Follow That ‘Revolution’

The problem with Ukraine’s “orange revolution” was perhaps symbolized by the country’s entry into the Eurovision Song Contest, Greenjolly’s “Razom Nas Bahato” (Together We Are Many). Of course it’s just a coincidence that the song was the election campaign theme of Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko‘s party. It was entered at the last minute at the … Continue reading “Follow That ‘Revolution’”

Fewer and Fewer Latinos Willing to Die in Iraq

MEXICO CITY – A total of 215 Latino soldiers serving in the U.S. Army have already died in Iraq, but according to antiwar activists, this bad news comes with a silver lining: an ever smaller number of young people of Latin American descent are enlisting in the armed forces. "I’m glad that the Army is … Continue reading “Fewer and Fewer Latinos Willing to Die in Iraq”

Military Finds Itself in Twilight Zone

On the day that U.S. citizens honored the nation’s war dead, the U.S. armed forces found themselves in a twilight zone somewhere between glory and hell. On the one hand, the U.S. soldier has rarely ridden as high in terms of public image; no politician of stature – neither Democrat nor Republican, neither conservative nor … Continue reading “Military Finds Itself in Twilight Zone”

The ‘Christian Barometer’ and the Middle East

Even those who have celebrated the recent election in Iraq are concerned that it could give birth to a government dominated by Shi’ite fundamentalist parties that have little respect for the rights of women and minorities. But even those observers worried about the outcome in Iraq take some comfort in the prospect that the liberalization … Continue reading “The ‘Christian Barometer’ and the Middle East”

‘This Is the Freedom America Has Brought Us’

The mayhem continues in Iraq, with at least 40 people dead today including five U.S. soldiers in Diyala province, as the meltdown of the failed U.S.-led occupation continues. Two suicide bombers detonated themselves after walking into a crowd of police officers in Hilla, south of Baghdad. The policemen were demonstrating outside the mayor’s office to … Continue reading “‘This Is the Freedom America Has Brought Us’”

With Hand on Heart: Pelosi Admits Israel Comes First

“The lessons we should learn from all The fighting in the days of old When providence bestowed divine The sanctuary purified Let lightning circle all you hold And don’t uproot the olive grove.” – Mirah, “Jerusalem” I think it is finally time we stood up and thanked Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the darling Democrat from the … Continue reading “With Hand on Heart: Pelosi Admits Israel Comes First”

Maoist Overture to Enter Nepal’s Mainstream Politics?

NEW DELHI – While India denies that its security agencies helped arrange meetings between a top Nepali Maoist leader and its political establishment, analysts welcome dialogue with the rebels as a key to ending a seemingly intractable crisis in the neighboring Himalayan kingdom. According to S.D. Muni, a widely acknowledged expert on Himalayan affairs, engaging … Continue reading “Maoist Overture to Enter Nepal’s Mainstream Politics?”

Asia, Eastern Europe Head for Showdown Over New UN Chief

UNITED NATIONS – When UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was asked recently about his likely successor when he completes his second five-year term next year, the UN chief hinted at the possibility that an Asian might take over from him. "Yes, it is true that the secretary-general of the United Nations is elected on a [geographical] … Continue reading “Asia, Eastern Europe Head for Showdown Over New UN Chief”