Month: May 2009

Smarter Iran Policy Begins With New Attitude

Skill, patience, consistency, logic, and understanding go a long way toward the design of an effective foreign policy. These attributes – perhaps obvious but frequently in short supply among foreign policy decision-makers – build a much firmer policy foundation than rude and emotional outbursts, erratic challenges, public bullying, contemptuous disdain, or efforts to isolate and … Continue reading “Smarter Iran Policy Begins With New Attitude”

US Soldier: ‘There’s No Way I’m Going to Deploy to Afghanistan’

MARFA, Texas – "It’s a matter of what I’m willing to live with," Specialist Victor Agosto of the U.S. Army, who is refusing orders to deploy to Afghanistan, explained to IPS. "I’m not willing to participate in this occupation, knowing it is completely wrong." Agosto, who returned from a 13-month deployment to Iraq in November … Continue reading “US Soldier: ‘There’s No Way I’m Going to Deploy to Afghanistan’”

The West’s Reckless Approach to Russia

The failure last week of Russian talks with the European Union on energy supplies to Europe is one more occasion for Russian-Western tension. This has sent the Europeans off to look for other energy sources. The Russians have in past winters turned the gas off when it suited them, and the Europeans would like more … Continue reading “The West’s Reckless Approach to Russia”

Tuesday: 3 Americans, 11 Iraqis Killed; 17 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 7:11 p.m. EDT, May 26, 2009 Three Americans were killed during a bombing in Anbar province, while at least 11 Iraqis were also killed and 17 more were wounded in other attacks. Meanwhile, the Iraqi army conducted a raided an NDF party office in Baghdad.

Drive for Sanctions Likely in Wake of North Korean Test

Sunday’s underground nuclear test by North Korea drew strong condemnation Monday from U.S. President Barack Obama, who suggested that Washington will seek strong international sanctions by the UN Security Council and possibly impose tough unilateral measures of its own. According to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna, the blast slightly exceeded … Continue reading “Drive for Sanctions Likely in Wake of North Korean Test”