Month: July 2007

Iraqi Kurds Wrangle Over Islam

ARBIL – Disputes have arisen within Kurdistan over the role Islam should play in a new constitution. The Iraqi national constitution asserts Islam as the country’s official religion and a major source of legislation. But not everyone wants that for a Kurdish constitution. Secular forces call for a clear separation of religion from state, while … Continue reading “Iraqi Kurds Wrangle Over Islam”

Derailed

Prior to this weekend’s Kennebunkport summit, the UN secretary-general expressed hopes that Emperor Bush would prevail upon his Russian guest to agree on the proposal that would turn over Serbia’s occupied province of Kosovo to ethnic Albanians. Vladimir Putin probably enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of boating and fishing at the Bush family estate in Maine, … Continue reading “Derailed”

Wednesday: 2 GIs, 151 Iraqis Killed; 92 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 12:20 a.m. EDT, July 5, 2007An MND-B soldier was killed this morning during combat operations in a southern section of Baghdad. Also, a Task Force Lightning soldier was killed and another wounded when a helicopter crashed in Ninewah province. And, at least 151 Iraqis were killed and 92 were wounded during the latest … Continue reading “Wednesday: 2 GIs, 151 Iraqis Killed; 92 Iraqis Wounded”

Crime and Non-Punishment

In commuting Scooter Libby’s sentence so that the vice president’s former chief of staff won’t spend a minute in jail, the president is sending a message, one that, while going out to multiple recipients, consists of a sentiment succinctly summed up in two words: Screw you! The first recipient is the general public, which is … Continue reading “Crime and Non-Punishment”

Lucky, but for How Much Longer?

After a failed attempt on then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s life in October 1984, the Irish Republican Army issued this statement: "Today we were unlucky, but remember, we only have to be lucky once; you will have to be lucky always." Those words are no less true in the wake of British authorities discovering … Continue reading “Lucky, but for How Much Longer?”

Tuesday: 2 GIs, 104 Iraqis Killed; 115 Iraqis Wounded; U.S. Copter Shot Down

Updated at 1:10 a.m. EDT, July 4, 2007At least 104 Iraqis were killed and 115 more were wounded during the latest violence. These figures include 23 who were killed in clashes with U.S. forces in Ramadi. Also, two Marines were killed in a non-combat accident, and two soldiers were rescued from a downed helicopter.Two Marines … Continue reading “Tuesday: 2 GIs, 104 Iraqis Killed; 115 Iraqis Wounded; U.S. Copter Shot Down”

Bush Presidency Enters Terminal Phase

There may be moments during their summit at his family’s compound in Kennebunkport, Maine when U.S. President George W. Bush looks with envy on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, whose popularity at home guarantees him vast influence even as he prepares to leave office just nine months from now. Not so for Bush, whose public … Continue reading “Bush Presidency Enters Terminal Phase”

Recapturing the Spirit of Independence

This week Americans will gather around the grill, attend parades and watch fireworks displays, all in the celebration of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. At the same time, we will have thousands of bureaucrats, troops and agents stationed in countries across the globe being paid by American tax dollars. On the anniversary of … Continue reading “Recapturing the Spirit of Independence”

US Role in Islamist Terrorism

When U.S. government officials and foreign policy pundits discuss terrorism, they usually focus on the characteristics, personnel, history, tactics, targets, objectives and effects of terrorist organizations. They rarely talk about motives. To fully understand Islamic terrorism, one needs to understand what triggers this extraordinary rage. And throughout history one factor stands out above all else: … Continue reading “US Role in Islamist Terrorism”

Unimpeachably Impeachable

Last week’s four-part Washington Post feature on Vice President Dick Cheney removed any doubt in my mind as to whether he and President George W. Bush have committed the kinds of high crimes and misdemeanors that warrant impeachment. While President George W. Bush bears the ultimate responsibility, the nature of the evidence against Cheney and … Continue reading “Unimpeachably Impeachable”