Month: March 2013

Rodmania in North Korea

Sometimes the common man–or not so common man, such as basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman–can teach elite media, politicians, and diplomats a thing or two. The media largely billed Rodman’s visit to North Korea to see its young leader as "bizarre," or "the weirdest encounter." They also deemed "disastrous" his interview on ABC’s "This … Continue reading “Rodmania in North Korea”

The Libertarian Republican Heritage
(Part II)

Editorial note: The following is the second and final part of a speech to the Republican Liberty Caucus of California, delivered March 2, 2013. The first part appeared on Monday, and can be seen here. In the summer of 1983, there was a major split in the Libertarian Party. I had been a member since … Continue reading “The Libertarian Republican Heritage
(Part II)”

Nick Turse: Exhuming Vietnam

Conventional wisdom insists that war crimes and atrocities by U.S forces in Vietnam were isolated, committed by a "few bad apples" and "rogue units." In fact, for 40 years the American public has been collectively assuring the veterans of that war that no one considers them "baby killers" nor believes that the My Lai massacre … Continue reading “Nick Turse: Exhuming Vietnam”

48 Syrians, 9 Iraqis Killed near Border; 14 Iraqis Killed Elsewhere

Unknown assailants attacked a group of Syrian soldiers who had crossed over into Iraq to escape heavy fighting back in Syria. At least 48 Syrians soldiers were killed as well as nine Iraqi soldiers who were accompanying them. Seven Iraqis and 14 Syrians were wounded in the attack. The attack took place near Akashat as … Continue reading “48 Syrians, 9 Iraqis Killed near Border; 14 Iraqis Killed Elsewhere”

We Must Not Fail Wikileaks Whistleblower Bradley Manning

As I sat in court last Thursday at Fort Meade, watching Bradley Manning take responsibility as the Wikileaks whistleblower, two things struck me: (1) his thorough intelligence fueled by intellectual curiosity and (2) his empathy for other people when so many in war had lost their humanity. This was the second time I had heard … Continue reading “We Must Not Fail Wikileaks Whistleblower Bradley Manning”

Purim and Genocidal Phantasies

Purim. One of the most popular Jewish holidays among Orthodox, traditional and so-called secular Jewish Israelis alike. The streets are packed with children and adults wearing costumes, make-up and all sorts of masquerading, on their way from one joyous Purim party to the next. Happy days. But behind the carnivalesque masks, ominous demons are lurking. … Continue reading “Purim and Genocidal Phantasies”

The Libertarian Republican Heritage

Editorial note: The following is the first part of a speech to the Republican Liberty Caucus of California, delivered March 2, 2013. The second and final part will appear on Wednesday. The Republican party wasn’t always the party of war, unlimited military spending, and reckless foreign entanglements. There is a long albeit largely unknown tradition … Continue reading “The Libertarian Republican Heritage”

Ten Killed in Iraq As Violence Touches Holy City

Visitors to two important shrines in Karbala were among the targets of today’s violence. Overall, at least 10 people were killed and 22 more were wounded.

In Baghdad, three people were killed and 11 more were wounded when three bombs exploded in Husseiniya. A sticky bomb blast in Utaifiya killed a soldier.

A suicide bomber in Karbala killed one civilian and wounded nine more when he set off his explosives near two important shrines. One source suggested it was old a

Gunmen killed two soldiers Tal Afar.

A Sahwa member was killed and his sister was wounded when gunmen stormed their Qayara home.

In Gatoun, gunmen killed a man.

A man was wounded in Hilla, where gunmen attacked him outside his home.

An adhesive bomb planted on an officer’s car in Tikrit was found and defused.