Sex and the Single Jihadist

Sex is the missing ingredient in combating Islamic extremism.  Conservatives and Liberals agree, although with different emphasis, that radical Islamic ideology and the lack of economic opportunity breed terrorism.  But by leaving out sex, both are blind to a fundamental drive behind Jihad, and possible solutions.

Woman rarely participate in premarital sex in the Arab world because of the spectre of post coital public stoning.  Upending a sexist saying, men must buy the cow because the milk is never free.  Place strong emphasis on buy.  Throughout the region heavy dowries are mandatory.  Most single men must wait years, if not their entire lifetime, to raise the bridal bounty.

Sometimes members of the community help raise the dowry, often through the local mosque.   But a large pool of men have sperm swimming vigorously with no where to go.  Many extremist groups including Boca Haram and ISIS promise relief for recruits.

Boca Haram kidnaps women.  ISIS conquest includes rape and sexual slavey for the conquered.  It is easy to believe you are on the right hand of Allah if you no longer need your left hand.  On the subject of masturbation, that is also prohibited under most interpretations of the Koran.

The solution in many countries such as Iraq would be a dowery subsidy, probably conditioned on military service.  Perhaps it would take the form of an interest free long term loan commencing after basic training and some short period of service.  Small deductions could be made from military pay.  Perhaps after a certain period of  military service the debt is waived.

This approach has multiple advantages.  It limits a recruiting tool for extremists, and  provides recruitment for the Iraqi army.  Further, proper basic training builds loyalty through esprit de corps.

Pictorial Guidebook on Cambodia and Myanmar Now Available

My second book in the "On a Rope" series is now available on Amazon and will be available soon with all other ebook retailers.  I hope to see  your reviews soon for "Southeast Asia on a Rope:  Cambodia and Myanmar."

http://www.amazon.com/Southeast-Asia-Rope-Cambodia-Myanmar-ebook/dp/B00TPOM7XU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424190948&sr=8-1&keywords=southeast+asia+on+a+rope+cambodia

Pictorial Preview of the Broad Museum

The Broad Museum will be widely visited as part of one of Los Angeles' premier tourist destinations. When opened in September it will join MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of the Lady of our Angels, and the Music Center atop Bunker Hill.

Roslyn and I were able to get tickets for the sneak preview last night.

The Slant on Carroll's Call

I will pass on criticizing Carroll for taking to the air.  Faking a run, and then passing near the goal line is a common, and often successful play.  An incomplete pass would not be a disaster with two more downs left to punch it in.

But calling a slant play was inexcusable.  A goal line defense is bunched up in the middle.  The chance for a tipped ball leading to an interception is significant even without the great play made by New England.  The more common play is to see if after faking the run, someone comes wide open in the flat,  If so, throw, if not, let it go out of the end zone.  The other option is a fade to the corner with the ball placed so it is either caught by your receiver, or travels harmlessly out of the field of play.

ISIS in Crisis?

ISIS suffered a rare defeat because the Obama administration took a baby step towards following the policy advocated in our sister blog.  See: http://phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com/2014/09/kurdling-iraq.html.

The Kurds have the only troops disciplined, and more importantly, motivated enough to defeat ISIS.  With the support of US airpower The Kurds have taken Kobani, Syria from ISIS.

If the US were to promise to recognize a Kurdish State covering all land reclaimed by them from ISIS, Kurds would pour in from the Diaspara at a rate that would make ISIS recruitment seem like a trickle.

Of course, this would anger the Iraqi government, but how long can we support incompetence.  Much of the ISIS armament is from the ever retreating Iraqi army.

We need a reliable ally that can supply ground troops.  Airpower has been more successful than critics realize.  Conquest of land, with vast open dessert areas, requires massed troops and equipment. Massed troops provide a target rich environment for our planes.  Since the introduction of air sorties, ISIS expansion has largely halted.   Airpower can also help by cutting supply lines.  But reconquering cities is a door to door affair.

Shites don't fight and the Sunni side of the street is going the wrong way.  So Kurd is the Word.

What doe this have to do with a travel blog?  I want to see the wonders of Iraq and Syria.  I fear that the entire MiddleEast could become a no fly zone.

Best Dessert in Bangkok

Nobody does it better, nobody does if half as good.

Famous Sticky Rice, Coconut Milk and Mango stand on Sukhumvit Soi 38


I come by my girth honestly check out my ebook for restaurant and food stall recommendations.

Southeast Asia on a Rope: Cambodia and Myanmar

I just reviewed the proofs of my second guidebook.  Now  it will be converted to ebook formats and submitted.  It should be on sale in 2 to 3 weeks.