Month: October 2014

The breathless news coverage of the minuscule number of people in the United States that have so far contracted the Ebola virus has led to a typical irrational response in some quarters. For example, schools have been closed, and the public and thus some politicians support a travel ban of people from the affected West … Continue reading “Public Unease Over Remote Threats”

“A mass movement,” wrote Eric Hoffer in The True Believer, “appeals not to those intent on bolstering and advancing a cherished self, but to those who crave to be rid of an unwanted self. “Their innermost craving is for a new life – a rebirth – or, failing this, a chance to acquire new elements … Continue reading “Terrorism and ‘The True Believer’”

Bombers attacked both security and civilian targets today in three towns across Iraq. At least 317 people were killed, mostly militants. Another 145 were wounded, about half of them security members.

Senator Rand Paul is everywhere: campaigning for Republican candidates during the crucial midterm elections, on Fox News explaining to Hannity why going into Iraq with ground troops is a mistake, teaming up with Cory Booker to call for reform of federal sentencing guidelines – and, as Olivia Nuzzi points out, the media is scrutinizing his … Continue reading “‘We Can’t Have Perpetual War’: The Realism of Rand Paul”

More than a few times I’ve found myself in a crowd of Vietnam veterans, and more than a few times at least one of them was wearing a curious blue or yellow t-shirt. Once that shirt undoubtedly fit a lean physique of the late 1970s or early 1980s, but by the time I saw it … Continue reading “Why Do We Keep Thanking the Troops?”

In 1968 the government of Canada decided to openly admit Americans seeking to avoid being drafted into the US war on Vietnam. Before, would-be immigrants were technically required to prove that they had been discharged from US military service. This move made it easier for Americans to escape President Johnson’s war machine by heading north. … Continue reading “Once-Peaceful Canada Turns Militaristic – Blowback Follows”

At least 238 were killed today and 18 more were wounded. Most of the casualties were militants. Iraqi forces reclaimed several more villages today.

Hundreds of militants were killed in security operations across Iraq on Saturday. At least two strategic towns were brought back under Iraqi or Kurdish control. Two more towns were also liberated. At least 716 people were killed and 107 were wounded. Very few security deaths were reported in these violent clashes, so the numbers are likely much higher.

A quarter century after the Cold War ended, the people of the world are now entering a dangerous era of improved and more accurate nuclear weapons and faster, more precise delivery systems at a time of growing antagonism between Washington and Moscow and potential antipathy between the U.S. and China. All nine nuclear countries are … Continue reading “Bury the Bomb Before It Buries Us”

Whereas there was at least some humor in the grim reality of Bosnia’s general elections – which, by the way, returned mostly expected results (Economist‘s wishful thinking aside) – the situation in neighboring Serbia this autumn of 2014 has been all grim and no funny. Even the "gay pride" parade, held in Belgrade on September … Continue reading “Two Parades and a Drone”