Month: March 2007

The Bush administration, desperate for justifications to buy a little more time with the American people for its failed adventure in Iraq, markets the idea that if the United States rapidly withdraws from Iraq, the "terrorists will follow us home." A closer examination of this assertion – like the rest of the administration’s fearmongering – … Continue reading “The Terror Threat in Perspective”

If George W. Bush launches a preemptive war on Iran, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will bear full moral responsibility for that war. For it was Pelosi who quietly agreed to strip out of the $100 billion funding bill for Iraq a provision that would have required President Bush to seek congressional approval before launching any … Continue reading “Pelosi’s Capitulation”

Four years after the U.S.-led invasion, Iraqis have never been more pessimistic about their lives and antagonistic toward their purported liberators, according to a major new poll [.pdf] released Monday by BBC, ABC News, USA Today, and the German ARD television network. The survey of some 2,200 people throughout the country found that security has … Continue reading “Iraqis Increasingly Pessimistic, Anti-US”

Updated at 12:30 a.m. EST, Mar. 20, 2007At least 123 Iraqis were reported killed or found dead today and another 142 were wounded in violent attacks. Most of them were during a large number of small attacks throughout the country. A series of bombs also killed or wounded dozens in Kirkuk alone. No foreign deaths … Continue reading “Monday: 123 Iraqis Killed, 142 Wounded”

It wasn’t supposed to be like this: we weren’t supposed to be "celebrating" the fourth anniversary of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. It was going to be a "cakewalk," the Iraqis would rise up and shower us with rose petals, and Johnny would come marching home in no time. Remember? Besides that, the … Continue reading “Iraq, Iran, and the Lobby”

Accounts of a Feb. 28 “literary luncheon” at the White House suggest that President George W. Bush’s reading tastes – until now a remarkably good predictor of his policy views – are moving ever rightward, even apocalyptic, despite his administration’s recent suggestions that it is more disposed to engage Washington’s foes, even in the Middle … Continue reading “Uh Oh, the President’s
Reading Again”

While serving as President Bush’s White House lawyer, Alberto Gonzales advised Bush that the president’s wartime powers permitted Bush to ignore the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and to use the National Security Agency (NSA) to spy on U.S. citizens without obtaining warrants from the FISA court as required by law. Under an order signed … Continue reading “Crime Blotter:
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.”

Four years ago, the United States invaded Iraq. It’s the anniversary few want to remember; and yet, for all the disillusionment in this country, getting out of Iraq doesn’t exactly seem to be on the agenda either. Not really. Here’s a little tip, when you want to assess the “withdrawal” proposals being offered by members … Continue reading “The Anniversary From Hell”

Updated at 12:40 a.m. EST, Mar. 19, 2007As over a million Muslims converged on Najaf to observe the Prophet Mohammed’s death anniversary, at least 61 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 47 Iraqis were wounded during violent activity throughout the country. Also, the U.S. military reported that a Marine was killed in Anbar yesterday. … Continue reading “Sunday: 61 Iraqis, 1 GI Killed; 48 Iraqis Wounded”

Updated at 12:13 a.m. EST, Mar. 18, 2007 A series of chemical attacks in Anbar Province punctuated a relatively quiet day in Iraq. Overall, at least 64 people were killed or found dead today, but at least 401 were wounded or poisoned. Eight American servicemembers were also killed in separate incidents over the last two … Continue reading “Saturday: 8 GIs, 64 Iraqis Killed, 401 Injured; Chemical Bombs in Anbar Province”