Jim Lobe

Jim Lobe writes for Inter Press Service.

Early End to US Combat Role in Afghanistan Draws Cheers, Jeers, Confusion

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s surprise announcement Wednesday that US troops will phase out their combat role in Afghanistan by mid-2013 is drawing mixed reactions, as well as a fair bit of confusion, from both critics and supporters of the 11-year-old war here. The frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney, called the decision … Continue reading “Early End to US Combat Role in Afghanistan Draws Cheers, Jeers, Confusion”

US Group Urges ‘More Credible’ Military Threat Against Iran

The administration of President Barack Obama should take steps to make threats of a possible U.S. or Israeli attack against Iran more credible, according to the fourth in a series of studies released Wednesday by a 13-man “bipartisan” task force dominated by Iran hawks. Among other steps, Washington should increase its naval deployments to the … Continue reading “US Group Urges ‘More Credible’ Military Threat Against Iran”

Growing Elite Opposition to Military Option Against Iran

Like the imminent prospect of one’s hanging, to paraphrase the 18th century British essayist Dr. (Samuel) Johnson, the suddenly looming possibility of war can concentrate the mind wonderfully. If that aphorism didn’t apply in the run-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq 10 years ago, it appears to be the case now for key sectors … Continue reading “Growing Elite Opposition to Military Option Against Iran”

Leading Think Tank Urges Naval Buildup in South China Sea

While much of the world’s attention has been focused on U.S.- Iranian tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a key think tank is urging Washington to devote more focus and resources on another key hub for international commerce several thousand miles to the east.In a major report released Tuesday, the Center for a New American … Continue reading “Leading Think Tank Urges Naval Buildup in South China Sea”

Less Counter-Insurgency, More Asia in New U.S. Strategy

Capping a major eight-month review, President Barack Obama unveiled a new defence strategy here Thursday that places more emphasis on U.S. military capabilities in Asia and the Pacific and much less on counter-insurgency and nation-building operations in poorer and conflict-plagued countries. Among other steps, the new strategy paper, "Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st … Continue reading “Less Counter-Insurgency, More Asia in New U.S. Strategy”

‘Israel’s Advocate’ to Leave White House for Pro-Israel Think Tank

Dennis Ross, President Barack Obama’s top Middle East aide who has attracted criticism for his allegedly strong pro-Israel sympathies, will leave his post at the end of this month, the White House announced here Thursday. He will rejoin the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), an Israel-centered think tank that was spun off in … Continue reading “‘Israel’s Advocate’ to Leave White House for Pro-Israel Think Tank”

US House Committee Okays Sweeping Sanctions on Iran

Amid growing tensions in the Middle East, including speculation about a possible Israeli attack on Iran, a key U.S. congressional committee Wednesday approved two bills that would impose sweeping new economic and diplomatic sanctions against Tehran. The legislation, which includes sanctions against Iran’s Central Bank and strict curbs on official diplomatic contacts between Washington and … Continue reading “US House Committee Okays Sweeping Sanctions on Iran”

Hawks Behind Iraq War Rally for War With Iran

Key neoconservatives and other right-wing hawks who championed the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq are calling for military strikes against Iran in retaliation for its purported murder-for-hire plot against the Saudi ambassador. Leading the charge is the Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI), the ideological successor to the Project for the New American Century (PNAC), which played … Continue reading “Hawks Behind Iraq War Rally for War With Iran”

Obama Waives Aid Curbs on Militaries Using Child Soldiers

For the second year in a row, U.S. President Barack Obama has waived a congressionally mandated ban on military aid for four countries that use child soldiers. The four countries that will continue to receive military assistance despite the use of child soldiers in their armed forces include Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), … Continue reading “Obama Waives Aid Curbs on Militaries Using Child Soldiers”

Congress Urged to Reject Bahrain Arms Sale

More than a dozen U.S. and international human rights and arms control groups are urging Congress to block a proposed 53-million-dollar arms sale to Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, until it ends its crackdown against the opposition and adopts serious reforms. In a letter sent to lawmakers Wednesday, the groups, which include Human Rights First … Continue reading “Congress Urged to Reject Bahrain Arms Sale”