Buying War Allies and ‘Friends’ with Foreign Aid

With an American invasion of Iraq imminent, nations in the region are increasingly worried about the political, social, and economic consequences of a second Gulf war. Not surprisingly, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, and Turkey are demanding more money from the U.S. to offset the costs, economic and otherwise, of such a war. Other Middle East countries … Continue reading “Buying War Allies and ‘Friends’ with Foreign Aid”

Korea: Background and Implications

I thought it might be useful to know a little more about North Korea than what is in the latest headlines, so I talked to a couple of people who have a bit of expertise and knowledge of recent history. Doug Bandow, a senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, wrote Tripwire, a book on … Continue reading “Korea: Background and Implications”

Sending American Troops to Their Deaths in Iraq?

The real cost of a war with Iraq to the American people may be incalculable in ways we have not considered. When we invade Iraq this time, unlike the last, we could sustain far more casualties than we did in Desert Storm. Iraq’s Army may have folded quickly in Kuwait, but they will be defending … Continue reading “Sending American Troops to Their Deaths in Iraq?”

War Party Stumbles

While war may be inevitable – at least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe – the War Party’s propaganda campaign is stupefyingly unconvincing. What was billed as a "Support the Troops" rally at the Alamo was held the other day, where "about 1,000" participants waved signs proclaiming "God Supports President Bush." This echoes the President’s … Continue reading “War Party Stumbles”

Occupation: Always Room for Improvement

This is a letter in response to an opinion piece in the Capital Times. Thanks for providing the fresh voice of Israeli consulate spokesman Josh Weinberg. If anything, Josh’s testament to Israel’s strong moral fiber and desperate yearning for peace is understated. Israel realizes there is always room for improvement. For example, whereas in the … Continue reading “Occupation: Always Room for Improvement”

Vive La France!

Two-hundred and twenty-five years ago, the French were instrumental in aiding the American revolutionaries in their fight against the British Empire. Today, they are once again playing a key role in aiding American fighters against another sort of Empire – this time, one based in Washington, D.C. As Dominique de Villepin, French Minister of Foreign … Continue reading “Vive La France!”

Genocide Games

Early last week, Belgium, France and Germany challenged Imperial plans for the invasion of Iraq by blocking the deployment of NATO military assets to Turkey. Ostensibly for ‘defense’ of Turkish territory, the deployments of missiles, radar planes and specialist personnel were plainly another step in His Elevated Majesty’s preparations to invade Iraq as soon as … Continue reading “Genocide Games”

Hebron, City of Terror

Israeli "security analysts" describe the Palestinian city of Hebron as a "city of terror". This is true: Israel’s state terrorism is nowhere as brutal. If you wish to see ethnic cleansing at work, Hebron is a good instance. Hebron Maps Take a look at Map 1 Hebron District. Very roughly, the district is a circle … Continue reading “Hebron, City of Terror”