING FASHION AT THE CLICK OF A BUTTON

https://twitter.com/#!/kpopsicle_com/followers　 Kpopsicle twitter account

ALL IMAGES FROM  http://www.kpopsicle.com/　AND BELONG TO Kpopsicle

leejay@hotmail.com　

http://moderntokyotimes.com