It Makes a Difference to the Sheep

Ever since the events of September 11, 2001, America has understandably been concerned about immigration and border security. However, the United States should prudently weigh the benefits and costs of strict visa processes, such as those that hamper cross-Pacific business cooperation. In December 2004, China lifted visa requirements for eligible South Korean businessmen, encouraging greater Korean economic cooperation with China, perhaps at the expense of American businesses. At the very least, such Chinese diplomacy makes headway in South Korea at the expense of increas­ing anti-American sentiments.

As the United States works to improve its alli­ance with South Korea, it should demonstrate that America is committed to working with its partner to develop a mature relationship by paying atten­tion to issues such as visas that, although seemingly minor from the U.S. perspective, affect South Korean pride and sensibility. South Korea’s inclu­sion in the VWP will go far in improving relations with one of America’s most important allies.

// posted by Kirk @ 8:07 PM 1 comments

The grooms, clutching copies of the Koran, stood opposite the brides in a stadium packed with 60,000 onlookers.

Organisers said the ceremony was an attempt to show a different side to Hamas, which has carried out numerous suicide bombings in Israel.

It was also a show of strength for the organisation, which is contesting Palestinian parliamentary elections.

// posted by Kirk @ 9:01 AM 1 comments

What have we gotten from Republicans controlling all the branches of government? A bloated entitlement state that eats its young, and a lot of buildings named after Ronald Reagan.

// posted by Kirk @ 8:52 AM 0 comments