Five Killed, 28 Wounded in Iraq Attacks
At least five people were killed and 28 more were wounded in new violence.
Month: November 2012
US Escalation Against Iran Would Carry High Cost for Global Economy
The world economy would bear substantial costs if the United States took steps to significantly escalate the conflict with Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, according to the findings of a Federation of American Scientists’ (FAS) special report released here Friday. Based on consulations with a group of nine bipartisan economic and national security experts, … Continue reading “US Escalation Against Iran Would Carry High Cost for Global Economy”
Israeli Firepower Threatens to Overwhelm Palestinians
When the late Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), was engaged in a heavily one-sided battle against a robustly-armed Israel in 2000, he admitted the Palestinians were completely outgunned by the Israelis. As the the U.S.-supplied Cobra helicopters rained fire on the West Bank and Gaza, Arafat told reporters, “I have only … Continue reading “Israeli Firepower Threatens to Overwhelm Palestinians”
35 Killed in Attack on Shi’ite Pilgrims in Iraq
At least 36 people were killed and 31 more were wounded in attacks today. Some of the victims were Shi’ite pilgrims traveling from Iran and Pakistan.
Big Brother, Kill Lists, and Secrecy: What to Expect From Obama’s Second Term
Following Barack Obama’s significant electoral victory, the ways in which the President will interpret his new “mandate” are still very much up for debate. While pundits, many of whom got the election seriously wrong, fumble to come up with new predictions, an analysis of Obama’s track record and statements on national security policy can be … Continue reading “Big Brother, Kill Lists, and Secrecy: What to Expect From Obama’s Second Term”
Four Killed in Iraq; Clashes Break Out at Politician’s Home
At least four Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded in the latest violence. Also, Turkish jets struck alleged Kurdish rebel camps in northern Iraq.
A New War Prayer
War is hell. It’s a statement we’ve heard so many times we tend to take it now as an axiom, a truism that is so obvious it serves as a giant, bolded period in any conversation. It’s all that needs to be said – war is hell. But in the ensuing silence lies what I … Continue reading “A New War Prayer”
America’s Profligate Nation-Building Abroad Continues
Part of a slogan from my hometown past sticks in my mind. “Build we must,” it went. Such an American phrase, really. Evidence of a can-do spirit from another country in another age. Now, in can’t-do America with its disintegrating infrastructure, “build we mustn’t” seems more in the spirit of the times — with one … Continue reading “America’s Profligate Nation-Building Abroad Continues”
Why Paula Broadwell Sent Those Emails
When it comes to grandstanding, few politicians can outdo Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham. A few hours before the President’s first press conference since the election, this duo had one of their own, demanding a "Water-gate"-like special congressional investigation into the attack on our Benghazi CIA secret prison "consulate." As if at least three … Continue reading “Why Paula Broadwell Sent Those Emails”
Broadwell Defended Petraeus’ Village Destruction Policy
Paula Broadwell, whose affair with Gen. David Petraeus brought his career to a sudden end last week, had sought to help defend his decision in 2010 to allow village destruction in Afghanistan that not only violated his own previous guidance but the international laws of war. But her efforts had the opposite effect. The new … Continue reading “Broadwell Defended Petraeus’ Village Destruction Policy”