Building a Case Against Iran

U.S. Continues to Make Claims of Iranian Involvement in Iraq Officers of the First Cavalry Division seized components that are said to be essential parts of the deadly canisters called explosively formed penetrators, or E.F.P.’s, which explode and hurl out a high-speed cluster of copper designed to cut through tough armor. This is another strike against Iran in the eyes of the administration. Although, many experts are skeptical of the allegations that Iran is supplying weapons to the insurgency groups in Iraq. At any rate, the government continues to prepare for possible military action against Iran.

These circumstances are eerily similar to the build-up to the Iraq War. This time around, I hope the burden of proof is a much stricter one. The role of the media in this eminent crisis is crucial. Tough questions need to be asked. Where is the proof that these weapons came from Iran and what evidence do you have linking these weapons to the Iranian government? In terms of the nuclear program, why were negotiations on option with North Korea, but not Iran? North Korea is the country that actually tested long range missiles.

UK Psychedelia

The Early Years
The Early Years
The Early Years were born in 2004 when David Malkinson teamed up with friends, Roger Mackin and Phil Raines, joined together by their desire to create music full of ambiant noise, feedback and psychedelic guitar riffs. Their debut self-titled album was released in the UK last summer, but was just made available in the U.S. on Jan. 30th. They have a very hip style and sound somewhere in between Mogwai and Spiritualized. You can really hear their use of distortion on "All Ones and Zeros". The Early Years seem to be on their way to some meaningful popularity riding the probable success of this record with a massive touring schedule. Check out the video for "So Far Gone" below.

Tough Talk from Russian Leader

Putin accuses U.S. of sparking arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the annual Munich Conference on Security Policy in Germany on Saturday. He delivered some very strong messages concerning the United States. Here are some quotes from his address:

-"One state, the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way."

-"The United States has overstepped its borders in all spheres - economic, political and humanitarian, and has imposed itself on other states."

-"Unilateral, illegitimate actions have not solved a single problem, they have become a hotbed of further conflicts."

-"It is a world of one master, one sovereign ... it has nothing to do with democracy...This is nourishing the wish of countries to get nuclear weapons. This is very dangerous, nobody feels secure anymore because nobody can hide behind international law."

Putin never mentioned American actions in Iraq or Afghanistan, but he did refer to the United States' deployment of a missile defense system in eastern Europe, saying that the project is not in the interest of "the Europeans". U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates replied to Putin's remarks by saying "one Cold War is enough" and that he would go to Moscow to try to reduce tensions. These are probably the harshest words spoken by a Russian leader towards the U.S. since the end of the Cold War. Clearly, there is still a major struggle behind the scenes between these two world powers. Putin knows his nation is far from competing with the U.S. economically or militarily, but he is not above using Russian oil as leverage in conflicts with the West. It will be very interesting to see where this contenious relationship goes from here.

Funky Scotsman

Paolo Nutini
These Streets
After receiving much critical acclaim in the U.K., the soulful debut album from this Scottish singer/songwriter was finally released in the U.S. in January. Nutini channels the spirits of Motown with his R&B infused pop songs, such as the title track. These Streets also has the feel of a jam band record with songs like "New Shoes". This album is definitely worth a listen, if for nothing else but its uniqueness. Check out the video below from Paolo's AOL Session.

Practices of CIA Come Under Fire

German prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for thirteen CIA operatives linked to the kidnapping and torture of German citizen Khaled El-Masri. Allegedly, the CIA, with the help of Macedonian security agents, abducted a German citizen while on vacation in Macedonia on suspicions of terrorist activities. They then transferred him to a secret prison in Afghanistan where El-Masri was held and tortured for five months. After the CIA was satisfied that he couldn't help them in their "investigation", he was finally released and abandoned in the mountains of Albania. This allegation is in line with other examples of a known United States' practice referred to "Extraordinary Rendition". It is just another violation of human rights and American values that has been establish by this administration and excused as a necessary evil in the war against terror. Democracy Now! does a good job higlighting some key aspects of this issue.


Check out this video of Senator Patrick Leahy grilling Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on the issue of another victim of Extraordinary Rendition, Maher Arar. Arar is a Canadian citizen who was detained by the FBI at JFK Airport on his way back to Toronto from a vacation overseas. He was then transported to Syria where he was imprisoned and tortured. Sen. Leahy tries to familiarize the Attorney General with the Constitution.

Protestors Speak Out Against War in Iraq

Thousands demonstrate against Bush's plan. As Congress prepares to debate the President's new strategy in Iraq, crowds of protesters gathered in Washington D.C. to voice their opposition to the war and particularly the troop build-up proposed by Bush. Speeches were given by politicians, religious leaders and celebrities. In spite of the fact that this was a massive display of a widely held sentiment, there was very little mass media coverage of this event. With or without the support of the media, demonstrations like this one just add to the pressure that is already weighing on the new congress to oppose the administration's escalation of the war in Iraq.

Up and Coming Indie Rock

Cold War Kids
Robbers & Cowards
This is the first full length album from Fullerton, CA's Cold War Kids. Robbers & Cowards strikes a delicate balance between the rawness of underground rockers and the artistic value of seasoned songwriters. Their sound is very gritty and poignant. You get a good sense of their unique style from "Passing the Hat", a song exploring the justification and guilt involved with stealing from a church donation plate. Cold War Kids perform with such passion and feeling that their emotions are felt in every track. One of the highlights of the record, "Hospital Beds" is full of sympathy and warmth. Although these guys are relative new comers, Robbers & Cowards is a polished debut that will certainly build the buzz that is already surrounding Cold War Kids.

"Hang Me Up to Dry"

Bush Proposes Turning the Table on Health Insurance

The President wants to tax higher priced plans while giving breaks to those who purchase their plans privately. The new plan, which Bush introduced in his radio address on Saturday, would create tax benefits and hopefully compel Americans who live without coverage to buy at least some insurance. Also, he hopes that the new tax on the more expensive plans offered by companies will force some employees to find less excessive plans, in turn, reducing the cost of health insurance as a whole. This is great news for young people as well as the self employed. There are currently over 45 million U.S. citizens who are uninsured. Clearly, this does not solve the huge health care crisis that exists in our country, but it will certainly help in making insurance slightly more accessible. It is also good just to be speaking and writing about health care. The issue has really taken a back seat to other concerns as of late, but this propsal will at least get people talking about the problem again.

A Case for Best Album of '06

Neko Case
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
Neko Case is one of the most recognizable female names and voices in the Alternative Country scene. She has consistently delivered haunting and thoughtful songs since her first release in 1997, The Virginian. Nothing has changed with her 4th studio record, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood is full of clever lyrics and sophisticated melodies that are driven home by her graceful voice. Case unleashes a captivating, spiritual parable in "Maybe Sparrow" powered by her enchanting, signature sound. Another highlight on the album, is the dark love song, "Hold On, Hold On" (featured below in a video)where Neko poetically turns loneliness into beauty. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood will prove to be a favorite for those who appreciate a singer/songwriter who performs from the heart.

Against All Odds: Barack Obama's Presidential Pursuit

Barack Obama faces an uphill climb. On Tuesday, Illinois Senator, Barack Obama, announced that he has formed a presidential exploratory committee, all but formalizing his candidacy for the 2008 election. By doing so, he's throwing his hat into a very crowded ring. There's no question that Obama is one of the favorites for winning the democratic ticket, however he is up against some formidable competition. Currently, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are the strongest of the bunch, but with so much time still left any of the other hopefuls could gain speed. Others who are likely candidates include the Senators from Delaware and Connecticut, Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd, respectively. Also, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack are expected to run.

Although Obama has the attention and the name recognition, he is still going to need to garner the support of democrats who may feel that he is not their best chance at winning the office. His lack of campaign experience and the uncertainty of how voters will react to an African American candidate are two of Obama's major hurdles. I happen to think that his inexperience and diversity are exactly what make him an intriguing candidate. Its clear that the majority of the nation is in search of a new philosophy, one where public opinion will once again count and where the actions of our government reflect the spirit of our citizens. Its hard to say if Barack Obama is the candidate that we need, the one who will restore democratic principles and values in the White House, but on the surface he seems like our best chance.

Tribute to a Classic

Bob Dylan
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Its only fitting that the first album featured on this blog be from one of the most influential artists of all time. Freewheelin'... was Dylan's 2nd major release, but it was this 1963 recording that catapulted his career from an unknown folk singer-songwriter to an icon. Dylan inspired millions throughout generations with protest songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall". The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan is a graceful and timeless must-have for any self-respecting music lover with a social conscience. Forty three years later and still relevant, check out Masters of War.

Bush Facing Strong Opposition Over War Escalation

Bush's Iraq Plan Meets Skepticism On Capitol Hill. Maybe this is a sign of the new Democratic congress making a stand or maybe sensibility and moral conscience have finally prevailed in the minds of lawmakers in Washington D.C. Whatever the case may be, the American public, who is overwhelmingly opposed to the war, at long last has reason to hope that our government will again function as a democracy.