Ivan Eland

Ivan Eland is a senior fellow at the Independent Institute and author of Recarving Rushmore: Ranking the Presidents on Peace, Prosperity, and Liberty.

Extending Nuclear Umbrella Is a Bad Idea

The hawks are at it again. During the debate on ratification of the new START treaty, some implied that reducing the number of U.S. nuclear warheads and launchers would undermine America’s ability to extend its umbrella of nuclear protection over more countries in the Middle East. They said this was required to obviate the need … Continue reading “Extending Nuclear Umbrella Is a Bad Idea”

A Radical Solution for the War in Afghanistan

If actions speak louder than words, the U.S. military this week seemed to confirm the pessimistic findings of the National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs) on the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which it had pooh-poohed only last week. The military assessment emphasized a rosy picture of gains in the Helmand and Kandahar provinces in Afghanistan, whereas … Continue reading “A Radical Solution for the War in Afghanistan”

Carrots Likely Better Than Sticks in Iran Dealings

Although the recently released WikiLeaks secrets document the well-known animosity of Iran’s neighbors to the radical Islamist regime – with their hopes for a U.S. attack on the nation over its nuclear enrichment program – talks to end the Iranian effort will continue. In advance of the next installment of negotiations to be held in … Continue reading “Carrots Likely Better Than Sticks in Iran Dealings”

Stop the Persecution of Julian Assange

Either God or the U.S. government is out to get Julian Assange, the founder of the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks. Assange is either a modern-day Job or there is an orchestrated campaign (presumably) by the U.S. government to compel his Web site to desist in its publication of classified U.S. government documents and diplomatic cables. But … Continue reading “Stop the Persecution of Julian Assange”

US Policy Toward the Koreas Is Unrealistic

Why does the U.S. government’s foreign policy often hinge on the naïve and moralistic expectation that other countries should act against their own interests? Wouldn’t a more realistic U.S. foreign policy be better for everyone concerned? Let’s take an example. North Korea is a mostly isolated, totalitarian, unpredictable, and downright weird regime. Its only “friend” … Continue reading “US Policy Toward the Koreas Is Unrealistic”

New START Is Worthy, but Let’s Not Violate the Constitution to Save It

Since the Cold War ended, arms control treaties don’t get much attention – unless they get into trouble. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) appears to fall into that category. Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), designated as the Republican point man for the treaty, is blocking it. Kyl, conservative on such issues but usually responsible, … Continue reading “New START Is Worthy, but Let’s Not Violate the Constitution to Save It”

Government Sexual Molestation in Airports Is ‘Over the Top’

After the initial hysterical security response to the 9/11 attacks – inane measures included posting 19-year-old National Guardsmen with automatic weapons at crowded airports and the temporary discontinuation of electronic tickets – lasting security augmentation entailed hardening of aircraft cockpit doors and beefing up passenger screening in airports. The latter has continued after each subsequent … Continue reading “Government Sexual Molestation in Airports Is ‘Over the Top’”

Can W. Reinvent His Presidency?

As George W. Bush does a rash of media interviews to promote his new book, Decision Points, some people – even his nemesis, hip-hop star Kanye West – have begun to mute their criticisms of his presidency. This is nothing new; as time passes and old wounds heal, the nation’s impression of former presidents – … Continue reading “Can W. Reinvent His Presidency?”

Ted Sorensen’s Death Should Cause Reflection

In the wake of the death of the man responsible for most of President John F. Kennedy’s soaring public phrases, a reassessment is needed of the Kennedy administration, which has been consistently overrated by the media and public. Theodore C. Sorensen was a brilliant writer – who put Kennedy on the political map and invented … Continue reading “Ted Sorensen’s Death Should Cause Reflection”

Expand the Role of the Citizen-Soldier Without a Draft

For proponents of American liberty, a volunteer military has always been preferable to conscription. Friends of liberty have appropriately asked how, in a supposedly free country, you can justify unfairly shanghaiing, against their will, an unrepresentative minority of the population – young men – for dangerous service in usually undeclared and often unnecessary wars. Yet … Continue reading “Expand the Role of the Citizen-Soldier Without a Draft”