Doug Bandow

Russia and Ukraine are at war, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have spent more than seven years attempting to subject Yemen, Syria continues to smolder, and Iraq remains a sectarian powder keg. The US is deeply involved militarily in all these conflicts. Yet worse could come. China is threatening Taiwan, which enjoys an informal … Continue reading “What if Washington Can’t Attract the Men (and Women) Necessary To Police the Globe?”

Latin America is Washington’s neighborhood. With vast oceans east and west and pacific neighbors north and south, the US has been almost uniquely protected from foreign military threats. That has left America free to roam the globe, visiting death and destruction upon other states for all manner of offenses, real or imagined. However, the neighborhood … Continue reading “Latin America Rises: Whither the Monroe Doctrine?”

Who speaks for peace in America? Not many people in Washington. Which makes the role of Antiwar.com so important. I am approaching the end of my 42nd year in Washington. The political and international environments have never been worse. It’s the woke Left versus the MAGA Right, with the War Party in control of both … Continue reading “Antiwar.com Is Knocking: If You Don’t Answer, the War Party Will Come Next”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba appears to have launched a new strategy in his country’s war against Russia. Insult Kyiv’s closest supporters by calling them Russian pawns. He penned an article in Foreign Affairs, what amounts to the venerable newsletter of the Blob, the internationalist establishment. The US and Europe are not doing enough for … Continue reading “Has Ukraine Adopted a New Strategy of Insulting the Allies?”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under serious political fire at home, has been using Ukraine to play the glorious warrior-leader. Newly returned from a visit to Kyiv, he warned against "Ukraine fatigue." Explained the Winston Churchill wannabe: "When Ukraine fatigue is setting in, it is very important to show that we are with them for the … Continue reading “What Happens If Ukraine Fatigue Sets In?”

The Russo-Ukraine war is destructive and dangerous. Much of Washington believes that a win by Kyiv would serve America’s interests. However, pursuit of victory would be far more costly than Ukraine’s advocates acknowledge. The US and leading European states should seek a modus vivendi with Russia that would secure Ukraine’s independence and yield a stable … Continue reading “The Ukrainian Endgame: An Imperfect Peace Is Better Than Endless War”

President Joe Biden made headlines with his preparations to visit Saudi Arabia and kowtow to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who candidate Biden pledged to treat as a pariah. Receiving less attention is the president’s plan to take his ostentatious grovel from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi. According to Axios: "The Biden administration and the United … Continue reading “Joe Biden Wants You to Die for the Emirati Royal Family”

Americans increasingly wonder where US involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war is heading. Although this nation is not officially in the fight, it is a belligerent in all but name. US officials have essentially declared war on the Russian Federation and its president, Vladimir Putin. In an apparent attempt to assuage popular concern, President Joe Biden … Continue reading “Who Does Joe Biden Represent? Americans, Not Ukraine, Should Decide US Policy”

President Joe Biden spoke to the American people after a fashion. He, or whoever writes his material, sought to calm rising fears about the consequences of intervening ever deeper in the Russo-Ukraine war. Early popular enthusiasm for the victims of Russian aggression has given way to more practical concerns over the potential for an expanded … Continue reading “The President’s Policy is Dangerous: What Does Joe Biden Believe He is Doing in Ukraine?”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has driven most other foreign policy issues from the front page. To prove that administration officials can fuel war with Russia and confront China at the same time, President Joe Biden visited Asia. His apparent gaffe regarding Taiwan garnered the most attention. Largely ignored have been other important events. In the … Continue reading “The Afghanistan Collapse: Inspector General Finds US Spent 20 Years Building a Dependent Potemkin Nation”