Globalizing ‘Star Wars’

I know a lot of good conservative Republicans, fierce opponents of US global military intervention, who have signed on the to the Bush administration’s National Missile Defense program for what they regard as good “isolationist” reasons. To begin with, they opine, the US does indeed have a growing number of determined enemies who would like … Continue reading “Globalizing ‘Star Wars’”

What’s Up with the Saudis?

Something really strange is going on in Saudi Arabia, but you wouldn’t know it if your primary source of news is the “mainstream” American media. It is only just now that they are getting around to reporting the facts, and even then, as we shall see, only to a limited extent and without bothering to … Continue reading “What’s Up with the Saudis?”

Who Is Ariel Sharon?

When Ariel Sharon visited an agricultural high school outside Beersheva in the final phase of his campaign to become Israel’s Prime Minister, he was met by 16-year-old Ilil Komey, whose father has suffered from shellshock in the wake of Israel’s illegal 1984 invasion of Lebanon. In a scene recorded by Israeli national television , Ms. … Continue reading “Who Is Ariel Sharon?”

The Myth of the Saddam Bomb

The no-nonsense military affairs columnist Colonel David Hackworth, who gives his readers a grunt’s-eye view of what the perfumed princes of the Pentagon are up to, writes that “war is in the wind. But you wouldn’t know it if you get your news from Brokaw, Jennings and Rather.” Ah, but you would know it if … Continue reading “The Myth of the Saddam Bomb”

Are We To Be Spared Nothing?

Is it me, or have the lies of the War Party reached the point that no one can take them seriously? Not that we ever believed them, but at least before they had some kind of internal consistency, a logic, albeit twisted, that invited refutation. But now, it seems, they are desperately flailing about for … Continue reading “Are We To Be Spared Nothing?”

By Jingo!

In 1878, as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing and the Russians were on the brink of liberating the Christian Balkans from the Islamic yoke, British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli moved to block the Russian advance. As Russian troops advanced on Constantinople, Queen Victoria informed Disraeli she felt that she couldn’t remain “the sovereign of a … Continue reading “By Jingo!”

Cold War Follies: There’s No Business Like Show Business

The dawning of the Age of Bush (II) brings with it a fresh crop of hysterics: bogeymen, old and new, are back in the news. Once again, the specter of Saddam haunts the imagination of editorial writers and policy wonks, right and left: we are reminded that, having been bombed back to the Stone Age, … Continue reading “Cold War Follies: There’s No Business Like Show Business”

Inaugural Fireworks Over Iraq?

I hate to say I told you so – really I do, especially in this case – but reports are circulating that US military forces in Europe have been placed on alert status “Bravo” – and are about ready to go into action. Target: the Middle East. According to WorldNetDaily, US and British troops are … Continue reading “Inaugural Fireworks Over Iraq?”