Norman Solomon

Norman Solomon's Made Love, Got War: Close Encounters with America's Warfare State is out now.

State of Denial: After the Big Leak, Spinning for War

Washington’s spin machine is in overdrive to counter the massive leak of documents on Afghanistan. Much of the counterattack revolves around the theme that the documents aren’t particularly relevant to this year’s new-and-improved war effort. The White House seized on the time frame of the documents released by WikiLeaks. “The period of time covered in … Continue reading “State of Denial: After the Big Leak, Spinning for War”

Israel and Harman in Tandem: From High Seas to Airwaves

When Israel attacked the Gaza aid flotilla, Congresswoman Jane Harman was engaged in a parallel assault. Israel’s government relied on the efficacy of violence; Harman’s campaign was counting on the power of paid media. In both cases, the targets were advocates of human rights for Palestinian people. Brandishing guns and stun grenades, in international waters, … Continue reading “Israel and Harman in Tandem: From High Seas to Airwaves”

A Bomber Jacket Doesn’t Cover the Blood

President Obama has taken a further plunge into the kind of war abyss that consumed predecessors named Johnson, Nixon, and Bush. On Sunday, during his first presidential trip to Afghanistan, Obama stood before thousands of American troops to proclaim the sanctity of the war effort. He played the role deftly – a commander in chief, … Continue reading “A Bomber Jacket Doesn’t Cover the Blood”

War in a Box

The event on the House floor Wednesday afternoon was monumental — the first major congressional debate about U.S. military operations in Afghanistan since lawmakers authorized the invasion of that country in autumn 2001. But, as Rep. Patrick Kennedy noted with disgust on Wednesday, the House press gallery was nearly empty. He concluded: "It’s despicable, the … Continue reading “War in a Box”

Dollars for Death, Pennies for Life

When the U.S. military began a major offensive in southern Afghanistan over the weekend, the killing of children and other civilians was predictable. Lofty rhetoric aside, such deaths come with the territory of war and occupation. A month ago, President Obama pledged $100 million in U.S. government aid to earthquake-devastated Haiti. Compare that to the … Continue reading “Dollars for Death, Pennies for Life”

Don’t Call It a ‘Defense’ Budget

This isn’t "defense." The new budget from the White House will push U.S. military spending well above $2 billion a day. Foreclosing the future of our country should not be confused with defending it. "Unless miraculous growth, or miraculous political compromises, creates some unforeseen change over the next decade, there is virtually no room for … Continue reading “Don’t Call It a ‘Defense’ Budget”