Uncategorized Archives - Page 44 of 279

State of the Union’s Foreign Policy: Unilateral Triumphalism

by John Feffer | Jan 25, 2012

Obama returned to his perceived strong suit in the end to discuss how the United States must operate from a position of strength. Unfortunately, he was talking about the strength of the U.S. military. The United States should indeed set an example: of wise diplomacy, global economic equity, and sensible budget priorities at home. Perhaps the next State of the Union can begin on a note of international cooperation instead of unilateral triumphalism.

Arab Islamists Are Here to Stay

by Adil E. Shamoo | Dec 16, 2011

The hysteria of the West about the Arab awakening turning into an Arab Islamist nightmare is reaching full-blown proportions. The United States and Israel, self-appointed referees of democracy in the region despite their long-running support for the Middle East’s most corrupt and authoritarian regimes, are crying foul.

The incitement? A series of victories by Islamist parties in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. Yet, given the history of Western support for governments that simultaneously quashed secular opposition movements and persecuted Islamists, the popularity of moderate Islamist parties should come as little surprise—nor should it be cause for concern.

The New Chicken Littles

by John Feffer | Dec 13, 2011

I decided to wait a couple weeks just to make sure. So far, so good. Citizens went to the polls in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. A plurality of voters threw their support behind Islamist parties. I take a look outside. The sky is still intact.

Still, there is no shortage of Chicken Littles. After Islamist parties won three elections in a row, columnists and pundits in the West threw up their hands in horror.

Military Spending is the Weakest Job Creator

by Miriam Pemberton | Dec 12, 2011

A study commissioned by the largest defense industry trade association says that military spending creates jobs. The facts, however, indicate otherwise.

Ratcheting up the Rhetoric on Iran

by Chris Toensing | Dec 12, 2011

Nothing is certain except for death and taxes. But in campaign season, it’s awfully predictable that Democratic politicians will do a little chest-thumping about foreign policy. As the 2012 presidential contest approaches, the Obama administration is ratcheting up its rhetoric against Iran, right on cue.

Democratic Speed Bumps in Latin America

by Taylor Dibbert | Dec 9, 2011

After a decade of growing popularity, democracy has hit a slump in Latin America. A recent Latinobarómetro poll cited by The Economist in late October underscores this point. In all but three Latin American countries, fewer people than last year believe that democracy is preferable to any other type of government. In the cases of Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, the drop in support for democracy is significant.

Is Burma Really Changing?

by Iqbal Ahmed | Dec 2, 2011

The notoriously powerful military junta of Burma is loosening its grip. In an uncharacteristic move, former army general Thein Sein, who came to power in March, thwarted the Chinese-funded $3.6-billion Myitsone dam project in the state of Kachin, relenting to continuous pressure from the Burmese citizens in that region. The Burmese government has recently released more than 6,000 political prisoners. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently paying a historic visit to a country that has been closed to outside world for more than 50 years.

These events indicate that Burma may be inching toward democratic reform.

Sequestering Military Spending

by Miriam Pemberton | Nov 21, 2011

Even if sequestration cuts across all military programs, this sort of ham-handed approach is safely doable.

Iran: No Smoking Gun Found for Ticking Time Bomb

by Russ Wellen | Nov 12, 2011

It’s difficult to make the case for attacking Iran based on the new IAEA report.

Bahrain’s Courageous Doctors

by Adil E. Shamoo | Nov 7, 2011

The United States continues to ignore the thwarted Arab Spring in Bahrain. Recently, a quasi-military court in the small Gulf state sentenced 20 doctors and nurses to up to 15 years in jail. The charge against them? Treating injured demonstrators opposing the regime.