Of fallen dictators, wars and perhaps future wars?

17 February

I’ve finally caught up with the news but I wish I hadn’t really. Wars raging in various places across the world, in particular in North Africa and eastern Med areas plus of course in the Ukraine. However, it has had me thinking a good bit about them and their causes. These countries used to be run by dictators didn’t they? The USSR collapsed when it tried to keep up with the western powers defence spending, and the various states went off on their own.

Wars then began in the Balkans, Georgia and other states throughout the old Union, the latest being Ukraine. While communism stood strong there was little or no descent, and what there was, was kept unreported for the most part. Sadam Hussain was topple by the west and Iraq fell apart and was quickly torn apart by various factions within the country.

Seeing that, other countries followed and rebelled to get rid of their dictator leaders; the so-called Arab Spring arrived. Libya is now torn apart by in-fighting for control within the vacuum left by the West in bringing Gadhafi down. Egypt is still not settled and quiet. And while all that is going on, ISIS is running amok killing who they like whenever they like. I have to say that the West now has a lot to answer for.

The overall result is where there are such autocratic rulers, they have tightened their grip on their countries. Syria and Iran come to mind in that same area. Afghanistan seems to be fairly quiet at the moment; but I wonder if we don‘t heart anything from there because our troops have been pulled. Maybe the Taliban is sitting and waiting its chance to take the country back?

And what about Pakistan and further east, India. An uneasy peace has existed on their borders for a long time. The really big one we have to be concerned about is China. After years of growth their economy is starting to shrink now. So many people have come to see more cash in their pockets and more goods in the shops to spend it on. If that dries up, will they start to push political change? If China blows, what will the West do; sit and wring their hands and demand a peaceful political solution? And then what … … …

Enough of my babbling! 

I was surprised to see that it was still fairly light outside at 5.20 yesterday evening. Today has been a nice sunny day, and it still is nice out there with a clear blue sky, even now at 4.50; so perhaps it will be light just as long today, or maybe even a few minutes later. Yes, yes, I know the days are drawing out now; but it’s still nice to see.

Today’s photo then … 

A business lunch?

And today’s funny …

Paul is being questioned by the Russian government:

Govt. Official: “If you had a yacht, what would you do with it?”
Paul: “Give it to Mother Russia.

Govt. Official: “And if you had a palace, what would you do with it?”
Paul: “Give it to Mother Russia.”

Govt. Official: “And if you had a sweater, what would you do with it?”
No reply.

Government official asks the question again.
And still not reply.
Finally he shouts: “Paul, why don’t you reply?”

Paul: “Because I have a sweater.”