Month: May 2011

Those Libyan ‘Freedom Fighters’: The Fix Is On

In a column three months ago (“Egypt: Let the Looting Begin”), I suggested that what was really going on in Egypt was somewhat different from the official narrative. In quite a few of the “people power” revolutions in recent years—no matter how sincere the people on the streets—it turned out that there were attempts to … Continue reading “Those Libyan ‘Freedom Fighters’: The Fix Is On”

The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden

When President Obama announced that U.S. special forces had helicoptered into Pakistan, broken into a secret compound an hour from the capital, and killed Osama bin Laden, celebrations broke out all across America. The man who plotted the mass murder of 3,000 of us had at last received his just reward. College students ran to … Continue reading “The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden”

The Predators: Where Is Your Democracy?

On May 4, 2011, CNN World News asked whether killing Osama bin Laden was legal under international law. Other news commentaries have questioned whether it would have been both possible and advantageous to bring Osama bin Laden to trial rather than kill him. World attention has been focused, however briefly, on questions of legality regarding … Continue reading “The Predators: Where Is Your Democracy?”

Monday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 20 Wounded

At least five Iraqis were killed and 20 more were wounded in the latest violence. If the injured were taken to one of the country’s hospitals, they might have found a deadly lack of training and supplies. Meanwhile, the United States continues to hope that Iraq will soon ask for the continued presence of troops.

Bin Laden Is Dead, but What About His Ideas?

“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth, lest the Lord see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” This is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible (Proverbs 24:17-18) and, indeed, in the Hebrew language. It is beautiful … Continue reading “Bin Laden Is Dead, but What About His Ideas?”

It’s All About Pakistan

With the assassination of Osama bin Laden, US foreign policy – or, rather, the rationale for it – has a giant hole in its very center: the task of the War Party is to fill it, and quickly. Without a human face to put on the Terrorist Threat, without an ever-elusive target to lure us … Continue reading “It’s All About Pakistan”

After bin Laden Hit, U.S. Aides Raise Dubious Hopes for Peace

Barack Obama and top administration officials have taken advantage of the killing of Osama bin Laden to establish a new narrative suggesting the event will pave the way for negotiations with the Taliban for peace in Afghanistan. That good news message, reported by Washington Post senior editor Rajiv Chandrasekaran Tuesday, suggested that the administration would … Continue reading “After bin Laden Hit, U.S. Aides Raise Dubious Hopes for Peace”

Sunday: 29 Iraqis Killed, 23 Wounded

The dramatic takeover of a Baghdad prison today left nearly three dozen dead or injured, including an al-Qaeda “emir” or “wali,” before an assault force was able to secure the facility. At least 29 Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded at the prison and in other violence across the country.