Iranian Elections, Human Trafficking, and Setting Terrorists Free
Before I get into the “Fix” this week I’d like to address my recent exclusive interview with Governor Sarah Palin. The idea for the “interview” occurred to me while watching the Sunday morning political talk shows with my father (i.e. father/son bonding). In all honestly, I thought it would be instantly recognized as satire (which it obviously was). I was wrong and, as of today, Part I is the most read article in the history of RandallHMiller.com.
Shortly after publishing the “interview”, my inbox filled up with reactions of all sorts. A few spotted the piece as satire, but most thought it was legit. That is both a testament to how highly my readers think of me (that I would be able to get such a high profile interview) and the poor opinion we have of Sarah Palin’s political IQ (the answers were feasible). There it is…on to business.
The Iranian “Selection”
I’ll keep my comments on the Iranian “elections” to a minimum because Andrew Sullivan’s coverage has been so thorough since the beginning and Christopher Hitchens nailed it here in his Slate column. Suffice it to say that although the “election” is a complete farce from start to finish, there is evidence of a major cultural, social and (hopefully) political change going on inside the Islamic Republic. How and if the recent demonstrations will manifest in real change is open to debate and remains to be seen. Something not open to debate is the role that technology played (and continues to play) for the opposition. The New York Times reports:
Iranians using the Internet messaging service Twitter had already spread the word that another silent demonstration was scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday and called on protesters to wear green, the signature color of the opposition.
President Obama is receiving predictable criticism from the far right, but I think he’s doing the right thing by condemning the violence and staying low key. Coming out in a boisterous voice of condemnation (like McCain would have) only gives ammunition to the regime that their opposition is American sponsored. Oh, and don’t forget that the Supreme Leader is already blaming the jews.
Human Trafficking
I recently watched Liam Neeson’s new movie Taken
According to the State Department the DR “is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor.”
Unfortunately, according to CNN, this seems to be a recession proof business. In fact, there’s been a boom.
From China to Bermuda (by way of Cuba)
Several prisoners from the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay have been released and are currently living in Bermuda. The four Chinese citizens known as Uighurs are living freely after being detained for 7 years by the American government. Uighurs are Muslim separatists from Western China (see map below) who pose no threat to the U.S. whatsoever. Why not send them back to China, you ask? Because they would be tortured and executed as soon as they arrive. There’s no perfect solution on what to do with these guys. I just hope we’ve learned our lesson on what can happen when we go around the world snatching people without thinking it through. 7 years is a long time and I fully expect these guys to file suit against the U.S. government for wrongful imprisonment. And I hope they win.
Comments and criticism are welcome.
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About the Author: Randall H. Miller is an American college educator/blogger. He is also a former U.S. Army officer (82nd Airborne) with a M.A. in Diplomacy (focusing on International Terrorism) and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Use the form on the right to sign up and receive notifications of new content. The words and ideas expressed here are 100% his own and not those of his employers or affiliated organizations.
gpalmer | Jun 19, 2009 | Reply
I don’t have any money. What I do have is a very particular set of skills…..
BW | Jun 19, 2009 | Reply
How long do the Uighurs have in paradise before China comes looking for them? They seem like sitting ducks… maybe some sun, implants and botox will help?
David Cobb | Jun 20, 2009 | Reply
Great job on your “interview”. I was completely sucked in. You had here patter down perfect.
Iran will sort itself out, if we can just stop being such busy beavers in the Middle East. The more we meddle the longer it will take for them to come to their senses.
Frank the Tank | Jun 20, 2009 | Reply
Perhaps we are witnessing the beginning of regime change in Iran that everyone has been waiting for. Getting that loon in charge over there out of office would benefit everyone and the entire Middle East. I’m waiting for the Tianamen-like “tank moment” to occur. I hope we don’t waste this opportunity and allow the Mullahs crush and kill the opposition. A less hostile and more secular Iran should be the outcome we favor.