Month: September 2010

After False Promises, the Heat Is On

BAGHDAD – Iraqis promised development with the ouster of Saddam Hussein and the arrival of the U.S. are now suffering lack of development as never before. And where it hurts every moment is through the collapse of power supply. More than seven years into the U.S. occupation, most Iraqis lack electricity, leading to demonstrations in … Continue reading “After False Promises, the Heat Is On”

The Pollard Principle

On July 13 of this year, the municipal government of Jerusalem honored one of Israel’s most popular national heroes, a man who had suffered and sacrificed his all for the Jewish state, and is recognized by practically everyone as not only a hero but a modern exemplar of Zionist virtue. As evening fell, lights illuminating … Continue reading “The Pollard Principle”

The Last Summit?

The Israeli-Palestinian talks recently convened by President Barack Obama may or may not lead to a peace agreement. But the negotiations could mark the last serious attempt by a U.S. president to invest his or her own political capital and American diplomatic prestige in resolving the conflict based on a two-state solution. An international consensus … Continue reading “The Last Summit?”

US Could Be Alone as Europe Turns Inward

The relationship between Western Europe and the colonies that became the United States was complicated from the beginning, when the North American settlements were mere appendages of the European powers, and were drawn into their conflicts – King William III’s and Queen Anne’s wars, the French and Indian war involving the Iroquois, and then the … Continue reading “US Could Be Alone as Europe Turns Inward”

Democracy Is Overrated

American policymakers love to see purple thumbs in the developing world, especially in countries in which the United States has undertaken “nation-building” projects (read: invasions and occupations). The recent Afghan parliamentary elections are a case in point. Yet elections in the developing world are not usually what they are cracked up to be and can … Continue reading “Democracy Is Overrated”

One and a Half Cheers for American Decline

Compare two assessments of the American future: In the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll in which 61 percent of Americans interviewed considered “things in the nation” to be “on the wrong track,” 66 percent did “not feel confident that life for our children’s generation will be better than it has been for us.” (Seven … Continue reading “One and a Half Cheers for American Decline”

Tuesday: 15 Iraqis Killed, 84 Wounded

Updated at 10:55 p.m. EDT, Sept. 21, 2010 At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 84 more were wounded in the latest violence. Meanwhile the Iraqi Air Force opened its flight academy last week, even though they are still completely dependent on the United States for air security. Also, Deputy Prime Minister Rafia al-Issawi denied rumors he has received threats from P.M. Nouri al-Maliki trying to intimidate al-Issawi into approving the premier for a second term.

New START’s Big Winners: US Nuke Complex, Pentagon, and Contractors

The passage of New START in a 14-4 vote out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is already being hailed by Democrats and arms-control NGOs as a substantial victory. A floor vote for ratification is now apparently set to occur after the elections. While ratification is by no means guaranteed, there are several clear winners … Continue reading “New START’s Big Winners: US Nuke Complex, Pentagon, and Contractors”

US Boosts Aid Amid Doubts About Pakistan’s Recovery

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama has announced it will provide an additional 75 million dollars in food aid to help Pakistan cope with floods that have affected about one-fifth of the country – including some 20 million people – since they began in July. That will bring total U.S. assistance to Islamabad to … Continue reading “US Boosts Aid Amid Doubts About Pakistan’s Recovery”