Civilians suffer when army becomes political tools

will4 SG

This is the trouble as the majority of the oil supply came from the Middle East.

Atobe SG

Originally posted by qpicanto:
As a small State like Singapore what r your opinions on the impact of US influence on our defence policy? The projection of force could have been co-opted into the overall strategy of US Foreign policy?

Your questions are very interesting, and make me wonder if you are a student of defense policy ?

Singapore is fortunate to be in a strategic geographical location that became even more important to the US Defense Strategic Plans when the Singapore Government invited US Defense Forces to use the Singapore Defense facilities.

In a region that is largely hostile to the presence of US Defense Forces - which has seen the withdrawal of base facilities and request for their transfer from most existing host countries - the Singapore offer can only be received as a refreshing welcome, that is valued highly by the US Defense Establishment.

This offer from the Singapore Government was not made out of altruistic reasons, as it also serve our own strategic interest to have the USA in our midst - despite the concern of our immediate neighbors and those not so near.

In order for Singapore not to be seen as a 'lackey' to the US geopolitical interests, the US Government must have been encouraged by the Singapore Government to spread the benefits of its presence around the region.

US Navy ships are sent for repairs in Malaysia; the ban was lifted on military contacts with Indonesia and aid continued to the Indonesian Armed Forces; relationship with Vietnam was restarted with new economic ties established; military aid and specialist training was given to the Philippines - despite having been evicted from the Clarke and Subic bases.

Singapore's Defense Policy is totally independent from that of the US, and there is no treaty of alliance between Singapore and the USA.

Given our small population and limited resources, it is unlikely that Singapore can be an equal defense partner to the USA - on the same basis as UK and the EU countries, or South Korea, and Japan.

Defense co-operation will only be in research and development; equipment commonality; and familiarity in operation planning, strategies and tactics; sharing of intelligence through regular exchanges in dialogues,

The SAF concept of force projection is part of our own overall defense strategy of "defense through aggressive attack in depth beyond our shores"; and has little to do with any scope of being an ally of the USA in any military operations.

BillyBong SG

There is no excuse for harming civilians during an armed conflict, worst still when two opposing sides indiscriminately engage in a firefight with civilians inbetween.

The current situation escalated in the middle of the potentially hopeful talks between the HAMAS govt and Mamoud Abbas with dialogues agreeing on the national referendum Abbas planned to put forth, implicitly recognizing Israel as a sovereign nation.

Israel's committment to peace was never stronger when they made a forced withdrawal of most parts of the Gaza strip in response to Abbas's call for Israel to prove their committment to the cause. The decision to pull-out of Gaza was probably the most difficult, as many analysts feared giving up Gaza would allow Palestinian zealots greater access to Israel's borders and the added threat of rocket attacks on their cities, a fact that is now fast becoming reality.

The killing of 2 soldiers and snatching of one by an armed faction of Hamas has resulted in outrage by the Knesset, an effront despite Israel's earlier concessions. This truly complicates matters and is now testing Hamas, Abbas and Israel's resolve to seek diplomatic solutions, of which recent events seem to have caused a steep spiral downwards.

Hezbollah's brazen cross-border move is likely to be a joint Syrian-Iranian backed move to add weight to their presence in the area. In this effect, the Hezbollah are effective 'dogs of war' for these two openly hostile countries, political tools manoeuvred to maximise govt interests. How else can one explain Hezbollah's sudden emergence in the armed conflict after a long and uneventful ceasefire without provocation?

Lebanon's meek position was exposed when their Prime Minister tearfully begged for UN support into his now war-torn country, and despite his pledge to send army troops to secure the southern border to Israel, he is unlikely to act on them, a weakness Hezbollah is fully aware of.

This turn of events is likely to stretch into another 'intifada-style' stand-off, with all sides now looking hawkish at the negotiating table and the death toll is going to rise sharply before tapering off.

Of primary concern is the secure release or rescue of the 3 Israeli soldiers which started this chain of events, but all this is likely to end in tragedy. Why Hamas and Hezbollah continue in their efforts to disrupt peace leads to only one single reason - they have no such intention in the first place.

Neither do their financial backers - Iran or Syria.

qpicanto SG

Projection of forces could probably mean more public resources would be channeled to Ministry of Defence, which already been allocated S$10B in 2006 budget.

The government may want to let the people know more on the likely cost of this endeavour and scope of the force projection. In fact force projection is now the privilege of only a few rich and larger nations such as US, UK etc.

Singapore reliance on US advanced defence technology such as the jet engines and avionics would also means that its also a projection of US technology unlike that of other European powers who has their indigenous fighter jets technology. This limits the international influence this policy may want to exert. Such technology is granted at the discretion of US government which hinges on the good relations with Singapore. But this also mean we cannot consider cheaper alternative such as such F-10 figter jet produced in China.

LazerLordz SG

The F-10 does not have the capability to fit within our force posture. It is at best, another Viper contender.

We are moving forward, not staying still. I am in agreement with the choice to place Singapore under a unspoken American defense strategy as long as we still dictate our own force direction and foreign policy.

We happen to have mutual interests with the Yanks after all, and it's more cost effective to leverage.

qpicanto SG

Israeli incursion is indirectly and effectively pushing up the oil prices. This is a leverage on the negotiating table.

Political rhetorics aside, Mr Ehud Olmert may be hoping his adversaries will help him to gain political mileage.

qpicanto SG

Pakistan has aircrafts from US and China. It straddles between two political blocs. In fact with orders like this act as a impetus for alternative arms manufacturers to break the stanglehold of US companies on the advanced fighters jet engines technology.

Knowing that someone is offering an alternative and viable technology. US cannot but tone its hawkish approach in its policy.

BillyBong SG

Actually everytime there is an armed conflict of this scale, oil prices always go up.

OPEC are just taking every opportunity to raise prices.

Gaining politically mileage may be less of an issue for him at this point, considering that Israel is being played by regimes in Syria and Iran, using their pawns: Hamas and Hezbollah respectively. How they handle the kidnapping incidents will determine how world opinion will reflect their actions: right now, it's definitely a no-no.

Atobe SG

Originally posted by qpicanto:

Projection of forces could probably mean more public resources would be channeled to Ministry of Defence, which already been allocated S$10B in 2006 budget.

The government may want to let the people know more on the likely cost of this endeavour and scope of the force projection. In fact force projection is now the privilege of only a few rich and larger nations such as US, UK etc.

Are you worrying yourself needlessly with the monies spent on defense ?

Singapore has more then enough funds to fulfill our defense plans and strategies, but for the interim it is unlikely that our defense expenditures will lead to instability or suspicion to our intentions.

Singapore reliance on US advanced defence technology such as the jet engines and avionics would also means that its also a projection of US technology unlike that of other European powers who has their indigenous fighter jets technology. This limits the international influence this policy may want to exert. Such technology is granted at the discretion of US government which hinges on the good relations with Singapore. But this also mean we cannot consider cheaper alternative such as such F-10 figter jet produced in China.

Does Singapore have any choice but to get the best for our SAF Personnel - which are the most valuable resources for our own defense ?

Should we go on the cheap and risk the lives of our SAF Personnel ?

Our equipment is not entirely from the US, as there are equipment which we can develop locally - either entirely from our own resources and ability, or joint-venture with other leading designers and technologies.

The military equipment that exceed our present industrial capabilities to be built locally are carefully evaluated by our team of SAF Specialists, DSTA and the civilian-political personnels.

This was seen during the selection of aircrafts from France, British-European Joint Venture, Russia and the USA - all of which were carefully considered based on a list of considered requirements of our ability, objectives, and expected results.

Even as much as we can purchase weapon systems from the USA, Singapore has never allowed ourselves to be restricted in the options of using auxillary equipment from third party sources.

The previous Skyhawk planes also had seen upgrading works with new electronics from Israeli; and if some advance missiles and smart bombs cannot be purchased from the USA, there are alternatives from quite a few countries.

There is nothing to stop us from buying the China made F-10, as we have moved away from an inventory of assorted planes - for basic flight training to high-end advanced fighters.

However, prudence will advise us the importance in training, maintenance and logistic support by limiting and minimising the wide range of different makes and soureces of supply.

Originally posted by qpicanto:

Pakistan has aircrafts from US and China. It straddles between two political blocs. In fact with orders like this act as a impetus for alternative arms manufacturers to break the stanglehold of US companies on the advanced fighters jet engines technology.

Knowing that someone is offering an alternative and viable technology. US cannot but tone its hawkish approach in its policy.

The political agenda of the US Government can hardly be determined or influence by the purchase policy - for defense equipment - from some foreign countries.

Besides Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Australia, UK, and most European countries - all have a mix of weapon systems (including aircrafts) that they purchase from USA and other countries, and yet none of these countries have been successful in persuading or influencing the hardline policy of the US Government.

BillyBong SG

Arab govts defy public opinion to put blame on Hizbollah

Jul 18, 2006
The Straits Times
BEIRUT - AS THE battle between Israel and Hizbollah rages, key Arab governments are taking the rare step of publicly blaming the militia, underscoring their growing fear of its main sponsor, Iran.

Saudi Arabia, supported by Jordan, Egypt, several Persian Gulf states and the Palestinian Authority, had chastised the Lebanese group for 'unexpected, inappropriate and irresponsible acts' at an emergency Arab League summit in Cairo on Saturday.

The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, said of Hizbollah's attacks on Israel: 'These acts will pull the whole region back to years ago, and we cannot simply accept them.'

It is nearly unheard of for Arab officials to chastise an Arab group engaged in conflict with Israel, especially as images of destruction by Israeli warplanes are beamed into Arab living rooms.

But the willingness of those governments to defy public opinion in their own countries underscores a shift prompted by the growing influence of Iran and Shi'ite Muslims in Iraq and across the region.

The way some officials see it, say Arab analysts, Israel is the devil they know but Iran is the devil that could win.

'There is a school of thought, led by Saudi Arabia, that believes that Hizbollah is a source of trouble, a protege of Iran, but also a political instrument in the hands of Iran,' remarked Jordanian sociologist Adnan Abu Odeh.

'This school says we should not play into the hands of Iran, which has its own agenda, by sympathising or supporting Hizbollah fighting against the Israelis.'

The willingness of the leading governments to openly defy Arab public opinion, which has raged against Israel's actions in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, underscores the readjustment of risks Arab governments believe they face.

Hizbollah's leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah derided the Arab stance.

'It is clear that they are unable as governments and leaders to do anything,' he said.

Some Shi'ites in Beirut said they were deeply disappointed in their fellow Arabs.

'I am ashamed of the Arabs,' said Mr Omar Ajaq. He and his family escaped the bombing of Beirut's southern suburbs by fleeing to a shelter in a school in central Beirut.

'They are utterly useless. People are now betting on the resistance. We no longer have faith in Arab leaders.'

Said Ms Laila Remeiti, referring to Hizbollah: 'No one has stood up to Israel the way the resistance has.' She is one of about 130 people from Shi'ite areas south of Beirut who have taken refuge at a government school in the city.

'The least people can do is support it,' added the 33-year-old housewife, referring to Lebanese and Arabs who have criticised the abduction of Israeli soldiers as irresponsible.

A group of refugees in the school, which Hizbollah has supplied with foam mattresses and stoves, jostled with each other to express a similar sentiment.

'Although we have been displaced, we remain ready to give up our children and men for the resistance,' said Huda Faqih, 42. 'And we shall prevail.'

But at a popular Italian restaurant, the mood was different.

The managers and cooks sat at a table on the sidewalk discussing how to minimise the losses of the restaurant, which has closed.

'I'm more than upset,' said Mr Michel Ferneini, general manager of the company that owns the restaurant. 'Hizbollah has no logic at all.'

He said he was not only upset at the material losses but also at the death and destruction the operation has triggered and the impact this will have on the future generation.

Ms Sahar Faqih worries about finding milk for her six-week-old infant, who was sleeping on a small mattress placed on top of two desks.

'I'm scared, especially since I have a baby,' she said. 'I've secured some diapers and I hope I'll find the brand of milk I want.'

-- NEW YORK TIMES, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Asia1.com

Finally, some common sense and unity among the leading arab nations, despite strong disatisfaction from their own people.

At least some of the arab leaders can see beyond religion and look to reason. This is definitely a step forward, even if the conflict looks set to continue. With less support for their actions, Hezbollah and Hamas will win limited sympathy from homicide bombings and future cowardly kidnapping acts. They seem ignorant of the fact that they are being used like cannon fodder for political gains, by maniacal madmen who do not bother how many losses they suffer.

Syria and Iran must feel this united front as a stab in their back, considering Iran's pledge to fight alongside Syria and arab nations against the 'zionist regime' and Damascus's quiet support for terrorism. With further isolation from their own arab league, perhaps the stage is set for an isolated confrontation against these two rogue nations.

sgdiehard SG

Don't know how you get the impression that "we just don't have the personnel to fully utilise the equipment...". What equipment are you talking about? our pilots are trained in the US or France for years before the returning with the planes, our submariners also spent years before returning with the submarines, .... do you know how much preparations, how many thoroughly our people were trained before the unit become operational? From what I have seen, by the time we put the equipment into service, we have the right people to use them.

It is sad that there are still poor attitude such as that of "serve and f**k off", and i guess that is inevitable, given the great number of people serving the SAF, active and in reserve. But we can hardly say it is "most of our NSmen". I am glad I am in a company of NSmen who have the right and positive attitude towards NS and defense of our country, for we know that the civillians who would suffer in time of war would be our families, and ourselves included if we do not put on our uniform.

the question remains, what is your attitude? if you do not adopt the "serve and f**k off" attitude, then we have one less rotton apple in the SAF.

qpicanto SG

With US robustly behind Israel it is not hard to imagine why they are quick to dissociate themselves from this conflict. Remember " if you are not with us you are with them" quote by the US President.

The US forcces has invaded few nations in her fight against terrorism, with effective pre-emtive strikes. And Iran and NK could the next ones. Iran is seen as wooing China to tip the balance of power in the Middle East much to the strategic interest of China. Whilst Israel has also try to keep China on her side with her defend project co-operation with China.

BillyBong SG

Hiding behind a cloak of deceit during the invasion of Iraq, world opinion is less likely to support any subsequent invasion, especially into hotspots like North Korea or Iran.

US homeland opinion is also divided on issues that require more US servicemen to be placed in war zones. Faced with negative impact, Bush will not risk impeachment and order a baseless strike simply because he has 'misgivings'.

Economic and political isolation are the best options, while strongarming their leaders to the negotiating table. Hardliners Iran, Syria and North Korea have shown that they react well to 'threats', especially from US.

sohguanh SG

Israel has a long history way way back even before I was born. All I wanna clear my doubt is is Israel officially recognised as a soverign country like Spore? How abt Palestine? It seem Israel is occupying Palestine territory land they grab when they sort of won the Middle East War in the 60s rite? Golan heights belong to Syria? Gaza strip? In fact a lot of land Israel so called occupy are conquered lands and this may explain the displeasure of all those nations surrounding them. Instead of risking a full frontal war between nations, they secretly support the Hizbolla, Hamas and other like minded guerillas to create domestic problem for Israel

Hmmm...... who suffers in this tit for tat game? Civilians of cuz and I believe when I died, this conflict will not cease cuz their offpspring will juz pick up the arms their fallen fathers left behind to continue on the struggle. Peace in middle east? Hahhah.... wait hard hard think long long Mr. Green

qpicanto SG

US troop did not find weapon of mass destruction which is their justification for attacking. However, they cannot leave Iraq hastily now that it is at brink of civil war.

North Korea crisis is giving US/Japan an excuse to adopt a resolution that allow pre-emptive strike on N.Korea. The crisis has played up the divide between US,Japan on one side and China, Russia, NK, on the other side. South Korea has protested to Japan on the possibility of a pre-emptive on the Korean Peninsula. Why should China allow this to happen close to her backyard?

In fact, South Korea people is facing a dilemma. US troops provides a security against N.Korea yet US troops is working very closely with the Japanese. US is more than happy to see the Koreas divided so that they can stationed their troops near to China.

Now US is approaching Vietnam for security arrangement shortly after US decision to give India nuclear technology a push. Look like US is trying to encircle China with all the right move.

Critics say the accord will weaken global non-proliferation efforts and in particular undercut a US-led campaign to curtail Iran's nuclear program. Supporters call it a vital US opening to a new geopolitical ally.

BillyBong SG

That section of the middle east has been claimed many times by muslims, christians and jews dating back to over a thousand years.

Of the muslim nations, only a handful including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia recognize their sovereignity. Syria, like south korea and the north, are technically still at war, since they only agreed to a ceasefire at the end of the Yom Kipper War, and then only because of Russian and international pressure.

Some may argue that they accepted the ceasefire because Israel was merely 50km from the Syrian capital towards the end and were in danger of becoming forcefully annexed by Israel. Even today, they still claim ownership of the disputed Golan Heights.

Israelis are no angels either, when during the post 1946 era, they practiced the same 'terrorist bombings' against their British colonists. The difference being was at the formation of the state of Israel, save US, there was little or no recognization from the international community. The fight for lifelong survival was on.

Which is why it is commonly termed that: Israel was born in war.

Yes much of what Israel owns may be argued as 'conquered lands' and therefore 'to the victor goes the spoils'. But it can also be reasonably argued that the threat of a united front by then Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and others were such that the pre-emptive strike against their arab neighbours was capably justified as self-defence.

The 'tit-for-tat' spat will continue so long as there is religion, and (dare i say it) misguided fanatics of such religions (on both sides) to fuel the anger and hatred that has existed since they were born.

Someone once said that homicide bombers don't fight fair; they play by different rules, going into a battle mentally and physically prepared to be sacrificed, whereas the enemy they are fighting against are not emotionally ready to die. Therefore no matter how many times you kill them, they always win. To them, dying is just a release to martyrdom.

That is what the state of Israel is going through presently.

BillyBong SG

That is one way of looking that the political implications and how US could be using it to their advantage.

Then again, US did not have to do much to lobby China to vote on sanctions against the North. Why is that? Evidently, the irratic and inconsistent behaviour of its neighbour has clearly thrown China into a quagmire: they are truly unsure of the North's intentions.

And no one will condone a wild and uncontrollable neighbour at their doorstep, especially one whose 'toys' are potential nuclear weapons. Even an ally as strong as China.

There has to be some limit as to how much support China can provide the North, and it looks like the North has breached it.

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