Before we get cynical about 2014, let’s recount the good news from 2013: declining U.S. militarism, a resurgence of diplomacy, and a more forceful global discussion about inequality.
Tax Dollars for Sweatshops
While feigning outrage at worker abuse in Bangladesh, the U.S. government has been quietly supporting the same sweatshop factories used by Wal-Mart and the Gap.
More Sanctions on Iran = Uranium Enriched to a Higher Grade
Both U.S. members of Congress calling for new Iran sanctions and hard-liners in Iran assault President Rouhani from each side.
Ten Good Things about 2013
2013 had its fair share of bad news, but it was also a year of extraordinary activism.
To Washington, Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan Has Gone Off the Reservation
Recep Tayyio Erdogan’s political instincts seem to have deserted him.
Beta Testing Drones on Unwitting Subjects
Civilians are the innocent victims of U.S. use of an unproven technology ― drones.
Foreign Policy Thin-Sliced (12/26)
Show George W. Bush some love.
Nelson Mandela’s Closest Allies
Though Western leaders now lionize Nelson Mandela, the only leaders who stood up for his struggle when it counted were those most demonized by the West.
Bluster and Blowback in Beirut
Although Hezbollah looks increasingly likely to weather Syria’s civil war, blowback from hardline Sunnis at home may prove a longer-term challenge.
U.S. Determined to Re-freeze Thaw in Relations With Iran
The U.S. is acting in bad faith by levying more sanctions on Iran after it agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment.