Did Defense Department general counsel Jeh C. Johnson really think invoking Martin Luther King, Jr.’s name in the service of our presence in Afghanistan would fly?
The Misuse of Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Focal Points Blog
New York Times Finally Deigns to Cover Tunisia
The U.S. State Department needs to know whether a post-Ben Ali government would maintain Tunisia’s commitments to AFRICOM and support for extraordinary rendition.
U.S. Renews Anachronistic Campaign to Stamp Out Coca Leaf Chewing
Apparently Washington fears that even a modest change to a 1961 convention could call into the question its drug control regime.
Israel’s Premier Theatre Company Presents Explosive Palestinian Drama
Return to Haifa, an Israeli’s adaptation of a Palestinian’s novella, is playing in Washington.
Pro-Democracy Uprising Fails to Keep Washington From Backing Tunisian Dictatorship
When the uprisings began, the U.S. Congress saw fit to pass a budget resolution that included $12 million in security assistance to Tunisia’s regime.
Southern Sudan’s Cause for Celebration to Take a Toll on Darfur
High turnout and jubilation on the part of voters is a reflection of their desire to free themselves from decades of oppression by Northern Sudan-dominated regimes.
Tunisia: Yezzi Fock (Enough!)
When young resister immolated himself, he likely took the political futures of the Tunisian president and his wife with him.
Does Russian Defense Spending Mark Its Wholesale Return to Cold War Mentality?
Amid concerns over losing even more ground to NATO military power, Russia is set to engage in a large-scale military overhaul.
Obits for “Fabled Hero” of Vietnam War, Vang Pao, Omit CIA Drug Connection
Van Pao’s “secret army” was financed by the CIA as part of the war against North Vietnam. Is the U.S. also tolerating and empowering drug lords in Afghanistan?
Thanks to New START, You Too Can “Ride Out” a Nuclear Attack
U.S. nuclear-war policy has always been poised between deterrence — riding out a nuclear attack before responding — and launch on warning — an itchy trigger finger.