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Category Archives: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND GLOBAL NEWS

This blog is based on my own writing and not on others. I write for The Seoul Times, South Korea, and other organizations.

Japan tourism and Fukushima: Abukuma Cave, Koriyama, and Ura-Bandai

Japan tourism and Fukushima: Abukuma Cave, Koriyama, and Ura-Bandai

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

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Fukushima is a stunning prefecture in Japan which is awash with amazing landscapes where people can escape the stresses of life. Koriyama is the commercial capital of Fukushima prefecture and for many tourists this city is an ideal base. Also, since the events of March 11, 2011, this part of Japan received international attention because of the nuclear crisis but for the vast majority of this lovely prefecture, life is in full swing and is open for business. Therefore, for internal tourists in Japan and international tourists, it is a great way to support the local economy and at the same time have an amazing holiday because of the stunning nature of Fukushima.

Koriyama is an ideal base because of the amenities available which are top notch. This applies to high quality hotels, modern transport system which is served by the Shinkansen train system, excellent restaurants, stylish boutiques and a buzzing fashion scene, accessible to many places to visit, and a host of other factors. Indeed, it is clear that Koriyama in 2012 is a dynamic city which is the heart of the ongoing development of this beautiful prefecture.

The Abukuma Cave in Fukushima is a great place to visit because this limestone cave is well looked after and provides amazing views inside. Individuals are given two options which apply to a relaxing walk within Abukuma Cave. Therefore, for individuals who are not so healthy then this walk is advised because you can enjoy at your own leisure. However, if you are healthy and adore a challenge then the complex route is most rewarding. Yet be prepared for two or three very difficult areas where you have to nearly crawl in order to get through and continue your walk.

Scenic views within the cave are enthralling and clearly this limestone cave is well preserved and serves tourism in Fukushima extremely well. The views outside Abukuma Cave are also richly rewarding and you have other tourist attractions to enjoy. Therefore, a visit to Abukuma Cave is extremely rewarding and the history behind the formation of stalactites and stalagmites is very interesting.

Another amazing places to visit in Fukushima is Ura-Bandai and this notably applies to Goshiki-numa (five ponds of color). Of course the entire area is awash with amazing scenary and walks to enjoy. Yet the walk in Goshiki-numa is extremely rewarding and will always stay with you because of the stunning scenary and the richness of color. The reason behind the different colors of ponds, and why you have so many ponds and lakes, is because of the volcanic eruption of 1888 which flowed naturally into the Nagase-gawa which is a major river.

Most notable lakes and ponds that were created after the lava from the eruption in 1888 occurred apply to Nakase-numa Pond, Lake Onogawa-ko, Oguni-numa Pond, Lake Hibara-ko, and Lake Akimoto-ko. You also have a wealth of marsh areas. In total you have more than 100 ponds and lakes within the Ura-Bandai area (Bandai-kogen Highlands) and the Goshiki-numa (five ponds of color) walk is a must for all nature lovers. After all, the richness of different colors is a wonder to behold and the walking trail is really enjoyable and for photographers it is a paradize.

Also, for lovers of art and culture you have a stunning museum to visit called Morohashi Museum of Modern Art. The architecture of this museum is really pleasing on the eye and the backdrop of stunning mountains and a stream passing by the art gallery is truly inspiring and melts the heart.

The Morohashi Museum of Modern Art concentrates on such great artists like Paul Cezanne, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. Currently, you have a major exhibition which highlights the work of Salvador Dali. Also, within this lovely art museum you have many galleries to explore other artists and you also have a nice place to drink coffee and eat cake. This enchanting museum is a must place to visit because it provides a lovely cultural angle which blends naturally within the stunning scenary of Ura-Bandai.

Throughout Fukushima you have many amazing places to visit and given the circumstances of March 11, 2011, it is essential for internal tourists to support the local economy. The same applies to international tourists because Fukushima prefecture and the Tohoku region needs to recover completely from the devastation of the tsunami which killed so many individuals and caused havoc.

At the same time, tourists will be richly rewarded because Fukushima prefecture is a real gem. In Koriyama you will notice a thriving commercial centre where fashion is a major feature. From this ideal base you can visit many tourist attractions including stunning mountain ranges, lakes, ponds, the amazing Abukuma Cave, Tsuruga Castle, Oyaku-en Garden, and so much more. Simply put, Fukushima prefecture is an ideal location for tourists to enjoy stunning nature and relax by visiting an onsen, whereby you can refresh your body and mind.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/fukushima/bandaikougen.html

http://dali.jp/english/ – The Morohashi Museum of Modern Art

http://www.tohokukanko-fukkou.jp/en/371.html Ura-bandai and Goshiki-numa

Art image – MARC CHAGALL  - currently on show at The Morohashi Museum of Modern Art

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

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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 thatThese 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

 

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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

 

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Syria: outsiders support terrorism and US & Saudi Arabian jigsaw under Obama

Syria: outsiders support terrorism and US & Saudi Arabian jigsaw under Obama

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The so-called “Friends of Syria People” held a meeting in Turkey, a nation which invaded Cyprus and where the Kurds have been brutally suppressed for decades, with the end result being to increase terrorist forces and to ignite sectarianism. Issues related to preventing further bloodshed, crushing terrorism, genuine dialogue, and so forth; were clearly not on the agenda. Instead the most hostile forces showed their hand by supporting mutiny, arming the terrorist opposition, and seeking to weaken the position of Syria in the Middle East.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed her dismay at the Istanbul meeting which stipulated supporting the military option by providing greater logistical support. She commented that this will “run counter to the goal of a peaceful settlement of the Syrian problem.”

In an article published by RIA Novosti (Russian Federation) it is stated that “Calls by some of the countries in the Friends of Syria People group to supply arms and render logistical support to the Syrian opposition are at odds with the Syrian peace plan outlined in the UN-backed Annan Plan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.”

However, “the Syrian problem” is clearly not an internal issue which can be solved by all interested parties. On the contrary, the Istanbul meeting highlights the role of outside meddling and that certain nations not only ignited the crisis but they desire to enforce their diktat on the Syrian people. This applies to supporting sectarianism, terrorism, and an agenda which will destroy the last major bastion of secularism in the Arabic speaking Middle East. Therefore, the war mongering reality of the “Friends of Syria People” was made clear by Hillary Clinton who is intent on doing the bidding of Saudi Arabia and other nations which have ulterior motives.

America, not content with the deadly carnage of over 100,000 people being killed in Iraq, and knowing that sectarianism haunts this nation, is still intent on spreading disinformation and more chaos to the Middle East. Obviously, issues related to 90% of Christians fleeing Homs in Syria means nothing to the American administration. This isn’t surprising because 60% of all Christians have fled the carnage of Iraq after the American led invasion and at no time did this concern the political hierarchy in Washington.

Syria under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad supports the unity of the Syrian people irrespective of religion. Secularism is the binding theme which enables different sects within Islam and Christianity to co-exist and the same applies to the Druze community. However, the “radical Sunni Islamic agenda” of Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Brotherhood, Al Qaeda, and other “dark forces,” care little about religious pluralism and the rights of women. Instead, they all want to crush “progressive forces” which support modernization and a strong unitary state based on religious pluralism. After all, “the reality of Syria” shames the gender and religious apartheid of Saudi Arabia.

Sunni Muslim clerics in Syria who support a unified Syria also have much to fear from “radical Sunni Islamic forces.” They know full well that in nations like Pakistan that firstly the Sunni Islamists attacked the role of women; then they persecuted non-Muslims; this was followed by attacking Ahmadiyya Muslims; then sectarian attacks killed thousands of Shia; and now moderate Sunni Muslim leaders face death and persecution if they support religious co-existence and speak out against Sunni Islamists. Equally alarming, is that the “ray of sunshine” within the Sunni Islamic community is then “strangled” by Sunni Islamic indoctrination emanating from Saudi Arabia – with the upshot being the crushing of natural diverse thought patterns because of “the rule of fear.”

In Indonesia, a nation where secularism is enshrined it is clear that “traditional Sunni Islam” in this land is also facing the “wrath of the Sunni Islamic inquisition.” In Somalia the same is happening because Sufi Muslims are now deemed to be infidels and clearly the hands of Saudi Arabia and international terrorism are behind the rise of such backwardness and hatred. Therefore, the rich civilization of Syria, which is nurtured by all the communities of this nation, faces an uphill struggle to preserve their richness from the encroachment of Talibanization and outside meddling.

Homs, the media distortion, is a precursor of what the opposition would do to the people of Syria. This applies to sectarianism and the religious cleansing of minorities based on the reality that the vast majority of Christians have been forced to flee to areas under the control of the Syrian army. Indeed, the Syrian army is a unified military whereby all religious communities serve the people of Syria by fighting to protect the “rich mosaic of this nation” from hostile forces which seek chaos and sectarianism.

It is abundantly clear that Sunni Islamic terrorism is spreading its hatred against all moderate forces in Syria. Terrorists and their ideology of hate seek to rule by fear and the victims of their hatred are all moderates within Syria irrespective of religious affiliation or having no religion. Therefore, the government of Syria and the armed forces are inclusive and central mechanisms are fighting to protect the “rich mosaic of Syria” from the “dark forces” of “monoculture.”

In an article by Anne Barnard, New York Times, called Syrian Rebels Continue Assassination Campaign, Killing 2 Military Officials, it is stated that “It was hard to tell whether the assassinations represented a coincidence or a new degree of organization on the part of rebels who recently announced the formation of military councils in various cities to coordinate the loosely knit armed groups.”

“Either way, the tactics — along with roadside bombings of military vehicles and buses carrying pro-government fighters — are similar to those of insurgents in places like Iraq, where the American military characterized them as “terrorist” attacks, as Mr. Assad does.”

“Mr. Assad and his supporters say that they have the right to use force against an unpredictable armed movement that is attacking institutions of the state — and that Western critics of his military response are hypocrites.”

It would appear that Iraq means nothing to the American administration and this applies to the one hundred thousand plus individuals who died; the dire reality of sectarianism; the negative impact of the “new Iraq” for women; the 60% reduction of the Christian community; and other negatives which means that Iraq is still suffering from a war based on “the manipulation of language” and “fabrication.” The Obama administration appears not to even care for innocent American soldiers who were forced into the “Iraqi quagmire” by political leaders who had an agenda. After all, the Obama administration knows full well that the same Sunni Islamic terrorist networks which killed innocent civilians and thousands of American soldiers in Iraq – is now, astonishingly, the same network which is being used by the so-called opposition in order to spread carnage in Syria (following the Libya model). This means that the Obama administration and individuals like Hillary Clinton are in the same anti-Bashar al-Assad alliance, which includes terrorist networks that killed American soldiers. For it is abundantly clear that Sunni Islamists based in Iraq are now moving to Syria and killing innocents.

Hillary Clinton during an interview with the BBC comments that “We have a very dangerous set of actors in the region, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and those who are on our terrorist list, to be sure, supporting – claiming to support the opposition [in Syria].” If you watch the video by the BBC (link provided at the end of the article) then right at the end Hillary Clinton comments that “many parts of Syria are unaffected” but what she doesn’t say is that this is because these areas are firmly under the control of the government of Syria.

In the interview with the BBC it is clear that Hillary Clinton isn’t giving information about the bigger picture. However, in The Daily Telegraph (United Kingdom paper) in an article called Libya’s new rulers offer weapons to Syrian rebels which was written by Ruth Sherlock, it is stated that “”There is something being planned to send weapons and even Libyan fighters to Syria,” said a Libyan source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “There is a military intervention on the way. Within a few weeks you will see.”

“The Telegraph has also learned that preliminary discussions about arms supplies took place when members of the Syrian National Council [SNC] – the country’s main opposition movement – visited Libya earlier this month.”

“The Libyans are offering money, training and weapons to the Syrian National Council,” added Wisam Taris, a human rights campaigner with links to the SNC.”

“The disclosure came as rebels raided an air force base outside the city of Homs and killed six pilots, according to a statement by the country’s military.”

Webster Griffin Tarpley, author of George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography (1992) states in his article called The CIA’s Libya Rebels: The Same Terrorists who Killed US, NATO Troops in Iraq, that“According to West Point authors Joseph Felter and Brian Fishman, Saudi Arabia took first place as regards absolute numbers of jihadis sent to combat the United States and other coalition members in Iraq during the time frame in question. Libya, a country less than one fourth as populous, took second place. Saudi Arabia sent 41% of the fighters. According to Felter and Fishman, “Libya was the next most common country of origin, with 18.8% (112) of the fighters listing their nationality stating they hailed from Libya.”

This means that almost one fifth of the foreign fighters entering Iraq across the Syrian border came from Libya, a country of just over 6 million people. A higher proportion of Libyans were interested in fighting in Iraq than any other country contributing mujahedin. Felter and Fishman point out: “Almost 19 percent of the fighters in the Sinjar Records came from Libya alone. Furthermore, Libya contributed far more fighters per capita than any other nationality in the Sinjar Records, including Saudi Arabia.” (See the chart from the West Point report, page 9).”

Therefore, note how America supports Saudi Arabia and the forces of Libya who defeated the regime with the help of NATO. Also, note that both Saudi Arabia and Islamist movements in Libya were the main parts of the world where foreign Sunni Islamic terrorists were fighting and killing American soldiers in Iraq. This once more backs up the fact that America is allowing its own soldiers to die for political reasons, while supporting the forces which are killing them. This is similar to attacking secular Iraq after September 11 despite nearly all Islamists who did this terrorist attack being from Saudi Arabia.

Further down in the same article it states that “Looking back at the tragic experience of US efforts to incite the population of Afghanistan against the Soviet occupation in the years after 1979, it should be clear that the policy of the Reagan White House to arm the Afghan mujahedin with Stinger missiles and other modern weapons turned out to be highly destructive for the United States. As current Defense Secretary Robert Gates comes close to admitting in his memoirs, Al Qaeda was created during those years by the United States as a form of Arab Legion against the Soviet presence, with long-term results which have been highly lamented.”

The article continues by stating that “For those who attempt to follow the ins and outs of the CIA’s management of its various patsy organizations inside the realm of presumed Islamic terrorism, it may be useful to trace the transformation of the LIFG-AQIM from deadly enemy to close ally. This phenomenon is closely linked to the general reversal of the ideological fronts of US imperialism that marks the divide between the Bush-Cheney-neocon administrations and the current Obama-Brzezinski-International Crisis Group regime. The Bush approach was to use the alleged presence of Al Qaeda as a reason for direct military attack. The Obama method is to use Al Qaeda to overthrow independent governments, and then either Balkanize and partition the countries in question, or else use them as kamikaze puppets against larger enemies like Russia, China, or Iran. This approach implies a more or less open fraternization with terrorist groups, which was signaled in a general way in Obama’s famous Cairo speech of 2009. The links of the Obama campaign to the terrorist organizations deployed by the CIA against Russia were already a matter of public record three years ago.”

Irrespective of different information from many sides it is clear that secular Syria is the last nation in the American-Saudi Arabian “Sunni Islamic jigsaw” being played out by the Obama administration. Bush had naively believed that democracy would become a domino theory in the Middle East after the invasion of Iraq, with the main emphasis being Iran but clearly this never happened and over 100,000 people have been killed by this failed policy. The Obama administration, on the other hand, is clearly anti-secular in the Middle East and within the American-Saudi Arabian “Sunni Islamic jigsaw.”

Therefore, supporting aspects of the Al Qaeda Islamist network and Muslim Brotherhood objectives can be seen by the collapse of secular governments during the leadership of Obama. This means that the multi-religious reality of Syria under Bashar al-Assad and the secular nature of this nation is a threat to the American-Saudi Arabian “Sunni Islamic jigsaw” based on the policies of the current government of America, when it comes to the Middle East and North Africa.

The government of Syria is fighting for the rich civilization of the Levant where you have countless Muslim and Christian sects and where women have a million times more freedom than the US supported regime of Saudi Arabia. The roles of women were expendable in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. Therefore, the same will happen in Syria if the terrorist opposition defeats the secular government of Bashar al-Assad.

What is clear is that the government of Bashar al-Assad is fighting for an inclusive Syria where Sunni Muslims, Alawites, Christians, the Druze, and others, have religious freedom and where women have rights that can only be dreamed about in Saudi Arabia. The armed forces of Syria are trying to protect this rich diversity from outside forces which are meddling in the internal affairs of this nation. Also, the government of Syria knows the nightmare of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Pakistan, after Sunni Islamists grew in power. Therefore, the government of Syria is fighting for the richness of the Levant. However, nations like America and Saudi Arabia are supporting networks which desire a Sunni Islamic monoculture and where all religious minorities are crushed – this will be followed by Saudi Arabia spreading its indoctrination and crushing liberal thought patterns within Sunni Islam in Syria.

This civilizational war is being manipulated by many media outlets but images of modern day Syria under Bashar al-Assad highlights the mosaic of this country. In stark contrast the reality of Saudi Arabia is based on the suppression of all non-Muslims, keeping women in the shadows, crushing the Shia, and maintaining that moderate forces within Sunni Islam are kept out in order to enforce a puritanical Sunni Islamic state – which is ruled by un-puritanical elites who have enormous wealth bases.

 

http://tarpley.net/2011/03/24/the-cia%E2%80%99s-libya-rebels-the-same-terrorists-who-killed-us-nato-troops-in-iraq/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17170775

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20120402/172558287.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/world/middleeast/aleppo-syria-attackers-kill-two-officers.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/8917265/Libyas-new-rulers-offer-weapons-to-Syrian-rebels.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

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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

 

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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

 

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Syria and the mirror of Iraq: 55 people massacred in Iraq by Sunni Muslims

Syria and the mirror of Iraq: 55 people massacred in Iraq by Sunni Muslims

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The international media on the whole is clearly taking sides in Syria and issues related to fanatical Sunni Islamists who desire to turn multi-cultural and multi-religious Syria into a “Taliban style” nation state is being brushed under the carpet. The last bastion of secularism in the Arabic speaking world is under threat from a combination of forces. This includes Sunni Islamic terrorists, Western covert intervention and training, outside meddling from Sunni dominated nations who sense a power vacuum in the favor of their co-religionists, and Turkey is clearly playing a clandestine role. Therefore, the usual “good” versus “evil” is being branded around with impunity.

Hillary Clinton like usual is at her propaganda best because she commented that “The obstruction of a few countries cannot be allowed to stop the world community from coming to the aid of the Syrian people.” This comment is clear evidence that international reporters are hand-picked because her eyes are closed to more fresh attacks against the Shia population in Iraq. Of course, the United States under President Obama did a “cut and run” from Iraq after the initial war was started by the past Republican led government.

Saddam Hussein was clearly despotic and massacres took place against the Kurds and Shia who were against his rule. However, since the America led invasion all the smaller minorities and the situation of women have collapsed dramatically throughout most areas of Iraq.

In an earlier article by one of the co-writers of this article it was stated that The American led invasion of Iraq was meant to usher in democracy, liberty, freedom, and a revitalized Iraq. Sadly, from the outset other forces would be unleashed and this applies to radical Islam, terrorism, Sunni-Shia clashes, the persecution of Christians, and other negative forces. At the same time, an ancient religion was about to face a new wave of hatred and ethnic cleansing. This community, the Mandaeans, now faces virtual annihilation and now only a few thousand remain in modern day Iraq. So will this small community be forced to go into complete exile?”

“It is clearly apparent that all minorities, be they Assyrian Christians, Mandaeans, Shabaks, Yazidis, or others, face enormous persecution because the central government is too weak and complacent. Also, the leaders of America must be blamed for entering Iraq and then leaving the minorities to face persecution, torture, death, and ethnic cleansing.”

“If we return back to the Mandaean community, then clearly their suffering is great and this community is in complete shock and bewilderment. The promise of a new Iraq means little because the “real reality” is abundantly clear and this applies to systematic persecution at the hands of radical Sunni Muslims and by mainstream society at large.”

Therefore, the comment made by Hillary Clinton that“The obstruction of a few countries cannot be allowed to stop the world community from coming to the aid of the Syrian people” rings hollow because of several factors. Firstly, America sat back and did little to prevent the vast majority of Christians fleeing Iraq and the same applies to other minorities including the Mandaeans. Secondly, the invasion of Iraq led to a bloody civil and irrespective if the invasion was “right” or “wrong” – it was apparent that the death count was gradually being reduced in 2011. However, like the BBC comments “Attacks in Iraq have risen since US troops withdrew in December (2011)” when compared to figures throughout this year.

This means that a brutal sectarian conflict was unleashed by the power vacuum which America did not intend to do. However, once the power vacuum became a reality after the demise of Saddam Hussein then Sunni Islamic jihadists from neighboring nations like Saudi Arabia entered the equation alongside global terrorist networks. Since this time vast numbers of innocents have been slaughtered by the mainly Sunni Muslim insurgency. Therefore, terrorism and the fleeing of minorities like the Christians and Mandaeans is a reality which makes the words of Hillary Clinton seem not only shallow but out of step with reality.

After all, the nightmare power vacuum was gradually coming under control because the death ratio was reduced in the last few years. However, this moment of “hope” that the forces of sectarianism and terrorism had burnt itself out was thrown away by President Obama pulling forces out. This means that the religious cleansing of Christians, Mandaeans and others, alongside the deaths of thousands of American troops and untold numbers of civilians, was all in vain because now a new vacuum was opened and this can be seen by fresh massacres aimed against the Shia in Iraq.

Therefore, a war that many believed was wrong led to many internal convulsions and when it appeared that things were finally coming under control then America left. This means that outside meddling turned against a former ally and irrespective of good intentions or not, the conclusion is that over 100,000 people were killed and religious minorities have fled on mass.

The conflict in Syria is a conflict between civilizations and irrespective of all the emotions being branded about it is apparent that elements within the opposition desire to crush the Alawites and other minorities. Also, the liberalism of major cities like Damascus will become but a distant memory and the rights of women, just like in Iraq, will be reduced greatly. This can be seen by the growing number of honor killings and so forth in modern day Iraq compared with the old regime.

Another reason why Hillary Clinton is in “propaganda mode” is because clearly she desires to bash China and the Russian Federation in order to obtain political capital for America. However, when did America concern itself with the reactions of others in the international community?  Therefore, neither China nor the Russian Federation is holding the United States or other nations back in the “umbrella of intrigues.”

After all, the Russian Federation was against military intervention in Libya and Kosovo but this meant nothing in Washington, London, and Paris. Did the United States care when Vietnam was invaded or covert wars were being played throughout Latin America and Central America? Of course the United States did not concern itself with the views of other major powers just like in Iraq – therefore, the reasons why Obama isn’t supporting an outright bombing campaign is based on other factors or he is hoping that covert support will dismantle the current government of Syria.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times called ‘Egypt and Syira: Two Civilizational Struggles’ it was stated that The rapidly changing Middle East is witnessing convulsions which are indeed revolutionary when it comes to alliances. After all, in Libya you had NATO, Sunni Islamists and a mixture of other forces fighting on the same side against Colonel Gaddafi. Likewise in Syria which is the last remaining major bastion of secularism in the Arabic speaking world, radical Islamists and the West have joined forces. Therefore the opposition in both cases obtained military equipment at the drop of the hat.”

Further down in the same article it was stated that “Alawite Muslims, Christians, the Druze, and Sunni Muslims, who lived peacefully together, now fear radical Sunni Islamic forces and a future bloodbath. Therefore, in Egypt and Syria you have a civilization battle between secularism and political Islam and another civilization battle between the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists. Likewise in Syria moderate Sunni Muslim forces face a civilization battle against Wahabbi minded Islamists who deem the Alawites and moderate Sunni Muslims to be infidels.”

“If Assad is overthrown by the opposition then the Alawites, Christians, women, liberals, and so forth, will fear that the “loss of all sanity is over” because whatever Assad may or may not be; he tolerated religious pluralism and the rights of women and so forth. The Levant isn’t Afghanistan and the richness of culture and diversity within Islam enabled Christian minorities and other like the Druze to survive.”

“Sectarianism nearly destroyed Lebanon in the past and Syria faces a bloody sectarian struggle if the demise of Assad occurs and it isn’t managed by all sections of Syria. However, forces within the opposition don’t desire a multi-religious Syria instead a new Talibanization awaits and religious bloodletting seems most likely within different Muslim communities.”

“Meanwhile, the Christians of Syria can always move to Lebanon or maybe like the majority of Iraqi Christians they will give up the ghost. If this happens, then the richness of the Levant and the diversity of Islam in this region may perish.”

In Syria just like in all civil wars both sides will be responsible for massacres and propaganda and the media war is part and parcel of the modern world. Nobody can predict completely what will happen in Syria at the moment but if the regime collapses and central forces are taken over by alienating the dominant political party – then, given the sectarian angle of Syria, it could well be that “the mirror of Iraq” awaits this country.

If so, the blood-letting will increase and some minorities will flee and alongside this the rights of women will be in free-fall. At the moment the only “democratic and liberal forces” in Syria belongs to politicians outside of Syria because on the ground it is very different.

Yesterday, many attacks in Iraq aimed against the Shia led to at least 55 people being killed and given the delicate sectarian and political nature of Syria then the worse is feared. The situation in Syria is complex and “honest brokers” need to be found in order to stabilize the situation internally and to prevent covert military support from instigating fresh violence.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

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Ari TV is the Voice of Sendai: Responding to the tragedy of the tsunami by being tenacious

Ari TV is the Voice of Sendai: Responding to the tragedy of the tsunami by being tenacious

Pierre Leblanc and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Ari TV (http://www.ari-tv.jp/top.html) is a clear reminder about the tenacity of the Tohoku region which was badly hit by the devastating tsunami of March 11, 2011. Therefore, with the first anniversary getting nearer to March 11, 2012, it is important to highlight this media group for all the positive things that they have done.

Since the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake which unleashed the brutal tsunami, this media group dug deep in order to undercover the “real stories.” This applies to highlighting the determination of the Tohoku region and how the people of Sendai have responded.

Also, because Ari TV is based in Sendai then clearly this media group can connect with local people. More important, unlike many mass media outlets who often enter and highlight an important story which is happening in Sendai, Ari TV is their around the clock. This fact enables Ari TV to express the “real feelings” of the local community and clearly strong bonds have been developed whereby this media group is informed at all times about local events, individuals who are fantastic role models, companies who are focused on regeneration, and organizations trying to help.

Ari TV (http://en.re-tohoku.jp/) also understood the international concerns after the devastating tsunami. Therefore, the introduction of the Tohoku Revival Calendar which is highlighted above was a nice touch because you can read continuous updates in English and Japanese. This aspect also highlights rebirth because clearly Ari TV is developing new international links.

It is equally vital that Ari TV is supported commercially because you have so much work to do in Sendai and throughout the Tohoku region. After all, sadly, you still have thousands of missing people in early 2012 and this aspect highlights the complete devastation of March 11, 2011. This also means that the nightmare goes on for many because you have no “closure” and “special grave” to visit and connect.

Therefore, it is essential that the local government, the central government, local businesses, businesses throughout Japan, and others, support Ari TV and all the positive work they do around the clock. After all, Ari TV can reach “local people” because this media group is fully interwoven with Sendai and the Tohoku region. Also, Sendai is the main city in Tohoku with regards to population and a healthy Sendai is vital for the regional economy.

In the photo above which was published on March 2, 2012, Ari TV is highlighting the regeneration of a shopping mall. However, unlike the glitzy areas of modern day Japan the brutal reality of the tsunami is visible in this image. Yet despite the clear limitations currently available to this shopping mall and having to move into housed shopping containers; locals don’t view the same image because to them this is a sign of rebirth and the start of a long process to normality.

Takano from Ari TV comments that “The big revival shopping area “South Sanriku SanSan Mall” opened in South Sanriku town, Miyagi, on February 25th. These shops are temporarily housed in shipping containers. The name comes from the people’s desire to make a mall filled with smiles and energy (which is) bright like the shining sun.”

In an early article by Modern Tokyo Times the “Suzuki Farm Harvest” was highlighted and this applies to the tenaciousness of Mr. Suzuki (photo above). He fully understood that salt water had damaged the fields and it appeared impossible to regenerate in such a short period of time, if at all. However, Mr. Suzuki was adamant that he would overcome all the obstacles in front of him and this set of a chain reaction whereby local people gave him the support he needed.

This moving story is one of many by Ari TV and this is why this media group needs support. After all, Ari TV is part of the community that they represent and because they are based “on the ground,” then they can highlight unique events.

Please support Ari TV by watching their many programs in Japanese providing you are a Japanese speaker. Also, if you main language is English or it is your second language then please view the Tohoku Revival CalendarIrrespective of language, Ari TV can build bridges throughout the local community and wider Tohoku region and also internationally. Therefore, Ari TV is “the voice of Sendai.”

http://en.re-tohoku.jp/ Tohoku Revival Calendar – English Version

http://www.ari-tv.jp/top.html Ari TV

http://ja-jp.facebook.com/aritv.sendai – Please contact for more information.

http://twitter.com/#!/re_tohoku_en – Please contact for more information

http://suzuki-yuukinouen.blog.ocn.ne.jp/

http://www.re-tohoku.jp Tohoku Revival Calendar – Japanese version

http://www.hayabusa2012.jp/index.html

 

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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

 

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Nigeria and the Sunni Islamic insurgency of Boko Haram : over 170 killed in Kano

Nigeria and the Sunni Islamic insurgency of Boko Haram : over 170 killed in Kano

Boutros Hussein and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Islamists in northern Nigeria have killed more than 170 people in the city of Kano after many bomb blasts and gun attacks. It is clear that Boko Haram is not only increasing its violence but the sophistication of attacks also points to greater training and funding. This in itself shows the severity of the crisis in Nigeria because Boko Haram doesn’t recognize the current political and legal system of this country.

In recent months radical Sunni Islamists have attacked Christian churches, the security forces, local police stations, and any area which is deemed to be a threat to their power objectives. It is abundantly clear that members of this Islamist movement deem Christians to be infidels and worthy of killing and the same applies to Muslims who don’t support their draconian thinking. Therefore, Christians in northern Nigeria fear further attacks and the bloodletting threatens to ignite new flashpoints in other parts of this country.

In an article called “Boko Haram: Nigeria’s growing new headache” which was published by The International Institute for Strategic Studies, it was stated that The increased sophistication of Boko Haram’s attacks may be partly explained by growing foreign support. There has been speculation – though without hard evidence – about interaction with al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda affiliate in Somalia, including possible training of Nigerians. In August 2011 General Carter Ham, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), said it was likely that Boko Haram had established contacts with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and with al-Shabaab. He described this as, if confirmed, ‘the most dangerous thing to happen not only to the Africans, but to us as well’. In November, Algerian Deputy Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel said he had ‘no doubts that coordination exists between Boko Haram and al-Qaeda’, citing intelligence reports and common operating methods.” 

However, it is easy to play the “al-Qaeda” card but instead the focus should be on the trinity of the Koran, the Hadiths, and Islamic Sharia law. Muslims, just like Christians in Nigeria, don’t belong to one strand of thinking and Islamic clerics opposed to Boko Haram also face the threat of death. Yet, the methodology of Boko Haram does follow the path of Sunni Islamic radicalism in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Somalia – and this applies to forcing terror against all and sundry who oppose an Islamic state based on Sharia law.

Also, while non-Muslim minorities are attacked and killed the same applies to killing fellow Sunni Muslims and different sects within Islam, for example killing Shia Muslims and so forth. Therefore, instead of linking the “al-Qaeda” bogeyman it is more reliable to focus on the binding reality that the trinity of Islam, the Koran-Hadiths-Sharia, was and continues to be used for supporting violence against all thought patterns which oppose this “limited worldview.”

In Nigeria the central government bowed down and allowed Sharia law in northern Nigeria to spread in power and for Christians, followers of Traditional Beliefs, secularists, moderate strands of Islam, and so forth; this didn’t quell the problem but merely inspired greater militancy. Not only this, it highlighted the fault-lines within Islam itself. Also, Saudi sponsored missionaries and training in Saudi Arabia further increased a limited world view of Islam which was based on being the sole power mechanism in Nigeria.

In Somalia, for example, where Sunni Islamic radicals are intent on spreading their Islamic inquisition and killing every single Christian in the country, it is clear that Arabization and outside meddling from the Middle East is altering the landscape. Therefore, Sufi Muslims in this country also fear the ongoing changes within Islam and the role of outsiders in spreading this indoctrination, which boasts of “purity” and “piety” while enforcing the sword on all perceived enemies.

The vast majority of Nigerians support a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society despite complex ethnic issues and other factors. However, in the eyes of Boko Haram they desire an Islamic state based on Islamic Sharia law and in their eyes the central government and secular laws have no validity.

Boko Haram also desires to spread sectarianism because this will further their view that they are the “Guardians of Islam” and not Muslims who support a united Nigeria. It is essential that Christians, Muslims, secularists, and people from all political persuasions who support a united Nigeria to stand up to this new tyranny. After all, if the “house is divided” then Boko Haram will be hoping to fill the vacuum.

http://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/past-issues/volume-17-2011/november/boko-haram-nigerias-growing-new-headache/

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

 

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