Month: December 2007

GAZA CITY – "Santa Claus is empty-handed this year … insolvent," says Father Manuel Musallam, head of the Holy Family School in Gaza City. "All forms of celebration are absent," he says, raising his empty palms skyward. "We Christians and Muslims all live in fear and instability. The Israeli tanks, bulldozers, and warplanes have laid … Continue reading “In Gaza, Santa Is Insolvent”

A sizable number of progressive activists, celebrities, and unions who, for various reasons, are unwilling to support the underfunded, long-shot bid of Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich are backing the presidential campaign of former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards as their favorite among the top-tier candidates for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. Indeed, the charismatic populist … Continue reading “A Progressive Looks at John Edwards”

It must be the holidays, because, once again, the administration is holding out the prospect of drawing down troop levels in Iraq. Two years ago, then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld hinted at the possibility of U.S. troop reductions in Iraq when he announced that two brigades scheduled for combat tours would not be deployed and … Continue reading “Not Home for the Holidays”

Updated at 10:35 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2007After a brief holiday break, violent attacks resumed in Iraq. At least 66 Iraqis were killed or found dead and another 105 were wounded. No Coalition deaths were reported. Also, Turkey continues to bomb Kurd rebel areas in northern Iraq. A suicide bomber in Baiji killed 29 people … Continue reading “Tuesday: 66 Iraqis Killed, 105 Wounded”

Forget the Qassams. Forget the mortar shells. They are nothing compared with what Hamas launched at us this week. The chief of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, has approached an Israeli newspaper and proposed a cease-fire. No more Qassams, no more mortars, no suicide bombings, no Israeli military incursions into the … Continue reading “Help! A Cease-Fire!”

“Where the dead are ghosts on the fragile abacus used to calculate loss, to estimate tragedy.” – from "Body Count," by poet Persis Karim The narrative in the media these days is the success of the U.S. “surge,” which has poured an additional 30,000 U.S. troops into Iraq since early January 2007. In early December, … Continue reading “The Surge: Illusion and Reality”

Updated at 5:00 p.m. EST, Dec. 24, 2007Fourteen people, all belonging to the same family, were kidnapped in restive Diyala province. Another seven people were kidnapped near Kirkuk, and one person was abducted near Duluiya. Elsewhere, at least 15 Iraqis were killed and 22 more were killed in other attacks around Iraq. No Coalition deaths … Continue reading “Monday: 15 Iraqis Killed, 22 Wounded, 22 Kidnapped”

The Ron Paul campaign has generated a lot of excitement, especially among young people. It has made political history by raising more money in a single day than any other presidential campaign, ever. It has inspired thousands and given hope to those who had given up on politics altogether – as well as thrilling longtime … Continue reading “Ron Paul vs. the Dirty Tricksters”

Hillary Clinton’s Illiberal Belligerence Dear Professor Zunes: Thank you for “Hillary Clinton’s Illiberal Belligerence.” However, I must take serious issue with your characterization of her belligerence as “illiberal.” There is absolutely NOTHING that has happened in or to this country or planet since Sept. 11, 2001 – particularly including the invasion and occupation of Iraq, … Continue reading “Backtalk, December 24, 2007”

Updated at 7: 30 p.m. EST, Dec. 23, 2007At least 26 Iraqis were killed or found dead and another 21 were wounded during the latest attacks. No Coalition deaths were reported. Also, Turkey bombed northern Iraq for a second day in a row, but no casualties were reported.In Baghdad, two people were killed and four … Continue reading “Sunday: 26 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded”