The book Gaza Writes Back is a collection of short stories from twenty young Gazans. Although published in 2013, the book is highly relevant today. The stories reveal how the last five months is the culmination of a process which has been going on for decades. The title is curious: “Gaza Writes Back”. Perhaps it … Continue reading “Gazans Tell What Its Like To Live Under the Israeli Siege”
Israel’s Conscientious Objectors Stand on the Shoulders of Giants
According to legend, the organization I lead, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, was founded in August 1914 when a British Quaker and a German Lutheran shook hands at a railway station in Cologne. With England on the cusp of joining World War I, they pledged, “We are one in Christ and can never be at war.” … Continue reading “Israel’s Conscientious Objectors Stand on the Shoulders of Giants”
Cut Off War Funds by Stopping the Congressional Discharge Petition
UPDATED March 30: No signatures while Congress is out of session – which means the Easter recess puts a stop to it until Monday, April 8. Nothing can justify a genocide. And nothing can justify providing weaponry and support for those conducting a genocide. Nevertheless, the US Senate on February 13 passed a bill that … Continue reading “Cut Off War Funds by Stopping the Congressional Discharge Petition”
Close-up of Death Culture: 1,000 in Entertainment Biz Proclaim Support for Gaza Slaughter
Last week, Variety reported that “more than 1,000 Jewish creatives, executives and Hollywood professionals have signed an open letter denouncing Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The Zone of Interest’ Oscar speech.” The angry letter is a tight script for a real-life drama of defending Israel as it continues to methodically kill civilians no less precious than the signers’ … Continue reading “Close-up of Death Culture: 1,000 in Entertainment Biz Proclaim Support for Gaza Slaughter”
An Escalatory Game for Fools and Madmen
Last Friday, I addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Below is the video of my statement, along with a transcript. My friend Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi also provided an Arabic translation of my comments. As an aside, Aymenn is one of the best Middle Eastern and geo-political analysts I know. You can follow him on … Continue reading “An Escalatory Game for Fools and Madmen”
Iraq Weekly Roundup: 21 Killed
Cutting the Pentagon Down to Size
Reprinted from TomDispatch. It’s one of the stranger phenomena on this planet. By 2023, the U.S. was estimated to spend more money on its “defense budget” than the next 10 countries combined. Yes, the next 10! And yet, whether you’re talking about Korea and Vietnam in the last century, or Afghanistan, Iraq, and so many … Continue reading “Cutting the Pentagon Down to Size”
Can Congress Ban TikTok?
“Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” ~ First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution When James Madison set about to draft the Bill of Rights – the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution – he was articulating what lawyers and philosophers and judges call “negative rights.” A positive right grants a privilege, like a driver’s … Continue reading “Can Congress Ban TikTok?”
What Does the Coup in Niger Tell Us about the War in Ukraine?
On July 28, 2023, a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani kicked out the democratically elected government of Niger. On March 16, 2024, the coup government kicked the United States out of Niger. Niger, and a cooperative government in Niger, are important to the United States. “Niger is a strong ally of western nations, especially … Continue reading “What Does the Coup in Niger Tell Us about the War in Ukraine?”
How the West Upended the World’s Best Figure Skater To Undermine Russia
I recommend readers take a very pleasant few minutes to watch Kamila Valieva skating two months before the sole positive test so you see what we are talking about. On 7 February 2022, the Beijing Olympics was underway and drawing international attention. Under the theme “One world, One family”, the opening ceremony was spectacular. In … Continue reading “How the West Upended the World’s Best Figure Skater To Undermine Russia”