So, why the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the masthead? He was a master at debate, critical thinking and the sharing of ideas. That is the purpose of this blog. The goal is to provide a forum for the exchange of political ideas and current events. While the blog is primarily concerned with issues of international peace and security, views on domestic issues are welcome. The forum is not intended to be conservative or liberal, Republican, Democrat or any other political affiliation. Rather, it is intended for the free flow of ideas. Because all issues are multi-dimensional, the hope is that by presenting the different opinions, we are all able to come to an intelligent, informed point of view.
From time to time I will post articles written by me or articles by others that I believe will stimulate discussion. Further, you are encouraged to submit a written piece to initiate discussion on any international or domestic topic.
I hope you enjoy this site, are inspired by it and learn from it. Remember, it can only be successful through participation. Share it with your friends and encourage them to participate.
ALL ARGUMENTS AND SITUATIONS HAVE TWO OR MORE SIDES. IF ONE CANNOT ARGUE AN OPPOSITE VIEW CONVINCINGLY, THEY WILL LIKELY LOSE IN THE PRESENTATION OF THEIR ARGUMENT.
Peter MacRae
If you wish to e-mail a comment go to pete@prmacrae.com.
First, please excuse the blatant commercialism. Both books are available at Amazon.com and Kindle.com Click on the book covers to see an enlarged image.
A Measured Response: The United Global Security Partnership
The world is a dangerous place. It seems to be in man’s nature to inflict havoc on his neighbor. This state of affairs has always existed and probably always will. It is just that we continually find more sophisticated or innovative ways to try to dominate or kill.
In the history of civilization, all the great powers who have attempted to dominate or control, for good or for evil, have failed. It has caused their downfall. The United States is no different. The United States cannot continue to be the world’s “policeman”.
The United Nations has been very successful with humanitarian programs. However, the primary drive behind the chartering of the United Nations was the mandate to maintain world peace and security and to control and prevent world conflict. In that mission the United Nations has failed.
What is to be done? It may be time for the world community of nations to consider the controversial United Global Security Partnership.
A Measured Response: The United Global Security Partnership is available at either Amazon.com or Kindle.com.
The Poppies of Mohammed
“From Poppies to Heroin, to Money, to Weapons, to Terrorism”
How does al Qaeda and the Taliban continue to fight? Surely, we have them out financed, or do we? Why are they so fanatic about destroying us? Why and how is it relatively easy to smuggle drugs and wage terrorist acts internationally?
The Poppies of Mohammed is a novel. However, the facts are real. The heroin smuggling routes out of Afghanistan and Pakistan are fact. The involvement in the narcotics trade by the Taliban and al Qaeda are fact. The financial support that the illegal drug trade provides the Taliban and al Qaeda is fact. The routes through which the money flows back to the Taliban and al Qaeda and the money laundering are fact, and many of the fictitious events are based on fact. Through the vehicle of a novel, this book will give you insight into the interaction of these activities and the impact they provide on international terrorism.
Along the way you will experience the adventures, challenges and dangers that the heroin smugglers face on the route from the poppy fields of Mohammed in Afghanistan to the streets of the United Kingdom. You will find the al Qaeda terrorist activities of Nidal Hakim in Southern California chilling. His terrorist bombings are all too real a possibility. You will witness terrorist and smuggling successes and failures as well as some of our military successes.
Heroin supplies much of the money for al Qaeda and the Taliban to finance their reign of terror. Can they be put out of the heroin trafficking business? Dr. James MacElroy of the Drug Enforcement Administration thinks they can. He gets the opportunity to present his case.
I hope you will find this story both interesting and an enjoyable read. I am confident you will come away with a greater understanding of the severity of the problem and of the enemy we face.
The Poppies of Mohammed is available at either Amazon.com or Kindle.com.