Norman Solomon

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

The March of Folly, Continued

To understand what’s up with President Obama as he escalates the war in Afghanistan, there may be no better place to look than a book published 25 years ago. The March of Folly, by historian Barbara Tuchman, is a chilling assessment of how very smart people in power can do very stupid things – how … Continue reading “The March of Folly, Continued”

Getting a Death Grip on Memory

A headline in the New York Times announced a few days ago: "Brain Researchers Open Door to Editing Memory." This news ran above the fold on the front page.  "Suppose scientists could erase certain memories by tinkering with a single substance in the brain," the article began. Readers quickly learned that it’s starting to happen: … Continue reading “Getting a Death Grip on Memory”

Af-Pak Escalation May Be Democrats’ Undoing

Top Democrats and many prominent supporters – with vocal agreement, tactical quibbles, or total silence – are assisting the escalation of the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The predictable results will include much more killing and destruction. Back home, on the political front, the escalation will drive deep wedges into the Democratic Party. … Continue reading “Af-Pak Escalation May Be Democrats’ Undoing”

These Colors Cannot Run… Afghanistan

Is your representative speaking out against escalation of the Afghanistan war? Last week, some members of Congress sent President Obama a letter that urged him to “reconsider” his order deploying 17,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Everyone in the House of Representatives had ample opportunity to sign onto the letter. Beginning in late February, it … Continue reading “These Colors Cannot Run… Afghanistan”

Freeing Up Resources… for More War

Hours after President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress, the New York Times printed the news that he plans to gradually withdraw "American combat forces" from Iraq during the next 18 months. The newspaper reported that the advantages of the pullout will include "relieving the strain on the armed forces and freeing up … Continue reading “Freeing Up Resources… for More War”

Why Are We Still at War?

The United States began its war in Afghanistan 88 months ago. The "war on terror" has no sunset clause. As a perpetual emotion machine, it offers to avenge what can never heal and to fix grief that is irreparable. For the crimes against humanity committed on Sept. 11, 2001, countless others are to follow, with … Continue reading “Why Are We Still at War?”

44 Years Later, LBJ’s Ghost Hovers Over the 44th President

A few days after the inauguration, in a piece celebrating the arrival of the Obama administration, New York Times columnist Bob Herbert wrote that the new president has clearly signaled: "No more crazy wars." I wish. Last week – and 44 years ago – there were many reasons to celebrate the inauguration of a president … Continue reading “44 Years Later, LBJ’s Ghost Hovers Over the 44th President”