Obama says US immigrations policies yielding positive results

President Obama has said that his border policy is yielding positive results. But the people who are living near the border areas especially the border with Mexico is not sure of what the president is saying. The US border with Mexico has become a militarized zone with heavy security presence in both sides of the border and surveillance equipments as well as thousands of policemen manning the borders.

President Obama believed that his government has proved his adversaries wrong adding that the border security policy is working. The president noted that it was the government policy of border patrol, border fencing and surveillance technology that did the magic about border security. President Obama maintained that since the change in border policy the security agents have sized 31 percent of drugs as well as 75 percent of currency including the seizure of 64 percent of weapons. He said these seizures were never done before and attributed it to the border policy in place.

President Obama attributed the level of success to operational control that is put in place by the government. However not many people believe the government success story some said that the government border policy is not coordinated. He said that the problem of the border had remained the same since the time of President George W Bush.

Israel refutes unity deal with Palestine

The Palestinian territories are now under the whim of a fight for power sharing. The Palestinian leaders including that of the rival factions HAMAS and Fatah are trying to make an agreement with the rival Israel to for a shared jurisdiction over the disputed land in order to establish peace in the region.

The diplomats expect the deal to create more chances for Palestine to exist or survive as a separate and sovereign identity.  However, Israel does not seem to be appeased with the proposal.

Israel rejected the offer from the Palestinian groups citing their insistence to defy its identity as a country and also due to the continuous violent activities carried by them.

At present HAMAS control the territory of Gaza strip and its representative Moussa Abu Marzouk is leading the talks with Israel over unity deal proposal.  He called it as an end of a period in Palestinian history to free people from territorial jails.

Azzam Al Ahmed, a delegate from the Fatah group stated that Palestinian territories have been ruled by division and people wanted an end of this division and occupation era. He called the initiative to establish a power sharing deal was called as an achievement for the Palestinian youth.

US administration’s strategy ‘not clear’ over Libyan Issue

US administration maintains international security forces are working in Libya only to establish peace and for humanitarian purpose. The Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi has fled from the country following mounting pressure from the anti-government rebellions and international community.

The role of the United States in any overseas operation involving UN security Council, international security forces has however not been just for humanitarian purposes so far especially since Obama came in power.

The NATO-led military mission has now taken full control over Libya and now the difference among diplomats over Libyan issue is quite evident in the Congress.

Though Obama retains that arming the Libyan rebellions against the autocratic ruler Gaddafi could also be considered as an option however it was yet not been followed as NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet refused.

The opposition Republicans severely criticized Robert Gates, defense secretary, Adm. Mike Mullen, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman over America’s role in Libya.

The US president stated that the military action launched in Libya was aimed to avoid a massacre by the pro-government security forces in Libya.

However, Gaddafi’s military force used anti-aircraft vehicles to counter US air strikes and it became impossible for the international forces to differentiate Gaddafi’s forces from the civilians.

The Republicans has raised their eyebrows over US decision to handover Libyan mission fully to NATO forces after 12 days of operation. Obama still refuses possibilities of sending any ground troop to Libya and there has been no time limit set for the NATO-led mission.

United Nations expresses concern over Ivory Coast security issues

International community states the increasing anti-government protests and President Gbagbo’s supporting force in Ivory Coast have posed threat to security of the citizens. The recent political crisis in different nations in the Middle East region has induced a rebellion voice in many of the nations in the region from Egypt to Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen and now in Ivory Coast.

The UN expresses concern over safety of the organization’s staff’s and Ivory civilians in the current scenario.

The  international body has been severely criticized over not providing any protection to the civilians in Ivory Coast.

The international body submitted its vehicles last month and handed over to the government security officials following the abduction of two UN staffs by pro-Gbagbo civilians, however they were released later.

Also, some of the UN staffs were doubted of sharing confidential information with the pro-government security officials that included details on how to use 3 UN MI-24 helicopters. Am Ivory Coast daily, Fraternité Matin, published an article showing the details of plan to attack the protesting civilians by these helicopters. However Gbagbo’s spokesperson gave no comment over inquiry.

More than 450 civilians have been killed in Ivory Coast following the November presidential elections and last week 52 people including two of the UN employees lost their lives in the conflict with Gbagbo supporting security forces.

Head of the U.N. mission in Ivory Coast, Young-jin Choi stated that the document shared with the government authorities was just a draft however he assured to probe into the incident of leakage.

Armed forces attack anti-government protestors in Bahrain

Bahrain’s troops attack protestors demanding for the ouster of current government.

Despite declaration of state of emergency in Bahrain, people continue demonstrating against the autocratic government.

The security personnel used tear gas vehicles to scatter the crowd of protestors who had occupied a landmark square in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. According to some witnesses, two demonstrators died in the clash with the security forces.

Declaration of state of emergency has suddenly powered the armed forces with more authority over system.

The protestors were attacked early in the morning and black smoke covered the square soon after the attack began. Helicopters were also seen hovering over the landmark square where the demonstrators had gathered to protest. Following the declaration of state of emergency on Wednesday Bahrain’s stock exchange has been closed down at 1413.19 on Tuesday. There has been no announcement yet when it would reopen. Bahrain stock market stands for a very small section of investment world in the Persian Gulf region

According to the sources, Saudi Arabia refuted to obey the orders of the United States for not involving in Bahrain’s issue and sent its security forces to check violence.

Thousands of security personnel from Saudi Arabia 500 UAE police officials have reached Bahrain to establish peace there. However, the United States fears such moves might intensify tensions in Bahrain. Protestors are increasing in number day by day and have taken control over financial district in the capital city Manama.  The US administration also fears over the possibility of sectarian violence following the arrival of Saudi Arabian Sunni troops and Shiya forces from Iran.

However, the Bahrain government has announced to initiate a national dialogue to resolve the situation a week ago, which has raised hopes among the protestors.

Republican Paul wins CPAC presidential straw poll for second time

Republican Ron Paul of Texas recaptured the limelight at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the presidential straw elections. He received 30% votes in his favor.

Paul, had ran for Texas president also in 2008, and grabbed 31% to 22%. This year he is followed by ex-governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney. Gary Johnson, ex-governor of New Mexico and the current Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, received only 6% votes each.

Surprisingly Sarah Palin, Former Alaska Gov. was much behind the racing line with a mere 3 percent votes. She did not even speak at the conference.

It was a rigorous fight between the candidates. The entire polling area and roads were colored white with ballot papers spread everywhere. The runner candidate Romney had won in last polls by getting 24 percent votes defeating Paul by just a single vote.

Romney also won New Hampshire Republican Committee members polls last month.

David Keane, the CPAC organizer, stated that it was not a Gallup’s election. He revealed that around 3,742 people voted voluntarily in the presidential straw polls.  However, only 56% of voters were satisfied with the candidates and CPAC poll results. In 2010 only 46% people had showed pleasure with the expected candidates.

US Senate to reduce House budget

Republicans reduced a major part of the budget on Thursday. Jacob Lew, White House Budget Director met Democrats senators to renovate the Presidential debt report commission.

The GOP’s determined goal is to cut foreign aid and domestic expenditure to 2008 levels, however it was acknowledged by the leaders$32 billion was added to the previous expenditure in 2010 after adding new defense spending.

The reduction of 9% in the annual spending would hamper the functions of the transportation, housing, the State Department, education as well as health-related programs. However, many conservatives regard it a useless budget as the small amount of money would lead dysfunction of many sectors and failure to meet the set targets.

Those restrictions add momentum to a dual party move in the Senate to produce a 10 year scarcity decrease initiative. Senate associates of House Speaker John Boehner, a republican from Ohio have negotiated over this, and the aim is to portray enough prowess to get the speaker and the President of the United States Barack Obama to come to discuss.

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who presides over the conference of the Senate GOP, hosted a series of restricted party discussions describes as “sad.” “This is way above politics,”

“Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) considered it a positive move Lew, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) was overwhelmed with the move and stated that this was the time to come in action.

Egyptian premier expresses regret over military action against protesters

Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq claimed accountability for military attacks on protesters in Cairo and asked for forgiveness.

He stated that President Hosni Mubarak has ordered him to probe into the recent chaos in the country. Mr Shafiq assured to punish those who allowed this violence to occur.

He further stated that the attack was a blunder and he would be cautious not to let it happen again in Egypt.

There were violent clashes between President Hosni Mubarak’s supporters and opponents during which the Egyptian military remained restricted to Tahir Square in Cairo by Thursday.

The premiers along with the Vice President Omar Suleiman have invited the opposition for a meeting in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. However many of opposition groups have denied attending the meeting reportedly.

Wafd Party, Al-Ghad party and Muslim Brotherhood leaders stated that they would boycott the meeting and refused to sit with the premier. Clashes continue even on Thursday on both sides of the square, where demonstrators have gathered.

More than 836 people were injured in the clashes so far and five casualties were reported by a state-run television channel.

The demonstrators initially demanding peacefully for ouster of President Hosni Mubarak had suddenly taken into streets and broke the makeshift barricades in the square. Gradually supporters of Mubarak also joined in action that leads to complete chaos in the entire capital city.

Washington court hears to challenges against Voting Rights Act 1965

Voting Rights Act has received a setback as an appeal has been made over its viability in the Washington federal court. In 2009, the Supreme Court allowed making challenges against the act to rectify racial discrimination in voting laws.

Today, Shelby County from Alabama stated that the 1965 Voting Rights Act has so far successfully served its purpose after its implementation however; it is not viable at present.

The law restricted black voters in Southern part of the United States from enjoying their basic voting rights, the county stated to support his demand to repeal the law. There have been tremendous changes made by the Senate in 1965 Voting Rights Act in last 45 years and there are many sections in the act which are quite illogical and lack justification and anybody’s electoral autonomy should not be judged upon such an obsolete act.

Eric Holder, Attorney General argues in his official statement that the Congress  had already heard to evidence of limiting voting rights  for the Blacks in 2006 and there was no need of another reauthorization. Many civil right activists and groups have come to support government against Shelby County’s challenge to the law.

Chief Justice John Roberts also acknowledged that despite being more than 40 years old, there was no evidence of violation of 1965 Voting Rights Act and it could not be established that the law was not viable at present.

Opposition lures Democrat senators to support health care repeal

Tea party and a few opposition group leaders are trying to pull some Democrats toward themselves to get votes on repeal law. Dick Armey’s group FreedomWorks is urging Democrat senators to support repeal health care law.

It is believed that Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana and Ben Nelson of Nebraska are among those Democrats who have been targeted for this purpose and the group is also luring them with offers for reelection in 2012.

There is a strong belief among the Republicans about the shortcomings of the Health Care law and its hefty budget. Even if they fail to pass the repeal bill, the opposition would definitely try to obstruct its funding.

Republican senators appealed to the mass on Tuesday to support their opposition to health care law. The House of Representatives is dominated by the Republicans after the midterm polls in November. However in the senate, Democrats still have control and there is a strong possibility that the repeal bill may not process further due to Democrats’ insistence. The repeal bill needs 60 votes to cancel Obama’s Health care Law. The repeal bill will deprive more than 300 million people of those medical facilities which they enjoy right now.