Jon Letman

Jon Letman writes for Inter Press Service.

The US Is Militarizing the Pacific – and Not Taking Questions

The biggest US military realignment in a generation may be underway in the Asia-Pacific. But most Americans know nothing about it. Unveiled in 2011, the “Pacific Pivot” aims to transition US military and diplomatic resources away from the Middle East and toward the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region. The United States already has … Continue reading “The US Is Militarizing the Pacific – and Not Taking Questions”

Okinawans Want Their Land Back, Is That So Hard To Understand?

Living in a country where people learn world geography through frequently fought overseas wars, Americans are accustomed to reading about places where we’ve fought wars – Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. But one formerly war-ravaged part of the world most Americans don’t think much about is Okinawa. Once the independent kingdom of Ryukyu, Okinawa was … Continue reading “Okinawans Want Their Land Back, Is That So Hard To Understand?”

Soldiers Who Just Say No

Six months into Barack Obama’s presidency, the U.S. public’s display of antiwar sentiment has faded to barely a whisper. Despite Obama’s vow to withdraw all combat forces from Iraq before September 2011, he plans to leave up to 50,000 troops in "training and advisory" roles. Meanwhile, nearly 130,000 troops remain in that country and more … Continue reading “Soldiers Who Just Say No”