Democratic Progress in Honduras, Setbacks in El Salvador
The last decade saw democratization in El Salvador and brutal repression in Honduras. Suddenly, those trends appear to have reversed.
The “Selling” of Degrowth
Can those who advocate hitting the brakes on economic growth get their message across before it’s too late?
War with Russia?
Here’s what Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv can do to avoid the next world war.
U.S. Cold War with China: First Stop, Equatorial Guinea
Officials are hyping the threat of a potential Chinese naval base facing the Atlantic to get yet more funding for military operations.
The Not-So-Great Game
The current Great Game centers on Iran and the efforts particularly of the United States and Israel to prevent the country from going nuclear. The 19th-century battle over turf and influence in Central Asia lasted decades and sent armies slogging their way across high mountains and unforgiving plains. The current standoff, by contrast, could escalate in a matter of hours, if Israel launches a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Iran retaliates directly or through proxies.
Congressional Briefing: Okinawa Marine Bases and U.S. Military Spending
Can we close the Futenma U.S. Marine Base in Japan Without Constructing Additional Marine Bases in Okinawa?
Israel v. Iran: “U.S. Assets” Might Not Be American
Who knew that the term “U.S. assets” was a category broad enough to include the entire state of Israel?
Pentagon Well-Fed While States and Cities Live on Subsistence Diet
Under last year’s deficit-reduction deal, domestic spending is dropping about one-quarter from 2010 levels. Meanwhile, military spending, which is supposed to be cut equally, is barely being nicked.
Maintaining Capability to Wage a Second War Asking for Trouble
The ability to wage a second war is like having a two-car garage. You may not need two cars, but chances are you’ll own that second car sooner or later.
Humala: Chavez Clone or Washington Partner?
As per tradition in Latin American politics, election season means vicious personal attacks against individuals running for office. In Peru, the 2011 campaign season saw Ollanta Humala of the Peruvian Nationalist Party attacked for his friendship with Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, as well as for the legacy of his brother Antauro, currently in prison for leading a failed uprising in January 2005 that left several police officers dead in the Andean town of Andahuaylas.
Apple’s iEconomy a Veritable Labor Dystopia
Thanks to Mike Daisey’s appearance on “This American Life,” denial about Apple’s labor abuses has become impossible.
Burma: Don’t Believe the Hype
Burma’s President Thein Sein’s token democratic measures show he may still be but a front for the previous ruling junta.
Dear Secretary Panetta: U.S. Taxpayers Have Better Things to Do With Their Money Than Fund Nukes in Europe
The Project for Government Oversight appeals to Secretary of Defense Panetta to cease deploying U.S. nuclear weapons to Europe.
Iran and Post-Withdrawal Iraq
With the United States formally ending its military operations in Iraq, many analysts are beginning to examine Iran’s deep influence in the country. In light of of Iran’s growing tensions with the Westover its burgeoning nuclear program, Tehran’s maneuvers in Iraq carry tremendous strategic implications.