Month: July 2008

According to Bush-Cheney sycophantic "reporter" Glenn Kessler, Bush’s alleged support for the diplomatic "solution" proposed by Secretary of State Condi Rice "suggests he increasingly is determined to put aside a possible military strike" to "end" Iran’s nuclear programs – all currently verifiably "Safeguarded" against diversion to any military purpose by the International Atomic Energy Agency. … Continue reading “Diplomatic Solution à la Condi Rice”

Attempting to disarm Iran’s nuclear enrichment program diplomatically has proven futile. Even with the noose tightening around its neck through sanctions, and joint American-Israeli military exercises combined with covert CIA operations being conducted close to its border, Iran still has the sheer audacity to tell America that it will defend itself in the case of … Continue reading “I say Bomb Eye-ran!”

Updated at 12:50 p.m. EDT, July 19, 2008Although Friday is usually quiet because it is the prayer day, some significant news items were reported. Two U.S. servicemember deaths were announced. At least five Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded as well. Also, the Pentagon acknowledged that shoddy contractor work at military bases endangers … Continue reading “Friday: 2 GIs, 5 Iraqis Killed; 19 Iraqis Wounded”

with Mel Frykberg LONDON – Medical reports seen by IPS appear to confirm the testimony of IPS Gaza correspondent Mohammed Omer of physical abuse at the hands of Israelis last month. Omer said he was physically and mentally abused at the Allenby crossing into Gaza while on his way back from a European tour. In … Continue reading “Israeli Claims Over Abused Journalist Challenged”

The conventional wisdom is that the US government is taking a new tack when it comes to confronting the Iranians. As a recent piece on Breitbart.com – and dutifully posted by Matt Drudge – put it: "The Bush administration is changing course on Iran in its final months. The hope is that engagement can jolt … Continue reading “Coercive ‘Diplomacy’ – Prelude to War”

It’s summer and gassing up your car is like emptying your wallet directly into that fuel pump. So you think you have it bad? You think you’re feeling the pain? Well, stop your whining! Other oil “addicts” have it so much worse! Have you no pity? Take an obvious example – the Pentagon. Once upon … Continue reading “The Pentagon and the Hunt for Black Gold”

Despite some initial hesitation, the Religious Right has decided that John McCain is God’s candidate. I’ll confess that I can’t find the relevant Bible verse, but who am I to dispute the usual religious worthies? Obviously John McCain is the candidate of God – Mars, the Roman god of war. There’s nothing new about clerics … Continue reading “John McCain: The Candidate of God – Mars, the God of War”

The Bush Regime’s "terrorist" protection schemes have reached the height of total incompetence and utter absurdity. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, a private organization that defends the US Constitution that inattentive Americans neglect, there are now one million names on the "terrorist" watch list. One of them is that of former Assistant US … Continue reading “One Million Terrorists?”

Updated at 7:00 p.m. EDT, July 17, 2008At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded in a light day of violence. Seven foreign fighters were killed in a security operation in Samarra. No attacks were reported in Mosul for the first time in days. Yesterday, bombs there and in neighboring Tal Afar … Continue reading “Thursday: 1 US Soldier, 10 Iraqis Killed; 15 Iraqis Wounded”

In the seemingly never-ending internal battle between hawks and realists in the administration of US President George W. Bush for control of foreign policy, the realists appear to have chalked up another win over their once-dominant foes. The decision to send the State Department’s third-ranking official to Geneva Saturday to join talks between the other … Continue reading “Realists Rack Up Another Win”