All Commentaries
Nothing “Off-base” About Ron Paul’s Estimates of U.S. Bases Overseas
Washington Post ombudsman needs his fact-checking checked.
In the Aftermath of Libya: a Chance to Define “Responsibility to Protect”
Responsibility to protect (R2P) must focus on persuading militias to lay down their arms and commit to a political process.
Proactive Syrian Opposition Intent on Not Becoming Another Iraq or Libya
With his reporting from Syria for alJazeera, Nir Rose has provided not only a comprehensive overview, but stunning insights.
Shifting Winds in the South China Sea
The South China Sea, although far from tranquil, has yet to revert to the volatility and violence witnessed in the late 1980s. However, current efforts to maintain stability and implement confidence-building measures could soon be overtaken by environmental changes in the region.
Republicans Keep Shifting Targets: Iran Now in the Crosshairs
One reason that Republicans seek war with Iran is that if it becomes a mess, it could hurt President Obama as the failed hostage rescue mission did Jimmy Carter.
New Economy Transformation: Obama Budget Won’t Help
The military spending cut is real for the first time, but only about 1% of the Pentagon’s total.
Iran: Outgunned in the Gulf
Iran has threatened to close the Straits of Hormuz – a “choke point” in the Persian Gulf through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil passes – if the West imposes sanctions against Iran’s petroleum exports. This threat is not without historic parallel. In 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and launched its war against the United States after Washington blockaded oil shipments to Tokyo. Japan relied on 80 percent of its oil from the United States; oil sales make up 80 percent of Iran’s exports. A complete oil embargo on Iran, just as it would have done to Imperial Japan, would result in economic calamity.
Low Tax Rates for the Rich Harm Not Only the Economy, But Defense
When the corporate rich don’t pay their fair share of taxes, it leaves us more vulnerable to attack.
South Korea Cracks Down on Dissent
On February 8, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) raided the Seoul and Incheon offices of the South Korean NGO, Solidarity for Peace and Reunification in Korea (SPARK) for violating the National Security Law (NSL). The NIS also searched the homes of two of SPARK’s leadership, confiscated their notebooks and cell phones, andshut down the server of its website, Jinbo.net.
Georgia: NATO Membership in Exchange for Use as a Base for War With Iran?
New hospitals and air bases built in Georgia have led to speculation they’re to support U.S. attack on Iran.