Speculation that President Obama might put significant effort into Israel-Palestine peace was fueled by his nominees for two key Cabinet posts: John Kerry for secretary of state and former Senator Chuck Hagel for secretary of defence. Since Obama’s re-election, however, there has been considerable debate in the U.S. media about whether he would re-engage in peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.
While Chuck Hagel ultimately voted to authorize the war in Iraq — despite grave misgivings — there is a perception that, in the future, Hagel would be reticent to plunge the United States into yet more reckless wars and a strong belief exists among his supporters that he will stand up for America’s sons and daughters in uniform. However, his seeming unwillingness to face up to, no less tell the whole truth about, the Vietnam War he saw should raise serious questions.
The NPT — a treaty in name only.
Drones are becoming simultaneously more fantastic and more ordinary at the same time.
Our national character is diminished in equal proportions to the degree to which our interrogation practices are “enhanced.”
Right-wingers seem to view thoughtfulness as a character flaw.
Unveiling the most extensive gun control proposal in generations, U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed nearly two dozen executive orders and called on the U.S. Congress to enact a legislative package to blunt the country’s growing trend of gun violence.
While many progressives are lauding the new moves, some are expressing regret that the president didn’t include basic initiatives to curb the significant flow of weapons from the United States into Mexico.
Understanding the implications of nuclear weapons may be too much for us mere mortals.
John Kiriakou’s life is being overturned for what amounts to an indiscretion at worst.
But standing up to AIPAC, the defense industry (and members of Congress accountable to them) and the still-powerful neocons makes the Hagel appointment a good move for Obama.