At least six Iraqis were killed and 44 more were wounded as some Iraqis celebrated the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Meanwhile, Diyala province’s bid for semi-autonomy is already being criticized by the power mongers in Baghdad.
read moreQuit Preaching and Lead by Example
After Russia’s parliamentary election, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton bluntly advocated “a full investigation of all credible reports of electoral fraud and manipulation.” She then asserted, “The Russian people, like people everywhere, deserve the right to...
The Democratic Delusion
Author's note: Back in the summer of 2005, I took the opportunity provided by elections in Ethiopia to challenge the neoconservative fantasy (or is it just an excuse?) that it makes any sense for America to use force to export "democracy" to the world. It's liberty...
Did the Pentagon Help Strangle the Arab Spring?
Of all American military training programs around the world, the most publicized in recent years has been the one building up a local security force to replace U.S. (and NATO) troops as they ever so slowly withdraw from Afghanistan. By 2014, that country is supposed...
Happy To See American Troops Go, Sunni Iraqis Still Worry about Government Abuse
Sunnis are cautiously wondering what the future will bring even as they celebrate the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Meanwhile, at least 20 Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new violence.
read moreHarsh Rhetoric About Iran Isn’t Helping
Nothing is certain except for death and taxes. But in campaign season, it's awfully predictable that Democratic politicians will do a little chest-thumping about foreign policy. As the 2012 presidential contest approaches, the Obama administration is ratcheting up its...
Iraq: No Comfort in Being Right
In 18 days, the last of the remaining U.S. forces will have left Iraq. So far, no fanfare has heralded this significant event, which has been quiet and orderly — nothing like the "shock and awe" of the initial invasion in March 2003, or the furor and tumult that...
Iraqi Critics Questions Size of US Embassy Staff in Baghdad
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s trip to the United States opened the door to criticism from critics who question the ongoing presence of U.S. personnel in Iraq, even if they technically aren’t troops. Diyala province, meanwhile, confirmed it will seek greater autonomy from Baghdad. Also, at least seven Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new attacks.
read moreThey Never Learn
Author's note: I’m in the middle of moving, so I won’t be writing this week. I needed a break anyway. I’ll be back on Monday, December 18. In the meantime, this space will feature some past articles of note. Back at the end of 2006 Ethiopia invaded Somalia at...
Iraqi PM Travels To US For Talks, While Kurdish Parties Bicker
Updated at 2:55 p.m. EST, Dec. 11, 2011
At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in new violence. Most of the attacks were small by very targeted. Meanwhile, a delegation of Iraqi politicians, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, traveled to the United States for meetings with their American counterparts and other officials. While political tensions in Kurdistan continue.
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