Month: January 2008

The ongoing turmoil in Kenya, set off by last week’s disputed election results, is prompting considerable concern here about the future of the East African nation that has served as Washington’s longest-standing and most reliable ally in a deeply troubled region. The administration of President George W. Bush dispatched its top Africa aide, Assistant Secretary … Continue reading “Kenya Seen as Anchor to US Position in East Africa”

As the American people amuse themselves with the illusion that they have any say in the way they are presently governed, our rulers are moving toward war. Two recent incidents underscore the imminence of this prospect. The Iranian "provocation" in the straits of Hormuz has set the stage for a new "crisis" manufactured wholly by … Continue reading “‘A Heartbeat Away’ From War”

Before we declare the occupation of Iraq a success, nuke Iran, and/or barge into Pakistan, it might be wise to take a deep breath and think logically about some of the pressing issues of the day. Whether you come down on the side of non-interventionism and the reality-based community (RBC) or the side of the … Continue reading “A Surge in Logic”

American Airlines will be the first U.S. commercial passenger carrier to flight test a defensive system against anti-aircraft shoulder-fired missiles – known in military parlance as MANPADS, for “man-portable air defense system.” Although they are participating in the test program, American Airlines is “not in favor of installing counter-MANPADS on commercial aircraft.” In fact, the … Continue reading “Providing for the Common Defense”

Updated at 11:45 p.m. EST, Jan. 8, 2008Tuesday saw a break from attacks; however, at least 24 Iraqis were killed or found dead and another 17 were wounded in light violence. Two Arabs were killed in Suleimaniya as well. Meanwhile, American troops staged a massive but secretive assault in Diyala province. Also, one American soldier … Continue reading “Tuesday: 1 US Soldier, 22 Iraqis Killed; 12 Iraqis Wounded”

BAGHDAD – The recent killing of two U.S. soldiers by their Iraqi colleague has raised disturbing questions about U.S. military relations with Iraqi forces. On Dec. 26, an Iraqi soldier opened fire on U.S. soldiers accompanying him during a joint military patrol in the northern Iraqi city Mosul. He killed the U.S. captain and another … Continue reading “Killer of US Soldiers Becomes Hero for Iraqis”

Tzipi Livni, as her name indicates, is the white bird of Israeli politics (Tzipi is short for Tzipora, "bird," and Livni comes from Lavan, "white"). As against the hawk Binyamin Netanyahu, the vulture Ehud Barak, and the raven Ehud Olmert, she was seen as the immaculate feathered friend. In public opinion polls, she has enjoyed … Continue reading “Israel’s White Bird”

As 2007 drew to a close, the tally of detainees released from Guantánamo throughout the year rose to 122, as another 10 Saudis were repatriated, to add to the 53 sent home between February and November. With 492 detainees now released – and 281 remaining – the administration’s initial claim that the prison housed the … Continue reading “Who Are the 10 Saudis Just Released From Guantánamo?”

Updated at 12:15 a.m. EST, Jan. 8, 2008The wave of attacks on U.S.-backed Awakening Councils continued today. Overall, 62 Iraqis were killed or found dead, and 85 more were wounded. At least eight neighborhood patrolmen were kidnapped in the capital as well. Meanwhile, an accidental fire at a Baiji refinery left more casualties. Also, one … Continue reading “Monday: 1 Sailor, 62 Iraqis Killed; 85 Iraqis Wounded, 8 Iraqis Kidnapped”

Open Steve Coll’s aptly titled book, Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001, at almost any page and you’re likely to find something that makes a mockery of the film Charlie Wilson’s War. There, on p. 90, for instance, is the larger-than-life … Continue reading “An Imperialist Comedy”