No Syrian War to Save Obama’s Face!

“Catastrophic!” said Sen. John McCain. If Congress votes no on a resolution calling for U.S. intervention in Syria’s civil war, says McCain, it would be “catastrophic” for U.S. credibility in the world. Consider what the senator is saying here. Because Barack Obama, two years ago, said “Assad must go,” and, one year ago, said any … Continue reading “No Syrian War to Save Obama’s Face!”

Will Boehner Stop Our Rogue President?

The next 72 hours will be decisive in the career of the speaker of the House. The alternatives he faces are these: John Boehner can, after “consultation,” give his blessing to Barack Obama’s decision to launch a war on Syria, a nation that has neither attacked nor threatened us. Or Boehner can instruct Obama that, … Continue reading “Will Boehner Stop Our Rogue President?”

Congress Should Veto Obama’s War

“Congress doesn’t have a whole lot of core responsibilities,” said Barack Obama last week in an astonishing remark. For in the Constitution, Congress appears as the first branch of government. And among its enumerated powers are the power to tax, coin money, create courts, provide for the common defense, raise and support an army, maintain … Continue reading “Congress Should Veto Obama’s War”

Do We Really Want a Cold War II?

“There have been times when they slip back into Cold War thinking,” said President Obama in his tutorial with Jay Leno. And to show the Russians that such Cold War thinking is antiquated, Obama canceled his September summit with Vladimir Putin. The reason: Putin’s grant of asylum to Edward Snowden, who showed up at the … Continue reading “Do We Really Want a Cold War II?”

Al-Qaeda in Perspective

Apparently, the threat is both serious and specific. The United States ordered 22 diplomatic missions closed and issued a worldwide travel alert for U.S. citizens. The threat comes from Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, AQAP, the most lethal branch of the terrorist organization. “After Benghazi,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., “these al-Qaeda types are really … Continue reading “Al-Qaeda in Perspective”

Last Hurrah of the Interventionists?

In what a Washington Post columnist describes as a rout of Rand Paul isolationism, the Senate just voted overwhelmingly to send another $1.5 billion in foreign aid to Egypt. The House voted 400-20 to impose new sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, two days before Iran’s new president, elected on a pledge to re-engage the West … Continue reading “Last Hurrah of the Interventionists?”

Obama’s Moment – A Deal With Iran!

In his second term, Richard Nixon had Watergate, but also the rescue of Israel in the Yom Kippur War. In his second term, Ronald Reagan had Iran-Contra, but also a treaty eliminating U.S. and Soviet missiles in Europe, his “tear-down-this-wall” moment in Berlin and his lead role in ending the Cold War. In his second … Continue reading “Obama’s Moment – A Deal With Iran!”

Vital Interests vs. Democratic Ideals

Understandably, the Muslim Brotherhood is enraged. Having won the presidency of Egypt in free and fair elections after the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, President Mohammed Morsi has been ousted in a military coup and placed under house arrest. Brotherhood leaders, convicted of no crimes, are being rounded up. They played by America’s rules. Now, with … Continue reading “Vital Interests vs. Democratic Ideals”

Let Allah Sort It Out

On U.S. military intervention in Syria’s civil war, where “both sides are slaughtering each other as they scream over an arbitrary red line ‘Allahu akbar’ … I say let Allah sort it out.” So said Sarah Palin to the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference. And, as is not infrequently the case, she nailed it. Hours … Continue reading “Let Allah Sort It Out”

A Reluctant Warrior Tiptoes to War

Barack Obama has just taken his first baby steps into a war in Syria that may define and destroy his presidency. Thursday, while he was ringing in Gay Pride Month with LGBT revelers, a staffer, Ben Rhodes, informed the White House press that U.S. weapons will be going to the Syrian rebels. For two years … Continue reading “A Reluctant Warrior Tiptoes to War”