The North Korea Freedom Coalition sent the following open letter to President Bush in response to the Beijing Surrender; I have reprinted in full (with permission from the good folks at NKFC).
February 28, 2007
The Honorable George Bush
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing on behalf of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, a nonpartisan group of over 65 American and Korean-American human rights, religious, and non-governmental organizations representing millions of American citizens. We are deeply grateful for what you have done to express solidarity with and hope for the people of North Korea enslaved under the Kim Jong-il dictatorship.
The North Korean Freedom Coalition believes you accurately described the Kim Jong-il regime as “a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens.” We were greatly encouraged when you signed the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004 citing its "useful new tools to address the deplorable human rights situation in North Korea" and vowing to "work with other concerned states in the region and internationally to take steps to improve the lives of the average North Korean." We appreciated your subsequent appointment of Jay Lefkowitz as your Special Envoy to "greatly enhance our efforts to encourage North Korea to accept and abide by internationally accepted human rights standards and norms.”
We were very encouraged when, in 2005, you met with North Korean defector Kang Cheol-hwan, and in 2006, on North Korea Freedom Day, you met the director of Free North Korea Radio, Kim Seung-Min, and Kim Han-mee and her family, as well as Sakie and Shigeru Yokota, and Shigeo Izuku, whose family members had been abducted by Kim Jong-il’s regime.
Your administration has worked to hold this regime accountable for its illicit activities: counterfeiting, money laundering, and drug-trafficking. The section 311designation by the Treasury Department had a strong impact on the regime’s inner circle. The UN Sanctions imposed after the missile tests of July and the nuclear test of October 2006 stand as great achievements in your administration’s international diplomatic initiatives. The effect of these measures was clearly felt by the regime, as evidenced in its strong protests and sales of gold overseas.
Just as these efforts were beginning to bear fruit, State Department negotiators persuaded you to mitigate this pressure in order to win North Korean acceptance of additional meetings and vaguely-worded commitments relating to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Leverage obtained over years of showing strong resolve to halting the regime’s activities were exchanged for a commitment to again shut-down Yongbyon, an “empty shell” according to the defectors, and to talk.
These actions have given Kim Jong-il’s regime new life: American criticism of North Korea’s illicit activities has been modified, our insistence on international sanctions has been undercut, and our criticism of the regime’s human rights record has been quieted. These actions have undermined the long-term interest of the United States in Asia and undermined negotiations with other hostile rogue states; harmed our alliance with the government of Japan; and betrayed the people of North Korea.
As you deal with North Korea in the critical months ahead, we urge you to:1) Reaffirm designations under section 311 of the Patriot Act for banks that facilitate North Korea’s illicit activities;
2) Promise energy assistance and medical and food aid only when -all abductees and POWs are released and allowed to return to their homeland; -aid can be monitored as required under UN resolutions 1695 and 1718; -North Koreans are allowed freedom of movement; and-the political prison camps are dismantled and the International Red Cross is allowed to administer to the victims there.
We also encourage you to 3) implement and fully fund the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004;4) continue to list North Korea as a state sponsoring terrorism until it apologizes for past terrorist incidents, makes restitution to persons killed or harmed by its terrorist acts, and returns perpetrators of terrorism to justice in countries where the acts were committed; and5) instruct U.S. negotiators to insist on human rights protections for North Korea’s citizens in any discussions.
We strongly desire the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula and the normalization of relations with North Korea, but this can only be accomplished when the regime is pressured to protect the human rights of its own citizens.
The nuclear issue is a diversion from the real issue: human rights. No one understands this better than the 10,000 strong North Korean defectors, who have escaped their enslavement to live in freedom. Because of your past actions, they have long believed that you and your administration are the greatest hope today to helping the millions still enslaved. There is still time, and we hope and pray that as the leader of the Free World, you will stay true to your principles and promote human rights for the North Korean people. We also hope that you will meet with the leadership of the North Korean defectors when they visit Washington, D.C. for North Korea Freedom Week April 22-29, 2007.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Scholte Sin U Nam Rabbi Abraham Cooper
Chairman Vice Chairman Vice Chairman
Ann Buwalda Mariam Bell Sue Yoon Logan
Treasurer Legislative Chair Administrator
North Korea Freedom Coalition Members
Public Members (partial listing):
Aegis Foundation
American Anti-Slavery Group
American Family Association
China-e Lobby
Christian Coalition
Christian Solidarity International
Christian Solidarity Worldwide - USA
Citizen's Coalition for Human Rights of Abductees & North Korean Refugees
Coalitions for America
Commission to Help North Korean Refugees
Committee for the Rescue of Korean War POWs
Concerned Women for America
Defense Forum Foundation
Democracy Network Against the NK Gulag*
Discovery Institute Embassy of the Prince of Peace
Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Exile Committee for North Korean Democracy*
Family Research Council Focus on the Family
Freedom Society of America
Free North Korea Radio*
Helping Hands Korea
Human Rights Coalition-USA
Human Rights First
Human Rights Without Frontiers
Institute on Religion and Democracy
Institute on Religion and Public Policy
Intl Korean War Memorial Foundation
Jabbok, Inc.
Jubilee Campaign
Korean-American Freedom Fighters Movement
Korean Congress for N. Korean Human Rights
Korean Dream
Korean Freedom Council (KFC)
Korean Freedom Democracy League of America
Korean War Abductees Family Union
Life Funds for North Korean Refugees
National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea
National Council for Freedom and Democracy
NY Commission to Help N. Korean Refugees
N. American Religious Liberty Association
OneFreeKorea
Open Doors USA
PSALT
Religious Freedom Coalition
Salvation Army, U.S.A.
Save North Korea
Schindler’s Ark
Simon Wiesenthal Center
Southern Baptist Convention, ERLC
StandToday.org
The Israeli Jewish Comm. Against the Gas Chambers in North Korea
The Wilberforce Forum
* - organizations of North Korean defectors
Executive Committee
Suzanne Scholte, Chairman
Sin U Nam, Vice Chairman
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Vice Chairman
Mariam Bell, Legislative Co-Chair
Ann Buwulda, Treasurer
Sue Yoon Logan, Administrator
Advisors: Hwang Jang-Yop, Chuck Downs, Col. Gordon Cucullu, ret.
www.nkfreedom.org
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
News of the Day (February 28)
Beijing Surrender Syndrome spread to U.S policy on Iran: It appears the United States is embracing talks with Communist China's lead ally in the Middle East (i.e., the mullahcracy of Iran) over its attempt to turn Iraq into its satellite state. This comes despite recent reports of "New York Police Department concerns that Iranian agents may already have targeted the city for terror attacks" (Newsweek). David Frum (National Review Online) responded with perfect deadpan: "Well, I guess those North Korean negotiations went so well and all." However, Enlightened Comment of the Day honors goes to Frank Gaffney for his NRO column on this (emphasis added): "Like bullies everywhere, the Iranian leaders and their enablers in Russia, China, North Korea, and Venezuela, will take America’s submissive behavior as an invitation to become even more assertive at our expense and that of our allies. The world, in short, will become a far more dangerous place." Exactly.
Speaking of the Beijing Surrender, One Free Korea lists the "working groups" that are to come from the deal. Guess who leads the denuclearization one? Why, its the Stalinists' colonial masters: Communist China. OFK also has some Administration double-speak on the uranium issue, while Daily NK gives the agreement a well- deserved rhetorical double-barrel. Finally, the Stalinists have sent their emissary here for talks on one of their long sought prizes - diplomatic recognition from the United States (Washington Times).
More on the Communists' Korean colony: A Stalinist cadre is caught running "a large scale drug dealing enterprise " (Daily NK). The head of America's Defense Intelligence Agency comments on Stalinist North Korea's ability to build a missile that can hit the United States and says SNK is pretty close (Agence France Presse via Breitbart). A Japanese abduction victims support group plans a leaflet drop in SNK (OFK).
On occupied East Turkestan: Martin Wayne's piece on Communist China's occupation (which would have run away with Ignorant Comment of the Day had I been able to get a decent URL before my response to it yesterday afternoon) was shredded by Davesgonechina at Mutant Palm.
Australia's attempt to deport Falun Gong practitioner blocked by fellow detainees: A Falun Gong practitioner was nearly sent back to Communist China today, until fellow detainees formed a human shield around him "to stop guards from putting him on the flight" (Sydney Morning Herald via Between Heaven and Earth). The stand off follows numerous attempts by Communist China to get around Australian asylum procedures in order to snatch back refugees (Epoch Times).
Speaking of the Beijing Surrender, One Free Korea lists the "working groups" that are to come from the deal. Guess who leads the denuclearization one? Why, its the Stalinists' colonial masters: Communist China. OFK also has some Administration double-speak on the uranium issue, while Daily NK gives the agreement a well- deserved rhetorical double-barrel. Finally, the Stalinists have sent their emissary here for talks on one of their long sought prizes - diplomatic recognition from the United States (Washington Times).
More on the Communists' Korean colony: A Stalinist cadre is caught running "a large scale drug dealing enterprise " (Daily NK). The head of America's Defense Intelligence Agency comments on Stalinist North Korea's ability to build a missile that can hit the United States and says SNK is pretty close (Agence France Presse via Breitbart). A Japanese abduction victims support group plans a leaflet drop in SNK (OFK).
On occupied East Turkestan: Martin Wayne's piece on Communist China's occupation (which would have run away with Ignorant Comment of the Day had I been able to get a decent URL before my response to it yesterday afternoon) was shredded by Davesgonechina at Mutant Palm.
Australia's attempt to deport Falun Gong practitioner blocked by fellow detainees: A Falun Gong practitioner was nearly sent back to Communist China today, until fellow detainees formed a human shield around him "to stop guards from putting him on the flight" (Sydney Morning Herald via Between Heaven and Earth). The stand off follows numerous attempts by Communist China to get around Australian asylum procedures in order to snatch back refugees (Epoch Times).
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Martin Wayne's piece is quite telling - but not about East Turkestan
It's taken me a few days to get a functioning URL of Martin Wayne's Asia Times piece on East Turkestan; mea culpa for that. However, I have now had the chance to examine Wayne's assertion that Communist China (a) has confronted al Qaeda, (b) has largely handled al Qaeda, and (c) its performance in "Xinjiang" can be a model for the rest of the world. Wayne is not only wrong on all counts, his assumptions come from the tragic mistake of largely taking what he hears at face value. Those of us who know better can see the flaws in his construct with almost disturbing ease.
Wayne beings with a description of the Communist "raid" on a supposed "terrorist facility " in East Turkestan: "According to reports, 18 terrorists were killed and 17 were captured, along with 22 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and material for thousands more. " Wayne seems to anticipate the arguments of skeptics like myself (and the Uyghur American Association), and inoculates himself from them with a throwaway line, but in the sentences that follow, he completely contradicts himself:
Of course, Wayne also notes that al Qaeda "reportedly trained more than 1,000 Uighurs . . . in camps in Afghanistan prior to September 11, 2001" (emphasis added). Of course, "reportedly" means as reported by the Communists themselves. To date, the United States military has captured or been handed less than two dozen Uighurs, and has cleared over half of them (United Press Int'l via Washington Times).
Wayne also slips up on the "riot" of Yining, and while he did get right al Qaeda's hopes for the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, he neglects to mention the numerous sources that make clear ETIM never actually made it to East Turkestan before it crashed and burned (though perhaps he is not aware of them).
Yet, it is in his discussion on Communist China's supposed political actions in the region where the deepest flaw in his theory is revealed (emphasis added):
Thus, it suddenly makes sense that Wayne is so willing to detach from reality when talking about how "China has created a path for young Uighurs - one achieved through participation in the system rather than fighting it" despite the reports of nearly every outside analyst and Uighur exiles like Rebiya Kadeer (fifth, second, eleventh, last, second, and fourth items) and, until he was imprisoned by Uzbekistan, Huseyincan Celil.
Thus, one is no longer surprised when Wayne refers to "Zawahiri's call to arms in late December," when in fact, the al Qaeda lieutenant's complete verbage on East Turkestan was hardly a whisper. Also, Wayne's insistence that Communist China's "primary concern is still internal security" is also understandable - no Communist source would dare tell him about the regime's ties to al Qaeda, the Iranian mullahcracy, and Saddam Hussein.
Wayne's credits cite his "extensive field work in Xinjiang." Unfortunately, his column makes clear the "extensive field work" was almost certainly done in cooperation with the Communist regime. Tragically, if my assumption is correct, he probably ended his "field work" as unaware of the truth as he was when he began.
Wayne beings with a description of the Communist "raid" on a supposed "terrorist facility " in East Turkestan: "According to reports, 18 terrorists were killed and 17 were captured, along with 22 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and material for thousands more. " Wayne seems to anticipate the arguments of skeptics like myself (and the Uyghur American Association), and inoculates himself from them with a throwaway line, but in the sentences that follow, he completely contradicts himself:
Chinese reportage on terrorism is notoriously problematic, at times imprecise or simply fabricated. For the skeptics, photos of a policeman killed in the raid were also released, showing emotional relatives amid a sea of People's Armed Police paying their final respects.Not to be rude here, but a photo of a funeral is hardly an indication of that the deceased was killed in a raid of some kind, let alone the kind the Communists claim occurred. Now, that may sound like nitpicking, but one can understand my concern when added to the following stretch from Wayne:
In late December, al-Qaeda's No 2, Ayman al-Zawahiri, called for action against "occupation" governments ruling over Muslims, including reference to the plight of Uighurs in western China. Yet despite this commitment of resources and rhetorical energy. . .Commitment of resources and rhetorical energy? I took a look at the transcript of al-Zawahiri's December rant (via the Institute for Counter-Terrorism). The al Qaeda lieutenant spent over 8,100 words on Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chechnya. How many words did al-Zawahiri dedicate to East Turkestan? Four. Contrary to Wayne's assertion, East Turkistan is, at most, a throwaway line to al Qaeda.
Of course, Wayne also notes that al Qaeda "reportedly trained more than 1,000 Uighurs . . . in camps in Afghanistan prior to September 11, 2001" (emphasis added). Of course, "reportedly" means as reported by the Communists themselves. To date, the United States military has captured or been handed less than two dozen Uighurs, and has cleared over half of them (United Press Int'l via Washington Times).
Wayne also slips up on the "riot" of Yining, and while he did get right al Qaeda's hopes for the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, he neglects to mention the numerous sources that make clear ETIM never actually made it to East Turkestan before it crashed and burned (though perhaps he is not aware of them).
Yet, it is in his discussion on Communist China's supposed political actions in the region where the deepest flaw in his theory is revealed (emphasis added):
The central government purged separatist sympathizers from local governments and attempted to remove political dissent from religious worship. At the same time, availability of Uighur-language education was broadened and Beijing sought to expand economic development in Xinjiang, which was viewed as the key to success. Uighurs in Xinjiang repeatedly explained in interviews that these changes made participation in the Chinese state more attractive, despite perceptions that economic opportunities primarily benefited ethnic Chinese.This is a common pitfall whenever anyone investigates matters in Communist China, and Wayne falls right in. There is no excuse for assuming anyone interviewed in "Xinjiang" - Uighur, Han, or otherwise, is able to speak freely. Rather than accept at face value what he hears, he should be trying to dig for the truth outside of his or his subjects' Communist watchers. Otherwise, all he hears is Communist propaganda regurgitated.
Thus, it suddenly makes sense that Wayne is so willing to detach from reality when talking about how "China has created a path for young Uighurs - one achieved through participation in the system rather than fighting it" despite the reports of nearly every outside analyst and Uighur exiles like Rebiya Kadeer (fifth, second, eleventh, last, second, and fourth items) and, until he was imprisoned by Uzbekistan, Huseyincan Celil.
Thus, one is no longer surprised when Wayne refers to "Zawahiri's call to arms in late December," when in fact, the al Qaeda lieutenant's complete verbage on East Turkestan was hardly a whisper. Also, Wayne's insistence that Communist China's "primary concern is still internal security" is also understandable - no Communist source would dare tell him about the regime's ties to al Qaeda, the Iranian mullahcracy, and Saddam Hussein.
Wayne's credits cite his "extensive field work in Xinjiang." Unfortunately, his column makes clear the "extensive field work" was almost certainly done in cooperation with the Communist regime. Tragically, if my assumption is correct, he probably ended his "field work" as unaware of the truth as he was when he began.
News of the Day (February 27)
Former CIA official told fellow China watchers not to cooperate with FBI counterintelligence: The arrogance dripping from Robert G. Sutter is breathtaking. Here's how he described his meeting with two FBI agents looking for his cooperation on countering Communist spying: "They also seemed to want and need some educating on policies and priorities of the Chinese administration, and the state of play in U.S.-Chinese relations" (Bill Gertz, Washington Times). Sutter also criticized the "sting" of Ronald Montaperto, the former Pentagon analyst who admitted to spying for Communist China.
More on Communist China and the United States: Heide B. Malhotra (Epoch Times) reveals the truth behind the fantasies driving business to throw good money after bad in Communist China.
Communist premier says democracy will come to China in 2107: Wen Jiabao is usually considered one of the lead "reformers" in the Chinese Communist Party. Wen revealed just how far off reform actually is in the minds of the cadres: "We must adhere to the party's basic guidelines of the primary stage of socialism for 100 years" (Herald Sun, Australia).
Here's what we can expect in the hundred years from now to then: Communist China imposes new restrictions on television reporting (Washington Post); a Falun Gong practitioner describes the torture dished out in a Communist prison (Between Heaven and Earth); BHaE has video of organ extraction from a Falun Gong live practitioner. Meanwhile, the CCP continues to stagnate (Hua Xia Electronic Journal via Epoch Times) and lose members (Epoch Times).
Did the United States agree to the Beijing surrender to keep SNK from helping Iran? Daily NK is reporting that Stalinist North Korea agreed "not to export nuclear material and technology to Tehran" as part of the nuclear "agreement" from earlier this month. If true, we have yet another perfect example of the Administration missing the forest for the trees.
More on Communist China's Korean colony: Nicholas Eberstadt rips the Beijing surrender (Mario Loyola: National Review Online - The Corner); Japan isn't happy either (Daily NK). The "Paul" from Peter, Paul, and Mary writes a song for Megumi Yokota (Daily NK). South Korea's dovish government prepares for talks with the Stalinist North (BBC), while President Roh Moo-hyun embarrasses himself (One Free Korea).
More on Communist China and the United States: Heide B. Malhotra (Epoch Times) reveals the truth behind the fantasies driving business to throw good money after bad in Communist China.
Communist premier says democracy will come to China in 2107: Wen Jiabao is usually considered one of the lead "reformers" in the Chinese Communist Party. Wen revealed just how far off reform actually is in the minds of the cadres: "We must adhere to the party's basic guidelines of the primary stage of socialism for 100 years" (Herald Sun, Australia).
Here's what we can expect in the hundred years from now to then: Communist China imposes new restrictions on television reporting (Washington Post); a Falun Gong practitioner describes the torture dished out in a Communist prison (Between Heaven and Earth); BHaE has video of organ extraction from a Falun Gong live practitioner. Meanwhile, the CCP continues to stagnate (Hua Xia Electronic Journal via Epoch Times) and lose members (Epoch Times).
Did the United States agree to the Beijing surrender to keep SNK from helping Iran? Daily NK is reporting that Stalinist North Korea agreed "not to export nuclear material and technology to Tehran" as part of the nuclear "agreement" from earlier this month. If true, we have yet another perfect example of the Administration missing the forest for the trees.
More on Communist China's Korean colony: Nicholas Eberstadt rips the Beijing surrender (Mario Loyola: National Review Online - The Corner); Japan isn't happy either (Daily NK). The "Paul" from Peter, Paul, and Mary writes a song for Megumi Yokota (Daily NK). South Korea's dovish government prepares for talks with the Stalinist North (BBC), while President Roh Moo-hyun embarrasses himself (One Free Korea).
Monday, February 26, 2007
News of the Weekend (February 23-26)
Communist military buildup worries American officials, but the Beijing Surrender doesn't: Vice President Richard Cheney (Agence France Presse via Taiwan Security Research and BBC) and Defense Secretary Robert Gates (AFP via TSR) sounded the alarm on Communist China's military buildup. Sadly Cheney also included badly naive takes on Communist China's relationship with its Korean colony.
Condoleezza Rice still says Communist China will help U.S. on Iran, all evidence to the contrary (AFP via News.com.au).
More on Communist China and the United States: Dr. Patrick M. Cronin of the International Institute for Strategic Studies discusses the objectives Communist China advanced with its anti-satellite launch in Asia Times. Ying Ma has recommendations for American China-watchers in the Enlightened Comment of the Day (Policy Review). Orville Schell has a bad review of a bad book in the Washington Post.
On Communist China and Canada: Amidst the debate in Ottawa over Kyoto, Boycott 2008 reminds everyone of the fact that Communist China is not bound by its provisions. Small Dead Animals comments of Li Ka-Shing's attempt to seize control of a Vancouver harbor. Peter Worthington praises David Kilgour for putting the spotlight on Communist China's organ harvesting (Toronto Sun). Salim Mansur calls for closer Canada-India ties (Toronto Sun).
On Communist China and the rest of the world: A leading Kuomintang politicians is the latest in Taiwan's opposition to visit Communist China (Washington Times). Wieland Wagner discusses the continued militarization of occupied East Turkestan (Der Speigel). James Kirchick (Weekly Standard) and Yomiuri Shimbun (via Washington Times) sound the alarm on Communist China's ambitions for Africa. Jia Jia comments on Wang Lian (Epoch Times). Lev Navrozov discusses Moscow's relationship with Zhongnanhai (Newsmax).
Hong Kong news: The candidates for city chief will have a debate, but it will be as scripted as the "election" (BBC). Meanwhile, Tiananmen survivor Wang Dan announces his return to Communist China (he'll teach in HK - Epoch Times).
Other human rights news: More of appellants come to Beijing to have their grievances heard; the cadres continue to ignore them (Radio Free Asia via Epoch Times); Christians are arrested in Beijing (Boycott 2008). Li Tu (Epoch Times) evaluates Deng Xiaoping; Professor Xin Haonian (Epoch Times) and Hugh Sykes (BBC) examine the prospect of freedom in China.
On the state of the workers in the workers' state - health: He Qinglian reveals the extent of Communist China's failure a stop the spread of several diseases (Huaxia Electronic Newspaper via Epoch Times).
Back to the Beijing Surrender: The Epoch Times finds that Stalinist North Korea's pledge to shut down its plutonium facilities means zilch; something visiting Int'l Atomic Energy Agency head Mohamed ElBaradei should keep in mind (BBC). The Bush Administration is extending the cave-in to financial penalties against the Stalinists for counterfeiting (BBC). Kim Jong-il is flaunting the deal (Daily NK), which should give folks like Andrew Grotto (Washington Post) and David Albright (One Free Korea) pause. Among the skeptics are Daily NK, One Free Korea, and John O'Sullivan (National Review Online). Jim Hoagland (Washington Post) joins the fools who see a model for the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran in the SNK deal, and as such runs away with the Ignorant Comment of the Day.
More on Communist China's Korean colony: The plight of the people of northern Korea is shown by Daily NK and OFK. Japan launches another satellite to watch SNK (Washington Times). The regime catches a bunch of escaped border guards (OFK). Open Radio for North Korea wins a grant from Freedom House (OFK). Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il plans for the regime to go on after he dies (OFK). Meanwhile, as South Korea's dovish party goes through yet another metamorphosis (Washington Times), the United States delays South Korea's day of control over its own army - at South Korea's request (BBC and OFK).
Condoleezza Rice still says Communist China will help U.S. on Iran, all evidence to the contrary (AFP via News.com.au).
More on Communist China and the United States: Dr. Patrick M. Cronin of the International Institute for Strategic Studies discusses the objectives Communist China advanced with its anti-satellite launch in Asia Times. Ying Ma has recommendations for American China-watchers in the Enlightened Comment of the Day (Policy Review). Orville Schell has a bad review of a bad book in the Washington Post.
On Communist China and Canada: Amidst the debate in Ottawa over Kyoto, Boycott 2008 reminds everyone of the fact that Communist China is not bound by its provisions. Small Dead Animals comments of Li Ka-Shing's attempt to seize control of a Vancouver harbor. Peter Worthington praises David Kilgour for putting the spotlight on Communist China's organ harvesting (Toronto Sun). Salim Mansur calls for closer Canada-India ties (Toronto Sun).
On Communist China and the rest of the world: A leading Kuomintang politicians is the latest in Taiwan's opposition to visit Communist China (Washington Times). Wieland Wagner discusses the continued militarization of occupied East Turkestan (Der Speigel). James Kirchick (Weekly Standard) and Yomiuri Shimbun (via Washington Times) sound the alarm on Communist China's ambitions for Africa. Jia Jia comments on Wang Lian (Epoch Times). Lev Navrozov discusses Moscow's relationship with Zhongnanhai (Newsmax).
Hong Kong news: The candidates for city chief will have a debate, but it will be as scripted as the "election" (BBC). Meanwhile, Tiananmen survivor Wang Dan announces his return to Communist China (he'll teach in HK - Epoch Times).
Other human rights news: More of appellants come to Beijing to have their grievances heard; the cadres continue to ignore them (Radio Free Asia via Epoch Times); Christians are arrested in Beijing (Boycott 2008). Li Tu (Epoch Times) evaluates Deng Xiaoping; Professor Xin Haonian (Epoch Times) and Hugh Sykes (BBC) examine the prospect of freedom in China.
On the state of the workers in the workers' state - health: He Qinglian reveals the extent of Communist China's failure a stop the spread of several diseases (Huaxia Electronic Newspaper via Epoch Times).
Back to the Beijing Surrender: The Epoch Times finds that Stalinist North Korea's pledge to shut down its plutonium facilities means zilch; something visiting Int'l Atomic Energy Agency head Mohamed ElBaradei should keep in mind (BBC). The Bush Administration is extending the cave-in to financial penalties against the Stalinists for counterfeiting (BBC). Kim Jong-il is flaunting the deal (Daily NK), which should give folks like Andrew Grotto (Washington Post) and David Albright (One Free Korea) pause. Among the skeptics are Daily NK, One Free Korea, and John O'Sullivan (National Review Online). Jim Hoagland (Washington Post) joins the fools who see a model for the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran in the SNK deal, and as such runs away with the Ignorant Comment of the Day.
More on Communist China's Korean colony: The plight of the people of northern Korea is shown by Daily NK and OFK. Japan launches another satellite to watch SNK (Washington Times). The regime catches a bunch of escaped border guards (OFK). Open Radio for North Korea wins a grant from Freedom House (OFK). Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il plans for the regime to go on after he dies (OFK). Meanwhile, as South Korea's dovish party goes through yet another metamorphosis (Washington Times), the United States delays South Korea's day of control over its own army - at South Korea's request (BBC and OFK).
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Car trouble plus web trouble equals post trouble
I'm sorry to say my numerous attempts at a normal post yesterday and this morning have hit a wall, thanks to my home wireless network, which remains far more entertaining than reliable. While there's an outside shot for a Sunday post, the next post will likely come on Monday. Apologies to all for the inconvenience.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
News of the Day (February 22)
Communist China's "battle" against "web addiction" raises eyebrows and questions: As noticed in the Washington Post (via MSNBC), "To skeptics, the campaign dovetails a bit too nicely with China's broader effort to control what its citizens can see on the Internet."
Zhao Ziyang mourner beaten in prison: Xu Zhengqing, a Shanghai resident sent to jail for "an attempt to attend a memorial service for former Premier Zhao Zhiyang" (Human Rights in China, h/t Jay Nordlinger of National Review Online), has been physically abused several times while in prison.
Organ harvesting conferences held in Colorado: Two campuses (campii?) from the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs and Boulder) held forums on the subject (Epoch Times).
Enlightened Comment of the Day: Gary Schmitt and John Tkacik take the prize for this excellent Weekly Standard piece on the history of Taiwan and the threat the island democracy faces.
Former Communist Ambassador to South Korea arrested for "leaking state secrets": Li Bin was Communist China's Ambassador to the South for four years (2001-2005). While the "state secrets" Li revealed are not known, "it is speculated that the information Li has divulged to South Korean authorities may have the potential to adversely impact the long-term relationship between China and North Korea" (Taiwan's Central News Agency via Epoch Times).
Ignorant Comment of the Day: George Will take the dubious honor for standing as an apologist for the Beijing Surrender in the Washington Post.
Japan not happy with the Beijing Surrender: The Japanese government will not offer any aid to Stalinist North Korea "unless progress is made on its core issue, the fate of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and '80s" (Time). In fact, Japan is even ready to impose more sanctions on SNK unless the abduction issue (lead, third, lead, second, fourth, second and second items) is resolved (Daily NK). Sadly, dovish South Korea is choosing to stick its head in the sand (One Free Korea).
More on Communist China's Korean colony: One Free Korea posts on Stalinist diplomats in trouble in Finland and South Korea's latest attempt to sweep the issue of human rights in North Korea under the rug.
United Nations report on Iran's nuclear weapons program due today: Of course, given Communist China's long history of support for the Iranian mullahcracy (nuclear program included), the report will likely have minimal effect (Newsmax).
Zhao Ziyang mourner beaten in prison: Xu Zhengqing, a Shanghai resident sent to jail for "an attempt to attend a memorial service for former Premier Zhao Zhiyang" (Human Rights in China, h/t Jay Nordlinger of National Review Online), has been physically abused several times while in prison.
Organ harvesting conferences held in Colorado: Two campuses (campii?) from the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs and Boulder) held forums on the subject (Epoch Times).
Enlightened Comment of the Day: Gary Schmitt and John Tkacik take the prize for this excellent Weekly Standard piece on the history of Taiwan and the threat the island democracy faces.
Former Communist Ambassador to South Korea arrested for "leaking state secrets": Li Bin was Communist China's Ambassador to the South for four years (2001-2005). While the "state secrets" Li revealed are not known, "it is speculated that the information Li has divulged to South Korean authorities may have the potential to adversely impact the long-term relationship between China and North Korea" (Taiwan's Central News Agency via Epoch Times).
Ignorant Comment of the Day: George Will take the dubious honor for standing as an apologist for the Beijing Surrender in the Washington Post.
Japan not happy with the Beijing Surrender: The Japanese government will not offer any aid to Stalinist North Korea "unless progress is made on its core issue, the fate of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and '80s" (Time). In fact, Japan is even ready to impose more sanctions on SNK unless the abduction issue (lead, third, lead, second, fourth, second and second items) is resolved (Daily NK). Sadly, dovish South Korea is choosing to stick its head in the sand (One Free Korea).
More on Communist China's Korean colony: One Free Korea posts on Stalinist diplomats in trouble in Finland and South Korea's latest attempt to sweep the issue of human rights in North Korea under the rug.
United Nations report on Iran's nuclear weapons program due today: Of course, given Communist China's long history of support for the Iranian mullahcracy (nuclear program included), the report will likely have minimal effect (Newsmax).
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
News of the Day (February 21)
Enlightened Comment of the Day: Today's winner is Qing Ya (Epoch Times) form reminding readers that Hu Jintao's factional battles with Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong do not make him a nicer Communist.
More on matters inside Communist China: Gary Feuerberg (Epoch Times) examines the fur industry in Communist China, and its animal victims. Coming a close second is the editors of the Washington Post for warning about Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf, the Communist Chinese ally who "has tempered his action against Islamic extremists and suppressed Pakistan's pro-Western democratic parties" (regarding to the former, the editors were referring to this, this, this, this, this, this, and this).
Li Ka-Shing eyeing Canadian port terminal: The pro-Communist Hong Kong tycoon's firm Hutchison Port Holdings "is one of the international terminal operators that has shown interest" in Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (Vancouver Sun). Li's firm already controls two container ports on the Panama Canal.
Communist China's Korean colony has enough material for at least four nuclear warheads: According to the Institute for Science and International Security, the Stalinist regime "had between 101 and 141 pounds of plutonium, of which between 62 and 110 pounds is estimated to be usable for weapons - enough to make four to eight crude warheads" (Newsmax). The Stalinists need not give up or destroy this material as part of the Beijing Surrender.
More criticism of the Beijing Surrender came from Harvard University Professor Sung-Yoon Lee, who noted what the "agreement" actually means "that North Korea will never completely give up its nuclear weapons program" (Daily NK). Further in that vein, Jeong Jae Sung (Daily NK) notes that the "agreement" makes no reference to the Stalinists' uranium weaponization program.
More on matters inside Communist China: Gary Feuerberg (Epoch Times) examines the fur industry in Communist China, and its animal victims. Coming a close second is the editors of the Washington Post for warning about Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf, the Communist Chinese ally who "has tempered his action against Islamic extremists and suppressed Pakistan's pro-Western democratic parties" (regarding to the former, the editors were referring to this, this, this, this, this, this, and this).
Li Ka-Shing eyeing Canadian port terminal: The pro-Communist Hong Kong tycoon's firm Hutchison Port Holdings "is one of the international terminal operators that has shown interest" in Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (Vancouver Sun). Li's firm already controls two container ports on the Panama Canal.
Communist China's Korean colony has enough material for at least four nuclear warheads: According to the Institute for Science and International Security, the Stalinist regime "had between 101 and 141 pounds of plutonium, of which between 62 and 110 pounds is estimated to be usable for weapons - enough to make four to eight crude warheads" (Newsmax). The Stalinists need not give up or destroy this material as part of the Beijing Surrender.
More criticism of the Beijing Surrender came from Harvard University Professor Sung-Yoon Lee, who noted what the "agreement" actually means "that North Korea will never completely give up its nuclear weapons program" (Daily NK). Further in that vein, Jeong Jae Sung (Daily NK) notes that the "agreement" makes no reference to the Stalinists' uranium weaponization program.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
News of the day (February 20)
Communist introduce point system to gauge print media reporting: The Communists' propaganda arm will deduct points for newspapers with "content . . . against the order or ideology of the CCP central government" (Radio Free Asia via Epoch Times), but a low score won't be the only repercussion. Others include "internal warnings, removal of the responsible personnel, and stopping the press from printing."
Witness to persecution will now suffer it for five years: Cao Dong, the gentleman who spoke to European Parliament Vice President Edward McMillan-Scott about the Communist crackdown against Falun Gong, was sentenced "to five years in prison on Feb. 8, 2007, under the charges of 'illegal collusion with anti-China forces in and out of China' and 'accepting illegal interviews'" (Epoch Times).
More on Communist persecution: Li Sisi and Zhang Ailun (Sound of Hope Radio via Epoch Times) talk to a Sichuan cop about the Communist Party's control over "local" police forces. AIDS activist Hu Jia - currently under house arrest - wishes fellow activist Gao Zhisheng a happy birthday (Epoch Times).
Communist China's new "green" plan - a lot of paint: In order to appear more environmentally friendly, the Communist regime chose to "paint an entire barren mountainside green" (National Review Online). Local cadres, when asked what was going on, answered: "This is an order from above."
"A Deal That Hard-Liners Hate": That's how Newsweek (via MSNBC) refers to the Beijing Surrender. Count yours truly and One Free Korea in that category.
More on Communist China's Korean colony: Daily NK calls for the international community to insist that food aid to Stalinist North Korea actually gets into the hands of the northern Korean people; the famine-weakened populace now faces a measles outbreak (BBC), but the Stalinists maintain their priorities - namely killing anyone who helps Koreans escape (BBC).
Witness to persecution will now suffer it for five years: Cao Dong, the gentleman who spoke to European Parliament Vice President Edward McMillan-Scott about the Communist crackdown against Falun Gong, was sentenced "to five years in prison on Feb. 8, 2007, under the charges of 'illegal collusion with anti-China forces in and out of China' and 'accepting illegal interviews'" (Epoch Times).
More on Communist persecution: Li Sisi and Zhang Ailun (Sound of Hope Radio via Epoch Times) talk to a Sichuan cop about the Communist Party's control over "local" police forces. AIDS activist Hu Jia - currently under house arrest - wishes fellow activist Gao Zhisheng a happy birthday (Epoch Times).
Communist China's new "green" plan - a lot of paint: In order to appear more environmentally friendly, the Communist regime chose to "paint an entire barren mountainside green" (National Review Online). Local cadres, when asked what was going on, answered: "This is an order from above."
"A Deal That Hard-Liners Hate": That's how Newsweek (via MSNBC) refers to the Beijing Surrender. Count yours truly and One Free Korea in that category.
More on Communist China's Korean colony: Daily NK calls for the international community to insist that food aid to Stalinist North Korea actually gets into the hands of the northern Korean people; the famine-weakened populace now faces a measles outbreak (BBC), but the Stalinists maintain their priorities - namely killing anyone who helps Koreans escape (BBC).
Monday, February 19, 2007
News of the Weekend (February 17-19)
Communists allow AIDS activist to visit United States: Dr. Gao Yaojie, the woman who first brought to light the Henan blood donation scheme that infected up to one million people with the AIDS virus, was under house arrest for about two weeks. Now, the regime is allowing the good doctor "to visit the US to receive an award from a rights group" (BBC). The cadres were fine with Dr. Gao revealing the horrific scheme, until she pointed the finger at "provincial communist leaders" earlier this decade.
Another day, another beating in Tiananmen Sqaure: The Epoch Times has the story.
On the Wang Lian affair: The spy-turned-defector calls on other Communist spies to join him in abandoning the regime (Epoch Times).
Enlightened Comment of the day: David Frum (National Review Online) takes aim at the Beijing Surrender.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: The editors of London's Daily Telegraph (via Washington Times) go right round the bend with this inquiry about Agreed Framework redux - "can this success for patient yet firm diplomacy provide a template for that other putative nuclear power, Iran?" Patient yet firm?! Are you kidding me?!
More on Communist China's Korean colony: One Free Korea laments the "agreement," South Korea's dovish nonsense, and the horrors of the Stalinists' Camp 22 in respective posts. Jaeger at Small Dead Animals weighs in on the deal, as does Yomiuri Shimbun via (Washington Times). Meanwhile, Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il "has ordered the seizure of all Japanese-made cars in the communist country after he spotted a broken-down model blocking a road" (Agence France-Presse via News.com.au).
Speaking of the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran, Tehran is caught faking the news to implicate America in recent bombing in southeastern Iran (Y-net). Top mullah Ali Khameini insists that the United States is losing the war (Breitbart), and one of his top generals talks about making it happen (NRO - The Corner). Syria's Bashar Assad pays a visit (Washington Times). The Weekly Standard takes aim at the mullahs' enablers. The weekend saw four different columns on Iranian mullahcracy (Peter Brookes in the New York Post, Matthew Levit in the Washington Times, Victor Davis Hanson in the Washington Times, and a Washington Times editorial), yet not one mentioned the l-word. Michael Rubin (NRO - The Corner) has the rest of the news on Iran.
On Communist China's Pakistani allies: Beijing's oldest friends in the Muslim world are giving the Taliban free reign in North and South Waziristan, either for necessity (NRO - The Corner) or cold-hearted calculation (Washington Times).
Another day, another beating in Tiananmen Sqaure: The Epoch Times has the story.
On the Wang Lian affair: The spy-turned-defector calls on other Communist spies to join him in abandoning the regime (Epoch Times).
Enlightened Comment of the day: David Frum (National Review Online) takes aim at the Beijing Surrender.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: The editors of London's Daily Telegraph (via Washington Times) go right round the bend with this inquiry about Agreed Framework redux - "can this success for patient yet firm diplomacy provide a template for that other putative nuclear power, Iran?" Patient yet firm?! Are you kidding me?!
More on Communist China's Korean colony: One Free Korea laments the "agreement," South Korea's dovish nonsense, and the horrors of the Stalinists' Camp 22 in respective posts. Jaeger at Small Dead Animals weighs in on the deal, as does Yomiuri Shimbun via (Washington Times). Meanwhile, Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il "has ordered the seizure of all Japanese-made cars in the communist country after he spotted a broken-down model blocking a road" (Agence France-Presse via News.com.au).
Speaking of the Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran, Tehran is caught faking the news to implicate America in recent bombing in southeastern Iran (Y-net). Top mullah Ali Khameini insists that the United States is losing the war (Breitbart), and one of his top generals talks about making it happen (NRO - The Corner). Syria's Bashar Assad pays a visit (Washington Times). The Weekly Standard takes aim at the mullahs' enablers. The weekend saw four different columns on Iranian mullahcracy (Peter Brookes in the New York Post, Matthew Levit in the Washington Times, Victor Davis Hanson in the Washington Times, and a Washington Times editorial), yet not one mentioned the l-word. Michael Rubin (NRO - The Corner) has the rest of the news on Iran.
On Communist China's Pakistani allies: Beijing's oldest friends in the Muslim world are giving the Taliban free reign in North and South Waziristan, either for necessity (NRO - The Corner) or cold-hearted calculation (Washington Times).
Friday, February 16, 2007
News of the Day (February 16)
Communist China moves against U.S. on trade, cyberwarfare, military, and diplomacy tracks: Four aspects of the Communists' geopolitical offensive are examined today - the Communist military buildup (BBC), the regime's hacker brigade (Worldwide Standard), intellectual piracy (BBC), and the cadres' attempt to browbeat Washington into accepting a space-weapons treaty (Worldwide Standard).
Would-be kidnap victim speaks: Youran Zhao, the student whose attempt to defect to the United States was nearly thwarted when Communist tour guides kidnapped her, tells her story to the Epoch Times.
Meanwhile, the Long Arm of Lawlessness now reaches Chicago (Epoch Times).
Taiwan's textbooks earn Communist ire: Taiwan's elected government comes under fire for changing the island democracy's historical curriculum to reflect the obvious - that Taiwan is distinct from the Communist mainland (Daily Standard).
Communist China demands right to send more workers to Australia as part of free trade deal: The cadres are "pushing Australia to relax its beleaguered guest workers visa program . . . as part of a proposed free trade deal" (AAP via Epoch Times).
On Communist espionage: Leading Hong Kong democrat Szeto Wah talks to the Epoch Times about the case of Wang Lian.
On human rights abuses in Communist China: Simon Elegant (Time) speaks to Chen Gunagcheng's lawyer about the plight of his client (see also tenth, second, ninth, ninth, thirteenth, lead, tenth, fifth, tenth, sixth, ninth, eighth, ninth, eighth, ninth, sixteenth, ninth, second, fifth, tenth, fourth, twelfth, next to last, second, and eighth items).
On the Beijing Surrender: Cal Thomas (Washington Times), Melinda Liu (Newsweek), and South Korean politician Park Guen-hye (Washington Times) weigh in. One Free Korea continues to lament the deal. Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il incorporates the agreement into his birthday bash (BBC).
Would-be kidnap victim speaks: Youran Zhao, the student whose attempt to defect to the United States was nearly thwarted when Communist tour guides kidnapped her, tells her story to the Epoch Times.
Meanwhile, the Long Arm of Lawlessness now reaches Chicago (Epoch Times).
Taiwan's textbooks earn Communist ire: Taiwan's elected government comes under fire for changing the island democracy's historical curriculum to reflect the obvious - that Taiwan is distinct from the Communist mainland (Daily Standard).
Communist China demands right to send more workers to Australia as part of free trade deal: The cadres are "pushing Australia to relax its beleaguered guest workers visa program . . . as part of a proposed free trade deal" (AAP via Epoch Times).
On Communist espionage: Leading Hong Kong democrat Szeto Wah talks to the Epoch Times about the case of Wang Lian.
On human rights abuses in Communist China: Simon Elegant (Time) speaks to Chen Gunagcheng's lawyer about the plight of his client (see also tenth, second, ninth, ninth, thirteenth, lead, tenth, fifth, tenth, sixth, ninth, eighth, ninth, eighth, ninth, sixteenth, ninth, second, fifth, tenth, fourth, twelfth, next to last, second, and eighth items).
On the Beijing Surrender: Cal Thomas (Washington Times), Melinda Liu (Newsweek), and South Korean politician Park Guen-hye (Washington Times) weigh in. One Free Korea continues to lament the deal. Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il incorporates the agreement into his birthday bash (BBC).
Thursday, February 15, 2007
News of the Day (February 15)
Bush defends Beijing Surrender: The President actually had the audacity to claim that the deal "will be a great deal for the North Korean people if their government follows through" (CNN). One Free Korea gives the President a well-deserved rhetorical double-barrel: "Not since April of 1975 have we betrayed friends and rewarded enemies at such a breathtaking rate." OFK isn't alone; critics of the "deal" caught the attention of the Washington Post (via MSNBC) and made their case at Daily NK and National Review Online. Meanwhile, the Administration is also working to end financial counterfeiting penalties against the Stalinist North (Daily NK).
More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Dr. Wang Lian, the Communist spy who came in from the cold and defected to Australia, talks again to the Epoch Times about his ordeal. Communist Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing visits Japan (BBC). Falun Gong practitioners lose criminal case in Singapore (Epoch Times) and a parade issue case in San Francisco (KCRA). Daimler-Chrysler looks to get a stake in the cadre-run Chery firm's plans to export automobiles to the United States (World Net Daily).
Communists to launch new "anti-corruption" agency: The unnamed organization comes in response to "almost 100,000 party members . . . disciplined for misconduct last year" (BBC). This is just the latest of several "anti-corruption drives" - none of which have truly stemmed the tide of perfidy.
More on Communist China and the rest of the world: Dr. Wang Lian, the Communist spy who came in from the cold and defected to Australia, talks again to the Epoch Times about his ordeal. Communist Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing visits Japan (BBC). Falun Gong practitioners lose criminal case in Singapore (Epoch Times) and a parade issue case in San Francisco (KCRA). Daimler-Chrysler looks to get a stake in the cadre-run Chery firm's plans to export automobiles to the United States (World Net Daily).
Communists to launch new "anti-corruption" agency: The unnamed organization comes in response to "almost 100,000 party members . . . disciplined for misconduct last year" (BBC). This is just the latest of several "anti-corruption drives" - none of which have truly stemmed the tide of perfidy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
News of the Day (February 14)
Communist-backed mullahcracy of Iran takes a page from North Korea's playbook: John Bolton referred to the Beijing Surrender as, among other things, "a bad signal to Iran" (Bill Gertz, Washington Times). Michael Rubin (National Review Online - The Corner) finds the mullahs are picking up the signal already.
Condoleezza Rice attempts to defend the Beijing Surrender: The Secretary of State's efforts to put lipstick on the pig (Fox News, Newsmax, and Voice of America via Epoch Times) had assists from John Kerry (Washington Times), Michael Hirsh (Newsweek via MSNBC), Australia's Foreign Minister (AAP via Epoch Times), and the editors of the Washington Post. However, the critics remained, rightly, unconvinced (NRO and Wall Street Journal).
More on the Communists' Korean colony: South Korea's dovish government is talking to the Stalinists again (BBC). The border guard situation is examined by Daily NK and One Free Korea.
More on Communist China and the rest of the world: The United States comments on the Communists' anti-satellite test (Washington Times). A professor from Macau defects to Australia (Epoch Times). Counterfeit goods in Communist China (Time) worry the U.S.
On matters inside Communist China (I'm rushed by an upcoming power outage): The cadres go politically correct on the Year of the Pig (Asia News). Wendy McElroy (Fox News) highlights the regime's AIDS fiasco. A Guangdong cadre quits the party (Epoch Times). Persecution against Christians (Epoch Times), Tibetans (Epoch Times), and homeowners (Epoch Times) continues.
Condoleezza Rice attempts to defend the Beijing Surrender: The Secretary of State's efforts to put lipstick on the pig (Fox News, Newsmax, and Voice of America via Epoch Times) had assists from John Kerry (Washington Times), Michael Hirsh (Newsweek via MSNBC), Australia's Foreign Minister (AAP via Epoch Times), and the editors of the Washington Post. However, the critics remained, rightly, unconvinced (NRO and Wall Street Journal).
More on the Communists' Korean colony: South Korea's dovish government is talking to the Stalinists again (BBC). The border guard situation is examined by Daily NK and One Free Korea.
More on Communist China and the rest of the world: The United States comments on the Communists' anti-satellite test (Washington Times). A professor from Macau defects to Australia (Epoch Times). Counterfeit goods in Communist China (Time) worry the U.S.
On matters inside Communist China (I'm rushed by an upcoming power outage): The cadres go politically correct on the Year of the Pig (Asia News). Wendy McElroy (Fox News) highlights the regime's AIDS fiasco. A Guangdong cadre quits the party (Epoch Times). Persecution against Christians (Epoch Times), Tibetans (Epoch Times), and homeowners (Epoch Times) continues.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
News of the Day (February 13)
Reaction to the Beijing Surrender pours in: The news sources (CNN and Voice of America via Epoch Times) give the details, with one anonymous American official serving as an unintended comic in the CNN story - "The U.S. believes it's a strong draft." Meanwhile, One Free Korea, James Robbins (National Review Online), and Andy McCarthy (NRO - The Corner) give the "deal" the rhetorical double-barrels it deserves.
Enlightened Comment of the Day: Today's winner is Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) with a very clear-eyed view of the danger from Communist China's geopolitical rise (via Life, Politics, War and Other Thoughts...).
Cadre who told America to "shut up" about Communist arms buildup gets plum UN post: Sha Zukang - who as Communist China's Ambassador to the United Nations had this to say about U.S. concerns on his regime's military buildup, "It is much better for you to shut up, keep quiet" - is now UN Undersecretary of economic and social affairs, "a post just under Secretary General Ban Ki-moon" (China Rises via Worldwide Standard). The appointment was made by Ban himself (UN Press Release via Nieuwsbank).
More on Communist China and the United States: Chen Po-Kong (Epoch Times) examines the fallout from the anti-satellite test (which the Communists insist will be their last, for now - Washington Times). Court Pearman (Epoch Times) looks at the resource rivalry between Zhongnanhai and Washington. The Ghulja, East Turkestan massacre of 1997 is remembered in Washington (Epoch Times). American physicians launch Doctors Against Organ Harvesting (Epoch Times). Michael J. Green sees democracy putting down roots in Asia (Washington Post).
Taiwan opposition leader quits amid charges of corruption: Former Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou resigned as head of the Kuomintang (Nationalist) Party amid allegations "of forgery and of having embezzled more than 11m Taiwanese dollars (£170,000; $333,000) during his time as Taipei mayor" (BBC). Ma insists he's innocent, and that he will run for President in 2008, but if convicted, he could leave the "pan-blue" opposition in complete disarray.
Hong Kong press says city's media is not as free as under British rule: A survey of Hong Kong journalists revealed "that 58.4 percent of journalists surveyed believe that freedom of press has deteriorated over the decade since Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997" (Taiwan's Central News Agency via Epoch Times).
Religious persecution continues in Communist China: Gary Feuerberg (Epoch Times) has the details and testimonials.
Communist China "suffers from the world's most severe brain drain" - and this admission comes from the Communists themselves: "About two-thirds of Chinese who have studied abroad since the 1980s have chosen not to go back home" (China Daily via BBC).
Enlightened Comment of the Day: Today's winner is Congressman Randy Forbes (R-Virginia) with a very clear-eyed view of the danger from Communist China's geopolitical rise (via Life, Politics, War and Other Thoughts...).
Cadre who told America to "shut up" about Communist arms buildup gets plum UN post: Sha Zukang - who as Communist China's Ambassador to the United Nations had this to say about U.S. concerns on his regime's military buildup, "It is much better for you to shut up, keep quiet" - is now UN Undersecretary of economic and social affairs, "a post just under Secretary General Ban Ki-moon" (China Rises via Worldwide Standard). The appointment was made by Ban himself (UN Press Release via Nieuwsbank).
More on Communist China and the United States: Chen Po-Kong (Epoch Times) examines the fallout from the anti-satellite test (which the Communists insist will be their last, for now - Washington Times). Court Pearman (Epoch Times) looks at the resource rivalry between Zhongnanhai and Washington. The Ghulja, East Turkestan massacre of 1997 is remembered in Washington (Epoch Times). American physicians launch Doctors Against Organ Harvesting (Epoch Times). Michael J. Green sees democracy putting down roots in Asia (Washington Post).
Taiwan opposition leader quits amid charges of corruption: Former Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou resigned as head of the Kuomintang (Nationalist) Party amid allegations "of forgery and of having embezzled more than 11m Taiwanese dollars (£170,000; $333,000) during his time as Taipei mayor" (BBC). Ma insists he's innocent, and that he will run for President in 2008, but if convicted, he could leave the "pan-blue" opposition in complete disarray.
Hong Kong press says city's media is not as free as under British rule: A survey of Hong Kong journalists revealed "that 58.4 percent of journalists surveyed believe that freedom of press has deteriorated over the decade since Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997" (Taiwan's Central News Agency via Epoch Times).
Religious persecution continues in Communist China: Gary Feuerberg (Epoch Times) has the details and testimonials.
Communist China "suffers from the world's most severe brain drain" - and this admission comes from the Communists themselves: "About two-thirds of Chinese who have studied abroad since the 1980s have chosen not to go back home" (China Daily via BBC).
Good Morning. Your world is now less safe.
The United States of America, arguably the most powerful nation on Earth, just caved to Stalinist North Korea. There is no other way to describe today's "agreement," besides surrender or betrayal.
We will all see and hear a lot of false praise for the Bush Administration's ability to get SNK to agree to "shut down" its nuclear power plant in exchange for fuel oil; none of it is deserved. The President began these negotiations almost four years ago insisting the Stalinists' entire nuclear weapons program be dismantled before they received one cent of aid. Now, not once cent has become one million barrels of fuel oil.
First, let us focus on what this deal will not do: the Stalinists do not have to destroy the nuclear weapons they already have; they will not have to dismantle their uranium nuclear program; they will not have to make any amends to Japan for the numerous Japanese abducted by SNK in the 1970s and 1980s. All of these issues have been "left for later discussion" (BBC), i.e., future opportunities for the Stalinists to extract more bribes.
Now, let's see what the Stalinists will get: the aforementioned fuel oil, talks on "normalizing relations" with both the U.S. and Japan with no strings attached, and - get this - a pledge from the Administration to take SNK off its list of international terrorists, this less than one month after reports of Stalinist aid to the Iranian mullahcracy on nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
This might very well be worse than the 1994 Agreed Framework fiasco. At least back then, the Stalinist North had neither nuclear weapons nor a partially developed ballistic missile. Now they have both - and they get off the terrorist list.
How could the Bush Administration, which has shown such resolve and toughness in the Middle East and Central Asia, completely wilt in Eastern Asia? The answer reveals the one flaw that has damaged this Administration from the beginning (and, to be fair, both of its immediate predecessors): its support for "engagement" with Communist China.
Like his father and his immediate predecessor, George W. Bush apparently believes Communist China is a potential American ally, rather than the enemy it really is. That was evident throughout this incredibly sorry episode, in which the Communist regime was given complete trust to "pressure" its de facto colony. Said "pressure" never came to Pyongyang, but Beijing applied plenty of pressure to Washington, and it worked.
Communist China had and has no interest in making Stalinist North Korea a decent member of the world community; it instead used the Stalinists as a tool to wear down American resolve. The result is a deal that enables the Stalinist North to keep its nuclear weapons and receive international aid, all while getting off the terrorist list.
Does anyone think that the Iranian mullahcracy, Communist China's best friend in the Middle East, isn't paying attention? John Bolton believes the mullahs are, saying the deal "sends exactly the wrong signal to would-be proliferators around the world." Exactly.
I've talked about how to deal with the new, post-non-proliferation world before, but the correct policies flow from one simple premise: Communist China is the enemy the free world, and has proven it by aiding the enemies we fight even now in the Wahhabist-Ba'athist-Khomeinist War.
We must work with our allies (Japan, Taiwan, India, Georgia, Afghanistan, etc.) - including providing them with nuclear weapons if they wish - to make clear to the Beijing-Tehran-Pyongyang alliance that we will not tolerate its presence, let alone its increasing power. We must economically isolate them as much as possible. We must make it abundantly clear to the Communist regime that we will hold it (along with the perpetrators, of course) responsible for every future act of nuclear terrorism against the free world.
Finally, we must make clear that our policy is liberation (preferably without military force, but with force if necessary) for Iran, North Korea, and China. We will never be secure until the peoples suffering under these regimes can take their respective countries back from the tyrants. Until we do these things, the Second Cold War will never be won, and the W-B-K war itself will be in doubt.
It hurts to write these words, especially since this Administration has worked so hard - and endured so much undeserved criticism - in its attempt to make America safe in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, the fact is, its pusillanimity in Beijing has made the world less safe, and the fact that its political opponents would have done little different is no comfort. America will never be secure until Iran, North Korea, and China are free.
We will all see and hear a lot of false praise for the Bush Administration's ability to get SNK to agree to "shut down" its nuclear power plant in exchange for fuel oil; none of it is deserved. The President began these negotiations almost four years ago insisting the Stalinists' entire nuclear weapons program be dismantled before they received one cent of aid. Now, not once cent has become one million barrels of fuel oil.
First, let us focus on what this deal will not do: the Stalinists do not have to destroy the nuclear weapons they already have; they will not have to dismantle their uranium nuclear program; they will not have to make any amends to Japan for the numerous Japanese abducted by SNK in the 1970s and 1980s. All of these issues have been "left for later discussion" (BBC), i.e., future opportunities for the Stalinists to extract more bribes.
Now, let's see what the Stalinists will get: the aforementioned fuel oil, talks on "normalizing relations" with both the U.S. and Japan with no strings attached, and - get this - a pledge from the Administration to take SNK off its list of international terrorists, this less than one month after reports of Stalinist aid to the Iranian mullahcracy on nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
This might very well be worse than the 1994 Agreed Framework fiasco. At least back then, the Stalinist North had neither nuclear weapons nor a partially developed ballistic missile. Now they have both - and they get off the terrorist list.
How could the Bush Administration, which has shown such resolve and toughness in the Middle East and Central Asia, completely wilt in Eastern Asia? The answer reveals the one flaw that has damaged this Administration from the beginning (and, to be fair, both of its immediate predecessors): its support for "engagement" with Communist China.
Like his father and his immediate predecessor, George W. Bush apparently believes Communist China is a potential American ally, rather than the enemy it really is. That was evident throughout this incredibly sorry episode, in which the Communist regime was given complete trust to "pressure" its de facto colony. Said "pressure" never came to Pyongyang, but Beijing applied plenty of pressure to Washington, and it worked.
Communist China had and has no interest in making Stalinist North Korea a decent member of the world community; it instead used the Stalinists as a tool to wear down American resolve. The result is a deal that enables the Stalinist North to keep its nuclear weapons and receive international aid, all while getting off the terrorist list.
Does anyone think that the Iranian mullahcracy, Communist China's best friend in the Middle East, isn't paying attention? John Bolton believes the mullahs are, saying the deal "sends exactly the wrong signal to would-be proliferators around the world." Exactly.
I've talked about how to deal with the new, post-non-proliferation world before, but the correct policies flow from one simple premise: Communist China is the enemy the free world, and has proven it by aiding the enemies we fight even now in the Wahhabist-Ba'athist-Khomeinist War.
We must work with our allies (Japan, Taiwan, India, Georgia, Afghanistan, etc.) - including providing them with nuclear weapons if they wish - to make clear to the Beijing-Tehran-Pyongyang alliance that we will not tolerate its presence, let alone its increasing power. We must economically isolate them as much as possible. We must make it abundantly clear to the Communist regime that we will hold it (along with the perpetrators, of course) responsible for every future act of nuclear terrorism against the free world.
Finally, we must make clear that our policy is liberation (preferably without military force, but with force if necessary) for Iran, North Korea, and China. We will never be secure until the peoples suffering under these regimes can take their respective countries back from the tyrants. Until we do these things, the Second Cold War will never be won, and the W-B-K war itself will be in doubt.
It hurts to write these words, especially since this Administration has worked so hard - and endured so much undeserved criticism - in its attempt to make America safe in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, the fact is, its pusillanimity in Beijing has made the world less safe, and the fact that its political opponents would have done little different is no comfort. America will never be secure until Iran, North Korea, and China are free.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)