The Ides of March

The uprising in Libya is a disturbing dilemma. Qaddafi is kicking the shit out of the rebels and the world is ringing its hands, unable to make a decision about what, if anything, to do about it. Sanctions won’t accomplish much. Resolutions are worthless. A no-fly zone may or may not change the dynamics on the ground and would not likely be decisive. And after no-fly, what next? Should weapons and equipment be provided? Who will the suppliers be? And finally, if Qaddafi leaves who will be in charge?

There are no easy answers. Obama’s strategy is to dither. He won’t take unilateral action, nor should he. What will he do if the Arab League, the Africans and NATO give him cover? Then, probably, he’ll get on board, but he isn’t going to lead the way. I would like to see somebody do something before it’s too late. I fear it will not happen.

Japan dominates the news, as it should. No matter what we do, in the end man is helpless in the face of implacable natural phenomena.

The Saudis have moved forces into Bahrain to prop up the King. It’s not about the ruler, it’s a Sunni/Shia fight. The Saudis are concerned about Iran gaining influence if the Shia rebels in Bahrain take over. This battle has been going on for well over a thousand years. It won’t end soon.

I hope the impasse between the NFL owners and players continues for a very long time. The longer it goes the more money both sides will lose. It’s about power and greed, not football.

Go Giants!!

2,055 years ago today Julius Caesar met a seer who told him he would harmed no later than the Ides of March. Caesar replied, “Well, the Ides of March have come.” “Yes,” said the seer, “but they are not gone.” He was stabbed and killed later that day.