In 2007, CNA Corporation wrote, "climate change is a threat multiplier in already fragile regions, exacerbating conditions that lead to failed states -- the breeding grounds for extremism and terrorism." In 2010, the Pentagon followed suit, writing in its 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review that global warming impacts and disasters will "act as an accelerant of instability or conflict." In fact, the Pentagon has already started war-gaming climate change, to prepare for the effect it will have on our commitments around the world if that instability comes to pass.
Now, this summer, we are seeing the tip of the (quickly melting) iceberg of what's to come, with the flooding in Pakistan. The catastrophic floods that hit the country this year have killed more than 1,500 people, left 4 million homeless, millions more displaced, and left one-fifth of the country under water. As organizations begin to set up aide efforts, the threat of terrorists groups capitalizing on the disaster for recruitment purposes increases, potentially putting America's mission in Afghanistan in peril.
According to Reuters, "Islamist charities, some with suspected ties to militants, stepped in... to provide aid for Pakistanis hit by the worst flooding in memory, piling pressure on a government criticized for its response to the disaster."
That's right. As thousands of people flee Pakistan's most populist areas because of the flooding, terrorists could be stepping in where the government has not -- winning chits with the public that they could cash in at a later date.
Think terrorists can't pretend to be nice people when it suits them? Look no further than the Palestinian territories, where for years, Hamas has taken care of many social services, and provided for the families of suicide bombers and other terrorists. The result? Hamas won open elections in the territories, and now controls Gaza.
So, yes, that's happening right there in Pakistan. Reports CNN, "An official with Falah-e-Insaniyat, a group widely believed to be the charity wing of a Pakistani terrorist group, said Shah, the USAID administrator, visited a camp the group was running. Kuaateeb Ullah, Falah-e-Insaniyat's leader in Sukkur, said the charity is running five camps in the Sindhi city and providing food and medicine to 3,500 flood survivors. He told CNN that Jumaat Ud Dawa, banned by the United Nations and the Pakistani government as a terrorist organization, was helping fund the relief missions."
Not a good development in a country where the US is already seen as the enemy by every 6 out of 10 people.
Now, imagine global climate change hitting places like Pakistan again and again and again. Floods in some regions. Abnormally hot temperatures in others, killing vegetation and spreading disease. General misery among the people. A perfect place for al Qaeda and groups connected to it to step in and help, winning sympathy -- if not outright converts. At a time when we need Pakistan to put the squeeze on al Qaeda, the terrorist group could easily be gaining breathing room.
Further, the potential for regional conflict expands greatly. What if Pakistanis have to move further and further towards India, a country with an already itchy red-button finger? Or if Bangladeshis do? It's a nuclear powder keg that is in our own national security interest to contain. That means an even greater commitment of troops to the region, just to try to keep the peace.
Yes, we were warned. At VoteVets.org, those of us who served in Iraq and Afghanistan joined the fight, running ad after ad after ad supporting a Clean Energy Climate Change plan -- one that gets serious about reversing global climate change. The forces of the status quo (read: "Big Oil") won the most recent battle, by successfully delaying consideration of the bill in the Senate.
Unfortunately, for them and for us, no amount of campaign cash and lobbying will stop the coming humanitarian and national security catastrophe we're getting a glimpse of this summer.
The question now is: Do Washington politicians even give a damn?
Follow Jon Soltz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jonsoltz
The Shiites/southern Lebanese (base support of Hizbollah) were terrorized by both the Palestinians that are temporarily stationed in Lebanon (until middle east peace is achieved) and by the Israeli bombardment of the Palestinians initially and now Hizbollah.
Withdrawal from south Lebanon was a smart move by Israel that increased Israels security (aka decrease in number of dead Israeli civilians pre 2000 and post 2000), but Israel should continue along that bath and basically take back the Palestinians that are tormenting Lebanon's existence.
The reality is, our democracy is effectively dead anyway, so there will be no appreciable movement toward green energy in the U.S. anyway. Big oil and coal executives are buying congressional representation and we have a president who actually believes in the fantasy that is "clean coal technology". It's very doubtful that China will move away from coal fired plants anytime soon either.
To put it mildly, we are so screwed.
I think the answer to that question can be answered by the (in)actions taken by Congress after the worst economic calamity in the US since the Great Depression and the results of "Recovery Summer". Now, it is all about cutting the defict on the backs of the poor and elderly.
And if they don't care about them, I hardly think they care about people diseased and drowning halfway around the world -- unless it starts affecting our banking industry adversely. Then watch how swiftly they move!
Soltz has completely bought in to the neocon code: People resisting US aggression = terrorists.
He believes mouthpieces of US empire like USAID when they spout phrases like "widely believed to be the charity wing of a terrorist group".
Consider for a moment why organizations on the ground, helping people in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Venezuela, Somalia are vilified by the US. It is for the very fact that they defend ordinary people against US aggression, both military and economic. It is because they offer hope, and empowerment to the oppressed.
In Pakistan, "the US is already seen as the enemy by every 6 out of 10 people". Do you think there is a reason for that? Do you think the numbers are better in any other country targeted by the US?
Do you think that the rich US imperialists care about ordinary Americans? Least of all the grunts fighting their wars? Ordinary people around the world have more in common with each other than with the nation they happen to have been born into.
The United States is expecting an increase in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan ahead of next month's parlimentary elections. At least three candidates have already been killed in the run-up to the September 18 poll, but that hasn't stopped young hopefuls.
http://www.newslook.com/videos/245290-afghan-candidates-campaign-amidst-fear?autoplay=true
I don't know about India, but I would call the US an oligarchy hiding behind the mask of a "constitution-based federal republic", with a strong mythology of a democratic tradition.
India has a population of 1.15 billion. A small point in the general gist of my post but correct nonetheless. Thank you for pointing it out. I think you will find that Greece is the worlds oldest democracy, not surprising since they invented the word as well as the concept, Athens had a democracy in 40 BC so, the US and even Iceland or Britain are relative newcomers in the democracy stakes.
While America tries to swim in a sea of debt, these Arab/Muslim rulers are flush with cash to buy American assets. After 60 years of conflict, never are these Islamic countries called upon to defend their own security, yet they buy the latest military technology to keep their own people subservant.
Why is there no Arab League force, like NATO to counter Iran or Somalia? Because such a force would pose a threat to Israel, right? So America doubles-down with unquestionable support for Israel and American troops to defend wealthy dictators, who created the atmosphere for radicalism of their oppressed poor.
Billions to protect Saudi oil, while no Saudi troops dare to enter the battlefield against the terrorists. That is what is fueling the anger of the American people against these wars. America does not have ANY partners in the region. We simply have interests, mainly oil, that the Israelis and the Arabs are only too pleased to exploit for their own purposes, that have nothing to do with American national security.
No amount of money, troops, or weapons can overcome the lack of political leadership that has marked the last 40 years of addiction to foreign oil. Greed and corruption are about to reform America soon.
Fanned.
Indifference IS an action!
Also I see the self proclaimed Global Warming Sheriff, James Cameron did a runner rather than debate Marc Moreno on Global Warming.
"Cameron's Spokesman: 'Morano is not at Cameron's level to debate, and that's why it didn't happen. Cameron should be debating someone who is similar to his stature in our society'
Morano: 'Cameron let his friends in the environmental community spook him out of this debate. When he was warned that he was probably going to lose and lose badly, he ran like a scared mouse.'
Tuesday, August 24, 2010By Marc Morano – Climate Depot"
Www.noteviljustwrong.com
Wow, ya reckon Cameron believes his own sh*t..........
Second, we need to start mitigating climate change to the extent possible by drastically cutting emissions. This is a security issue, a development issue, and an environmental issue. There should be broad consensus in congress on energy policy. Environmentalists on the left and national security hawks on the right can find common ground here. Why are we friends with some of the most oppressive authoritarian regimes on earth?: OIL. And we all know how oil prices have promoted instability in economic markets. Why isn't more being done? You said it best: The forces of the status quo (read: "Big Oil") won the most recent battle, by successfully delaying consideration of the bill in the Senate."
And for the most part they do not, or they would drive more efficient vehicles.
Every RV, SUV, minivan, truck and overpowered vehicle is a vote in favor of fossil fuels.
I drive a 2006 Civic hybrid, and think climate change is a threat. But most Americans don't.