Kelley B. Vlahos

Kelley Beaucar Vlahos, a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer, is a longtime political reporter for FoxNews.com and a contributing editor at The American Conservative. She is also a Washington correspondent for Homeland Security Today magazine. Her Twitter account is @KelleyBVlahos.

The Lonely Quest to Enforce War Powers

As he has many times before, Congressman Walter Jones, Republican from North Carolina stood alone on Friday. Well, not entirely. But the sparsely attended press conference he hosted to promote his resolution defending the power of Congress — and only Congress — to declare war, was yet another testament of Jones’ long and lonely march … Continue reading “The Lonely Quest to Enforce War Powers”

Diane Roark Talks NSA Retribution

Here in this space we’ve written a great deal about dedicated public servants who, in varying post-9/11 roles in the national security state, became disillusioned when they discovered corruption or outright illegalities in the system. They found blank stares, closed doors — even hostility — when approaching the proper channels for help. The critical decision … Continue reading “Diane Roark Talks NSA Retribution”

Bahrain? Never Heard of It

News that a civilian appeals court in Bahrain upheld the harsh prison terms —including several life sentences — of 13 “Arab Spring” activists last week, drew rapid fire from the human rights community. Their “crimes” — organizing largely peaceful protests to demand social and economic reforms from the ruling monarchy in 2011 — had branded … Continue reading “Bahrain? Never Heard of It”

Where Is the Domestic Jihad?

In what papers are calling “one of the most startling and potentially serious cases of an anti-government militia to be brought before the courts in recent years,” three U.S. soldiers have been arraigned for murder and may get the death penalty, stemming from charges they amassed an arsenal, plotted several domestic terror attacks, and killed … Continue reading “Where Is the Domestic Jihad?”

Tampa Lockdown: Is the RNC Really Worth It?

In an attempt to “keep it clean,” Tampa police recently conducted a sweep of the city’s strip clubs ahead of this week’s Republican National Convention, busting dancers aged 18 to 61 who were suspected of working as prostitutes. What these cops don’t know is that no amount of whitewash can hide the dirty fact that … Continue reading “Tampa Lockdown: Is the RNC Really Worth It?”

Assange Dodges Elite Media Darts

How does it feel to be one of the beautiful people? – Lennon/McCartney Media reaction to Julian Assange and his successful request for asylum in Ecuador has certainly been mixed. It ranges from outright incredulity and disdain, to euphoria over what appears to be Assange’s artful dodge from a suspiciously aggressive Swedish extradition attempt, and … Continue reading “Assange Dodges Elite Media Darts”

The Freedom 7 Are Beating Obama in Court

While Congress was dickering over doomed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the “Freedom 7” have been quietly gaining the upper hand over the federal government. In fact, their successes so far have been so underreported by the mainstream media that it is hardly known that this small but determined group of plaintiffs … Continue reading “The Freedom 7 Are Beating Obama in Court”

Clive Stafford Smith: Menace to Drone Society

Last spring at the first annual Drone Summit in Washington, Reprieve founder Clive Stafford Smith took to the stage, and by the second slide in his presentation had splashed across the screen the cherubic face of his little boy Wilfred, a British portraiture straight out of a Whistler painting. This mostly white, Western audience was … Continue reading “Clive Stafford Smith: Menace to Drone Society”

David Swanson: Man of Peace

This is the second in a series of profiles and interviews Antiwar.com is conducting this summer with activists who have made it their life’s work to challenge the mighty bulwarks of the U.S. national security state. If you haven’t seen David Swanson, chances are you’ve read his blogs and articles — invariably with headlines like … Continue reading “David Swanson: Man of Peace”

Yawn: Romney Goes Abroad

If you didn’t know that Mitt Romney is taking his campaign overseas this week to share his Mittastic worldview with the great people of England, Poland, Germany and Israel, don’t worry, not many do. Or care. Announced early this month, Gov. Romney’s upcoming deployment to these places will serve, presumably, to help boost his foreign … Continue reading “Yawn: Romney Goes Abroad”