Obama to end combat mission in Iraq by August 2010

On Thursday, President Obama told lawmakers that he will withdraw most of the troops in Iraq by August 2010, but leave some behind to advise Iraqi troops, protect U.S. interests, and guide Iraq safely throughout its upcoming election. President Obama simply stated, "Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31, 2010, our combat missions in Iraq will end."

This plan is still three months later than the promised date on the campaign trail, but he got the job done. There are currently 142,000 US troops in Iraq. Under the agreement of the Bush administration, all US troops must be out of Iraq by December 31, 2011.

Liberals are not happy with President Obama because he had not kept his promised date in his letter, but he had provided some flexibility and time for military commanders to get the job done. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is unhappy that President Obama is still leaving behind a large number of troops behind, saying that the numbers were a bit higher than he expected. Some Democrats are saying that he is still leaving too many troops behind.

35,000 ~ 50,000 support troops will remain. He said that situations are still fragile with the new election approaching in december. He stated that he will change his plans if violence worsens.

I think the numbers and the timing is just perfect. The U.S. still needs some troops to stay behind and make sure that the new election in December goes well. Iraq's new election will be a crucial point in its history. It might mark the beginning of its recovery, or it might mark the beginning of a worse times of recession. Providing three months for the military commanders is a good decision because things should not be rushed in times of this kind of fragility.

Iran tests its first nuclear power plant

Iran tested its first nuclear power plant, Bushehr, on wednesday. The officials at the power plant stated that this test was to measure the "pressure, temperature, and flow rate." The test was observed by the Russian nuclear agency, and the power plant itself was built by help from the Russians.

However, this test is causing two opposing reactions over the world.The Iranian government and the citizens of Iran are celebrating their new peaceful nuclear program, and they are proud. Countries in the West think that they might be working towards making a nuclear bomb.

One suspicious evidence is that Iran is now one step closer to producing electricity with nuclear power, but Iran is a one of the countries in the world that has the most natural oil and gas. The West is wondering why it needs nuclear energy. The Iranian government responded that they want to sell more oil and not use them for themselves for more profit. Another evidence is that the fuel used in these power plants can also be used to make bombs.

Hassan Qashqavi, Iran's foreign minister spokesman said that nuclear bombs are against the Muslim rules. Also, Iran has gladly agreed to be monitored by UN's watchdogs at all times. The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) sayst that their cameras located in the power plant have confirmed that there is no evidence of them working towards making a bomb.

I do not blame Iran for this nuclear power test because everyone is at an economic crisis right now. I do not blame the West for being suspicious because these are very unstable times when a single bomb can trigger a World War III. I think that the only thing we can do right now is to make sure that the surveillance system in the power plant is very carefully structured and monitored, so that any possible threat could be detected at once. President Obama has not had a say in this matter yet, but I do not think that he has the right to close this power plant down. He should let Iran use its power plant under the condition that the US government sends watchdogs as well.

Family of 5 weathers economy with 7 housemates

This is a story about a family in New Mexico who have provided their hospitality to 7 people. Chris and Georgia Frankel have three daughters of their own, ages 3, 6, and 17. The house is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Currently, there are 5 more adults and 2 teens.

This house is open to anyone who needs help. Some people stay temporarily, and some people become very close family members. Although a coupld of them were paying rent to the house, the fees were really low. Most of the people are staying for free. They are staying for all kinds of reasons, from difficult family situations to trouble with their roomates.

Chris and Georgia say that they really do not want any rent, and they want to do anything they can to help other people in financial difficulties. However, the surprising fact is that Chris and Georgia are not wealthy either. In fact, they were so poor that they had to beg and borrow money from to live on. They say, "My kids get to experience different cultures and different kinds of people. At the end of the day, if it comes down between saving a dollar or helping someone else out, we have been pretty good about seeing the investment in our friendships and our family. That's what keeps us going and keeps us pretty happy."

This story shone a glimpse of light and hope into the miserable economic conditions in the world. Everyone, even those in terrible financial conditions, should keep in mind that there are always people who are in worse conditions than themselves. People should start paying forward, and that will certainly help to revive the economy. It is amazing to watch Georgia and Chris providing those in need with a private relief plan of their own, aside from the government's stimulus package.

Politician in Malaysia nudity row

A Malaysian opposition politician handed her resignation paper after naked photos of her sleeping were being shared among the media and some male politicians' cell phones. Her name is Elizabeth Wong, a 37-year-old Malaysia's top human rights activist. She blamed the government of "gutter politics" for the release of the photos.

She talked of women's rights and their rights for privacy in her press conference. The photos were believed to have been taken by her ex-boyfriend. Some politicians are criticizing her for allowing a man into her room when she is a single, unmarried woman. She said that this incident was deceptive attempt by other politicians to degrade her party. However, the government has denied its involvement in this scandal.

This shows that the Malaysian government is not mature enough yet to accept women politicians and discard sexist opinions. This really shows a contrast with the US government, where Hilary Clinton continues to be a well-respected secretary of state. However, I do not think Ms Wong should resign despite her emotional traumas. She should take this as an example of the sexist flaws in the Malaysian government and fight for women's rights. This incident really changed my view of the Malaysian government.

Hillary Clinton adopts softer line with North Korea

Hilary Clinton, the secretary of state started her mission abroad in Japan. She stated that the possible missle launch by North Korea would be unhelpful, especially when they are trying to form a better relationship with the United States. However, she promised humanitarian aid, diplomatic recognition, and security guarantees for North Korea if it gave up completely on its nuclear weapons.

She spoke about President Obama's statement in his inaugural address that "the US will reach out a hand to those with whom we have differences, as long as they unclench their fists." The decision is up to them to end reckless language and threats. She also talked about harmony and balance between countries and their relationships. She stated that the US wants a peace treaty rather than a ceasefire, and that the US is willing to help the people of North Korea. Hilary Clinton will continue her trip to South Korea and China soon.

I think Hilary Clinton is doing a good job by traveling to the opposite side of the world to talk more effectively to the Asian countries rather than just sitting back at home. It shows that she really cares and wants to get these Korean conflicts solved as quickly and peacefully as possible. North Korea has to stop its rash and irresponsible threats right now and turn its attention towards peace, not war.

Global alert issued for 85 terror suspects

Interpol released a security alert for 85 suspected al Qaeda terrorists wanted by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, February 10. The list was mostly Saudi suspects, with the exception of two Yemenis.

The Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble stated that this was the first time that Interpol was asked to alert people about so many suspects. All 85 wanted terrorists are suspected of motives to attack Saudi Arabia. Interpol also stated that a country asking for help in this kind of degree is really rare.

This really shows the urgency of the Saudi Arabian goverment's need for help and its desperateness. It stated in the article also that "It is rare for the kingdom to announce that some of its most wanted terrorists are on the loose. It is also unusual for Saudi Arabia to ask for help in finding them." I do not know if Interpol is doing the best it can or have made any progress, but I hope that they are because a country's government asking for outside help is really something.

American Senate comes to $780 billion stimulus plan

President Obama had wanted a $900 billion economic stimulus plan to be passed through the Senate, but the Senate has cut it down to $780 billion. The Senate leaders are confident that this $780 stimulus package will pass the Senate voting that is coming up in a few days.

However, most of the Republicans are refusing to vote for the $780 package. Only two votes were assured from the Republicans.

President Obama expressed the urgency of this economic crisis and the need for this stimulus package. He said that the problem we face is not getting better, but becoming worse and worse. As for the package, he said, "Broadly speaking, the package is the right size, it is the right scope, and it has the right priorities to create 3 to 4 million jobs, and to do it in a way that lays the groundwork for long-term growth."

I applaud President Obama for acting quickly and showing to the people of the United States that the government does not take forever to act. However, acting quickly could lead to some problems or maybe big ones in the end if not thought out carefully. I just hope President Obama has thought this over carefully. I also think that the Democrats and the Republicans should stop turning this serious voting into a bipartisan event. Both sides should vote for what they truly believe will save America's economy.