Month: December 2011

11 Iraqis Killed As Maliki Promises To Stop Autonomy Bids

At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded as Iraqis seek reconciliation in the face of a growing threat of sectarianism. The latest blow to harmony between Iraqi’s ethnic, religious and political groups came from the prime minister who threatened to quash any attempts at increasing regional autonomy; however former rival and recent ally Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr moved forward with a Code of Honor that may tone down recent volatility.

Gay Rights and American Foreign Policy

The announcement that the US government will henceforth push the achievement of “gay rights” internationally, as a key element of its foreign policy, gives new meaning to the phrase “blowback” – and cut out the snickering! Because the self-righteousness and narcissism of American policymakers, in this instance, will have very real consequences for gay people … Continue reading “Gay Rights and American Foreign Policy”

Make Congress Vote on War on Iran

Returning from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta dropped some jolting news. Asked by CBS’s Scott Pelley if Iran could have a nuclear weapon in 2012, Panetta replied: “It would probably be about a year before they could do it. Perhaps a little less. But one proviso, Scott, is that if they have … Continue reading “Make Congress Vote on War on Iran”

81 Iraqis Killed As Maliki Targets Next Political Victim

Updated at 3:15 p.m. EST, Dec. 22, 2011 A coordinated series of bombings shattered the peace in Baghdad, shortly after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ratcheted up tensions between his government and Sunni politicians. Despite international calls for prudence, Maliki is now targeting another senior Sunni politician for harassment. At least 86 Iraqis were killed and 186 more wounded in today’s carnage.

North Korea on the Verge of a New Era?

For the last two decades, U.S. administrations have come in like a lion and out like a lamb with their policies on North Korea. Determined to demonstrate Washington’s resolve, U.S. presidents have played hardball with Pyongyang in an effort to precipitate regime change or at least bully the intransigent country into knuckling under. When this … Continue reading “North Korea on the Verge of a New Era?”

Meet the Republican Chickenhawks

Nearly all the Republican presidential candidates are showing their muscles, supporting the war on terror and a robust military while also vowing to do whatever it takes to disarm Iran. They know that it is essential to play the jingoistic “American exceptionalism” card, and they understand that being president also means becoming commander in chief … Continue reading “Meet the Republican Chickenhawks”