John Kerry: After concluding a deal with Russia over Syria, he headed for Israel

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, shakes hands with Israel's Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after speaking to the media at the prime minister's

office in Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013. Kerry on Sunday sent a strong

warning to Syria, saying 'the threat of force is real' if it does not carry out

an internationally brokered agreement to hand over its chemical weapons.

 (AP Photo/Larry Downing, Pool)

It looks the deal between the U.S and Russia regarding Syrian chemical weapons needs Israeli blessings. John Kerry, Secretary of State, headed straight for Israel on Sept 15, 2013 to meet with Netanyahu. It appears that Israel has the final say.

Netanyahu sought assurances that all the chemical weapons in Syria must be secured and destroyed. But what about Israel's stockpile of chemical and nuclear weapons? Is there not disconcerting duplicity and hypocrisy when it comes to Israel? It is good that any strike on Syria is averted for now, but it was important for the U.S to seek Israel's approval.

As long as this kind of U.S. policy  continues, the prospects of peace in the Middle-East are grim.

Update: Here is a video of the meeting between John Kerry and Benjamin Netanyahu.

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For John McCain and John Kerry Syrian conflict is a laughing matter

Senator John McCain and Secretary of State John Kerry were having fun during Senate hearings on Syrian conflict and U.S. intervention. Also John McCain was caught on camera playing poker on his cell phone during the hearings. So much for the concern about the use of nerve gas in Syria and death of many civilians. For John McCain and John Kerry it was fun and games.

John McCain playing poker on his cellphone.

Washington Post

Read the story here.

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Democratic Party Convention – Day 3

It was a very successful and memorable day. Hillary Clinton’s move to make Barack Obama’s candidacy unanimous was received with thunderous applause. I gave some details of it in my previous post.

There were some great speakers on Day 3. But I will say Bill Clinton stole the show. He was at his best. The crowd went crazy. He had a hard time starting his speech because the crowd kept on in its standing ovation. He asked them jokingly many times to calm down and sit down. He then gave a superb and gracious speech.

He proved many pundits wrong that he was bitter. He showed no bitterness and was very generous in praising Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Pundits had predicted that Bill Clinton would have difficulty saying the words "Barack Obama." He said "Barack Obama" repeatedly and said Obama was ready to lead. I thought it was one of the best speeches of his career as a politician and, after Ted Kennedy, the most moving speech at the convention. He brought the audience to their feet many times. He said America is at its best when it uses the "power of example and not the example of power" referring to quagmires in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe his speech will go a long way to bring the Democratic Party together.

John Kerry was another great speaker. He used an interesting approach of comparing Senator McCain with Candidate McCain and how these two (personalities of McCain) are at odd with each other. He added that before there is any presidential candidates’ debate, Senator McCain and Candidate McCain must debate to reconcile their differences. Through humour and eloquence his speech was well received.

The final speaker was Joe Biden. His introduction by his son Beau Biden, who will be sent to Iraq soon, was very moving and touching. Joe Biden himself gave a great speech. He offered some of the sharpest criticism of John McCain – first he said "George..." then said "sorry I mean John McCain."

At the end Barack Obama made a surprise appearance. He spoke briefly and thanked Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton for their support. I thought it was a smart move.

Overall, it was a great night for Democrats.

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Andrew Meyer at John Kerry's speech at University of Florida

To taser or not to taser, that is the question. Is this guy Andrew Meyer for real and was there a violation of the freedom of speech or is Meyer just another publicity hound?

Student hit with Taser at John Kerry speech

An investigation has been launched by university authorities in Florida after a student was dragged out of a meeting with the US Senator John Kerry and shot with a Taser stun gun. Click here to read more.

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