Month: August 2009

Afghanistan: War Trumps Elections

The official results of Afghanistan’s presidential elections won’t be known for weeks. The ballots cast around the country need to be brought to Kabul — some by donkey and helicopter — and counted. Nevertheless, U.S. officials have rushed to celebrate the process, and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen heralded the elections as "a testimony … Continue reading “Afghanistan: War Trumps Elections”

Thursday: 8 Iraqis Killed, 45 Wounded

Updated at 7:36 p.m. EDT, Aug. 27, 2009 Iraqis are observing a three-day mourning period following the death of Shi’ite Muslim leader Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, as his body travels through important Shi’ite cities on its way to burial in Najaf. This has not stopped the violence however. At least eight Iraqis were killed and 45 more were injured in the latest attacks.

Just 6 More Months to Victory!

Somehow it’s always six more months. Back in the Vietnam War Secretary of State Robert McNamara and Army General William Westmoreland repeatedly promised that with the commitment of more soldiers in six more months the war would enter into a final phase leading to American victory. The U.S. fled Vietnam with its tail between its … Continue reading “Just 6 More Months to Victory!”

Afghan Elections Reveal Growing Doubts About War

Washington continues to wait on results from last week’s elections in Afghanistan, but few analysts here expect the outcome to provide much of a boost to the U.S.-backed campaign against the Taliban, regardless of who wins. This skepticism about the elections is just one symptom of a growing sense of disillusionment in the U.S. about … Continue reading “Afghan Elections Reveal Growing Doubts About War”

Wednesday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 13 Wounded

Updated at 4:37 p.m. EDT, Aug. 26, 2009 At least seven Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in light violence. In neighboring Iran, the highly influential Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim has died of cancer. He was the head of the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council and former leader of the Badr Brigades.

Canada Copies US Customs

Ironically, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was traveling to the United States to promote his latest film about post-9/11 racial profiling when he was detained upon entry into the country at Newark’s Liberty (another irony) International Airport. U.S. officials denied that Khan was formally detained, but his interrogation lasted more than an hour. The outraged … Continue reading “Canada Copies US Customs”