Why Do American Weapons End Up in Our Enemies’ Hands?

It happens so often you wonder whether it is due to total ineptness or a deliberate policy to undermine our efforts overseas. It’s most likely a result of corruption and unintended consequences, combined with a foreign policy that makes it impossible to determine who are our friends are and who are our enemies. One would … Continue reading “Why Do American Weapons End Up in Our Enemies’ Hands?”

Department of Homeland Security: What Is It Good For?

Late Friday night, Congress passed legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security for one week. This vote followed weeks of debate over efforts to attach a prohibition on funding President Obama’s executive order granting amnesty to certain illegal immigrants to the Homeland Security funding bill. Despite the heated rhetoric from both sides, no one seriously … Continue reading “Department of Homeland Security: What Is It Good For?”

Interventionism Kills: Post-Coup Ukraine One Year Later

It was one year ago last weekend that a violent coup overthrew the legally elected government of Ukraine. That coup was not only supported by the US and EU governments – much of it was actually planned by them. Looking back at the events that led to the overthrow it is clear that without foreign … Continue reading “Interventionism Kills: Post-Coup Ukraine One Year Later”

Obama’s Force Authorization Is a Blank Check for War Worldwide

The president is requesting Congress to pass an authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) resolution against ISIS. Congress has not issued a similar resolution since 2002, when President Bush was given the authority to wage war against Iraq. The purpose of this resolution is to give official authority to the president to do … Continue reading “Obama’s Force Authorization Is a Blank Check for War Worldwide”

The Real Meaning of the 1914 Christmas Truce

One hundred years ago last week, on Christmas Eve, 1914, German and British soldiers emerged from the horrors of World War One trench warfare to greet each other, exchange food and gifts, and to wish each other a Merry Christmas. What we remember now as the “Christmas Truce” began with soldiers singing Christmas carols together … Continue reading “The Real Meaning of the 1914 Christmas Truce”

For Truly Better Relations with Cuba, Open the Door and Get Out of the Way!

President Obama has taken a bold and surprising step toward ending the futile 50 year US embargo of Cuba. The president announced he would begin normalizing relations, including upgrading the diplomatic mission in Havana to embassy status. The president also said he was taking steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information between … Continue reading “For Truly Better Relations with Cuba, Open the Door and Get Out of the Way!”