Month: July 2008

Of course, if Seymour Hersh is right, in a pretty real sense the Bush administration has already attacked Iran. Under the auspices of a presidential finding promulgated last fall or winter, special operations forces and other operatives are inside Iran trying to stir up and capitalize on the kind of discontent that just might lead … Continue reading “Will the US Attack Iran?”

Updated at 12:10 a.m. EDT, July 7, 2008The workweek in Iraq began with several deadly attacks. At least 26 Iraqis were killed 43 more were wounded across the country. The biggest attacks were in Baghdad and Jalawla. Meanwhile, an American soldier died of non-combat related causes. In Baghdad, six people were killed and 14 more … Continue reading “Sunday: 1 US Soldier, 26 Iraqis Killed; 43 Iraqis Wounded”

Updated at 12:15 a.m. EDT, July 6, 2008At least 15 Iraqis were killed and another 27 were wounded in the latest reported attacks. Two foreign fighters were also killed. No Coalition deaths were reported. In Baghdad, A bomb hidden inside a fire extinguisher was found and successfully defused at the Yarmouk Hospital. A car bombing … Continue reading “Saturday: 15 Iraqis Killed, 27 Wounded”

Garold Larson has the misfortune to be the Bush-Cheney Deputy Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, and hence, was required to "celebrate" the 40th anniversary of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Misfortune, because Larson – who may not be a pathological liar – was required to make this outrageous claim; "President Bush … Continue reading “Another Nail in the NPT Coffin”

Because of the American Independence holiday, reports from Iraq are scant today. At least six Iraqis were killed and another 11 were wounded, mostly in incidents involving U.S. troops. No Coalition deaths were reported. U.S. forces stormed a home in Muqdadiyah while seeking a Mahdi Army leader. He was not there, but they engaged his … Continue reading “Friday: 6 Iraqis Killed, 11 Wounded”

US journalist Zoriah Miller says he was censored by the US military in the Iraqi city of Fallujah after photographing Marines who died in a suicide bombing. On Jun. 26, a suicide bomber attacked a city council meeting in Fallujah, 69 kms west of Baghdad, between local tribal sheikhs and military officials. Three Marines, Cpl. … Continue reading “Journalist Charges Censorship by US Military in Fallujah”

Maher Arar, whose “rendition” to Syria is widely viewed as an egregious example of mistaken identity, has again been denied the right to appear in court, and Congressional efforts to rein in the George W. Bush administration’s widespread use of national security as a defense appear to be foundering. Late last month, a federal court … Continue reading “‘State Secrets’ Privilege Derails Rendition Suit”

The city of Amman, Jordan, is awash with numerous colorful signs that proclaim independence, "Istiklal." The word is found on posters and placards in store windows. It names a major thoroughfare, a hospital, and a shopping center. Appreciation for independence is palpable, and this could be said for numerous cities and towns throughout the region, … Continue reading “When Is Independence Day?”

What Does China Think? Mark Leonard Public Affairs, 2008 164 pp. What does China think? Americans aren’t known for their international sophistication, especially when it comes to complex foreign issues. And there are few more complicated issues than the so-called rise of China. Almost everything you read about China is true, one of my friends … Continue reading “What Does China Think?“

You remember the anthrax attacks – or do you? It often seems, to me at least, that this important catalyst for the invasion of Iraq and our supremely wrong-headed post-9/11 foreign policy has been flushed down the collective memory hole. For all the attention that’s been paid to that spooky chapter in the history of … Continue reading “Who Planned the Anthrax Attacks?”