Checking In On China-Russia Relations

Xi Xinping and Vladimir Putin have said that their "relationship even exceeds an alliance in its closeness and effectiveness." They have said that the "friendship between the two States has no limits" and that it is "a relationship that probably cannot be compared with anything in the world." But China has seemed very restrained in … Continue reading “Checking In On China-Russia Relations”

Look Who’s Talking – Slivers of Hope in Ukraine

There is no scarcity of reasons to despair of hope for a push for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine. Thirty Democrats in the House were pilloried for suggesting only that the US open diplomatic channels parallel to full military and economic support for Ukraine. When Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded to a Turkish … Continue reading “Look Who’s Talking – Slivers of Hope in Ukraine”

First Strike: The US and the World’s Most Dangerous Nuclear Policy

On October 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would not use nuclear weapons; on the same day, US President Joe Biden said he would. Two days earlier, at talks being held between the US, Japan and South Korea, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman explained that the "ironclad" US commitment to defending Japan and … Continue reading “First Strike: The US and the World’s Most Dangerous Nuclear Policy”

US Admits Iran Is Not Building a Nuclear Bomb

America’s top diplomat for negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran said on October 30 that the US is not going to "waste time" trying to keep the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal alive. President Biden’s special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, said that “It is not on our agenda. We are not … Continue reading “US Admits Iran Is Not Building a Nuclear Bomb”

Four Ways Lula’s Victory Will Reshape the US-Led World

On October 30, former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva once again became president of Brazil. In the first round of the election, Lula DA Silva won 48% of the vote versus 43% for the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Falling short of the 50% required to win in the first round, the election headed to a … Continue reading “Four Ways Lula’s Victory Will Reshape the US-Led World”

Antiwar.com: The Need for Courageous Media

There are several excellent sources of alternative media. In the course of my research, there are two or three websites that I make sure I read each day. But the one I read first every morning is Antiwar.com. Being a truly antiwar, nonviolent website requires great courage and honesty. Obviously, it requires courage because it … Continue reading “Antiwar.com: The Need for Courageous Media”

It is America’s Obligation To Negotiate an End to the War

As the war in Ukraine grinds on and the world pays and Ukrainians suffer and die, the US has an obligation to end it. If everyone is to return to the negotiating table, it is the US that must set the table and send out the invitations. Moral Obligation It is not just that the … Continue reading “It is America’s Obligation To Negotiate an End to the War”

Choosing Sides in the New Cold War

In his September 21 address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Biden said "We do not seek a Cold War. We do not ask any nation to choose between the United States or any other partner.” It took a lot of courage to make that claim. On October 5, OPEC+ announced that they were … Continue reading “Choosing Sides in the New Cold War”

Who Stopped the War in Ukraine?

Up until now, the heated question has been about who is responsible for starting the war in Ukraine. Biden and the West call the war "unprovoked" and apportion all the blame to Russia; Putin and his partners say NATO expansion provoked the war and apportion all the blame to the US and NATO. There is … Continue reading “Who Stopped the War in Ukraine?”