Tag: soviet union

Did Reagan Win the Cold War?

My visit to the Reagan Ranch in the mountains near Santa Barbara, Calif., on the 100th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth on Feb. 6, 1911, and today’s revolutions sweeping the Arab world got me thinking about how much Reagan actually had to do with his alleged signature achievement – winning the Cold War. Conservatives would … Continue reading “Did Reagan Win the Cold War?”

Participate in a Real ‘December Review’ of the War in Afghanistan

On Nov. 25, 2010, the occupation of Afghanistan by United States and NATO forces had already lasted nine years and 50 days. This date is a significant milestone, Jason Ditz of Antiwar.com points out, because nine years and 50 days is also how long the Soviet occupation of that country lasted. “That is how long … Continue reading “Participate in a Real ‘December Review’ of the War in Afghanistan”

Entering the Soviet Era in America

Mark it on your calendar. It seems we’ve finally entered the Soviet era in America. You remember the Soviet Union, now almost 20 years in its grave. But who gives it a second thought today? Even in its glory years that “evil empire” was sometimes referred to as “the second superpower.” In 1991, after seven … Continue reading “Entering the Soviet Era in America”

Katyn and ‘The Good War’

The decapitation of the Polish government last weekend, including President Lech Kaczynski and the military leadership, on that flight to Smolensk to commemorate the Katyn Massacre, brings to mind the terrible and tragic days and deeds of what many yet call the Good War. From Russian reports, the Polish pilot waved off four commands from … Continue reading “Katyn and ‘The Good War’”

The Lessons of August

World Wars and Lessons for Empire The Great War began 95 years ago this month, with the guns of August ending what has been described as Europe’s last summer. And 64 years ago this week, two nuclear weapons used against Japanese cities signaled the end of the Second World War. The first conflict broke the … Continue reading “The Lessons of August”