Turkey, America, and Empire’s Twilight

When U.S. forces found themselves beset by a growing insurgency in Iraq following their lightning overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the most obvious parallel that came to mind was Vietnam: an occupying army, far from home, besieged by a shadowy foe. But Patrick Cockburn, the Independent‘s ace Middle East reporter, suggested that the escalating chaos was … Continue reading “Turkey, America, and Empire’s Twilight”

Brazil, Turkey Defy US on Nuke Vote Against Iran

After several months of closed-door negotiations and shuttle diplomacy, the United States succeeded Wednesday in getting a new Security Council resolution — the fourth in a series — imposing a fresh set of sanctions penalizing Iran for its nuclear program But the most powerful political body at the United Nations refused to give the United … Continue reading “Brazil, Turkey Defy US on Nuke Vote Against Iran”

How Dare They Make a Deal With Iran?

“I think this announcement is as convincing an answer to the efforts undertaken in Tehran over the last few days as any we could provide,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on START (strategic arms reduction treaty) on May 18, announcing the introduction of a draft resolution to … Continue reading “How Dare They Make a Deal With Iran?”

Brazil-Turkey Deal with Iran Undermines Big Power Politics

When Brazil and Turkey clinched a deal with Iran over its disputed nuclear program last weekend, the two non-permanent members of the Security Council not only challenged the unbridled political power exercised by the five big powers but also jeopardized U.S. plans for a unanimous resolution imposing sanctions against Tehran. As a result, the 15-member … Continue reading “Brazil-Turkey Deal with Iran Undermines Big Power Politics”

Brazil-Turkey-Mediated Iran Deal Puts Ball in US Court

The administration of President Barack Obama has reacted skeptically to the nuclear swap accord signed Monday by Iran, Turkey, and Brazil, suggesting that Tehran would have to take significant additional steps to satisfy U.S. and Western demands to curb its nuclear program. “We acknowledge the efforts that have been made by Turkey and Brazil,” White … Continue reading “Brazil-Turkey-Mediated Iran Deal Puts Ball in US Court”