Is America a Rogue Superpower?

“Unipolar” used to mean that the United States was, at least in theory, alone in leading the world. Now “unipolar” means that the United States is alone and isolated in opposition to the world. In global affairs, a hegemon is a nation that leads because it has the consent of the other nations who believe … Continue reading “Is America a Rogue Superpower?”

Gaza War Is Pushing Support for Israel to Historic Lows

On March 14, Sen. Charles Schumer, the majority leader in the U.S. Senate, gave a major speech on the Senate floor saying the Israeli government under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been “too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows.” Schumer … Continue reading “Gaza War Is Pushing Support for Israel to Historic Lows”

Gazans Tell What Its Like To Live Under the Israeli Siege

The book Gaza Writes Back is a collection of short stories from twenty young Gazans. Although published in 2013, the book is highly relevant today.  The stories reveal how the last five months is the culmination of a process which has been going on for decades. The title is curious: “Gaza Writes Back”.  Perhaps it … Continue reading “Gazans Tell What Its Like To Live Under the Israeli Siege”

Israel’s Conscientious Objectors Stand on the Shoulders of Giants

According to legend, the organization I lead, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, was founded in August 1914 when a British Quaker and a German Lutheran shook hands at a railway station in Cologne. With England on the cusp of joining World War I, they pledged, “We are one in Christ and can never be at war.” … Continue reading “Israel’s Conscientious Objectors Stand on the Shoulders of Giants”

Cut Off War Funds by Stopping the Congressional Discharge Petition

Nothing can justify a genocide.  And nothing can justify providing weaponry and support for those conducting a genocide. Nevertheless, the US Senate on February 13 passed a bill that provides billions for Israel’s slaughter of tens of thousands of Palestinians.  It authorizes $14 billion dollars in military aid for Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza.  And … Continue reading “Cut Off War Funds by Stopping the Congressional Discharge Petition”

Close-up of Death Culture: 1,000 in Entertainment Biz Proclaim Support for Gaza Slaughter

Last week, Variety reported that “more than 1,000 Jewish creatives, executives and Hollywood professionals have signed an open letter denouncing Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The Zone of Interest’ Oscar speech.” The angry letter is a tight script for a real-life drama of defending Israel as it continues to methodically kill civilians no less precious than the signers’ … Continue reading “Close-up of Death Culture: 1,000 in Entertainment Biz Proclaim Support for Gaza Slaughter”

An Escalatory Game for Fools and Madmen

Last Friday, I addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Below is the video of my statement, along with a transcript. My friend Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi also provided an Arabic translation of my comments. As an aside, Aymenn is one of the best Middle Eastern and geo-political analysts I know. You can follow him on … Continue reading “An Escalatory Game for Fools and Madmen”

Cutting the Pentagon Down to Size

Reprinted from TomDispatch. It’s one of the stranger phenomena on this planet. By 2023, the U.S. was estimated to spend more money on its “defense budget” than the next 10 countries combined. Yes, the next 10! And yet, whether you’re talking about Korea and Vietnam in the last century, or Afghanistan, Iraq, and so many … Continue reading “Cutting the Pentagon Down to Size”

Can Congress Ban TikTok?

“Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” ~ First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution When James Madison set about to draft the Bill of Rights – the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution – he was articulating what lawyers and philosophers and judges call “negative rights.” A positive right grants a privilege, like a driver’s … Continue reading “Can Congress Ban TikTok?”