Month: December 2002

The past two days have been (yet another) excuse for Chinese to flood the streets, discos, karaoke bars, Western style bars and various plazas with Santa hats atop their heads and – for some reason – plastic hammers which are used to emphasize a "Merry Christmas." True, most Chinese know little about the whys and … Continue reading “Merry Christmas from China”

The year that is about to end has again left the Balkans a bit worse for wear. Of course, the entire world is substantially worse for wear since the shocking attacks of September 2001, and the Empire’s resulting announcement of its quest for global domination. However, the War on Terror has had remarkably little impact … Continue reading “The 12 Months of Christmas”

There is something awfully weird about J.C. Penney’s "Forward Command Post," a toy for kids age five and up. It’s not apparent, at first sight, exactly where the weirdness is coming from. Sure, it’s a battle scene, and the house is shattered, cratered with bullet holes and looking kind of charred. But what else would … Continue reading “CHRISTMAS CARNAGE”

Perhaps it’s the season, and a not entirely rational desire to have the birthday of the Prince of Peace be something other than a harbinger of all-out war this year. But a phone conversation with Jessica Mathews, president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, gave me a few brief moments of hope last week. … Continue reading “A Ray of Hope?”

So, you thought the Trent Lott episode had nothing to do with the war and foreign policy, especially all you politically correct antiwar liberals out there, who just hooted and hollered at the downfall of the "racist" Senator. But David Frum begs to differ…. Recently ousted from his perch as the President’s speechwriter – for … Continue reading “ATTACK OF THE NEOS”

The resounding victory of the Hindu-nationalist and rabidly anti-secular, anti-Islam, anti-Pakistan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in legislative Assembly elections in the western state of Gujarat has dangerous implications not just for India’s domestic politics, but for the whole of South Asia. In particular, New Delhi’s policies on Kashmir and on relations with Pakistan are likely … Continue reading “Hindu-Nationalist Victory in Gujarat Spells Trouble for South Asia”

"We’re all Israelis now!" This was the cry that went up from the War Party in the wake of 9/11, and as a prophecy regarding our treatment of Middle Easterners in America, it is certainly coming true. Amid reports that Israel has as many as 5,000 Palestinians in custody comes the news that hundreds of … Continue reading “‘COLORBLIND’– EXCEPT FOR SOME”

Assistant Secretary of State Lorne Craner is headed to Xinjiang after a couple of "very productive" days chatting with Chinese Human Rights counterparts. Craner plans on investigating alleged reports of abuse and oppression by Chinese authorities following the US announcement that the East Turkestan Islamic Movement was a band of no-good terrorists (possibly) funded by … Continue reading “Don’t Believe the Hype”

Just recently, this column examined the many facets of falsifying history, noting in passing the role of the Hague Inquisition in currently the largest such effort in the world. Indeed, the ICTY is an endeavor more massive even than the current campaign to conjure a reason for invading Iraq, and it seeks not merely to … Continue reading “More Dirty Lies”

Just another boring PBS "Newshour," the droning voices of predictably safe panelists putting us to sleep, when, all at once, we are jolted wide awake: GWEN IFILL: "Senator Graham, are there elements in this report, which are classified that Americans should know about but can’t?" SEN. BOB GRAHAM: "Yes, going back to your question about … Continue reading “9/11 – WHO KNEW?”