Repress U., Class of 2024

Sometimes it seems as if we just can’t learn, even when we’re talking about America’s centers of higher learning, its colleges and universities. In mid-April — the day after being grilled and intimidated by House Republicans — Columbia University’s president Nemat “Minouche” Shafik decided not to listen to, or even negotiate with, her own students. … Continue reading “Repress U., Class of 2024”

The Message of Israel’s Torture Chambers Is Directed at Us All, Not Just Palestinians

On a misty November morning 21 years ago, I was desperately trying to remain camouflaged. Concealed in the foliage of an orange grove in Israel’s rural Galilee, I hurriedly took photos of a drab concrete building not marked on any map. Even the original road sign identifying the site as Facility 1391 had been removed … Continue reading “The Message of Israel’s Torture Chambers Is Directed at Us All, Not Just Palestinians”

It’s Time for Diplomacy, Not Threats

Recently, there have been a number of indicators of the waning impact of  threats by the U.S. government. Attempts to advance the U.S. government’s foreign policy interests by making threats in Niger, at the International Criminal Court, and in China have recently all failed to bring about their desired outcome. On March 16, 2024, the … Continue reading “It’s Time for Diplomacy, Not Threats”

The Danger Is Not China But the Fake China Threat

At times a book is convincing not only because its arguments are sound but also because of the author’s identity.  It would be no surprise to encounter a book penned by a socialist or Sinophile that takes on the false portrait of China that graces the US media.  But Joseph Solis-Mullen, the author of The … Continue reading “The Danger Is Not China But the Fake China Threat”

US Must Accept Spheres of Influence To Preserve Peace

U.S. leaders once understood and accepted that strong powers would insist on a security zone and broad sphere of influence in their immediate geographic region. An especially persistent feature of international affairs has been the existence of spheres of influence. Major powers routinely seek to shape the international system to their advantage and exclude, or … Continue reading “US Must Accept Spheres of Influence To Preserve Peace”

Constant Killing: The Pentagon’s .00035% Problem

Originally appeared at TomDispatch. Yes, the number of deaths in Gaza in the last seven months is staggering. At least, 35,000 Gazans have reportedly perished, including significant numbers of children (and that’s without even counting the possibly 10,000 unidentified bodies still buried under the rubble that now litters that 25-mile-long stretch of land). But shocking … Continue reading “Constant Killing: The Pentagon’s .00035% Problem”

Nakba Resurrected – How the Gaza Resistance Ended Segmentation of Palestine

Inadvertently, Israel has pressed the reset button on its war with the Palestinian people, taking back the so-called conflict to square one. Save a few self-serving Palestinian officials affiliated with the Palestinian Authority (PA), most Palestinians do not seem consumed with the return to the peace process, or even engaged in discussions about two state … Continue reading “Nakba Resurrected – How the Gaza Resistance Ended Segmentation of Palestine”

Jewish Students Opposing Gaza Genocide, a Powerful Counter to Antisemitism

The many Jewish students in the campus encampments, along with other Jews protesting the Gaza phase of the Palestinian Genocide, deserve the highest praise for many reasons.  One reason is that by their deeds they are countering what might otherwise turn into a wave of antisemitism. The portrait of the encampments in much of the … Continue reading “Jewish Students Opposing Gaza Genocide, a Powerful Counter to Antisemitism”

Dr. King’s Words on Vietnam Still Ring True for Gaza

As Israeli troops continue their assault in Rafah, increasing the death toll and displacing – yet again – hundreds of thousands of Gazans, there’s much to be learned from recalling Dr. Martin Luther King’s visionary words on Vietnam 57 years ago. Breaking his silence on a war that by then had claimed over 20,000 American … Continue reading “Dr. King’s Words on Vietnam Still Ring True for Gaza”