In the past, whenever Maliki displayed a spark of spunk and acted or spoke independently, there would be a visit by a high-level member of the Bush Administration for "private consultations". I expect that Maliki is due for another ass-chewing behind closed doors in the near future.
As for Ali Sistani...Both he and Moqtadr al Sadr have lost a considerable degree of their lustre. Both have cautioned against open defiance against the U.S. surge against fellow Shiites, preferring the U.S. And the pro-Maliki Iraqi security forces to attck them piecemeal.
Definitely more bite than the standard Lind article: I like. I do enjoy watching the paradox of "When they stand up, we'll stand down/Permanat presence" play out, though. Mr. al-Malaki's job description at this point is one word. Chum.
There is no question that the Mexican government is totally corrupt and must be reformed.
Why is it corrupt? Because of illegal drug money. Why are drugs illegal in Mexico and South America? Because the US bribes these countries to keep drugs illegal.
The way to reform Mexico is to legal drugs.
The way for shadowy forces outside the law to control the destiny of Mexico and South America is to keep drugs illegal.
Legalizing drugs in Mexico would then give Mexico an enormous source of income and revenue so that the government would no longer need US money to survive. Mexico would then be financially independent and freed of the equally corrupting influence of American government money bribing the officials of the Mexican government.
America would lose control of Mexico and Mexico would become financially independent of the United States by legalizing drugs.
This policy of America keeping Mexico financially dependent on it for survival will backfire in the long-run, especially as we go bankrupt and the dollar becomes worthless. Drugs are hard commodities that will always be in high demand and have an inherent value no matter what happens to economies or where you go in the world, unlike the dollar. If Mexico was freed of its dependence on the dollar, then America would lose control of Mexico.
