Japanese air force chief loses job and pisses off China

The chief of the Japanese air force had a little bit of a gaffe recently. He wrote in an essay, titled "True Views of Modern History", that Japan had not been an aggressor during WWII.

"Even now, there are many people who think that our country's 'aggression' caused unbearable suffering to the countries of Asia during the Greater East Asia War. But we need to realize that many Asian countries take a positive view of the Greater East Asia War. It is certainly a false accusation to say that our country was an aggressor nation." - Gen Toshio Tamogami

He was fired for his comments. This is the same kind of right wing thinking that gives Japan a bad name, but is also very disrespectful. All countries have nut job nationalists; Japan just seems to be above average. Don't worry Japan, America is still #1.

Japan struggles with WWII past
BBC
China pissed

Trouble again in DRC

Sadly, for the second time this year the Democratic Republic of Congo has been the site of intense battle. The conflict is a remnant of the horrible civil wars that wracked the country in the 90's. The fighting is between a rebel general and the new UN backed government. Most of the fighting is occurring in the east of the nation near the capital of North Kivu province, Goma. The infant government is seemingly helpless in the situation and the conflict will remain a problem for the foreseeable future. At the heart of this conflict are ethnic tensions that have roots in the Rwandan genocide and the mineral riches of the country (blood copper and tin?). The real tragedy is the roughly 1 million people that are caught in the middle of this horrible mess. The DRC is also home to the biggest UN peacekeeper operation in the world and they are struggling at best to protect the people. A silver lining could be a potential contingent of troops from the EU to help the peacekeepers ensure some safety for innocent civilians. To shed some light on this country and its conflict, here are some stories and resources.

Q&A about the conflict

Refugees, Goma

DR Congo, key facts

Profile: General Laurent Nkunda

Eyewitnees accounts

Crisis in pictures

1 million flee

Ceasefire called, talks ensue.....

The Bear Resurgent

The recent move by Russia in the Caucus region is very alarming and does beg the question, what's the deal with this country that has as many nuclear weapons as America? The West responded to the Georgian conflict with threats of international isolation, and military might was displayed by both sides. This was a scary development very reminiscent of the Cold War. Highlighting this recent Russian resurgence is a great article by the BBC. The article takes a look at the other areas of possible conflict between Russia and former Soviet states. It’s a great illustration of the multiple situations in which Russia could expand its influence further. Russia has long sought to turn away from the shame and chaos of the post-soviet 90’s and as seen in Georgia, it’s now in a position to do so. How should the West respond to Russia who is happily flexing its petro-dollar- fueled muscles on the world stage? I say engage Russia; let us not head down the path of attempted isolation, that just won't work for Russia at this point. If we can, we just might peer through the bullshit and vagaries of international relations and find we can accomplish more together when dialogue is employed. This is especially evident on issues, like Iran, where America needs Russian support at the UN Security Council. With Russia supplying more than half of Europe’s energy, the ability to achieve unity in the EU is made a lot more difficult. This makes establishing any kind of isolation challenging and in my mind useless. The next Administration should think long and hard about how best to approach Putin’s policies. Now more than ever we need insight and depth in the White House. The Bush style of foreign policy just won’t work in the world of tomorrow.

BBC World News