(Video) Rhyme and Reason of Pilger

(Opinion) when austerity measures aren't such a bad idea

While most people would have sympathy for the howling and crying of business executives over government policies affecting their market, very few would join the pity party held by arm dealers over lack of government funding.

  

There are plenty arguments in favor of government spending on weapons research and development as Britain remains a leader in the arms industry with regards to innovation , few have any other justification other than national security.

All these howls of anguish coming from British defense companies seem to fly in the face of  the Prime ministers' (David Cameron) gallant promotion of the industry on his tours to the Middle East and  Asia with business execs from the UK's top defense firms. 

With there being more pressing concerns other than BAE systems profit margins, the money used for the development of new weapons could be used on other projects that involve not building weapons that'll make Tony Stark cry tears of joy. 

While it's almost certain that any funds not spared on the defense industries will not be used on  more noble endeavors, the coalition government seem to be continuing a positive trend since the end of the cold war of curbing Britain's military prowess as the post cold war political climate promised less likelihood of war. 

In sum, the austerity measures taken by the Coalition government does hurt the defense industries but this pain pales in comparison to the pain endured by many in British society in light of cuts to much needed public services.Politicans are accustomed to taking policy measures that affect sections in society who don't have syndicated journalists, pit-bull lawyers or high powered lobbyists on their Christmas card list never mind on speed dial, so, it does make it welcome change when Government policies affects those who do.        

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(Opinion) Sanctions work!

Whether you see the realm of international politics as a state of nature or a society of states, tools of coercion are necessary. We can debate for days about the ethics of politics and consequences of accepting such ethics but when the aim of the participants is survival secured by power, ethical discussions are cast aside. In the cruel game of coercion , the use of sanctions is the most effective means afforded to states in light of the global trend of economic integration, making sanctions, rather than sabotage, a more rational policy  .

The detractors of sanctions cites it's use by powerful states to crush nations they disagree with, which does have traction with the use of sanctions by the US against Iraq from after the gulf war to operation Iraq freedom. the United States along with the EU is currently are using sanctions against Iran in its attempt to isolate the Islamic republic in an attempt to stop their alleged march to nuclear weapons despite Iran's constant reiteration of their peaceful intentions regarding to nuclear power. 

However,  it can be argued that use of sanctions regarding its use against Iran is beginning to take effect on Iran as both its oil production and exports have suffered substantial slowdowns, likely to have a effect on its nuclear ambitions. While sanctions are effective when targeted at key exports and institutions, they do not guarantee policy change. 

For all the sanctions levied on Iraq throughout the nineties, it did not change Saddam Hussein position on nuclear weapons or UN inspections of them. Other complications with the use of sanctions is that leads to the growth of black markets as smugglers acquire goods for profit using other currencies, which currently taking place in Iran. Nations targeted by sanctions can also trade with nations yet to participate in the use of sanctions, making the use of sanctions an exercise of futility

In sum, sanctions in the current political climate are useful but are only part of the solution. in order to work they must be uses in conjunction with diplomatic efforts as constant communication with the targeted nation can lead to negotiations regarding policy change.