Dear Mrs. May... US, Too

(Photo courtesy of ABC News', This Week with George Stephanopoulos)

As United Nations leaders gather in New York,

I sure wish our President would learn to put a cork

In it, because any time that he shoots off a tweet

He steps into - yet another - scandal with both feet.

I watched poor Theresa May, the Brits' Prime Minister,

Asked what her reaction to the Donald's comments were

As she stiffened up her lip, kept calm and carried on,

And, politely, said it wasn't helpful of the Don.

She (like all our allies) is unsure of what comes next...

Will Trump start a war with North Korea via text?

Are we in or out of Paris?  What's Trump gonna do?

Join the group Theresa...  We're all wondering that, too.

Is Turkey Chicken?

Even though the Turks agreed to help us hunt them down

ISIL fighters are about to seize another town.

Feet across the border into Syria, it sits

But, 'though U.S. airstrikes have been blowing them to bits,

ISIL (with its heavy, hand-held  weapons) will still win

If the town can't get some reinforcements coming in.

U.S. wants the Turks to help...  So far, they've said "No thanks"

Even though the border's lined with Turkish troops and tanks.

Since Kobani's Kurdish there are people who believe

Turkey thinks its residents deserve what they'll receive.

I think it's more complicated - but it's also time

Turkey does its part to help us stop a new war-crime.

The UN and ISIL - Promises, Promises

President Obama addressed the UN General Assembly yesterday. (Photo/in.reuters.com)

President Obama gave a speech at the UN

(Kinda like when Daniel stepped into the lions' den)

He stood up to Russia in support of the Ukraine;

Said that Putin's actions there would cost more than they'd gain.

Mainly though, he spoke about the flailing Middle East;

Pointing out, when tensions rise, religions are the yeast.

Sunni versus Shia versus Christian versus Jew...

When you fund a sect you're funding terrorism, too.

Voting was unanimous; the Council stands opposed

To the new Islamic State (whose oil fields we've just closed.)

Countries pledged to do their part - whatever that might be.

Will they keep their solemn words? We'll have to wait and see.

South Sudan - I Wouldn't Call That Tranquil

It may look peaceful, but...  (Photo/Courtesy of usaid.com)

South Sudan's in turmoil when it needs tranquility.

U.N. got the government and rebels to agree;

Hoping it will give the farmers time to plant their crops...

Something that they cannot do unless the fighting stops.

Even if it's tranquil, starving farmers ate their seeds;

Therefore, they aren't able to fulfill the country's needs.

Those who still have seeds to plant will need a lot of luck.

Once they put them in the ground - if war resumes - they're stuck.

They would have to take the chance their crops (and they) will live.

In their struggle to survive there's not a lot of give.

South Sudan is facing famine; future's looking grim

If it cannot keep the peace - and hopes for that are slim.

"No-one's Ever Lost Money Betting Against Peace in the Middle East"

(Courtesy of Truthdig.com)

Israelis and Palestinians are on the outs...

Secretary Kerry wants to soothe them.  I've my doubts.

Israel's reneged on deals to set some prisoners free.

Talks are breaking down because the 2 sides can't agree.

Netanyahu doesn't trust Abbas (who feels the same.)

Currently, they both insist the other guy's to blame.

Palestinians are angry, and they have a right

Watching new Israeli settlements grow overnight.

Now Abbas is saying he'll appeal to the U.N.

That derails the framework talks and nothing happens then.

Kerry's gone to see if there's another thing to try;

Rumor says we might release an old Israeli spy.

If we plan to free their spy we should get something back;

Major issues needing breakthroughs aren't a thing we lack.

Make them stop the settlements and honor deals they've made;

If there aren't concessions then it isn't worth the trade.

Sochi - Modern Day Bread and Circuses

Oohhh!  Look at all the pretty balloons at the Opening Ceremonies in Sochi. (Photo/Courtesy of NBC)

So much in the world is tragic - war, disease, and death.

Nations call for changes but I wouldn't hold my breath.

U.N. Human Rights Commission published new reports;

No-one paid attention 'cause we're focusing on sports.

Russia's at the center of the issues of the day,

But it's not just Winter Games that Putin likes to play.

Syria and North Korea count him as a friend.

Without his agreement, neither travesty will end.

Fireworks and "bread and circuses" - like ancient Rome,

Counting all the medals our Olympians bring home -

Easily distracted, we're ignoring basic facts;

Putin is supporting men engaged in criminal acts.

I don't blame the Russian people...  Them, I think I'd like.

I just wish they'd help us tell Assad to take a hike.

As for North Korea (if the Chinese aren't involved)

Send Kim Jong-un Dennis Rodman's drug stash...  Problem solved.

(Graphic/Courtesy of Owned.com)

Syria and the Prophetess of Doom

Secretary General of the U.N. asked Iran

If they'd like to join the talks on Syria's peace plan.

It was an acknowledgement that this won't be resolved

If the plan does not get the Iranians involved.

They already are involved; they're in up to their necks

And the fact they won't be present at the peace talks wrecks

Any chance that Russia or the Chinese will agree

To a plan the U.S. backs, I fear...  You wait and see.

Meanwhile, as we bicker over who should play a role,

Ever more civilians join the staggering death toll.

Shouldn't have to be a precondition - even so -

There's not any question that Assad has got to go.

Syrian Strategy Stalls

(Photo/Courtesy of AIM.org)

Bashar al-Assad was interviewed by Charlie Rose;

Sounded like a gay vampire with a stuffy nose.

Said that bombing him will not get any problems solved;

Warned that we'd be sorry if the U.S. got involved.

President Obama has been very busy, too.

Meeting with reporters; giving each an interview.

Speaking to the nation last night; laying out his case.

He agreed to wait, thus saving diplomatic face.

'though I'm not in favor of a war, I'm feeling bad.

I would love to rescue Syrians from al-Assad.

But, 'til other nations will agree to do their share,

It's too large a burden for America to bear.

Secretary Kerry gave the President an out

Once the Congress made it clear approval was in doubt.

Now they can delay the vote...  Give Lavrov a chance,

Let the U.N. diplomats commence their song and dance.

The 113th Congress - The Company We Keep

Is this really who we want to associate ourselves with?

Here's a piece of irony; the "Evil Axis" grew.

Guess who their new member is.  That would be me and you.

North Korea, Syria, Iran...  United States?

Do we want to join the countries everybody hates?

UN passed a resolution regulating arms;

Aimed at keeping weapons from a terrorist who harms

Innocent civilians in pursuance of his cause.

If there's a "no-brainer" than this resolution was.

US voted for it but our Senators will not

Ratify this treaty.  Seems the GOP forgot

We are known to others by the company we keep.

Evil Axis members - every one of them a creep -

Those are not the kind of people I'd consider friends.

If we choose to side with them, the GOP extends

Them an invitation; 'though, they aren't a friend of mine...

Neither are those politicians who refuse to sign.

The 112th Congress - Bah Humbug!

So much for "God bless us, every one."

At this time of year, when we've got Christmas on our mind,

38 Republicans said "Screw you!" to the blind.

Voted down a treaty very like the A.D.A. 

What on earth is in it they object to anyway?

Doesn't have enforcement measures; cannot interfere.

All it does is ask the world to try what we've done here.

How is it that Senators have grown so far apart?

Why would you wheel Bob Dole in, to only break his heart?

Senate's meant to cool the tea; they spat into the cup.

That's not how you cool it down; that only heats things up.

I would say that, after this, avoiding cliffs or slopes?

Chances grew so small - to see them - we'd need microscopes.

Across the Pond (Kind of) - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Swan Song

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (Photo/news.com.au)

I have heard a swan will sing, just once, before it dies...

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sung one full of lies.

He's as lame as ducks can get but his last U.N. speech

Gave this narcissist a global stage from which to screech.

On the Jew's High Holy Day; called them "uncivilized."

Quoted Persian poetry until he realized

He had lost his audience.  The U.S. didn't show.

We already knew which way the wind was gonna blow.

Middle East is all our fault.  We're Satan...  Blah, blah, blah.

Persia has been civilized forever...  Rah, rah, rah.

Just ignore the tensions over Syrians who've died;

Never mind the I.A.E.A. claiming that you've lied.

Problems in the Middle East go back 3,000 years

And Iran, for much of it's, incited neighbors' fears.

Even its own citizens are careful where they walk...

That was not a swan song - that was Mahmoud's final squawk.

Race for the White House - President Obama Enjoys The View

The President and First Lady sit down with the women of The View. (Photo/ABC)

President Obama's being criticized again;

Didn't meet world leaders who attended the U.N.

This has knocked important, foreign noses out of joint;

'though I wish he'd met with some, I guess I see his point.

With our moral suasion having reached its lowest ebb -

Owing to some weird film that's been posted on the Web -

What could he accomplish; have we not already said

Syria's a travesty?  Too many people dead.

Why sit down with Netanyahu (who he doesn't like)

When he won't agree with him on a preemptive strike?

Why have talks with Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood?

Right now, our relations with Egyptians are not good.

Only thing you get from meetings?  Headlines FOX can use;

Something they can spin about, in keeping with their views...

Which folks did he meet with?  Why did someone get the snub?

Who is in and who is out of that exclusive club?

At the risk of running long, I also have to say

I don't think world leaders would expect it anyway...

Not in this election year - not if they read the news.

I would also choose The View if in Obama's shoes.