Uncategorized Archives - Page 141 of 274

The Iraqi Civil Conflict: Another Reason for Bringing the Troops Home

by Raed Jarrar, Erik Leaver | Jul 12, 2006

The ongoing civil conflict in Iraq is one of the major issues being considered in the debate over future U.S. military and political steps in Iraq. A growing number of analysts argue that U.S. military forces must stay in Iraq to prevent a full-scale sectarian civil war between Sunni and Shia Arabs in Iraq. But evidence exists that the roots of the Iraqi civil conflict is political rather than sectarian, and that the best solution is finding a way to bring the troops home.

A Unilateral Ride over the Edge?

by Raed Jarrar, Erik Leaver, Yair Wallach | Jul 6, 2006

Many analysts of the escalation in Gaza seem to be interested in questions such as “who started the fight” and “who should stop first”. But the latest installment of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to be more complicated than a ping-pong match needing a lot more than “stopping” to solve it.

The Alleged Destabilizing Iranian Role in Iraq

by Ehsan Ahrari, Erik Leaver | Jul 6, 2006

In late June, the Commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq, General George Casey, upped the rhetoric against Iran accusing the regime of causing instability in Iraq. There is nothing new in this charge, since U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad made similar charges about three months ago. The current significance of this accusation is its timing, and its linkage with the ongoing nuclear research-related conflict between Washington and Tehran. Iran is presently considering its response to the comprehensive proposal made by the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany regarding its uranium enrichment program. Casey’s words are clearly measured to increase pressure upon Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s regime.

Mexico’s Democratic Transition Still Incomplete

by Mark Engler, Emily Schwartz Greco | Jul 5, 2006

As the results of the July 2 presidential elections in Mexico head to the courts, it could be several days or even weeks before the final winner is determined. The current vote counts have given a razor thin advantage to Felipe CalderÃ³n of the right-wing National Action Party (PAN), to which incumbent President Vicente Fox belongs. Still, with the margin well under one percent and with irregularities in the vote-counting process being challenged, progressive former Mexico City mayor, AndrÃ©s Manuel LÃ³pez Obrador of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), might conceivably eke out a victory. While U.S. newspapers declare CalderÃ³n the winner, Mexican electoral authorities have yet to do so, recognizing the tribunal that is reviewing disputes as the final arbiter for the race.

Repairing a Broken Iraq

by John Feffer, Col. Daniel Smith (Ret.) | Jun 30, 2006

When he took over as leader, many of his country’s 35 million inhabitants felt he was their last, and perhaps, best hope for keeping the country from unraveling. Others adopted a Âwait-and-seeÂ attitude, while still others looked upon his accession as the definitive sign that only through armed resistance would they be able to control the future course of their lives.

Military Kills Al-Zarqawi; Political Scene Filling In; Time for U.S. Focus on Exit

by John Gershman, Col. Daniel Smith (Ret.) | Jun 12, 2006

The news that Abu Masab al-Zarqawi and six aides and advisers were killed by a U.S. air strike last week is being hailed by some—again—as a “turning point” in the Iraq war.

The Regional Implications of the U.S.-India Nuclear Agreement

by Erik Leaver, Shehzad Nadeem | Apr 28, 2006

As the U.S. Senate begins debating the new nuclear agreement with India, far too little attention is being paid to the regional security implications of the deal. Instead of simply rubber stamping the deal, the Senate should examine its far reaching effects on security and nonproliferation efforts.

Peru’s Humala is Washington’s next "Worst Nightmare"

by John Gershman, Ronald Bruce St John | Apr 24, 2006

Bolivian President Evo Morales, during his recent successful campaign, repeatedly described himself as Washington’s “worst nightmare.” Ollanta Humala Tasso, the front-runner at the end of the first round of the Peruvian presidential race, could well be Washington’s next “worst nightmare.” Sharing a political philosophy with Bolivia’s Morales and Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, Humala promises to move Peru in a very different direction than that followed by outgoing President Alejandro Toledo Manrique.

Iran: The Day After

by Phyllis Bennis | Apr 20, 2006

The airwaves and the headlines are full of talk of a U.S. military strike against Iran. That is as it should be–the danger of such a reckless move is real, and rising, and we should be talking about it. The Bush administration claims that negotiations are their first choice. But they have gone to war based on lies before, and there is no reason to believe that they are telling the truth this time.

Permanent US Bases in Iraq are Immoral

by Adil E. Shamoo | Apr 20, 2006

Last February, former President Jimmy Carter said on the Larry King show, “Some of our top leaders never intend to withdraw military forces from Iraq and they are looking for [staying] ten, 20, 50 years.” He continued, “I have never heard our leaders say that …ten years from now there will be no military bases of the United States in Iraq.”