Winning World War II in the Twenty-First Century

Originally posted at TomDispatch. The other day, I walked across much of Manhattan Island on the street where I grew up. Once upon a time, in a space of just four blocks along that very street there were four movie theaters (no small wonder in the 1950s). Only The Paris Theater, somewhat the worse for … Continue reading “Winning World War II in the Twenty-First Century”

Why Trump’s Syria ‘Surge’ Will Fail

Last week President Trump significantly escalated the US military presence in Syria, sending some 400 Marines to the ISIS-controlled Raqqa, and several dozen Army Rangers to the contested area around Manbij. According to press reports he will also station some 2,500 more US troops in Kuwait to be used as he wishes in Iraq and … Continue reading “Why Trump’s Syria ‘Surge’ Will Fail”

A Flawed UN Investigation on Syria

The March 1 report by the United Nations’ “Independent International Commission of Inquiry“ asserted that the bloody attack on a humanitarian aid convoy west of Aleppo City on Sept. 19, 2016, was an airstrike by Syrian government planes. But an analysis of the U.N. panel’s report shows that it was based on an account of … Continue reading “A Flawed UN Investigation on Syria”

Trump Should Make a Deal With North Korea

President Donald Trump likes to be known for his deal-making, and now he has the opportunity to make deals that can impact world peace and security, not just real estate or other business deals for his profit. North Korea would be a great place to start. Former President Barack Obama described North Korea’s nuclear weapons … Continue reading “Trump Should Make a Deal With North Korea”