Month: August 2010

Friday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 29 Wounded

Updated at 8:20 p.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2010 A rash of attacks in Baghdad today highlighted a trend towards attacking vulnerable traffic policemen. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 29 more were wounded in those and other attacks In Baghdad. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda is offering to pay Sunnis to return fighting alongside them against the government. Also, the U.N. is reporting that 25 percent of Iraqis live below the poverty line and 30 percent are unemployed.

War Is Coming

(Interviewed by Louis James, Editor, International Speculator) L: Doug, last time we conversed, you said: "Let’s talk about what Clausewitz called ‘the extension of politics’ next time – I think the odds are increasing that we may see war rear its ugly head again soon." There’s been a lot in the news lately about Israel blockading … Continue reading “War Is Coming”

Iran Benefits from Arab Disillusion with Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama has suffered a sharp drop in popularity in the Arab world over the past year, and Iran may be reaping the benefits, according to a major new survey of public opinion in five Arab countries released here Thursday. Only 20 percent of respondents in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the … Continue reading “Iran Benefits from Arab Disillusion with Obama”

Laos Takes Center Stage in Cluster Bombs Treaty

BANGKOK – After being relegated to the shadows for decades by its more powerful neighbors, Laos is finally taking the lead role in a global campaign to ban the use of cluster bombs. It is a role that the poverty-stricken South-east Asian nation of 6.3 million people easily qualifies for. After all, it is the … Continue reading “Laos Takes Center Stage in Cluster Bombs Treaty”

Kurdish Refugees: ‘We’re Not Living, Just Not Dying’

SULEYMANIYA, Iraq – Compared to most internally displaced Kurds in northern Iraq, Shamal Qadir is almost lucky. Since the Turkish army devastated his village, Kuzine, in a bombing raid Jul. 1, he’s been living in a schoolhouse, where room temperatures are comfortable and basic amenities are accessible. "Our family bought land and started building houses … Continue reading “Kurdish Refugees: ‘We’re Not Living, Just Not Dying’”