Month: January 2014

Originally posted at TomDispatch. A new book, as well as the first account written by a participant, remind us that, in the world of the national security state, when it comes to pure and simple illegality in the monitoring of, spying on, and surveillance of American citizens, there really is nothing new under the sun.  … Continue reading “We Have to Destroy Our Constitution To Save It”

The announcement by the White House that a preliminary agreement with Iran has been reached on limiting their nuclear program – stopping enrichment of uranium beyond 3 percent, dismantling enrichment facilities, and increasing the pace and intrusiveness of IAEA inspections – sets the stage for a six-month-long drama, the end of which is impossible to … Continue reading “Defeat the Israel Lobby”

At least 59 people were killed and 119 more were wounded in fresh violence. Baghdad suffered a bombing spree, while clashes continued in Anbar province. Scattered attacked occurred across Iraq, even into the south.

At least 48 people were killed, many of them insurgents. Another 37 were wounded in attacks across Iraq.

Criticism in the memoirs of former secretary of defense Robert M. Gates of President Barack Obama’s lack of commitment to the Afghan War strategy of his administration has generated a Washington debate about whether Obama was sufficiently supportive of the war. But the Gates account omits two crucial historical facts necessary to understanding the issue. … Continue reading “Gates Conceals Real Story of ‘Gaming’ Obama on Afghan War”

GAZA CITY (IPS) – The border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip used to buzz with activity until a few months back as traders brought in an array of Egyptian goods – from food supplies to raw material – through hundreds of tunnels. But these underground structures, located 40 km from here, between Rafah in … Continue reading “Gaza Loses an Underground Lifeline”

At least 19 people were killed and 39 more were wounded in fresh attacks.

People talk about "the character issue" in politics, but is there really any other issue when it comes to judging a political candidate? After all, someone may be advocating Peace On Earth and Good Will Toward Men in public, while in private he could very well be hatching demonic schemes of revenge in retaliation for … Continue reading “Lessons of ‘Bridge-gate’”

A draft constitution set to go before a public referendum next week gives the military more privileges, enshrining its place as Egypt’s most powerful institution and placing it above the state. The new text, set to replace the constitution drawn up in 2012 under Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, has stoked fears that Egypt’s military leadership … Continue reading “Egyptian Military Prepares a General’s Constitution”

When it comes to war, the American public is remarkably fickle. The responses of Americans to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars provide telling examples. In 2003, according to opinion polls, 72 percent of Americans thought going to war in Iraq was the right decision. By early 2013, support for that decision had declined to 41 … Continue reading “When Will They Ever Learn? The American People and Support for War”