Month: November 2009

The Conventional Arms Control Challenge

Massive ordnance penetrator. Sounds powerful, right? This bomb is also known by its initials: MOP. About a month ago, Congress gave $68 million to the Boeing Corporation to accelerate the purchase and development of 10-12 "massive ordnance penetrators." The Pentagon says that the MOP bombs are the "weapon of choice" for an "urgent operational need." … Continue reading “The Conventional Arms Control Challenge”

West Is East, When Israel Decides

JERUSALEM — Along a wall not about to come down — a hotel no longer a hotel, but an outpost. The three-story, 36-room Cliff Hotel used to be a favorite for Western pilgrims in search of the "authentic Holy Land flavor" because of its extensive gardens; it was a favorite also among Jerusalem Palestinians for … Continue reading “West Is East, When Israel Decides”

‘New’ Military Courts Still Lack Basic Safeguards

While conservatives complain about Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four other terror suspects from Guantánamo coming to New York for trial, many legal experts and human rights groups are being equally outspoken in their criticism of the "new and improved" military commissions designated to try five other detainees. And some are particularly incensed that Omar Khadr, … Continue reading “‘New’ Military Courts Still Lack Basic Safeguards”

Wednesday: 4 Iraqis Killed, 6 Wounded

Updated at 8:40 p.m. EST, Nov. 18, 2009 At least four Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded in light violence. Meanwhile, U.S. General Ray Odierno warned that al-Qaeda in Iraq is becoming less dominated by foreigners as Iraqis take over the group. Also, four U.S. servicemembers were removed from the military following their convinctions in the murder of an Iraqi man.

Afghanistan, Iraq Near Bottom of Corruption Index

Despite billions of dollars spent by the U.S. and other countries to improve governance in Afghanistan and Iraq, the two countries remain among the world’s most corrupt nations, according to the latest edition of Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Of the 180 countries covered by the 2009 CPI, Iraq ranks 176 and Afghanistan … Continue reading “Afghanistan, Iraq Near Bottom of Corruption Index”

Civilian Trials for 9/11 Suspects Aren’t Enough

The Obama administration’s decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-described mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and four alleged co-conspirators in civilian court is a laudable return to the rule of law from the Bush administration’s kangaroo military commissions, which convened offshore in Guantanamo to avoid giving defendants full legal rights under domestic or … Continue reading “Civilian Trials for 9/11 Suspects Aren’t Enough”