TaylorMarsh.com

–updated–

Sarah Palin is not only not seeking re-election, but she’s stepping down as governor at the end of July, not finishing her first term.

This is the latest wacky turn for Sarah Palin whose explosive entrance on to the national scene has been anything but graceful.

What’s the back story?

“Faith and family are more important to her at this time in her life,” was the quote offered by MSNBC.

Many people have been analyzing openly that she needs to step off the national stage and go study. This reads to me for the moment as her version of just that, but doesn’t preclude another road in politics down the line. She’ll now become the mystery person everyone wants to interview, as she selectively chooses where she turns up. I see nothing but calculation here, but that’s because I believe Palin has an ego of a big show politician. Time will tell.

But bailing the governorship?

UPDATE (5:03 p.m.): Another reaction, from djjl’s “In the News” diary:

It’s refreshing to hear someone speak without the use of a telepromter. She speaks from the heart which so many polititions have forgotten how to do. - marilyn538

UPDATE (4:37 p.m.): Some are suspecting a scandal. The reaction from some adoring fans has been swift, in my email box, but also re: the video posted above. Here’s just one:

Wow! Did not expect that! Sarah is selfless and fearless! I bet Washington is very scared right now not knowing what this means! - kmartingirls

UPDATE (3:48 pm.): Presser from Palin was a stump speech, pressing the point that this isn’t politics as usual. After talking about Trig being the brunt of jokes, her family being all for her leaving the governorship, Palin brought up Kosovo and the troops. Then she talked about McArthur, then said “We’re advancing in another direction.” To the study room. Oh yeah, she’ll be back. Bet on it. Last day will be July 26th.

On this Independence Day weekend, we here at TM.com acknowledge the decree of President Bashar al-Assad as a small step forward for women in the Middle East.

Syria has scrapped a law limiting the length of sentences handed down to men convicted of killing female relatives they suspect of having illicit sex.

Women’s groups had long demanded that Article 548 be scrapped, arguing it decriminalised “honour” killings.

Much more is required, starting with a ban and severe punishment for “honor killings,” but we have to start somewhere. Acknowledging movement serves a greater purpose. Women of the world are watching.

The subject also gives me another reason to tout the video of a film about an Iranian woman who represents inconvenient wives who, in some parts of the world, have no independence at all.

As for al-Assad’s invitation to Obama to visit Syria, I would like to see the first shuttle move made by Secretary Clinton. She could acknowledge al-Assad’s decree, while paving the way for a larger dialogue. Long past time we engaged the Syrians.

“We see how coverage has gone down since Michael Jackson died.” - Trita Parsi

Before the conversation today with Trita Parsi on Iran, the small group assembled couldn’t resist talking about John Bolton’s op-ed on Iran in the Washington Post today. It starts with a stunning premise, as the headline reveals: Time for an Israeli Strike? Seriously, since it’s coming from Yosemite Bolton, why the question mark?

Iran’s nuclear threat was never in doubt during its presidential campaign, but the post-election resistance raised the possibility of some sort of regime change. That prospect seems lost for the near future or for at least as long as it will take Iran to finalize a deliverable nuclear weapons capability.

Accordingly, with no other timely option, the already compelling logic for an Israeli strike is nearly inexorable. Israel is undoubtedly ratcheting forward its decision-making process. President Obama is almost certainly not.

The call with Trita Parsi from the National Iranian American Council was wide ranging. Here are some notes about what’s going on in Iran (see Iran 101 for the basics).

“This is not a one trick pony,” especially with Khatami referring to what happened as a coup d’état. “This movement has not ended,” just because you don’t see people in the streets. Much smarter to regroup and think of “alternative ways to manifest their dissent,” because there’s a “killing off” of demonstrators.

Ahmadinejad and Khatamei have lost “a significant amount of legitimacy” with the people.

Mousavi camp and supporters concerned about Obama engagement if it comes “soon,” with Ahmadinejad seen less and less on the international scene the goal, as it will help the cause of the “green wave.” Ahmadinejad’s cancellation of the African summit is good news.

Obama has helped through his anti Bush rhetoric, by not talking about regime change. He’s reduced the threat level, extended a hand, as well as talked about “mutual respect” that “did reduce if not eliminate” the hardliners effectiveness inside Iran. Obama also helped inspire dissenters to come to the surface. “What he has done has been very positive,” said Parsi.

Anyone who has followed Iran or knows anything about the history knows that women have always played an important role in Iranian society. I asked about how Ahmadinejad and Khamenei were going to deal with the women rising up, particularly with the very visible leadership role of Zahra Rahnavard, Mousavi’s wife, leading the way. Trita emphasized that women have always had a strong role in Iranian society, but it was now fully visible this time. No answer as to how the regime will deal with it. The rise of women in the Middle East, but particularly how they will impact the leadership in Islamic countries, remains unknowable, with change inevitable.

Ahmadinejad trying to “decapitate” the opposition at this time, with many stuck in house arrest or arrested. When they can’t imprison people, they attack through character assassination.

As for the regime’s response post election?

“It was not particularly well planned. … .. … They did not expect people to rise up in this manner. … The dust has yet to settle.” - Trita Parsi