Month: May 2004

A Government to be Named Later

As violence continued in Iraq, President Bush addressed the nation Monday night about his plans for the June 30 "transfer of power." Bush offered preliminary details about Iraq’s forthcoming sovereignty. Iraqi "sovereignty" will apparently include a large U.S. military and advisory presence for the indefinite future. No date is set for coalition troops to leave … Continue reading “A Government to be Named Later”

‘I Know Americans Are Very Friendly People’

Decades of smiles have left crinkles on his face that belie the sadness deep within his eyes. His hope and love for America has turned to a despair he is unable to express. “I want to talk to an American general or judge,” says Nihad Munir. “I will give them my guarantee that my son … Continue reading “‘I Know Americans Are Very Friendly People’”

Neocons Go Macho on Iraq

Despite a tidal wave of bad news from the Iraq occupation they did so much to promote, neoconservatives are calling for U.S. President George W. Bush to pursue a military solution against resistance fighters there. “Crush the Insurgents in Iraq,” screamed a column in Sunday’s Washington Post by prominent New York politician-banker Lewis Lehrman and … Continue reading “Neocons Go Macho on Iraq”

US Offers Iraq ‘Sovereignty Lite’

The United States and Britain are asking the U.N. Security Council to transfer political and administrative power to Iraq while holding back sovereign power that legitimately belongs to the Iraqi people, say critics of the move proposed Monday. A five-page draft resolution, co-sponsored by the allies, calls for the formation of a “sovereign interim government” … Continue reading “US Offers Iraq ‘Sovereignty Lite’”

Millions ‘Warehoused’ Without Rights for 10 Years or More

More than seven million of the world’s nearly 12 million refugees have been “warehoused” in dangerous border areas or urban slums without regard to their basic human rights for 10 or more years, according to the 2004 “World Refugee Survey” released Monday by the U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR). The report, which found a sharp … Continue reading “Millions ‘Warehoused’ Without Rights for 10 Years or More”

Emigrés Caught Between Bush and Castro

Once again, a U.S. government seems to be achieving exactly the opposite of what it says it is aiming for with its Cuba policy. Many of the more than 500 moderate Cuban emigrés taking part in the third Nation and Emigration Conference, hosted by the Cuban government over the weekend, joined in when “Cuba va,” … Continue reading “Emigrés Caught Between Bush and Castro”

Talking to Terrorists Can Work

There is much talk of terrorists, and little talking to them. But a bold move in Yemen to open a dialogue with branded terrorists is bringing unexpected results. The dialogue has been initiated by the Theological Dialogue Committee set up by the Yemeni government to talk to al-Qaeda suspects and militants who have returned from … Continue reading “Talking to Terrorists Can Work”

Remarks on Iraq at the Army War College

Thank you all. Thank you and good evening. I’m honored to visit the Army War College. Generations of officers have come here to study the strategies and history of warfare. I’ve come here tonight to report to all Americans, and to the Iraqi people, on the strategy our nation is pursuing in Iraq and the specific steps we’re taking … Continue reading “Remarks on Iraq at the Army War College”

Iraqi ‘Sovereignty’: Don’t Get Your Hopes Up

Amid more bad news from Iraq and increasing dissatisfaction among voters, President Bush will give the first of a series of six speeches today detailing his plans for the June 30 “transfer of power” in Iraq. The speeches are meant to acquaint the public with a joint United States-Great Britain U.N. Security Council resolution regarding … Continue reading “Iraqi ‘Sovereignty’: Don’t Get Your Hopes Up”