Month: January 2012

The Myth of Military Budget Cuts

Last week, President Obama unveiled what is being touted as a new defense strategy intended to drive reductions in the defense budget (the first time a president held a press conference at the Pentagon). According to the president: As I made clear in Australia, we will be strengthening our presence in the Asia Pacific, and … Continue reading “The Myth of Military Budget Cuts”

The Return of the Chickenhawks

What a joy to see Ron Paul take down Newt “Chickenhawk” Gingrich in front of millions of Americans. Slogging through fifteen Republican presidential debates was totally worth it just to witness this defining moment. Dianne Sawyer, who sounded like she was on Quaaludes, raised her eyebrows quizzically as she asked him if he stood by … Continue reading “The Return of the Chickenhawks”

The World for Israel, or Jews for the World?

A remarkable event took place on Dec. 8, 2011, at the National Press Club in downtown Washington. It was a Jewish-Gentile forum on Israel, Palestine, Zionism, anti-Zionism, anti-Semitism, and the imminent threat of war. At the heart was presentation of a new book, Rabbi Outcast: Elmer Berger and American Jewish Anti-Zionism, written by Jack Ross … Continue reading “The World for Israel, or Jews for the World?”

Who’s Afraid of the Ayatollahs?

Politicians and pundits are curiously schizophrenic when discussing Iran. On one hand, they are prepared to declare, as Mitt Romney did, that the “greatest threat that Israel faces, and frankly the greatest threat the world faces, is a nuclear Iran.” To deal with this threat, he says as president he will “restore the regular presence … Continue reading “Who’s Afraid of the Ayatollahs?”

Interior Ministry Apologizes For Abuses, But Only Those Under Saddam

Security forces in the Interior Ministry apologized for abuses committed during the Saddam era, but apparently forgot to mention any acts since 2003. The ministry was well known to harbor death squads for years after the U.S.-led invasion, and accusations of torture continue to the present day. Separately, the ministry demanded the Kurds hand over Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi, who is wanted on charges of terrorism that many believe are trumped up. At least six Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in new violence.

Iraq: Shi’ite Pilgrims Targets For More Violence

At least 10 Iraqis were killed and 30 more were wounded. Some of the violence targeted Shi’ite pilgrims in and around Baghdad, but attacks farther north were heavy on security personnel. Meanwhile, the Iraqiya list could be seeing a breakthrough soon as talks with the National Coalition over the latest political impasses seem to be working.

Obama’s Pentagon Strategy: A Leaner, More Efficient Empire

In an age when U.S. power can be projected through private mercenary armies and unmanned Predator drones, the US military need no longer rely on massive, conventional ground forces to pursue its imperial agenda, a fact President Barack Obama is now acknowledging. But make no mistake: while the tactics may be changing, the US taxpayer … Continue reading “Obama’s Pentagon Strategy: A Leaner, More Efficient Empire”

Less Counter-Insurgency, More Asia in New U.S. Strategy

Capping a major eight-month review, President Barack Obama unveiled a new defence strategy here Thursday that places more emphasis on U.S. military capabilities in Asia and the Pacific and much less on counter-insurgency and nation-building operations in poorer and conflict-plagued countries. Among other steps, the new strategy paper, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st … Continue reading “Less Counter-Insurgency, More Asia in New U.S. Strategy”