Month: August 2007

The “surge” in Iraq continues to generate good news, at least in the American press. Today’s Cleveland Plain Dealer includes a typical story, in this case by Robert Burns of the Associated Press: "The new U.S. military strategy in Iraq, unveiled six months ago to little acclaim, is working… "The U.S. military, partnering in many … Continue reading “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back”

Updated at 11:55 p.m. EDT, Aug. 8, 2007Curfews and other security measures remain in effect as pilgrims observe the anniversary of the death of Imam Moussa al-Kadhim; due to the curfew, Baghdad newspapers are unable to publish until after tomorrow’s observances are over. Overall, 121 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 87 more were … Continue reading “Wednesday: 121 Iraqis, 1 GI, 1 Briton Killed; 87 Iraqis Wounded”

Justin Raimondo is taking the day off. His column will return Monday. The anniversary of the U.S. bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is, perhaps, a good time to note that arguments rationalizing and even valorizing the use of nuclear weapons, once considered beyond the pale, are now back in fashion. Here … Continue reading “Hillary, Hiroshima, and Hubris”

Though the Bush administration has repeatedly emphasized its desire for democratization and regime change in Iran, there are serious questions regarding how it might try to bring this about. There is, however, little question about the goal of toppling the Islamist government, with the Bush administration threatening war, arming ethnic minorities, and funding opposition groups. … Continue reading “US Can’t Topple the Mullahs”

The "headline-grabber" read: "U.S. Plans New Arms Sales to Gulf Allies." Nothing startling there. For decades the United States has routinely sold or transferred weapons and ammunition, sent military teams abroad or brought foreign military personnel to the United States for training, and transferred technology that allowed "friendly" governments to produce almost state-of-the-art copies of … Continue reading “Why Saudi Arabia? Why Now?”

BAQUBA – Militia from the Shia organization Badr have taken over the police force in Diyala province north of Baghdad, residents say. The government led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is believed to have backed such infiltration, and this has reportedly led to clashes with U.S. military leaders. The Daily Telegraph in London has reported … Continue reading “Sectarianism Splits Security in Diyala”

The problem with letting history judge is that so many officials get away with murder in the meantime – while precious few choose to face protracted vilification for pursuing truth and peace. A grand total of two people in the entire Congress were able to resist a blood-drenched blank check for the Vietnam War. Standing … Continue reading “Let Us Now Praise an Infamous Woman – and Our Own Possibilities”

In four Republican presidential debates, candidate Ron Paul has consistently stressed the need for the United States to adopt a less interventionist foreign policy. At the first debate at the Ronald Reagan Library in California, he argued that "we should have a foreign policy of nonintervention." In Columbia, S.C., in May, he stated, "It is … Continue reading “Memo to Rep. Ron Paul”

Updated at 11:45 p.m EDT, Aug. 7, 2007At least 63 Iraqis were killed and 50 were injured during the latest attacks. Baghdad is under a vehicle curfew designed to protect Shi’ite pilgrims. Also, military authorities reported the deaths of three American servicemembers, while the British military said that one British soldier was killed.Today, a Marine … Continue reading “Tuesday: 3 GIs, 1 Briton, 63 Iraqis Killed; 50 Iraqis Wounded”

"£2.2bn Army Boot Sale Funds Iraq and Afghanistan War"shouted the headline in The Daily Mail, a British tabloid left on the seat next to me by a debarking fellow passenger during a recent trip. "What?" I thought. "The Brits, having lost their shirts trying to realize Blair’s neo-imperial dreams, are now reduced to having their … Continue reading “Britain’s Boot Sale: Desperate Measures for Desperate Times”