Sheldon Richman

Whatever’s Going on in Oregon, It’s Not Terrorism

A key to understanding the political world lies in realizing that the words terrorism and terrorist are inherently political terms. This has been clear in international affairs, but we now see this in domestic matters, specifically the case involving ranchers Dwight and Steve Hammond and the takeover of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service building in Harney … Continue reading “Whatever’s Going on in Oregon, It’s Not Terrorism”

The Season of Peace Requires Action Not Songs

It’s the time of year when people sing about peace and goodwill. Unfortunately in the United States, too little thought accompanies the nice words. Otherwise Americans would be in the streets demanding that President Obama shut down the war machine. They would also be repudiating every presidential candidate who endorses the fundamentals of America’s criminal … Continue reading “The Season of Peace Requires Action Not Songs”

America’s Asymmetrical War Against the Muslim World

The demagogic exaggeration of the “terrorist threat,” which was the centerpiece of the last Republican debates, is easily deflated with just a moment’s thought. What is the chance that any particular resident of the United States will happen to be in the same place as someone who intends to murder in the name of the Islamic State, … Continue reading “America’s Asymmetrical War Against the Muslim World”

A Conspiracy of Fear-Mongers

Over the weekend CNN breathlessly reported as “Breaking News” – it breathlessly reports everything as “Breaking News” – a new poll indicating that people are increasingly frightened about terrorism. The accompanying web story stated, “Terrorism has eclipsed the economy as voters’ top pick for the biggest issue facing America, a New York Times/CBS News poll has … Continue reading “A Conspiracy of Fear-Mongers”

US Foreign Policymakers Cannot Be Trusted

The megalomaniacs of the Washington power elite actually think they can mold the Middle East to their specifications. No calamity resulting from their clumsy machinations ever causes them to rethink this preposterous conceit. Look at some of their more recent handiwork. In 2003, on the basis of shoddy intelligence if not conscious lies, President George … Continue reading “US Foreign Policymakers Cannot Be Trusted”

No Intervention in Syria

If after the debacles in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya (dare I say Vietnam?) some people still want the U.S. government to intervene — further — in the war inside Syria (but fueled by outsiders), we must conclude, not that they can’t learn the lessons of recent history, but that they won’t because doing so would … Continue reading “No Intervention in Syria”

The US Versus the Egyptian People

The last thing the U.S. policy elite wants is real democracy in Egypt. That country has been a linchpin of American foreign policy for more than 30 years precisely because its government has been able to defy the will of the Egyptian people. If that should change now, America’s rulers and their Israeli partners will … Continue reading “The US Versus the Egyptian People”

This Revolution Will Do Until the Real Thing Comes Along

Neoconservatives like Charles Krauthammer warn that the popular uprising against U.S.-financed Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak could easily become a victory for radical Islamists. The neoconservatives scoff at assurances that the Muslim Brotherhood has traded violence for a constructive role in Egyptian society and democratic politics. Indeed, the neocons argue, the Brotherhood, as the best-organized force … Continue reading “This Revolution Will Do Until the Real Thing Comes Along”