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We all want a great looking Betta that won’t die on us after just a few days. Here’s a quick guide to help you find that healthy Betta.

First of all, make sure it’s alive! I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen dead Betta’s sitting on pet store shelves.

Body

Look for bumps, or lumps of any kind anywhere on the body. A healthy Betta has smooth scales along its body. Any loose or missing scales are signs of sickness or previous trauma. A swollen stomach is also a clear sign of a sick Betta. If you notice any white patches anywhere on the body you’re probably seeing fungus.

Fin and Gills

Although this may sometimes be difficult to tell at the pet store where many Betta’s are stored in tiny bags or boxes, take a look at the fish’s fins and gills. Betta fins should be able to expand fully with no holes, discolorations, or tears.

The Gills should be smooth with no discoloration or lumps.

Behavior

Bring your hand toward the Betta, without taping the bowl or poking the bag the betta is stored in, but just close enough and make sure the Betta is alert. Healthy Betta’s are alert and react to your movements. They may or may not flare at your movements.

Color

Unhealthy Betta’s appear pale in color and may have discoloration along their face or body.

Keep in mind that this is only a guide. It’s important to remember that a healthy Betta will only stay healthy if you treat it right. After you purchase that Betta it’s up to you to keep it healthy, otherwise, your new Betta will end up on a magical journey down the toilet.

Tho Le is an author and enthusiast of Betta fish. You can find regularly updated betta tips, news, and information on his betta fish blog:

AP - A charter bus carrying a Vietnamese Catholic group to an annual pilgrimage slammed onto its side and then skidded off a freeway early Friday, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 40, authorities said.

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Making money from home is definitely a dream many of us share. Why work for someone else when you can work for yourself, set your own hours, and call all the shots?

The trouble is that dream-seekers like this often jump into a make money from home program without thinking about all the risks involved. For example, do you have a good enough skill base for the business you are considering?

Are you getting into a home business just for some quick money without enjoying the work that’s involved in that business?

There are risks involved when starting a home money making business, and if you are aware of these risks, then with careful planning, you can avoid some problems you may encounter along the way.

Your ability to succeed at your business and start making real money from home is directly related to your ability to prepare yourself according to your talents as well as your business needs for any situation that may arise.

Doing something you are both good at and love to do is so important because when you try to start making money from home, it doesn’t happen magically as much as we’d like it to.

The risk is that it takes time, effort, energy, and a little money to sustain a business over time. You have to be prepared to be in it for the long haul if you wish to succeed, and it will be so much easier to stick with something that you love to work at.

Another risk in owning a business and making money from home is where you are situated. Would you rather work at home, for example, or would you rather buy or rent a separate building or space for your business and choose an appropriate area? You have to consider your life circumstances and also where you will get the most business.

It’s also wise to think about what you are giving up when you leave the rat race. You can get some decent benefits in the workplace, and it’s a bit of a risk to lose those when trying to make money from home.

Because of this risk, it’s a good idea to think about insuring your business in as many ways as you can, and knowing who will take over when you can no longer run your business. Be prepared by knowing who also loves doing what you are doing and will succeed like you can.

Most things in life worth having involve some kind of risk. The trick is to plan and be prepared by setting goals. This will give you confidence and a positive attitude that will carry you through to success when making money from home.

Don’t forget too that it’s important to take a breather every now and then and step away from the business to re-evaluate things and get a clear view of your progress and if you are really making money from home, or losing too much.

Then, when things are going wrong, you can make some changes to make things work again. If things still aren’t working, then maybe it’s time to educate yourself about things you haven’t been doing and know little about that could help you make money from home.

You can learn a lot on your own, but it’s also wise to seek help from those who are already in the position you want to be in their businesses. A little guidance from a pro can go a long way.

Starting a business and making money from home can be a scary and intimidating thing, but with a little elbow grease and organization, you can conquer your fears about all the risks involved and have a good chance at success.

Liane Bate owns a Plug-in Profit Site web business, and is a member of the International Association of Home Business Entrepreneurs (IAHBE).

Ann Coulter - The mainstream media’s reaction to the National Enquirer’s reports on John Edwards’ “love child” scandal has been reminiscent of the Soviet press. Edwards’ name has simply been completely whitewashed out of the news. Say, why isn’t anyone talking about John Edwards for vice president anymore? No, seriously — hey! Why are we going to a commercial break?

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You’ve read about Panama Offshore Corporations and Trusts. Their main purposes are to Protect your Assets and provide you with Privacy regarding your financial affairs. Let’s explore the ultimate in protection and privacy.

The Complete Offshore Structure is a combination of Panamanian legal entities. A Private Interest Foundation owns an Offshore Corporation. This is the utmost in Asset Protection, Privacy, Anonymity, and Convenience!

Here’s How It Works: The Panama Corporation owns all major assets (real estate, commercial businesses, commercial bank accounts, etc.). The Foundation acts as a holding company for the Corporation. The Foundation also holds passive investment accounts and bank accounts.

What is a Foundation? The Panamanian Private Interest Foundation is a legal entity which acts like a Trust and operates like a Corporation. Law No. 25 of June 12, 1995 created and regulates Panama Private Interest Foundations.

The Panama Private Interest Foundation is based on Private Interest Foundation models from three different jurisdictions: Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Panama carefully designed the Panama Private Interest Foundation as a more modern, flexible, and affordable Asset Protection & Estate Planning vehicle for people worldwide.

Non-Profit: The law specifically states private foundations shall not be profit oriented. Exception: Foundations may engage in commercial activities on a non-habitual basis or own shares of business companies and receive passive income - such as from rental properties or dividends.

Foundation Structure: The Private Interest Foundation has four main components:

1. Founder: The founder creates the Foundation in the Panama Public Registry.

2. Foundation Council: The council serves the same function as directors do for a corporation. The council’s member names and passport numbers are registered in the Panama Public Registry when the Foundation is incorporated. In order to protect the privacy of clients, law firms generally provide a nominee (straw man) council, and provide pre-signed, undated letters of resignation from the nominee council. Thus, the council has no control.

3. Protector: The Protector ultimately controls the Foundation. When the Foundation is created, the council appoints a Protector through a notarized Private Protectorate Document. Since the document is private & non-publicly registered, the Protector remains 100% anonymous. Thus, the Protector has full control over the Foundation and all of its assets.

4. Beneficiaries: The Beneficiaries are appointed through a Private Letter of Wishes, written by the Protector. The Letter of Wishes is a private document keeping the beneficiaries 100% anonymous. Only the Protector can change or modify The Letter of Wishes.

Registered Agent: The Act requires that every Foundation have a registered agent, who must be either a Panamanian lawyer or law firm.

Capitalization: Only US$10,000 is required as the initial endowment of a Foundation.

FOUNDATION PURPOSES: There are 4 purposes for a Foundation.

1. Holding Entity for the Corporation: A Foundation has no corporate shares. The Foundation can be the sole share holder of your corporation. You control the Foundation anonymously through a Private Protectorate role. As Protector, you appoint the beneficiaries through a private Letter of Wishes. Since the Protector and the Beneficiaries are both appointed through non-public (private) documents, they remain 100% anonymous.

2. Beneficial Owner when Opening Bank Accounts: Due to the global scare of terrorism, most offshore tax haven jurisdictions implemented laws requiring their banks to obtain declarations of beneficial ownership when establishing corporate bank accounts. In Panama, the banks maintain this information with rigorous confidentiality under their strictly enforced bank secrecy laws. If an owner wishes to remain anonymous, the Foundation can serve as the beneficial owner. The nominee Foundation council can sign the declarations on behalf of the Foundation keeping the true owner 100% anonymous.

3. Distribution of Your Assets to Your Heirs: Under Panamanian laws, no one may freeze a Foundation’s assets under any circumstances - providing the ultimate asset protection vehicle. The Panama Private Interest Foundation is specifically designed to cherish, protect, and distribute your assets to your beneficiaries upon a triggering event, such as your death or incapacity. Your Foundation’s Letter of Wishes (written by the Protector) details the Foundations assets, list of beneficiaries, and how and when those assets are to be distributed to the beneficiaries. Since the inheritance comes from outside of the beneficiary’s domestic country, the inherited assets are not subject to any of the standard taxes and legal procedures. Through the Foundation, your heirs will receive their inheritance free of probate, gift taxes, estate taxes, inheritance taxes, or legal delays.

4. Facilitates the Transfer of Funds Offshore, and the Return of those Funds back Onshore: Since the Foundation is a non-profit entity, it may receive donations, and it may give donations/grants, etc. to anyone you choose. Hence, you can donate your funds to the Foundation. In turn, the Foundation can provide educational grants, charitable donations, etc. to anyone you choose.

To Summarize: Foundations Protect Your Assets, act as your Holding Company, provide total Estate Planning, and act as a Charitable Entity.

Rights of Heirs: Under Panamanian law, the founder’s heirs do not have a right to revoke the creation of the Foundation, or the right to object to the transfer of properties to the Foundation. The laws of the founder’s country regarding intestacy have no bearing on the validity of the Foundation - ensuring the Foundation’s objectives will be honoured even in the event of the founder’s death.

Features and Benefits

Some of the other features and benefits of a Foundation are as follows:

Limited Liability

A Foundation holds its own assets and liabilities separate from those of the founder or any other person. The founder and the Foundation cannot be held responsible for the debts of one another, except where the founder has administered the Foundation in a way that ignores the separate identity of the Foundation. In such a case, a creditor of the founder might be able to invade the Foundation’s assets. In contrast, the Trustee of a Trust (who often is the grantor/creator) may have unlimited personal liability for the obligations of the Trust.

Minimal Public Disclosure

Other than the ministerial act of accepting a proper Memorandum of Foundation for filing, no government approval or action is required for the establishment of a Foundation. The Regulations of a Foundation, under which it operates, are not required to be filed in any public office or registry. No governmental agency supervises or oversees the management and operation of a Foundation. No reports concerning a Foundation’s activities, its income or financial condition or the names of its beneficiaries are required to be filed with any governmental agency.

Avoidance of Testamentary Formalities

Upon the death of the Founder, all of his/her assets can be transferred to the Foundation eliminating the need for a will and probate.

Privacy of Assets

Except for the initial endowment of US$10,000, there are no public records as to the assets of a Foundation. There is no obligation for the filing of any public instrument with respect to an increase in the endowment and no filing of financial statements.

In Conclusion: A Panama Private Interest Foundation has many advantages over a Trust. Limited Liability, greater Privacy, elimination of a Will and Probate, less Public Exposure, and Charitable functions are some of these advantages. Panama’s Public Interest Foundation law, Corporation laws, and strict Banking secrecy laws combine to provide one with the utmost in Asset Protection and Privacy.

Steven Rich, MBA is the Marketing Manager for Panama Offshore Legal Services at:

Reuters - Gaza’s Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) militant group on Thursday warned Israel that a truce between Israel and Hamas which went into effect on June 19 was in danger of collapse, saying it could end in three weeks.

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As most of the employees at Uniform Dating ( www.uniformdating.com http://www.uniformdating.com ) are from ‘uniformed’ backgrounds and are either married to, or ‘with’ partners from other uniformed services, we thought this question would be an easy one to answer. Unfortunately not…..!

Our uniformed site members are generally military singles or those coming from professional uniformed backgrounds such as the police, fire service or medical professions.

We’ve also asked our ‘non uniformed’ members whom generally come from all walks of civilian life, to give us feedback on what attracted them to our site in the first place.

The reaction to the members of the uniform services of both sexes on the site prompted comments such as ‘absolutely gorgeous’, ’sexy as hell’, and ‘where else could you ask someone in uniform out for a date?’

Replies we’ve had so far include the following.

People romanticize those in uniform as being larger-than-life and heroic. They might be associating uniforms with bravery, courage, and a noble spirit.

Because the people who wear them are not ordinary; they’re specialists, with jobs that only a few can do.

My ideal date would be young, with a quick wit, a close family, a strong faith and a good character. He would be attractive, of course. Oh, and while we’re at it, “Make him an American hero.”

Police & Nurses traditionally socialise with and date each other. Nurses Homes traditionally call the local police section house and vice versa re invitations to ‘999′ or ‘911′ parties etc.

Many police officers are married to nurses. There are many other marriages within the uniformed services.

Emergency services personnel have mutual understanding of each other’s jobs, stresses involved etc - helpful in relationships.

V. high divorce rates so often looking for new partners. Difficult for emergency services personnel to form relationships due to shift patterns and anti-social hours.

Many uniformed and armed services personnel live in areas they were not brought up in, making forming relationships harder.

We’ve scratched our heads over this for a while and thought we’d now throw this question out to the world!

Feel free to get in contact ( enquiries@uniformdating.com enquiries@uniformdating.com ) and tell us why you’re attracted to people in uniform!

Tim Love is a medically-retired police officer who nows works full-time marketing websites online.

Reuters - Fannie Mae on Friday posted a much larger-than-expected second-quarter loss and slashed its dividend more than 85 percent to preserve capital as home loan defaults accelerated in the bleakest U.S. housing market since the Great Depression.

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If you still harbor any doubt about the need for further education, just check the classifieds in a metropolitan newspaper or online and look for yourself at the employment criteria, particularly if you are interested in higher-paying positions and professional employers.

From asbestos abatement and accounting to zookeeping, distance learning programs offer a wide variety of subjects and degrees. There are virtually no common-and very few uncommon-careers for which you cannot study online. Some of the first and oldest online degree providers are still among the highest-rated; be sure to check out several sites and find the one or two that best fit your needs and pocketbook. Verify that they can meet all of your needs for support and counseling and make sure that the program you are interested in will satisfy the requirements of your current or prospective employer. Don’t forget about scholarships, association and government grants, and employer-sponsored financial assistance if tuition, books, and fees are a financial issue. Most accept good distance learning programs as easily as traditional ones.

By using a search engine or several search engines, you will likely find more information than you can review and absorb in one sitting. Start now; take the time you need to make a careful search and do a thorough evaluation.

If you are working at a job simply because you have to, as it was all that you could find, and if there is something else that appeals strongly to you for which you have the aptitude and for which there is a viable market, this is the time to think carefully about possible distance learning programs in which you might enroll. There is nothing insurmountable to prevent you from preparing yourself for your dream job. If your current employer is paying your education costs, you will, of course, have to be sure your program meets their requirements for reimbursement. If you are in a position where you can make the choice totally independently, the world is open to you.

Distance learning programs make it possible for nearly anyone, anywhere, anytime to accumulate academic credit toward their goal; the hardest thing about the online programs may be choosing the best one for your circumstances and interests. Have fun as you take on your dream and work toward it; a good education and job preparation never hurt anyone’s career or bank balance.

Simon Rand is the pen name for a professional writer on many topics. His work includes book authorship, TV producer and independent writer for many national magazines. online-education.mustsee.info http://online-education.mustsee.info

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Kids who love Dora the explorer want to have her and her monkey displayed on the wallpapers inside their playroom or bedroom. Apparently, they would not just want to see Dora the explorer over the TV, they want her anywhere with them. Dora the explorer wallpapers is one proof that children cannot seem to have enough of Dora.

The manufacturers of Dora only want what most children wants. And that is to have Dora available anywhere where they can see and bring her along with them. Dora the explorer wallpapers is just one of the things that they have created in order to answer to these needs.

There are a lot of children who want to have a complete collection of their favorite cartoon character in the clothes and shoes they wear. Not only that, they also want to see colorful and life-size of Dora displayed in places where they spend most of their time on. This is why a lot of children are asking their parents to buy them Dora the explorer wallpapers.

Dora the explorer wallpapers are something that children can easily identify with. Before going to sleep, they would want to dream about the latest adventure that Dora has been into. Seeing Dora in wallpapers can help them relive some of the episodes that they have seen on TV. Having the wallpapers around can make them identify easily the journeys that Dora have made.

Being children, they are oftentimes picturing themselves in the place of Dora. This is why there are a lot of children who want to have Dora T-shirts. This is one way of being a little more like Dora.

Dora the explorer wallpapers are no different. The most colorful wallpapers are the ones that depict the adventures that Dora have gone through. When children see these wallpapers, they are wondering what the adventure was like and the fun that Dora have encountered. By imagining these things, they are also beginning to enjoy themselves in the thought that they can do the things that Dora can do.

Dora the explorer wallpapers can help develop the imagination of your child. Some of them may become the source of any future plans that your children want. As early as toddlers, children’s imagination should be developed so that they will have a clear understanding on what they want to do with their life.

Having Dora the explorer wallpaper will definitely bring out the imaginativeness and creativity that is present in every child. Through this, they can even grow up to be more Dora. Adventurous and ready to face the challenges that is part of every day life.

It is important that in the process of decorating your children’s room, you have to know what your child likes. If he or she likes Dora the explorer very much, then you can have Dora wallpapers make up the room. The happiness that it can bring to your child will surely make up for all your efforts of finding the right wallpaper and the process of putting it on as a decoration.

So the next time your child for Dora the explorer souvenirs, go out on your way to find them Dora the explorer wallpapers for their rooms. See how delighted they will be once the wallpaper have already been set up.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on dora, wallpapers, websites, information & story, please visit dora.articlekeep.com http://dora.articlekeep.com .

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It’s always harder to shop for gifts for men than for women because although they have fewer accessories to choose from, they tend to be more picky than women especially when they have an “image” to maintain. If you’re looking for the perfect gift that your man won’t feel ashamed of using, stay away from risky clothes and jewelries and start visiting accessory boutiques to look for the best sterling silver money clip you can find.

Why Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver unlike other types of silver won’t get rusty even when it’s exposed to water and other elements. As such, your man won’t have to worry about getting his sterling silver money clip ruined when there’s a sudden downpour.

Sterling silver is also considered a classy material especially when compared to materials like leather. It is also more durable and it definitely won’t break or bend easily when pressure and force are exerted.

Money Clips vs. Wallets

Although there are more styles, colors, and designs to choose from when shopping for wallets, there are also more disadvantages to be found if you choose to purchase a wallet instead of a money clip for your man.

Firstly, wallets usually create a noticeable bulge in the pocket which effectively reduces the sexiness of the person. If you want your man to look good, he’ll be better off with a slim and compact sterling silver money clip.

Secondly, there’s no turning back time when your wallets become victims of wear and tear. Old leather will always be old leather. Immortality on the other hand is granted to sterling silver money clips. All you have to do is polish them regularly with the right cleaning tools and you’ll have a brand new looking money clip all the time!

Thirdly, money’s more accessible when using a money clip. All you have to do is pull off the exact kind and number of paper bills you need and payment is instantly made.

Fourthly, money clips are especially advantageous to men who love playing the field. Instead of having to changing photos in their wallets all the time to avoid hurting their current flavor of the month, no evidence can be garnered against them when they’re using money clips. It’s just money after all!

One major concern of yours should be that you are actually getting the right kind of metal, and that the money clip is indeed made of sterling silver, it is never too difficult to find someone who understands something about silver and get them to the shop with you. It is also advisable that you think about the person you are getting this for, ideally the money clip should be fitted to their habits and needs, if you will observe the person you will know what kind of money clip will suit him best.

Money clips are a perfect gift for men, Roy Ditelezieg writes about jewelry and men’s accessories, read great advice on shopping for Sterling Silver Money Clip at the money clip site moneyclips.advice-tips.com/ http://moneyclips.advice-tips.com/

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Even though everyone’s financial situation is unique, practically all of us have some sort of debt. It might be huge debt like with mortgages and loans or small credit card or department store credit debt. The only way to wind up with debt is as a result of being extended credit. In these financial times we are in it can be difficult to get by without credit. But too often it becomes difficult to pay off the credit and that is when the trouble begins. Once you are late in your payments, your creditors will report this to the credit bureaus and it will affect your credit rating. When you are stuck with a bad credit report, even if you have a good reason such as illness, etc, it will be very difficult for you to get credit in the future when you are back on your feet financially. This means you may not be able to buy a house or a new car on credit. Or, if you are able to get a loan, it will be from a subprime lender who will charge you exorbitant interest fees.

If you have been through a tough spell and now have bad credit, you can undergo credit repair and one way to do this is through debt consolidation.

One thing about bad credit is that it can continue to get worse. It is not a case of having good or bad credit, it is a case of your credit being assigned a numerical value on a scale from good to bad and with each late payment, your credit slips farther into the bad side of the scale. So to repair your credit you need to get your creditors paid up to date as quickly as possible.

Chances are that you don’t have the money to do this or you wouldn’t be behind in the first place. This is when debt consolidation can be a useful tool for credit repair. You take out a single load which is used to pay off all your other loans. Now all your bills are paid up to date and you just have one monthly payment to make on your new consolidated loan which probably won’t be due for thirty days so you have some breathing room to get back on your feet.

You will still owe the same amount of money, but if you arrange your loan to do so, it can be spread over a long enough period that the payments are more manageable. The advantage of a debt consolidation loan is that it can repair your credit quickly and help you get back on your feet financially.

The disadvantage of a debt consolidation loan is that if you don’t use it properly it can get you deeper into financial difficulty. There is a saying that you can’t borrow your way out of debt and this is very true. You should examine your financial situation carefully and make sure that your situation has improved so that you will be able to handle the payments on your new loan or you could wind up damaging your credit further and making credit repair even more difficult down the road.

Geoff Spencer is a staff writer at www.finance-journal.com http://www.finance-journal.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including www.onlinebusinessgazette.com http://www.onlinebusinessgazette.com .

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Stress in the work place is on the rise. A survey by healthcare consultancy, IHC highlights that 13.4m days are lost each year due to stress, anxiety and depression. This costs industry ?11bn each year! Work place energies are dropping to an all time low according to another survey carried out by Adecco and the Chartered Management Institute. The survey also revealed that managers are working 14 hours longer than they are paid for and are not getting to spend enough time with their families. Life is becoming more time pressured and we’re all faced with challenges that sometimes we feel we cannot cope with, leading to stress.

If you’re suffering from stress then you may recognise any of the following symptoms: mood swings, anxiety, skin problems, tiredness, muscle tension, poor concentration, changes in sleep or eating patterns, low self esteem or poor memory. If any of these symptoms are all too familiar it is essential that you take positive action promptly, as long term stress has a detrimental impact on overall health. Perhaps you’re in need of some time off work? However, if you’re not due a holiday for a while, here are a few tips to help you get through the working week:

1) Exercise improves mental health, emotion, and mood, and is an essential part of stress busting and relaxation. So why not get down the gym or join a regular exercise class?

2) The worst reaction is to use alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relieve tension. Instead, take time out for enjoyable physical activity such as sports or dancing. You can involve your whole family in this and get fit at the same time.

3) When you do get tense, you also find that your breathing is much shorter, so you need to take deeper and slower breaths, and you’ll feel instantly calmer.

4)Yoga is also recommended for combating stress, as it relaxes the mind as muscular activity is increased.

5)Make changes in your diet such at cutting down on sugar or caffeine, which could be contributing to the problem. Of course, eating a balanced diet is vital, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking lots of water will help concentration.

6)Try to make time for rest and relaxation each week; it’s vital for your sanity!

Spencer cuckney, fitness expert, certified personal trainer with over 15 years experience and founder of Fitnessmaster offers 1-2-1 personal training, online training, nutrition services and specialized fitness services that fit your budget and schedule.

Visit www.fitnessmaster.co.uk or call 07919101208 and begin meeting your fitness goals today

Spencer Cuckney, fitness expert, certified personal trainer with over 15 years experience and founder of Fitnessmaster offers 1-2-1 personal training, online training, nutrition services and specialized fitness services that fit your budget and schedule.

AFP - Andy Roddick stepped up his US Open preparation while his rivals got in final training for the Olympics as the Beijing absentee advanced at the Los Angeles Classic late Thursday.

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We all know the story of the rube who gets sucked into a game of Three-Card Monte on Fifth Avenue and watches his bets disappear in the pockets of the quick-handed sharpie at the folding card table. And what do we have in the Middle East now but a variation of the same obvious sucker’s game, which we choose to call Three Turban Monte?

Can you pick the Medieval headgear under which we can hope to find a winner? Or are we bound to be snookered?

On one end, we’ve got the turban of Muqtada al-Sadr, the evasive but opportunistic clerical leader of the Mahdi militia, which recently dared to take over two Iraqi towns, killing police in the process. Even if Iraqi troops reversed the takeovers, who would call what’s under al-Sadr’s turbano a likely place to find a win for Uncle Sam? The conniver is no doubt calculating how he might one day be able to take charge of Iraq and cozy up to the other two Shiite turbans on the table.

On the other end, we’ve got Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, celebrating the destruction of his own nation as a victory against Israel and eyeing the chance to gain control should the weak government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora become terminally shaky. Anybody expect an American win under his turbanado?

And right smack in the middle, we find in Iran the ever-watchful and cynically supportive Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Guess what our chances for a big win are under his trendy headwear?

Now, if you dare, imagine what is actually going on under these clever occlusions. Do you detect paradisiacal dreams of the three uniting in a turban triumvirate, as a solid building block of their longed-for Medievalist pan-Islamic caliphate?

And we haven’t even mentioned the lurking turban of Omar on Afghanistan’s border. In fact, if you add up all the calculating turbans that might be moved around on the same table, the game we’ve been suckered into becomes staggeringly hopeless.

Given the relative weakness of the civilian governments in the three countries under principal consideration and the ever-weakening power of the civil governments in bordering fundamentalist or fundamentalist-tending countries, how else can we expect the game will to turn out?

Even more consequentially, what are we still doing at the gaming table, hoping against hope to win what is, inevitably, a very real sucker’s game?

So what should we do?

We need to see that our continued presence in Iraq is really based on our own skepticism about the determination of the Iraqi people to establish their own democratic, peaceful, and secure nation. And, terrible as the decision is, we must leave them to their own destiny.

We have freed the populace from a murderous tyrant, which was a great service. What remains is for them to free themselves from their own civil and religious divisiveness and delusions.

A recent poll shows, in fact, that most Iraqis believe the violence will diminish if we depart. And a poll conducted by no less than the State Department concludes that a majority of Iraq’s young people believe that security would improve and violence would decrease if U. S.-led forces would leave immediately.

Despite their apparent desire to go into the future on their own, we expect the long-suffering Iraqi citizenry will go through an even more deadly period of sectarian strife. In fact, there is the very real prospect that al-Sadr and other fundamentalist Islamic clerics may be able to draw the black veil of the Middle Ages over the entire society.

The combined influence of the collected turbanates may, in fact, draw it over the entire Middle East.

Yet such regressive lives are in undeniable conflict with the reality and benefits of the modern world. So there will be an inner tension from the moment the night falls. The hopeless incongruity between the lives they have allowed themselves to be damned to and the lives they might enjoy as enlightened and free people must finally have its way, but only in its time. And allowing the truth to dawn on them in its time is the great lesson we must reconcile ourselves to.

What of the wile the Bush administration uses to continue its loser’s game - that a pan-Islamic state will blackmail us for oil? Then must we conclude that the entire conflict is ultimately, as the cynics have maintained all along, about oil? Shame on us for having sacrificed American lives for such a mean goal.

But the reality is, the repressive societies will be more economically dysfunctional than ever and need oil revenue in extremis. The leaders do, after all, discourage entrepreneurial participation in the global economy, as a dangerous intimation of independence, except as they might superintend it themselves.

Finally, guess what? If all the turbans did assemble themselves into one mighty game of oily blackmail, we and other Western nations would finally have every justification to commandeer it, as long, of course, as ethical merchants we paid them a fair price for it.

What we need to see right now is that we are looking at a region too uninformed in its general populace to understand the historical pitfalls of absolute adherence to every word of a religion and subjection to the unlimited authority of very punctiliously observant clerics.

As we often note, the region has never experienced the Renaissance or The Age of Reason. It is, mentally, still encumbered with the detritus of The Dark Ages. The people there need time to emerge just as the West did and our attempt to stand in the way of their own voyage of discovery is simply a game we can’t win.

It is for the Iraqis themselves, along with the citizens of the other nations in the region, to guess what is under those shifty black turbans and, having finally seen the disappointment that is actually there, to walk away from the loser’s game on their own.

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of NewsLaugh.com http://NewsLaugh.com , has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing delightfully funny, witty, with good, genuine laughs and great humor and ebullience.

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