GOP's libertarian wing sees opportunity to push for less intervention

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The debate over whether the U.S. should launch airstrikes against Syria is testing the willingness of rank-and-file Republicans to get involved in another military conflict and giving the partys libertarian wing a chance to push the party toward adopting a less interventionist approach to foreign policy.

Sen. Rand Paul and other GOP lawmakers in both chambers have challenged the Obama administrations call for an attack against Syrian President Bashar Assads regime putting them at odds with House GOP leaders and some of the leading Republicans voices on foreign affairs issues in the Senate, who have lined up behind the president.

I think there is a reasonable argument that the world may be less stable because of this and that it may not deter any chemical weapons attack, Mr. Paul, Kentucky Republican, said Tuesday during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. I havent had one person come up to me and say they are for this war. Not one person.

Rep. Justin Amash, Michigan Republican, delivered a similar message during a town hall tour across his district, saying via Twitter that his constituents are sending him a clear message: Do not get us into a war in Syria.

I cant recall an issue this lopsided, Mr. Amash said.

Congress last authorized the use of military force in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that led to almost 3,000 deaths on American soil and generated strong public support for military action in Afghanistan and then Iraq.

Indeed, no Republicans opposed the 2001 resolution authorizing President George W. Bush to use force against those responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks paving the way for military operations in Afghanistan. A single Republican in the Senate and just a half-dozen Republicans in the House voted against the Bush administration and the authorization of the use of force in Iraq in 2002. Democrats also strongly supported both resolutions.

Since then, public support for the wars has plummeted, and Republicans have shouldered most of the political blame.

Along the way, Democrats won the Senate in the 2006 election and two years later Barack Obama won the White House, after touting his early opposition to the Iraq War.

The party has paid a price politically for going in one direction, while the public is going in the opposite direction, said Christopher A. Preble, vice president for defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank.

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GOP's libertarian wing sees opportunity to push for less intervention

POWERFUL MAGNITUDE 7.0 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES ALASKA’S ALEUTIAN ISLANDS FRIDAY (AUG 31, 2013) – Video

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POWERFUL MAGNITUDE 7.0 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES ALASKA #39;S ALEUTIAN ISLANDS FRIDAY (AUG 31, 2013)
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OFC BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 / MATCH 1 / SOLOMON ISLANDS vs VANUATU HIGHLIGHTS – Video

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OFC BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 / MATCH 1 / SOLOMON ISLANDS vs VANUATU HIGHLIGHTS
OFC TV Production - Copyright OFC TV © Solomon Islands have beaten Vanuatu 8-3 in the opening match of the OFC Beach Soccer Championship 2013 at the Universi...

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Video of Secretary Kerry presented at Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Climate Change Roundtable, Majuro – Video

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Video of Secretary Kerry presented at Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Climate Change Roundtable, Majuro
Video: Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Climate Change Roundtable in the Republic of Marshall Islands Hello, everyone, and thank you to the Republic of the Marsha...

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The Coron Islands: An unspoilt paradise in the Philippines

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To say the Coron Islands in northern Palawan are paradise is almost an understatement they are simply magical and enchanting.

The crystal clear waters are so inviting you will want to jump in, even if you do not know how to swim.

Composed of 180 islands, Coron is the gateway to the 680-island Calamianes Group of Islands in northern Palawan. The Philippines has 7,107 islands, 1,780 of them are in Palawan.

The signature image of Coron Islands at the Kayangan Cove. Pic: Cocoy Sexcion.

I swear I never have seen so many limestone rock formations majestically rising from the sea. They are so close to each other you will get lost in the maze of these islands. Their razor sharp edges are dotted with plants and shrubs and covered with sturdy trees that thrive on these rocks. Take away the plants and trees and imagine magnetite on a piece of bond paper propped up by a magnet from below.That is how the islands in Coron were formed by nature over millions of years.

The lagoons that dot the Coron Islands are as pristine and refreshing as they come. The Twin Lagoons are among the most accessible just 20-minute ride across the main island of Busuanga in the town of Coron.In the middle of some of these islands are lakes accessible only by climbing man-made rock stairs. Not far from Twin Lagoon is Barracuda Lake, which is still unspoiled by the rapidly developing town of Coron. It flushes out to Kayangan Lagoon and if you are a technical diver, you can dive your way out from Barracuda Lake to Kayangan and see the same limestone rock formations buried underwater.

The limestone rock formations of the islands have made Coron so unique in the Philippines.FOTOS BY EDWIN ESPEJO

Kayangan is a Cuyonin term which means the entrance to the 13 lakes of Coron Island (which should not be mistaken for Coron town, one of the two towns in the main island Busuanga). Tourists have access to only two Kayangan and Barracuda of the 13 lakes, which are all connected underwater.

Kayangan Lagoon is by far the most photographed among Corons many attractions. A climb of 100 steps brings you to the viewing deck from where you can take some selfies or capture the towns most iconic image. From there, you go down to the hidden lake.

You can end your first day in Maquinit Hot Spring, reputedly one of just two saltwater hot springs in the world. Take a dip and enjoy natures mineral-rich steam bath.

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Tour Operator EuroBound Launches Package Deals To The Guadeloupe Islands With American Airlines And Seaborne Airlines

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NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board announces nine air-inclusive packages with Los Angeles-based tour operator EuroBound on American Airlines and Seaborne Airlines from $1,475 to $4,025 per person. These incredible deals showcase the highlights of the Caribbean's best kept secret by offering a wide diversity of options from adventure travel to romantic getaways to culinary discoveries.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130904/NY73109 )

Since the archipelago's pristine landscape is a defining part of Guadeloupians' national pride, EuroBound has developed tailor-made ecotourism packages that display the best of Guadeloupe's unspoiled natural treasures. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, the "Green Guadeloupe," "Adventure Package" and the "Eco-Chic" trips offer hikes to the La Soufriere volcano, swimming in waterfalls and kayaking in the Grand Cul de Sac Marin Natural Reserve or the mangrove wilderness. For those looking to discover Guadeloupe's rich heritage and culture, the "All in One" vacation offers the possibility of visiting the Ecomuseum, where visitors discover the eco-friendly traditions of the Guadeloupians and an island-hopping exploration of some of the Archipelago's hidden gems. EuroBound also offers a "Family Package" full of kid-friendly activities, a "Beach Party" trip for fun-loving travelers, a romantic "Honeymoon Package" and the "Deep Blue" vacation, which includes six nights on the main island, Grande Terre along with five nights on Les Saintes, the most low-key yet sophisticated surrounding island of the archipelago. A veritable heaven for foodies, the "Culinary Package" indulges visitors with a gourmet experience, including feasts featuring creative French- Creole cuisine made with fresh local products. These EuroBound packages include flights, hotels, all transfers or car rentals, two excursions and are valid from any US gateway.

The tourist board has launched a campaign and sweepstakes from August 15th to September 30th entitled "Let Me Show You My Islands" starring Guadeloupian heartthrob and top model, Willy Monfret, who invites participants to enter to win a package deal for two, which includes round-trip tickets and a seven night stay at the four-star La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa. Headlining a video miniseries of five episodes, Willy Monfret offers American travelers an insider's view of this distinctive French-Caribbean Island and shares unique travel tips that highlight the best deals, activities, hot spots, sports and Guadeloupe's renowned Creole cuisine.

About the Guadeloupe IslandsThis so French, undeniably Caribbean archipelago is the Caribbean's best kept secret. It's a destination that has it all: rain forests, waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, charming villages, exquisite cuisine and French culture. Guadeloupe is primarily made up of two main islands connected by a narrow channel. The efficient inter-island connection network makes the Guadeloupe Archipelago a premier island-hopping destination, as all the islands are located within a mere 20-45 minute boat ride. With an entirely preserved environment thanks to rigorous flora and fauna preservation programs, ecotourism has been a key aspect of the destination's development and makes the islands perfect for any type of adventure. From exploring the lush scenery to hiking up the summit of La Soufriere volcano to canoeing on the hidden rivers in the National Park, Guadeloupe really has something for everyone. Visitors can go kayaking down the Cousteau Reserve or delve into a culinary adventure by trying "Nouvelle Cuisine Creole," the perfect combination of French Savoir Faire and Caribbean flavors. The destination boasts over 200 restaurants, some of which are located on porches of local homes, serving everything from Ti 'Punch to local Creole creations such as stuffed land crabs, stewed conch and curry dishes.

For more information on theCaribbean's best kept secret visitwww.guadeloupe-islands.com

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Tour Operator EuroBound Launches Package Deals To The Guadeloupe Islands With American Airlines And Seaborne Airlines

Leaders gather for Pacific Islands Forum

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Leaders from Pacific nations, including Australia and New Zealand, are gathering in the Marshall Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum, with climate change a major item on the agenda.

The Marshall Islands is hosting the forum, and has chosen the theme "Marshalling the Pacific response to the climate challenge".

It is pushing for member countries, and observers like the US and China, to support a pledge to take bold action on climate change.

Isolated in the Pacific, its capital sitting less than two metres above sea level, the Marshall Islands is quite literally struggling to keep its head above water.

A freak high wave or storm can prove catastrophic for the Marshalls, a group of 34 atolls with a population of 65,000, sitting 4800 kilometres north of Auckland.

When Pacific leaders touch down in the capital of Majuro on Tuesday, they'll see first-hand the impact changing weather patterns, rising seas and ocean acidification are having on the islands.

Australia will be represented by Senator Jacinta Collins, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing. In the absence of a high-powered Australian delegation, days out from the general election, all eyes will be on New Zealand as the forum member with the most power to influence the global agenda to combat climate change.

Prime Minister John Key's visit comes just two weeks after the NZ government announced an emissions reduction target of five per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 - a meagre goal in comparison to the European Union's commitment of 20 per cent below 1990 levels.

Mr Key defends that, saying New Zealand's commitment is still bigger than those of the US and Australia.

A week ago, Marshall Islands government minister Tony de Brum labelled New Zealand's commitment "so, so meaningless".

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Leaders gather for Pacific Islands Forum

Women Have The Breasts So Their Health Care Should Cost More Than Men – FOX NEWS! – Please Share! – Video

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Women Have The Breasts So Their Health Care Should Cost More Than Men - FOX NEWS! - Please Share!
Women Have The Breasts So Their Health Care Should Cost More Than Men - FOX NEWS! - Please Share!

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