Month: March 2008

Stop Choosing Sides

On Wednesday, March 5, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution (HR 951) condemning Palestinian rocket attacks that include a strident defense of recent Israeli tactics in the Gaza Strip. The resolution also condemned Iran and Syria for "sponsoring terror attacks," and demanded that Saudi Arabia publicly condemn Palestinian actions. The resolution was originally … Continue reading “Stop Choosing Sides”

Turning China into the Next Big Enemy

I‘m running out of enemies, Colin Powell, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, famously said after the end of the Cold War: I’m down to Kim Il Sung and Fidel Castro. They were evil enough, but weren’t much of a military threat to America. George W. Bush and his neocon coterie have sought … Continue reading “Turning China into the Next Big Enemy”

Thursday: 97 Iraqis Killed, 148 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 11:50 a.m. EST, Mar. 7, 2008At least 97 Iraqis were killed and 148 more were injured in the latest attacks, which included a major double bombing in central Baghdad. Meanwhile, 2000 American soldiers are scheduled to return home as part of a drawdown in troops. Also, the Interior Ministry is researching how to … Continue reading “Thursday: 97 Iraqis Killed, 148 Iraqis Wounded”

The China Syndrome

On February 4, President Bush announced a baseline military budget of $515.4 billion for the next fiscal year, not including funds for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is the largest one-year Pentagon request in real, uninflated dollars since World War II. This Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 figure represents a 7.5% increase over the 2008 … Continue reading “The China Syndrome”

US’ Latin American Diplomacy Sidelined by Loyalty to Uribe

Washington’s strong backing for President Álvaro Uribe has all but removed it from playing any significant diplomatic role in defusing the crisis sparked by Saturday’s attack by Colombia on anti-government guerrillas on Ecuador’s territory, according to analysts here. The incident, which resulted in the death of at many as 22 members of the Revolutionary Armed … Continue reading “US’ Latin American Diplomacy Sidelined by Loyalty to Uribe”

Sahwa Forces Challenge Govt, and Win

BAQUBA – The conflict between Sahwa forces and the Iraqi government in Diyala has resulted in more power for the Sahwa. Tensions rose in early February when men dressed in Iraqi security personnel uniforms kidnapped two women. Their naked bodies were found later. Before and after that incident, Sahwa forces have accused the police chief … Continue reading “Sahwa Forces Challenge Govt, and Win”

The State Is A Lie

It has been than three weeks since the occupied Serbian province of Kosovo declared dependence, and gained recognition from a handful of countries presuming themselves above international law. Serbia has refused to accept this seizure of its territory. Serbs in Kosovo are engaging in civil disobedience to the Albanian-dominated regime and the EU mission sent … Continue reading “The State Is A Lie”

Canada’s Muddled Afghan Mission

Canada should have a federal election. The most urgent issue is Afghanistan, and the fundamental question is whether Canadians want to be governed by politicians interested in honesty and clarity, or by those who prefer focus groups and public relations. (Canadian soldiers exposed to "explosively formed penetrators" might have their own priorities.) Afghanistan has cost … Continue reading “Canada’s Muddled Afghan Mission”

Wednesday: 24 Iraqis Killed, 47 Wounded

Updated at 12:55 a.m. EST, Mar. 6, 2008Turkey staged an air attack in northern Iraq, just days after pulling back from a major incursion targeting Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels. Meanwhile, the police chief implemented an emergency security plan in Basra. Overall, at least 24 Iraqis were killed and another 47 were wounded in the … Continue reading “Wednesday: 24 Iraqis Killed, 47 Wounded”

The Cost of a Week in Hell

How far off were they? Well, it depends on which figure you choose to start with. Here’s the range: According to key officials in the Bush administration back in 2002-2003, the invasion and reconstruction of Iraq was either going to cost $60 billion, or $100-$200 billion. Actually, we can start by tossing that top figure … Continue reading “The Cost of a Week in Hell”