Growing Elite Opposition to Military Option Against Iran

Like the imminent prospect of one’s hanging, to paraphrase the 18th century British essayist Dr. (Samuel) Johnson, the suddenly looming possibility of war can concentrate the mind wonderfully. If that aphorism didn’t apply in the run-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq 10 years ago, it appears to be the case now for key sectors … Continue reading “Growing Elite Opposition to Military Option Against Iran”

Top Shi’ite Cleric Asks Iraqiya Party To Return to Parliament; 31 Iraqis Killed in New Attacks

Although there were no massive bombings in Iraq today, insurgents were still able to kill at least 31 Iraqis in new violence. Another 36 people were wounded. The most significant attack occurred south of the capital where bombs killed 10 family members at an intelligence officer’s home. Meanwhile, one of Iraq’s top clerics asked the Iraqiya party to return to parliament.

US Probe of Border Attack Hardened Pakistani Suspicions

The Pakistani military leadership’s response to the U.S. report on its helicopter attack on two Pakistani border posts Nov. 26 assailed the credibility of the investigation by Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven Clark and expressed doubt that the attack could have been “accidental.” The long-expected rejoinder, made public Monday, charged that 28 of its soldiers … Continue reading “US Probe of Border Attack Hardened Pakistani Suspicions”

US, Israel Agree: Iran Not Building Nukes

Has Iran decided to build a nuclear bomb? That would seem to be the central question in the current bellicose debate over whether the world should simply cripple Iran’s economy and inflict severe pain on its civilian population or launch a preemptive war to destroy its nuclear capability while possibly achieving “regime change.” And if … Continue reading “US, Israel Agree: Iran Not Building Nukes”

No Muss, No Fuss, No More Habeas Corpus

Lest there be any confusion about where Mitt Romney stands currently on the domestic police-state issue, know this: he likes it. Romney cheered the controversial indefinite detention portion of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during the Jan. 16 Fox News debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C. “Yes, I would have,” said Romney when asked … Continue reading “No Muss, No Fuss, No More Habeas Corpus”

Avoiding a ‘Dumb War’ With Iran

The media and the punditry have been deliberately misrepresenting facts to persuade the people of the United States to start another war, not unlike in the lead-up to the Iraq fiasco. Since 9/11, hard-liners in the United States have depicted one Muslim country after another as major threats to U.S. security. They have justified attacks … Continue reading “Avoiding a ‘Dumb War’ With Iran”