Korean Peace Efforts

Korean Peace Efforts

Padmini Arhant

The latest developments on Korean affairs with North Korea demolition of Punggye-ri nuclear test site reportedly in the presence of international journalists with subsequent graphics from various news outlets confirming North Korea’s destruction of the sites clarify DPRK’s pledge to maintain nuclear non-proliferation. Additionally, the meeting held today between DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in following Panmunjom Declaration with both nations agreement to end wars and hostilities besides fostering momentum on peace efforts is a welcoming change.

Furthermore, North Korea willingness to hold direct talks with United States per scheduled meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and United States President Donald Trump on June 12^th, 2018 in Singapore is yet another positive sign despite United States wavering positions from on to off and on stance. The much anticipated North Korea and United States high level meeting could be the precursor in ending tensions in Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, North and South Korea involvement in reconciling differences by diplomatic means thus far is very encouraging and obviously expected by citizens from both sides as any fall out in relations and setbacks in peace talks have direct impact on the people in Korea. The continuous pursuits and engagement by leaderships and members at various levels in North and South Korea is critical to achieve the common goal on permanent peace that would guarantee progress, growth and prosperity.

North Korea and United States delegation and diplomatic sources preparation for forthcoming summit on June 12^th, 2018 in Singapore would lead to successful arrangement without any skepticism on eventuality of the meeting.

Congratulations! To the people and leaderships as well as officials in North and South Korea in demonstrating eagerness and positive overtures in peace making deal.

I convey my best wishes to all sides in providing peace an opportunity and prevail in crisis resolution in Korean Peninsula.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Cancellation of Korean Peace Summit

U.S. Cancellation of Korean Peace Summit

Padmini Arhant

President Donald Trump cancelling the peace summit between United States and North Korea scheduled on June 12th, 2018 in Singapore demonstrates lack of self confidence in peace making as stated previously on this site, a process much harder than going to war. 

United States demands and expectations prior to direct dialogue was premature and indicative of U.S. intent to gain everything in return for nothing. United States presence in Korean Peninsula accompanied by continuous threats until this moment remains the cause for North Korea’s nuclear status.

The U.S. policy makers and strategists behind stymieing the peace meeting are required to realize that aggression, belligerence and unreasonable terms and conditions never constitute greatness or supremacy.

United States exempting self from any compliance on international law in respecting other nations sovereignty and territorial integrity seriously impairs credibility and trustworthiness, the core elements in any negotiations.

United States foreign policy is well known and not appreciated by overwhelming majority in the world. The military bases worldwide including the Korean Peninsula depriving global population peaceful normal existence is the predominant factor in nuclear proliferation with United States and allies being the originators and proliferators of such concept and trend.

The aggressor cannot expect the target to simply submit to extraordinary positions particularly with U.S. legacy on defaults in meeting the obligations witnessed time and time again. On North Korean issue U.S. demilitarization and lifting illegal sanctions are necessary considering the illegitimate grounds for such actions.

No nation can be dictated by another especially when the latter is positioned as provocateurs and deny that nation’s citizens self-defense and deterrence to military maneuvers including nuclear capabilities in their territory. 

Reiterating the fact, nuclear disarmament is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement on all without exception. United States and all other major nuclear powers along with the rest have to begin denuclearization. The measure is incumbent upon United States to lead the world starting with self disarmament so others could follow suit simultaneously across the spectrum. 

As for the critics claim on North Korea’s gesture in shutting down nuclear site as the site rendered unusable and damages to local environment fail to recognize the key factor that ceasing nuclear testing is the roadmap to nuclear non-proliferation and denuclearization. Something the major nuclear states and others in the nuclear club have not committed to with their relentless overland and subterranean nuclear testing carried out in either own or others backyard contrasting the rules imposed on North Korea, Iran and anyone deemed adversary. 

North Korea has come a long way in releasing the U.S. espionage agents to which there has been no reciprocation from the United States that should have been delivered in removing the sanctions. North Korea has closed the nuclear site and United States reaction is cancellation of peace summit.

Clearly among the sides refusing to even meet half way let alone making any concessions is the United States.  The current U.S. administration cowering to pressure from specific sources entirely for vested interests confirms the status quo. 

The forces in control of U.S.foreign policy with no desire for peace and preference for profitability from warfare care less about loss of innocent lives and destruction resulting in such pursuits. 

The wars in Afghanistan, Syria,  Iraq, Libya and Yemen to name a few apparently not enough to convince the anti-peace factions to strive for peaceful and constructive means such as the high level peace meeting to resolve Korean crisis. 

United States has unique opportunity to change the image from provocation and military intervention to promoting peace and positive development. 

Peace making requires courage and commitment that is possible upon the participants assuming the leadership role unlike the standard decisions clarifying the status as political and submissive to influential directives against historic achievement.

United States moving forward with North Korea to hold the peace summit per earlier schedule on June 12th, 2018 in Singapore is imperative to prove U.S. genuine will to end stalemate in Korean affair.

Hopefully rationality and peaceful overture would prevail in concluding skirmishes and tensions in Korean Peninsula.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi. PadminiArhant.com 

Korean Peace Summit

1. Korean Peace Summit

Padmini Arhant

Peace and Success are hard to achieve without hard work, perseverance and commitment.

War is easy with just a handful’s drumroll and pandemonium creating the environment of fear, skepticism and failures that are inevitable upon anyone pursuing the course with the intent to undermine positive outcome.

Peace process on Korean affair requires preparedness to listen, understand and accommodate each others genuine concerns and reasonable requests for a fair exchange. Anytime the side exerting military and economic pressure on the other side through provocative drills and excruciating sanctions place preemptive demands in the absence of any concessions on their part, such negotiations are not going to succeed considering the imbalance and excessive expectations for political and strategic gains. 

United States has a tough role in building trust given recent and past defaults on peace accord and promises that are never kept or slighted to appease certain influential forces agenda. As a result, trusting United States with a legacy violating US end of the bargain is challenging for all involved to make peace. 

That doesn’t mean Untied States is not capable to resolve crisis. As a matter of fact barring political speculations and expediency as well as vested interests that often dominate high level meetings and discourse, the focus on common goals benefiting all sides would be the gateway to peace deal. 

At this point in time, transformation of existing Korean armistice to irrevocable peace treaty is paramount. The simultaneous termination of North Korean nuclear testing and United States military exercise are critical to enforce the peace accord. One cannot insist the other side quit engagement without another ceasing the activity as they are interlinked with North Korea reacting to United States and South Korea’s military rehearsal at DPRK’s border. Again without a shadow of doubt, United States military training over decades deploying latest military hardware, technology and nuclear capabilities including over 30,000 troops in Korean Peninsula are legitimate reasons behind security threat to DPRK that prompted North Korea ‘s nuclear status.

The situation has to change in a transparent manner with US demilitarization and North Korea abandoning nuclear testing allowing both North and South Korea to normalize relations in a peaceful approach using diplomacy and constructive dialogue at all levels of interaction. 

The other factor worth remembering is the U.S. and North Korea peace summit has great potential for economic partnerships between the two nations that is otherwise wasted in indefinite stalemate.

There are two main options in the United States, South and North Korea present state.

One is to retain status quo which means escalation of tension and  regional instability contributing to global volatility that should be prevented via rapprochement. 

The other being demonstrating leadership and courage in ending hostility and begin a new chapter in peaceful settlement of all issues with honesty and integrity. In doing so, the population on both sides of Korea as well as the people in Asia Pacific would have the opportunity to coexist peacefully and experience economic growth and development especially in North Korea that has been denied due to hegemonic ambitions until now.

War offers deaths, destruction and mutual annihilation whereas progress and prosperity accompanies peace.

Making peace is the practical and prudent measure that guarantees better prospects now and in the future. Notwithstanding regional and global peace and security. 

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant 

Author PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi. PadminiArhant.com 

North Korea – U.S. Peace Summit

North Korea – U.S. Peace Summit

Padmini Arhant

The reports on North Korea’s possible withdrawal from the upcoming peace summit tentatively scheduled on June 12^th, 2018 in Singapore citing the ongoing military exercise between United States and South Korea and the U.S. officials demand for complete denuclearization obviously deserves fair assessment.

As mentioned on many occasions to resolve any crisis, the cause must be identified and addressed effectively making way for any appropriate solutions. On North Korea issue, the United States military drills with South Korea in Korean Peninsula has been the bone of contention prompting North Korea to seek nuclear option in self-defense and deterrence in the first place.

After long skirmishes and threats from both sides i.e. United States and North Korea, the olive branch exchanged between North and South Korea in the wake of Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea in February this year set the pace for peace talks between the two neighbors with hopes and expectations on all sides to diffuse long standing tensions ushering in the era of peace and normal relations in Korean Peninsula.

The earlier interaction between the two leaders of Korea, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in was indicative of some progress in reaching the milestone bringing the two leaderships to reconcile many differences and among them the three key proposals were to transform the current armistice to permanent peace treaty, North Korea terminating nuclear testing and economic ties along with family reunion among Korean members were to be formalized on Wednesday, May 16^th, 2018.

North Korea released the three Americans held hostage on espionage charges and also made a public announcement via state media that North Korea is scheduled to shut down the nuclear testing site and facility followed by an official ceremony on May 23^rd – May 25^th this year.

Now the U.S. military training of South Korean forces claiming to be in preparation of defense strategy for ally South Korea in the middle of peace process impairs faith and credibility necessary on all sides to rescind activities that has been contributing to the escalation of conflict.

Anytime when one side makes demands on the other despite the former having been the source of the problem from the beginning with relentless military maneuvers and display of artillery power including nuclear submarines at the doorstep of another in a manner that is intimidating and provocative,

The element of trust that is essential in all negotiations is jeopardized due to lack of commitment to meet their end of the deal.

United States military presence in Korean Peninsula is similar to their engagement worldwide much to the angst and frustration of nations they deem adversary. These states are expected to accept the situation as permanent setting regardless of such disposition undermining sovereignty and security.

United States military has been training South Korean forces since the emergence of that state without any determination of making South Korea self-reliant and there appears to be no end to the military base in Korea like the operation in Afghanistan.

How long does it take for the military such as the United States projected as the formidable and superior defense force in several aspects with capabilities to provide training and guidance enabling the trainees to qualify in self-defense mechanism?

Certainly, the course could not run into decades which means there are inherent deficiencies in the method or the objectives are not necessarily confined to the stated position with protracted goals to establish indefinite stay evident not only in Korea but also in Afghanistan, Middle East, the Baltics and the rest of the world.

South Korea on their part need to clarify the status to own citizens and their extended family members across the border in North for a truly democratic nation would not eternally allow or submit to foreign troops deployment under the guise of strengthening military prowess.

Needless to say, concessions are required from all sides based on their involvement that led to constant clashes with clear and transparent participation in the summit.

Again, reiterating earlier statement on this matter, denuclearization is incumbent not only on North Korea but in fact all nuclear states with United States and other major nuclear powers viz. Britain, France, Russia, China leading Israel, India and Pakistan along with NATO de facto in possession of nuclear arsenal are to be disarmed without exceptions to establish a nuclear free zone that would guarantee global peace and security and not otherwise.

The concept of responsible vs. reckless in nuclear status has been visited several times and adequately ascertained that all nuclear states pose a threat to humanity.

Accordingly the originators in this game i.e. United States and other dominant nuclear forces mentioned above bear responsibility to begin nuclear disarmament given their imperial legacy and ongoing illegal invasion and occupation of foreign land as well as territorial annexations necessitating nuclear option for those states as viable even though the maintenance and monitoring of nuclear sites proved an enormous liability for taxpayers and nations struggling with the costs of nuclear affordability and investments in the economy.

South Korea has to demonstrate independence in decision making without being influenced by foreign military power i.e. United States in ending military routines once and for all. South Korea population are entitled to forge normal ties with their families in North and begin a new chapter renewing economic partnerships, cultural and relevantly converting the armistice into irreversible peace accord. All of these are achievable upon demilitarization of the Korean peninsula paving the path for peaceful coexistence that has been prevented with United States exerting authority on Korean affairs.

The leadership qualities are tested in these times demanding courage and sincerity to embark on a peace mission abandoning aggression visible in military undertakings attributed to current impediments depriving the people in Korea on either side to stabilize and normalize the environment.

There are always implicit and explicit hawkish overtones attempting to stymie successful peace agreements as they are regarded unfavorable to personal and vested interests not to mention other extraordinary plans ignoring the consequences of such motives exacerbating human suffering and interjecting undesirable conditions.

South Korea should prioritize peace, stability and economic prosperity for all in Korea and move forward as a free sovereign state in holding direct talks with North Korean leadership and officials that would confirm the initiatives trustworthy and reliable for that is key to any endeavors more so of this pact having the prospects to turn history towards positive and peaceful direction.

I urge the South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to come together and ratify the alteration of armistice into peace treaty in addition to facilitating free flow of economic goods and services in Kaesong industrial complex in North Korea and consolidating Korean cultural values that are significant to present and future generations in their respective country.

United States role exemplified in demilitarization and lifting economic sanctions against North Korean citizens is vital as these actions would authenticate United States integrity in changing history from acrimony to harmony.

North Korea ceasing nuclear testing and closing nuclear site is prudent and proceed to do so that would further affirm international support recognizing the seriousness of such pledge.

I convey my best wishes to the people in North and South Korea as well as the leaderships and officials on all sides including United States striving hard to accomplish ever lasting peace that is long overdue in Korean Peninsula and Asia Pacific region.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

Korea – Peace Talks and Winter Olympics

Korea – Peace Talks and Winter Olympics

Padmini Arhant

The latest official gesture on Tuesday between North and South Korean officials to thaw relations is a positive sign welcoming peace in the Korean peninsula. The initiatives on both sides impetus the Korean population interest and security having been subject to unnecessary skirmishes and nuclear threats so far.

North and South Korean leaderships focus on persistent diplomacy and peaceful dialogue distancing from any advice or notions for overt or covert military intrusion to disrupt peace activity would demonstrate both nations resolve to rise above violent means and adopt direct communications and meaningful negotiations between two states sharing strong family ties and mutual economic development.

Meanwhile, the U.S. officials in Washington as behind the scenes actors and warfare proponents largely responsible for mayhem and chaos wherever possible whether Middle East, Ukraine or North Korea abandoning the repeat failed and flawed strategy to ignite hostility is not only beneficial to target nations but also help United States in moving away from destructive course.

These individuals, unknown to American public yet instrumental in ruining United States image and ability to allow peaceful resolutions of conflicts are the biggest threat to national and international peace and security. The current proposal from these officials to strike North Korean facility coining the term bloody nose strategy to provoke response from North Korea expecting such attempt would not erupt into full blown confrontation not barring nuclear option is at best delusional and at worst provocative.

The intent among these officials to disrupt and deviate the peace talks to combat mode describes their fixation on violence, deaths and destruction for which they are fully responsible and never ever held accountable so the trend continues with no respect for lives in general.

Accordingly, nations bearing the brunt of such reckless policy relevantly South and North Korea averting the possibility of any foreign military intervention to sabotage peace efforts between them would be wise and further exemplify the respective leaderships determination to defend sovereignty and commitment to protect Korean lives on either side.

North Korean athletes and cheering squad participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics without heeding to any foreign distractions alongside pursuing continuous peaceful dialogue with counterparts in South Korea would enable important issues like Korean family reunion and revival of Kaesong industrial complex that are essential for Korean citizens social and economic progress.

As for those touting wars and aggressions ignoring consequences despite trajectory on devastations inflicted on humanity with thousands of lives killed and millions forced into refugee status and their fate shattered is no laughing matter.

Those floating such ideas like bloody nose engagement with North Korea amid peaceful exchanges between North and South Korea evidently have vested interests at the Korean and the entire Asian regions expense. The lack of maturity among such groups permanently serving every U.S. administration is a travesty of intellect and rationality in treating military actions as nothing more than virtual game or simulation effects slighting serious ramifications.

The world is tired of turmoil and constant tensions with innocent lives targeted for regime change and other political, economic and strategic goals that were never viable and nonetheless maintained to exert dominance. The sane approach would be to refrain from harming peaceful process and instead appreciate the prospects of nations moving towards reconciliation rather than retaliation.

I convey my best wishes to North and South Korean leaderships and officials involved in transforming polarization in Korean relations to amicable partnerships prioritizing Korean citizens unity, economic needs and security.

I also wish success in hosting Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

Korea – Positive Overtures and Dialogue Serve Korean Population Interest

Korea – Positive Overtures and Dialogue Serve Korean Population Interest

Padmini Arhant

The latest development in North and South Korean relations is a refreshing change. The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overture to send North Korean athletes with cheering squad to participate in upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea and South Korean President Moon Jae-in and other ministers’ favorable response to set the bilateral talks in motion serve Korean population interest.

Both nations sharing strong family ties subject to unnecessary tensions proved counterproductive. The unwanted engagements on both sides having been the cause of constant skirmishes in Korean Peninsula substituted with peaceful interaction and meaningful negotiations guarantee results benefitting all especially the Korean citizens deserving permanent peace and conducive conditions for normal coexistence.

When nations deploy diplomacy and pursue peaceful outcome through dialogue, the efforts leading to desirable effects are always welcome for such involvement not only demonstrates maturity but also pave ways to rapprochement anticipated by people on either side of Korea.

The peace initiatives from both nations evolving into fruitful bilateral ties and trade development are mutually beneficial. In abandoning unviable strategies and means threatening each other with military and nuclear options displayed thus far, the leaderships representing North and South Korea could offer better economic prospects to their citizens and ensure national as well as regional security with the current position.

Any nation striving to improve dealings in the region and beyond adopting constructive measures that are non-violent and respectful of sovereign and territorial integrity of other nations would earn multilateral support and cooperation.

Korea with rich cultural heritage and traditions have common goals in terms of reviving Kaesong Industrial complex, facilitating visits from families on both sides without restrictions, allowing citizens participation in social and other events that outweighs the policy of isolation and confrontations experienced until now.

Nations and leaderships real strength and power lies not in firepower and nuclear status for they only reveal dependency on mass destruction much to self-detriment in addition to confirming weakness and inability to achieve anything peacefully without the use of force and deadly arsenal.

Again, the world subjugated to military interventions and nuclear threats suppress genuine progress. The territorial disputes and annexations for economic resources, regional and global dominance are the norm with time and financial investments expended in protracted warfare and conflicts neglect domestic woes and commitments contributing to internal turmoil.

Korea has been drawn into preventable crisis with North Korean citizens unfairly enduring economic sanctions and harsh embargo due to UNSC arbitrary and egregious impositions exacerbating humanity plight rather than alleviating economic situation and unreasonable conditions challenging basic survival.

All the more reason for UNSC dissolution based on trajectory failing to acknowledge repeat errors and debacles in the targeted actions while ignoring the importance of applying and maintaining standards across the spectrum barring prejudice and preference in decision making process.

Furthermore, UNSC creation and functionality impairs the formation of United Nations as an international body. The international consortium would be legitimate and effective upon elimination of any subset and entity such as UNSC with self granted veto powers among nations premised on twentieth century determinations to rein control over global matter having no semblance to contemporary geopolitical and economic paradigms and dimensions.

The changing dynamics in recognition of peaceful meetings between North and South Korea with an understanding and focus to move forward in diffusing conflict in Korean border is a step in the right direction besides exploring the possibility to elevate present armistice to definitive peace treaty.

Where there is a will, there is a way to find solutions averting irreversible loss of lives and devastation that could never be justified in the aftermath of any military and nuclear combat. There are no winners in such eventuality and nothing to be proud of in spreading mayhem and catastrophe.

I convey my best wishes to citizens and leaderships in North and South Korea in reaching an amicable approach and agreement bringing an end to Korean crisis as a new year pledge to their respective nations and citizenry.

Good Luck to citizens in Korea for a peaceful resolution!

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

North Korea Standoff

North Korea Standoff

Padmini Arhant

 

United States is in no position to advise or lecture anyone on nuclear responsibility having been the only nation to have used nuclear arsenal on civilian population in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

United States, Israel and NATO allies Britain and France as nuclear powers have not hesitated in deploying nuclear laden missiles and air strikes showering uranium in Fallujah, Iraq then Libya and Syria and White phosphorous on Gaza. So much for understanding nuclear responsibility thus far.

Furthermore in the use of chemical agents – Napalm in Vietnam, supplying biological weapons to former ally ex-President Saddam Hussein during eight years war between Iraq and Iran. Then Iraqi President also used the biological weapons from U.S. against Kurds in Iraq.

In 2012 and onwards U.S.and allies represented terror operatives were armed with chemical substance viz. sarin gas that terror factions used against children, women, elderly and men besides defense personnel in Syria.

In light of above mentioned involvements, United States and those responsible for heinous crimes against humanity have no grounds to find faults in others having set precedence with no limits in reckless conduct.

The hawkish elements with scripted speeches at UNSC – the body with no legitimacy conveniently set up to promote belligerence at will against nations regarded a fair target could no longer exercise arbitrary actions ignoring grave consequences in the region and the rest of the world.

The world was misguided earlier to invade Iraq leaving the oil rich nation infested with terrorists and forcing Iraq to combat terror for nearly half a decade now.

United States objection to North Korea’s nuclear capability would be appropriate upon United States leading the front in universal nuclear disarmament beginning with self-denuclearization. Those who preach must practice for credibility.

United States unequivocally remaining existential threat with military bases worldwide along with NATO endanger lives and habitat.

The illegal invasion and occupation of nations for economic interests and strategic dominance continue to claim lives and shatter prospects of normal existence for war victims.

United States media and press – the so-called liberal and conservative alike drum roll for war under any pretext clarifies the system under siege. There is no desire or serious commitment to allow diplomacy and dialogue to defuse crisis.

Such disposition is contradictory to reaction to rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The intolerance to slogans in these protests somehow not shared towards voracious appetite for violence and bloodshed.

The fact of the matter is in the absence of will to abandon wars, military interventions and any form of aggression including terrorism, the sponsors of hostility and offensive engagement care less about loss of lives and irreversible impact evident in the status quo.

United States presence in Korean Peninsula is the cause besides declining to respect sovereignty of nations and regions occupied for vested interests.

Any reasonable minds would recognize these problems and address them with withdrawal of forces, cease military activities and endorse peaceful negotiations as a permanent solution.

The citizens in North and South Korea cannot be deprived of a peaceful resolution to the hyped dispute fueled largely for profits with little or no concern for people in the region.

The de-escalation of tension is possible with peace delegation from South Korea to neighbor and family North Korea for discussion. Both nations perseverance to reach consensus on freezing counterproductive military and nuclear endeavors on all sides would confirm genuine positions and define South Korea’s independent and sovereign statehood as well.

North Korean leadership demonstrating peaceful overtures over nuclear testing would earn international support and bring the standoff to conclusion.

At present, any reason to attack North Korea is experimented and North Korean leadership and military advisers would be wise not to provide fodder to agenda.

Peace has everything to offer upon rational approach whereas confrontations only lead to ruins and rubbles.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

North Korea Nuclear Testing

North Korea Nuclear Testing

Padmini Arhant

North Korea Nuclear Testing – As long as the status quo remains with United States and South Korea military drills in Korean Peninsula and sanctions against people in North Korea providing the reason for North Korea Nuclear armament in self-defense, the tension in the region is bound to escalate.

Just before the latest nuclear testing by North Korea on Sunday, the U.S. sources behind North Korea standoff reiterated their position on reunification of Korea as undesirable. Instead they clearly stated their preference for contemporary North Korea.

Such statement clarifies the state of affairs which means South Korea is expected to eternally depend on United States military base on their soil. The situation has striking resemblance to Afghanistan.

Like the 16 years old war in Afghanistan proved unwinnable having lost scores of lives on all sides and incurred phenomenal economic liability to a tune of $6 trillion at U.S. taxpayers’ expense, the failed policy on troop surge pursued to prolong stagnancy.

With respect to Korea – The skirmishes involving back and forth responses between U.S. and North Korea via military exercise and nuclear testing respectively to continue unabated creating an environment for all nations in the region to beef up defense stockpiles absorbing major share of every nation’s national budget.

The military industrial complex and prominent think tanks hawkish strategy to thrive rain or shine exacerbates any potential for peaceful resolution not only concerning North Korea but anywhere in the world.

Not surprisingly, the defunct UNSC serves illegitimate actions provoking nations to adopt extreme measures in retaliation.

Unless the trend targeting nations for economic interests and strategic dominance cease with recognition of those nations’ sovereignty, the global security is threatened by unnecessary aggression and egregious decisions without reflecting on own interventions behind the conflict.

The nations under military incursion are required to accept hostility as the norm and acquiesce to harsh and unfair conditions imposed through UNSC and unipolar assessments.

South Korea extending an olive branch to North Korea and the latter in return authorizing peaceful negotiations with the former rather than nuclear threats is the only way forward to defuse crisis in the Peninsula.

United States removal of troops and military artillery from Korean Peninsula is critical to avert any disaster.

Unfortunately, profitability is prioritized over citizens’ lives and safety in the war games that are no longer affordable in the nuclear age.

There is an urgency for responsibility and reason to prevail over recklessness and obstinacy.

United States military presence in foreign shores under any pretext is naturally unwelcome and having negative impact on any possible resolutions between North and South Korea.

The citizens in North and South Korea together with the entire population in Asia Pacific deserve to exist in peace and not be subject to lingering hostility promoted by myopic foreign policy.

There should be no reluctance in diplomacy and dialogue with North Korea. Similarly, North Korean leadership direct engagement with South Korean counterpart would exemplify both nations’ commitment to protect people and the nation they represent that otherwise seemingly held hostage to political and military demand.

Power is worthy in resolving disputes without expending lives and taxpayer funds that are best divested in nation building and economic development.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afghanistan – Troop Surge Repeat Failed Strategy

Afghanistan – Troop Surge Repeat Failed Strategy

By Padmini Arhant

 

The latest decision to increase troops in Afghanistan is repeat failed strategy with same expectation. The proposal to defeat terrorism is exactly the same since invasion of the country in 2001. United States military leaderships and White House stating the reason for troop expansion around this time as targeting terrorism shifting focus from nation building is rephrasing strategy.

The main issues – Taliban, al Qaeda, government and Afghan security lacking strength and resources to quell terrorism and last but not the least neighbor Pakistan remaining terror haven are cited as contributing to United States and NATO setbacks thus far.

United States from the beginning had more than 100,000 boots on the ground in addition to NATO contingency until recently to contend with Taliban, al Qaeda and prepare Afghan security forces to combat terrorism and insurgency. Now in the national address, the position is referred to as dealing with terrorism in Afghanistan is the only focus for United States.

Accordingly, the stagnancy poses many questions.

What did United States and NATO exactly do in the past 16 years in Afghanistan?

How come the largest 100,000 troops presence along with NATO alliance could not contain Taliban insurgency comparatively less at that time and al Qaeda redeployed in Libya, Syria and Iraq from 2011 until today?

What is different now that was not possible despite expansive operation in Afghanistan for over decade and a half unanimously acknowledged a failure?

The current situation stated as Taliban insurgence and al Qaeda are major threats has long been identified as such and the status quo further clarifies the losing war besides economic liability having cost U.S. tax payers $6 trillion in Afghanistan pursuit.

Pentagon quoting Taliban and al Qaeda as factors for troop surge. Taliban in return asserting insurgency as resistance to United States occupation. The inverse status is a vicious circle.

Afghanistan has experienced numerous foreign occupation in Afghan history. None could prevail in their aspirations forcing foreign powers exit from the terrain country. There will be no exception in this regard due to aggression and violent means for vested interests never succeed especially in the uniquely complex Afghan nation.

The foreign incursion in Afghanistan is attributed to relentless violence and political instability. Additionally, poppy cultivation funding arms purchase for war lords, terror factions and Taliban not without foreign occupiers sharing profit exacerbates security and conditions for Afghan farmers lured into narcotic trade over agriculture.

Politically, Afghan government installed rather than elected barring assassinations of viable candidates not surprisingly in agreement to foreign agenda highlight corruption – yet another serious problem obstructing reliable and competent governance. Afghanistan election including the Pashtuns tribal assembly – loya Jirga intercepted by foreign influence as witnessed in 2011 to steer representation favoring foreign permanent existence in the country.

American security claimed in the late night bid for troop surge ignores American lives in uniforms lost in the long embroiled battle seeing no end in sight. Not to mention scores of innocent civilian lives in Afghanistan falling prey to all sides more so with cluster bombs and U.S. defense capability tested on Afghan soil during all administrations, predator drones chasing Afghan men, women and children from their humble dwellings in the so-called attempt to drain the swamp rampant with previous administration.

The trajectory clearly confirms the challenges and constant impediments brought upon by foreign occupation whether by troops, private army and contractors, intelligence agents imposing military authority and political clout denying Afghanistan – sovereignty and political freedom.

No matter how the circumstances are maneuvered to extend occupation in Afghanistan, no nation can eternally depend on foreign powers to protect them for that arrangement exposes the host nations’ vulnerability and absence of will to safeguard own citizens and territory.

In outsourcing tasks to foreign military not necessarily accepting for client state defense instead focused on economic endowments such as lithium, plentiful minerals and precious metals in Afghanistan failing that to establish strategic dominance in the region unveils the veneer behind open end policy in Afghanistan.

Evidently, neither the people in Afghanistan nor United States are beneficiaries in the protracted warfare. The population in both nations are expending lives and U.S. taxpayers footing extraordinary bill for timeless military engagement while Afghan citizens deprived of long overdue economic opportunity.

As for neighbor Pakistan, the stigma as terror haven will stick as long as Pakistan’s relevant institutions and political groups neglect responsibility to purge terror wreaking havoc across the borders and rocking every city and province making life impossible for citizens in Pakistan as well as those around in South Asia. Again, arms dealers involved in arming terror networks, defense contractors and brokers are instrumental in bolstering terror anywhere.

United States and NATO complete withdrawal of forces not excluding private entities in any capacity responsible for embattled Afghanistan and not troop buildup that would guarantee Afghanistan peace and stability.

The popular consensus in Afghanistan and United States is for U.S and NATO as well as foreign operatives to return home. United States having reached a crescendo unable to provide credible explanations in prolonging undertaking proved counterproductive and unsustainable.

Afghanistan rising to the occasion and demonstrating commitment to resolve internal conflicts would exemplify Afghanistan’s independent statehood. In eliminating or at best mitigating the two contentious issues –corruption and terrorism would charter course for effective governance and strong national security thwarting terror and insurgence from within and outside the country.

I convey my best wishes to people in Afghanistan for peace, economic progress and independence free of foreign intrusion and domestic tribulations.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

North Korea – Diplomacy And Peaceful Resolution

North Korea – Diplomacy And Peaceful Resolution

By Padmini Arhant

The recognition of diplomacy and peaceful resolution to Korean Peninsula standoff is the only way to defuse crises. 

When two sides are engaged in a dispute with the party responsible for the cause refusing to comply in suspending military drills and provocative activities in foreign shores while expecting the other to surrender is anything but diplomatic. 

North Korea ceasing nuclear programs is critical as much as United States and South Korea obliging on their part in halting military operations and base threatening potential for peaceful existence that is long overdue. 

Anytime aggression is exerted expecting the target to agree to terms and conditions that are not necessarily binding on aggressors, such situation exacerbate any diplomacy and dialogue initiatives lacking in credibility.  

United States fragility brought to light in the calibrated terror attack in American soil on September 11, 2001 due to complicity within and so-called allies involvement. The intelligence and then administration inaction further demonstrating the real enemies for U.S. citizens are not offshore but in fact remain in the system held hostage to vested interests. 

Similarly, the tiananmen square massacre with the authorities showing no mercy aptly proved the threat originating from those at the helm rather than perceived foes from outside.

Notwithstanding China’s zero tolerance to political dissent leading to peace activists like Liu Xiaobo death in custody. In addition to these internal and external human rights violations against citizens in the country and occupied land, the leaderships and members representing political and military dias are exempt from accountability. 

From currency adjustment for trade advantage to cyber espionage and attacks, UNSC P5+1 members impunity on crimes that are otherwise condemned against those regarded adversary speaks volume on the council’s premise.  The flawed and fraudulent practice aimed at subjugation of nations for economic resources and strategic dominance is clearly unsustainable. 

Insisting on maintaining failed apparatus i.e. UNSC  results in malfunction hurting operatives behind ill-conceived notion. The experience is evident in unlawful sanctions eliminating prospects for economic progress, global peace and security. Such decision is not viable in the global economy and environment dependent on universal cooperation.

Accordingly, sanctions from those in constant breach of international law is meaningless and invalid. All the more reason for UNSC qualifying as defunct body to preside over international disputes considering the conflict of interest with members being the source of discord.

Sanctions have no place in the domain declared a feee world especially selective imposition to isolate nations declining to bow to unreasonable demands and expectations from forces in contempt of human rights and territorial integrity.

The peaceful settlement on North Korea matter is possible upon all sides accepting responsibility and meeting the commitment to honor sovereign status and protect innocent lives from any unwanted escalation of tension.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

 

 

 

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