Pivoting to the East in Middle East

Recent moves by Middle Eastern countries to explore hedging their relationship with the US by balancing them with relations with China and Russia in the emerging New Cold War have been increasingly lighting up America’s radar. In August, 2020, CIA director Bill Burns warned Israel about its welcoming of Chinese investment in Israel’s tech sector and … Continue reading “Pivoting to the East in Middle East”

The US Response to Russia: Cuban Missile Crisis and Historical Parallels

In December, Russia sent the US a proposal on mutual security guarantees and a request for immediate negotiations. A set of unique factors, including the leverage of troops on the Ukrainian border and China’s very public support of Russia, led to the unprecedented result that the US complied and responded to Russia. That response was supposed … Continue reading “The US Response to Russia: Cuban Missile Crisis and Historical Parallels”

American Hypocrisy: Backing Neo-Nazis in Ukraine

Here are seven examples of hypocrisy and irony regarding the crisis in Ukraine that you are not likely to read in the main stream media. 1. Is There a Risk of Invasion or Isn’t There? The US and its allies seem to be furious with Ukraine because we insist on protecting them from an imminent … Continue reading “American Hypocrisy: Backing Neo-Nazis in Ukraine”

Too Late To Triangulate: The New Shape of the World

Trust is key to a relationship. At the end of the Cold War, Russia sincerely wanted to join the West. But that relationship has broken, and Russia has moved on to a new partner. A little discussed reason for that disappointment is the complete loss of trust Russia had in the US and the West. … Continue reading “Too Late To Triangulate: The New Shape of the World”

What’s Actually Happening in Ukraine?

Western media and Western governments are all telling us one thing. But, suddenly, the actual players are all telling us another. Is it possible that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed an opportune situation too far and is now afraid of what he has unleashed? On September 1, 2021, Zelensky met with Biden at the White … Continue reading “What’s Actually Happening in Ukraine?”

What Brought Biden to the Table?

No one knows whether the recent talks between the US and Russia will produce results. But they happened. And they have led to the promise of further talks. What, after a quarter century of Russian cries, brought Biden to the table? The US long ago left its place at the table. Diplomacy has yielded its … Continue reading “What Brought Biden to the Table?”

Joe Biden: Strike Three!

When Joe Biden came to office a year ago, there were a number of easy foreign policy victories he could have quickly claimed. He claimed none of them. Cuba In Cuba, all Biden had to do was keep his promise. While campaigning to be president, Biden said that he would “promptly reverse the failed Trump policies that … Continue reading “Joe Biden: Strike Three!”

Russian Soldiers Need a Map

Either Russian troops aren’t reading the script the West handed out, or the script is wrong. Russian troops seem to be marching in the wrong direction. According to the American script, Russian soldiers are advancing on Ukraine and permanently stationing in Kazakhstan. According to what is actually happening on the world stage, Russian troops are … Continue reading “Russian Soldiers Need a Map”

Antony Blinken and a Gun at Your Head

When Joe Biden selected Antony Blinken to be his Secretary of State, Stephen Zunes, professor of politics at the University of San Francisco, worried that the selection represented, not a correction, but a continuation of past interventionism and incompetence. As evidence, Zunes cites Blinken’s integral and irresponsible role in clearing the way for the disastrous … Continue reading “Antony Blinken and a Gun at Your Head”

Six Things the Media Won’t Tell You About Ukraine

On January 10, American and Russian officials will meet to discuss Putin’s proposal on mutual security guarantees. Western media and political analysts have cast Putin’s demands that NATO not expand further east to Ukraine and that NATO not establish military bases in former Soviet states nor use them to carry out military activity as bold … Continue reading “Six Things the Media Won’t Tell You About Ukraine”