Robert Koehler

Robert Koehler, an award-winning, Chicago-based journalist, is a nationally syndicated writer. You can respond to this column at koehlercw@gmail.com or visit his Web site at commonwonders.com.

Why Bombing a Hospital Is a War Crime

“We tried to take a look into one of the burning buildings. I cannot describe what was inside. There are no words for how terrible it was. In the Intensive Care Unit six patients were burning in their beds.” So said Lajos Zoltan Jecs, a nurse at the hospital the U.S. bombed in Kunduz, Afghanistan, … Continue reading “Why Bombing a Hospital Is a War Crime”

The Moral Rabbit Hole

The New York Times reported last week that U.S. soldiers still fighting the war in Afghanistan – 14 years on – are under orders to be “culturally sensitive” regarding different attitudes among our Afghan allies about, uh . . . the sexual abuse of children. One officer was relieved of his command several years ago, … Continue reading “The Moral Rabbit Hole”

A Wedge for Nuclear Disarmament

“Each of the Parties to the Treaty undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith . . .” What if words like this actually meant something? This is Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which the United States signed in 1970. It continues: “. . . on effective measures relating to … Continue reading “A Wedge for Nuclear Disarmament”