Updated at 6:55 p.m. EST, Nov. 27, 2008Parliament today approved a contentious U.S.-Iraqi security agreement that will allow U.S. troops to stay in the country for three more years. Meanwhile, at least eight Iraqis were killed and 43 more were wounded in the latest...
Who Rules the Pentagon?
The Obama national security "team" part of that much-hailed "team of rivals" does not yet exist, but it does seem to be heaving into view. And so far, its views seem anything but rivalrous. Mainstream reporters and pundits lovingly refer to them as...
No Amnesty for Bush Administration, Say Torture Opponents
Judging by the rare leaks from President-elect Barack Obama's transition team, investigations and prosecutions of high-level George W. Bush administration officials for torture and war crimes are a distant prospect. But likely or not, that won't stop pundits from...
Wednesday: 35 Iraqis Killed, 24 Wounded
Updated at 11:51 p.m. EST, Nov. 26, 2008At least 35 Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded in the latest attacks. No Coalition deaths were reported. Meanwhile, Parliament delayed voting on a proposed U.S.-Iraqi security agreement until tomorrow, and Kurdish...
The Bailout, the Media, and the War Party
One is hardly ever shocked anymore: that seems to be the defining characteristic of modernity. Yet I got to experience that rare sensation the other day when I read this blog item on LewRockwell.com. Aha! I thought. So that's why the MSNBCers are hailing the Big...
Eyes Wide Shut
The day before yesterday, two documents appeared side by side in Ha'aretz: a giant advertisement from the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the results of a public opinion poll. The proximity was accidental, but to the point. The PLO ad sets out the...
Meeting Medvedev Halfway
The morning after Barack Obama's election, the congratulatory message from Moscow was in the chilliest tradition of the Cold War. "I hope for constructive dialogue with you," said Russia's president, "based on trust and considering each other's interests." Dmitry...
Hemispheric Group Calls for Major Changes in Americas Policy
An elite inter-American commission sponsored by a think-tank that is considered close to likely key policymakers in the administration of President-elect Barack Obama is calling for sharp break in U.S. policy toward Latin America, a substantial opening toward Cuba,...
Tuesday: 3 GIs, 6 Iraqis Killed; 10 Iraqis Wounded
Updated at 7:30 p.m. EST, Nov. 25, 2008At least six Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in a day of light violence. Two U.S, servicemembers were killed in Mosul, while a third GI died in Diyala. Meanwhile, it is the last day of debate before parliament votes...
Robert Gates’ Urge to Surge
It may become a biennial ritual. Every two years, if the commander in chief (or the commander in chief-elect) says he wants to throw more troops into an unwinnable war for no clear reason other than his political advantage, panderer in chief Robert Gates will shout...


