Month: January 2014

It’s About Blackmail, Not National Security

Originally posted at TomDispatch. Spying has a history almost as ancient as humanity itself, but every now and then the rules of the game change. This post-9/11 moment of surveillance is one of those game-changers and the National Security Agency (NSA) has been the deal-breaker and rule-maker. The new rules it brought into existence are … Continue reading “It’s About Blackmail, Not National Security”

31 Killed, 58 Wounded in Iraq Attacks; Clashes Ramp Up in Anbar

At least 31 people were killed and 58 more were wounded in attacks across Iraq. An unspecified number of people were also killed in clashes in Anbar province but those figures were not released. The Iraqi government, along with Sunni tribesmen, launched an assault on the insurgents that have held parts of the Anbar province … Continue reading “31 Killed, 58 Wounded in Iraq Attacks; Clashes Ramp Up in Anbar”

For America, Denial Is a River in Iraq

Americans don’t know much about geography. In 2006, three years into the bloody War on Iraq, 63% of Americans aged 18-24 couldn’t find the “target-rich” nation on a map. To be fair, only half could find New York State on a map, so it is unsurprising that, in spite of its then-dominance of the news … Continue reading “For America, Denial Is a River in Iraq”

Iran’s Rouhani Needs a Nuclear Resolution

After 34 years of enmity, Tehran and Washington are heavily invested in the success of a deal over Iran’s nuclear program achieved through teamwork. Now the political future of Iran’s new moderate president, Hassan Rouhani, depends on this issue. “Resolving the nuclear impasse is President Rouhani’s signature policy initiative,” Mohsen Milani, a professor of politics … Continue reading “Iran’s Rouhani Needs a Nuclear Resolution”

Ten Killed in Iraq Prayer Day Attacks, Clashes

Baghdad caught a break from the violence today, but attacks and clashes left at least 10 dead elsewhere. Another seven were wounded. A suicide bomber in Ramadi attacked a tribal checkpoint where he killed five men and wounded four more. Clashes continued in Falluja. In Mosul, a roadside bomb injured a lieutenant colonel. A soldier … Continue reading “Ten Killed in Iraq Prayer Day Attacks, Clashes”

A Note to My Readers

There’s no column today: looks like the flu has claimed yet another victim! But don’t worry: I’ll be back on Monday. Meanwhile, you can read this old column on Mexico’s “vigilante” movement, which the rest of the world is beginning to notice this week. Just remember: you read it here first! NOTES IN THE MARGIN … Continue reading “A Note to My Readers”

Applied Rovian Denialism

In spite of the abundant revelations in the preceding year, 2014 in the Balkans seems to portend more of the same. Everyone is still in full-on reality denial mode. Or, rather, entrenched in the imperial belief that assertions can "create their own reality." Still a Lie In "Kosovo," a province of Serbia occupied by NATO … Continue reading “Applied Rovian Denialism”

Secret Wars and Black Ops Blowback

Originally posted at TomDispatch. These days, when I check out the latest news on Washington’s global war-making, I regularly find at least one story that fits a new category in my mind that I call: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Take last Saturday’s Washington Post report by Craig Whitlock on the stationing of less than … Continue reading “Secret Wars and Black Ops Blowback”