Scholars, advocates, and activists seeking to make the U.S. a more responsible global partner.
United States

Living in a Constitution-Free Zone

by | Feb 7, 2013

While a militarized enforcement regime has long existed in the U.S-Mexico borderlands, its far more intense post-9/11 version is also proving geographically expansive.  Now, the entire U.S. perimeter has become part of a Fortress USA mentality and a lockdown reality. Unlike on our southern border, there is still no wall to our north on what was once dubbed the “longest undefended border in the world.”  But don’t let that fool you. The U.S.-Canadian border is increasingly becoming a national security hotspot.

read more

It’s All About Israel

by | Feb 2, 2013

If former Defence Secretary-designate Sen. Chuck Hagel’s lacklustre performance at his confirmation hearing Thursday heartened neo-conservatives and other hawks opposed to his nomination, those who argued that the Israel lobby has been exerting too great an influence on U.S. foreign policy were ecstatic. In fact, the degree to which Israel and the threat posed to it by Iran dominated the hearing was somewhat understated: The full transcript revealed that Israel was brought up no less than 178 times, followed closely by Iran with 171 mentions.

read more

Setbacks Push Mideast Peace to Back Burner

by | Feb 1, 2013

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.

read more

The Hagel Hearings: The Last Best Chance for the Truth About a Lost War and America’s War-Making Future

by | Jan 31, 2013

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.

read more