Month: February 2012

Taking the Republicans Seriously

I was hoping never to have to write about the Santorum surge, yet I knew, in my hearts of hearts, it was meant to be. After all, the more Newt Gingrich talked – and talked, and talked – the more likely even Republican primary voters were to be repulsed by the vastness of his self-regard. … Continue reading “Taking the Republicans Seriously”

How Drone War Became the American Way of Life

In the American mind, if Apple made weapons, they would undoubtedly be drones, those remotely piloted planes getting such great press here. They have generally been greeted as if they were the sleekest of iPhones armed with missiles. When the first American drone assassins burst onto the global stage early in the last decade, they … Continue reading “How Drone War Became the American Way of Life”

Mr. President, Talk Sense to Netanyahu

MEMORANDUM FOR: The President FROM: Veterans for Peace SUBJECT: You Need to Talk Sense to Netanyahu We members of Veterans for Peace have served in every war since World War II. We know war. And we know when it smells like war. It smells that way now, with drums beating loudly for attacking Iran. Information … Continue reading “Mr. President, Talk Sense to Netanyahu”

Overspending on National Security Threatens National Security

The administration recently released its 2013 budget proposal, and conservatives are correctly alarmed that it calls for unprecedented spending and continued annual deficits exceeding $1 trillion. But the same conservatives complain that the budget does not devote enough funds to overseas adventurism. I continue to be dismayed that in spite of our economic problems, most … Continue reading “Overspending on National Security Threatens National Security”

AIPAC Declares War

The American people don’t particularly want a new war in the Middle East, but apparently Congress and Washington’s most powerful lobby do. Thirty-two senators have co-sponsored a resolution that will constrain the White House from adopting any policy vis-à-vis Iran’s “nuclear weapons capability” that amounts to “containment.” The senators include the familiar figures of Joe … Continue reading “AIPAC Declares War”

Ex-IAEA Chief Urges Talks to Defuse Threat of Attack on Iran

Even as U.N. inspectors expressed disappointment about the results of their visit this week to Iran, a former chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged all parties to make greater efforts to defuse rapidly rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program to avert war. “We don’t expect too much now, but we need to … Continue reading “Ex-IAEA Chief Urges Talks to Defuse Threat of Attack on Iran”

Iraq PM Warns of Vague Sectarian Threat

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki today met with tribal leaders in the former “triangle of death,” just south of Baghdad, where he gave them a vague warning of a “plot to ignite sectarian strife.” Maliki also said that the government needs civilian help in the reconstruction of Iraq and maintaining security. The sheikhs promised to stand with the government in reaching the goal of a safe Iraq. Unsurprisingly, the premier neglected to mention his own role in stoking tensions.

Common Fallacies About
Anti-Interventionism

The idea that the United States government should not intervene in the internal affairs of other nations is heresy. After World War II, both political parties and nearly all the nation’s elites agreed on one thing: we have an “obligation” to pursue and maintain a position of “world leadership.” Without the US to guide them, … Continue reading “Common Fallacies About
Anti-Interventionism”