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Scorpio

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About Scorpio

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  1. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    The shaking of hands thing is nothing to do with the equality women. Believe it or not, its a sexual thing. Many muslim men and women want to guard themselves against "temptation" and will go to such lengths to do so. A similar incident occured when a muslim colleague was looking down when he was speaking with a woman. She got upset and asked why he wasn't looking her in the eye as she spoke to him. He explained that lowering the gaze when talking to a woman is a great respect. Foreign practises may appear to be crazy and strange to someone who misunderstands them. However, I agree that some "practises" are totally unacceptable - because they violate universal values. e.g. public executions, forced marriages, etc. But that being said, you can't put a number of people into one pot, label them, and blame them all. They are not all the same and they should be treated as individuals rather than someone belonging to a group; at least thats how we do it in the UK.
  2. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    Yes, but this is modern times. You can't just "conquer" some other nation and call it your own. Legitimacy aside, the end still does not justify the means. A land for the Jewish people is in essence a great idea. However, don't expect them to be nice when you force it upon others. You can't call yourself a secular western democracy when your nation treats minorities as second-class citizens, violates just about every human rights and international law, and let religous fanatics roam free to be your attack dogs.
  3. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    So? I don't see your point. Are you saying that just because they won a war, the land is theirs to own?
  4. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    Rubbish. That land does not belong to anyone specific people, neither Jew nor Muslim. Religion should have nothing to do with it. Saying that you want the land back because you lived their 1000 years ago, kicking the indegenous residents out, packing them all into a large concentration camp, establishing a foreign military occupation on what little land they have, and justifiying it all by saying that you are "God's chosen people"...well, we call that fascism here in the West.
  5. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    This article pretty much sums up the whole conflict: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/07/gaza-israel-palestine
  6. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    Hamas rockets where aimed exclusively at civilians, how would you call that? Terrorism? If you read my post, I'm not defending Hamas' actions. I'm just saying that Israel is much more brutal. I'm saying that Israel, the military, the settlers, even some of the "civilians" are terrorists aswell by definition. You're closing your eyes to the fact that the creation of Israel saw millions of Palestinians driven from their homes and made refugees. Think about how you'd feel: if you have a home, then you're kicked out, your land taken, and given to religious fanatics. Then you build a new home - and that new home is bulldozed. Then you're forced to live in what is effectively a large concentration camp. You can't go anywhere without the go-ahead of your checkpoints. You have to get papers just to travel to the hospital or to pray at the mosque. You're not allowed to leave the country. There is a huge wall erected around you. You live in the most degrading conditions while just a few metres away Israelis are living in shiny new houses with swimming pools. You're repeatedly harassed and questioned. Then ask yourself - would you pick up a gun and fight? Would you fight those who have taken your possesions, your rights, and your dignity? I guess people don't protest over a handful of Israeli deaths but do over the deaths of thousands Palestinians. I guess its the extent of the horror that determines how much media coverage it gets. Sad but true. In Hamas' eyes, if you actively support Israel by living there as a citizen, you are a target. They fight Israel not because they "hate freedom" or because they "hate Jews" - their religious fanatism is merely a method to incite fervor and zeal. Rather, they hate Israel because of everything they've taken from the Palestinians. That, and what Israel stands for: Zionism - taking the spiritual nature of Judaism and turning it into a political movement.
  7. Scorpio

    International Politics Thread

    Israel was created by the sword and will destroy itself the same way. Palestinians had a homeland - Israel took it. Along that, they have for 60 years denied Palestinians the most basic human rights. A Jewish homeland is all well and good, but what gives them the right to take it from others? The end does not justify the means! Saying that "Israel has a right to defend itself" is rediculous: imagine Britain invading New York, building a wall around it, transferring British settlers to live there, packing all Americans into Manhatten, and starving the population of the most basic humanitarian supplies. And then they have the nerve to ask, why are they fighting back? The only reason people in America support Israel is that they own you. They own the media, the congress, the highest echelons of government. That is surprisingly no conspiracy - it is in fact well known and accepted. It is not just an Israeli lobby - it is an Israeli government in the US. They can influence US opinion and exploit the emotional connection that Israel and the US have, in that they both are supposedly having to defend their countries against terrorrism. Hamas has no right to target unarmed people. They have no right to exploit children and use them as suicide bombers. I have no love for the Palestinians, but I for one care about the innocent people that are collectively punished for the acts of others. At the end of the day, what are you going to call it when innocent people are bombed? Collateral damage? Unfortunate effects of war? Or maybe you just don't give a shit? A nation of Holocaust survivors should be a beacon of morality, not a black hole for it. Israel has ignored over 100 UN resolutions, disrespects the very basic human rights, and has violated the Fourth Geneva Convention. Israel is and always will be a terrorist state.
  8. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    Hardly. I think that not only will the evil capitalist empire fall, but all others will fall with it. I think mankind is destined to stray towards greed and violence, and ironically the only thing that would show them the error of their ways is for a calamity to occur. I just didn't get it. Forgive me Funny you should mention that, and yes I do. I'm from Iraq, and one thing I know about Iraqis: when they're united and in agreement, they are a prosperous and intelligent people, but divided and we're the laziest, most unreliable people in the world. If you'd really like to know why I think nobody is winning in Iraq, I'll tell you: -Corruption remains a huge problem over there, especially in the reconstruction programme. Costs billions, and most of the time external bodies (i.e. the US) can't intervene in "investigations" and those responsible usually get away with it. One example among countless others: there's one former Baa'th party official that robbed a clean water programme in Najaf of millions and fled the country. Now this man lives right here in Manchester, UK. - Government workers are lazy. No, its not a generalisation. You have to use brute force to get them to work. Only the scariest of managers can exercise their authority properly, I've seen this for myself and its quite funny in a sick way. It is my belief that if you withraw American forces quickly, it'll give a kick in the backside of the police and security ministers to organise their forces and use their huge budget surplus to secure the rest of the nation. - The reconstruction programme is a joke, and the country's infrastructure is nowhere near sufficient - imagine having running water and electricity only a few hours a day in the searing heat. - There is a severe brain-drain in Iraq. This is obvious since doctors and engineers (in our culture its preferable to be one of these ) are leaving the country, due to death theats and/or poor fiscal situations. - The biggest problem is the aura of violence that has gripped the country. It is beyond brutal. It's just plain insane. Let me give an example: a tenant in the Karrada district in Baghdad had an argument with his landlord and didn't want to give the apartment back in good condition, so he blew it up, killing two people. This kind of thing goes on every day. Don't think the bombs are gone either. They are ongoing. And its become part of daily life for Iraqis. "Ohh its just a bomb", they normally say. So many have died and so many have been left traumatised by their experiences, especially the children. - There also remains countless kidnapings, death threats, and just general senseless violence that puts the people in constant fear. - The former Sunni insurgents fighting alongside Al-Qaeda are now being paid to cooperate with the US and Iraqi government and provide a security force. Many cite this as a victory but how long can this last before the lads get bored and decide to start shooting again. Just shows theyre just a bunch of punks. - There are also deep divisions in Iraq. Its funny how before the war, there were no differences between Sunni and Shia. The only time these distinctions were made were among scholars when they debated religious matters. And yet now the media mentions the sect of each person and group it reports on, as if Sunni and Shia are different ethnicities or something. What good is democracy when you don't have the freedom to live your lives? In concept I supported the removal of Saddam Hussein (ironically most fitting since the US helped to put him in power) But its obvious the war wasn't for this reason. Any person who wasn't deluded knew this. I knew the current administration, even in the laughable notion that they even had good intentions, I knew they would screw things up. And they did, and they just got away with it. Amazing. The end does not justify the means. If in the very unlikely event that you eventually establish a thriving, secure democracy in Iraq, the fact remains that it was done through violence. The Ba'ath party has been comitted to destroying everything that is good in this land, and the western powers have either profited from the wars or caused the further destruction of the land. It's amazing how strong the Iraqi people are after Saddam's time, but this is just too much. I hope this isn't true. Because if it is, it just shows, nobody gives a shit about the Iraqi people. As long as America "wins" and as long as the credibility of politicians isn't smeared, nobody cares about the destruction of a nation they can't even point out on a map.
  9. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    HUH?! You are certainly not winning you've spent $560billion and counting, 4000 of your soldiers have bravely given their lives, and 85,000 Iraqis have died, 2.2million displaced, and the rest are living without constant running water or electricity. And for what? All you've managed to create is a fragile illusion of democracy, trying to help an inept and corrupt government onto its feet. How can you say that? *sigh* theres so much wrong with that statement, I'm not going to bother. He got a technical issue with the VP role wrong, yes But I'd really really like to ask Palin, even now, does she know what the VP does? In fact no, it would just be a waste of time. She wouldn't answer my question. Of course. I still think its bound to happen though. And when it does, well I hope it'll give the world a better direction instead of the persuit of wealth.
  10. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    Depends what you mean by "worked". I for one believe it has improved Iraq's security situation (of course couldn't have done so without other things like the Awakening programme), but Iraq remains a very dangerous place to be. Actually there is no other alternative - withdraw quickly now, or face another change of tide which you won't be able to fix with your remaining resources.
  11. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    Bear in mind, that's even after pre-interview training and preperation. Imagine what she'd be like without the aid of her trusty little helpers to tell her what to say.
  12. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    Of course. I'm not a US citizen. I feel for those Americans who have some sense in them, but this country I believe is headed for collapse, and I stand by my statement. Hardly. Obama would reduce these numbers much quicker, and anything to spew out of Bush's mouth..well, its just not funny anymore. Of course. And yet McCain doesn't seem to be worried about that, since he says that he doesn't care if they're in Iraq for "50, 100 or 1000, or 10000 years"...Now, I sincerely hope he's talking about just keeping bases and a strategic presence there after the majority has withdrawn, but even that I disagree with. As I said previously, America should be out of Iraq and the MidEast for good. I never said that I was firstly talking about the whole Alaska-Russia thing, then I said that Obama has at least an understanding of other cultures. And finally I displayed the Couric interview quote to show that: if she can't even name a news source she uses, how does she keep in touch with world affairs? I'm sure Joe Biden had at least an idea what the VP does before he got asked to be Obama's running mate, unlike: Miss Wasilla
  13. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    No, not at all. That's exactly my point. My remaining question is how does proximity to Russia give her foreign policy experience? Again, here's what I said: What I'm saying is: of course, he doesn't have enough foreign policy experience. But he has at least some understanding of the world around him. That, and his very sensible foreign policy outlined in his campaign. That, of course, is my opinion that it is sensible..but the alternative is McCain's...now you'd have to ask yourself: do you really want McCain as Commander in Chief? And if so, why?! I for one am not saying that Obama has more experience in government than McCain has. That's absurd. But I do prefer Obama's behavior as senator and previous activites to McCain's. On a small note, personally I just want the US out of Iraq (and hopefuly the rest of the Mid-East although thats not likely). A responsbile withdrawal is feasible and absolutely essential, (but thats for another topic). And that's why I'd like Obama to win. Couldn't care less if you screw up things at home, it'll be no wonder since these two chaps are the best you can come up with. [edit] On another subject, I'd like to ask the more conservative posters here (if there are any) whats with this term "liberal"? I've never quite understood why people in the US snarl it as an insult?
  14. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    You're exactly right. however in my opinion they seem to be judging character and past history, rather than policy and plans..which is all fair and well considering that politicians tend to lie to get what they want. However, whats crazy is how they take something small and completely blow it out of proportion, while giving no considerations to the huge flaws and/or lies of the other candidate. e.g. the "madrassa" claim on Obama.
  15. Scorpio

    USA Politics Thread - *No gun debate*

    This seems contradict [url=I have read stories of Russian bombers or fighters approaching the airspace and then being escorted away by US fighters - so you're right, thats what I was thinking about.  One example:  http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/03/26/us.russian.planes/index.html]this story[/url] that Russian aircraft have never entered Alaskan airspace, but oh well. You mean foreign policy experience? Surely you cannot be serious? She didn't even travel outside the country until 2007. You get foreign policy experience not only by, say, negotiations and diplomatic missions with foreign countries, but at the very least an understanding of other cultures. That can only be done I think through seeing those countries for yourself. I think its safe to say, even I have more foreign policy experience than her. Here's a bit of the interview with Katie Couric: Pray tell, Governor, what exactly are those mediums, such as the newspapers, that you get your information from? God knows what her "world view" is. To be fair on her - I think the  Governor of Alaska wouldnt be particularly interested in the outside world, let alone be worried about foreign policy or military issues. But whats pathetic is how she's trying to enhance her credentials when she obviously has nothing. Hell, don't vote for Obama just because he's the right man for the job. Vote for him just to save the world from McCain. Which brings me the big guy: The very fact that he has been involved in almost all foreign policy and natural security issues in the last few years (his words) is reason why he cannot be trusted to be Commander in Chief. I mean, hell, here's what he once said about Al-Qaeda: This claim was repeated twice. That, and many other stupid statements that I'd very happily list if requested. Funny how they excuse every stupid thing he says as a "gaffe" or "simple mistake". Oh that's right - I forgot, he's a maverick. For a guy who's spending so much effort concentrating on Iraq, you'd think he would at least know what's going on over there. He's a very angry guy who constantly explodes. Bless him, he just needs a hug. I remember one interview on his campaign jet a reporter asked him why he's so angry. Hehh His whole career has been wrapped up in the military, albeit a very mediocre one. He graduated 895th out of 899 in the Naval Academy and crashed his aircraft 5 times. Wow. And despite all this, he didn't have so much as a smear on him due to his four-star admiral father taking care of things. Also, in my opinion, its shameful how he constantly exploits his status as a former POW...I've known POW's and victims of torture (my own father was one) and none of them seem stable enough to live a normal life, and I highly doubt being a former POW is a healthy prerequisite to being the President of the US.
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