Commentaries Archives - Foreign Policy In Focus

The Iraqi Constitution

by Phyllis Bennis, Erik Leaver | Mar 17, 2004

The signing of the interim Iraqi ÂconstitutionÂ by the Governing Council represents a significant step in U.S. efforts to legitimize its invasion and occupation of Iraq. By achieving the codification in a U.S.-supervised process of an ostensibly ÂIraqiÂ legal document, the U.S. as occupying power is hoping that its planned June 30th Âtransfer of powerÂ will be accepted globally as the Ârestoration of sovereignty to Iraq.Â In fact, that Âtransfer of powerÂ will not end the U.S. occupation, will not lead to the withdrawal of U.S. troops, and will not result in any real sovereignty for Iraq. The Constitution itself implies recognition of its impotence, as it recognizes that all Âlaws, regulations, orders, and directivesÂ issued by the U.S. occupation authorities will remain in force.

The Cross of Iron

by Conn Hallinan | Dec 19, 2003

With less than a year before the next election, the recent scandal over a sweetheart deal to lease air tankers from the Boeing Corporation underlines the enormous and disturbing power the arms industry exerts on American politics.

Whither the Special Relationship? Bush, Blair, and Britain’s Future

by Ian Williams | Dec 18, 2003

The recent spectacle of President George W. Bush being paraded through the streets of London by Tony Blair to celebrate the “Special Relationship,” provokes the question of what is so special about it. For example, during Bush’s visit, the British prime minister did not secure from his friend American adherence to international law for British internees in Guantanamo. Blair does not get listened to over expanding the UN role in Iraq, nor even over the importance of getting the Middle East peace process seriously on track.

Capturing Saddam Hussein: Will It Mean a New Day for Iraq?

by William D. Hartung | Dec 18, 2003

The capture of Saddam Hussein is an historic event by any standard. But aside from providing some dramatic footage for global TV audiences, what has really changed, for the people of Iraq, the Middle East, the United States, or the world? Despite the wave of triumphalism that has seized the Bush administration and certain U.S. media outlets, the harsh bottom lines in Iraq remain the same.

The Axis of Incoherence

by Jim Lobe | Dec 18, 2003

The drama of the recent capture of Saddam Hussein will likely serve as a short-term distraction from the broader challenge facing the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush: its continued search for a viable “exit strategy” from an Iraqi quagmire, its policy there is appearing ever more incoherent.

Bush Administration is Undermining Democracy in Palestine

by Kevin Murray | Dec 18, 2003

Aid to Palestinian civil society organizations has always been a tough sell in the United States, but perhaps never as tough as it is today. Images of Palestinians as doctors providing trauma treatment, human rights workers documenting abuses on all sides, or city dwellers planting urban gardens in Gaza seldom appear on the evening news. Palestinians are doing all of these things and more. Their work is central to any vision of a democratic future for the Palestinians, and a just solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Fighting By the Rules, Not Against Them

by Col. Daniel Smith (Ret.) | Dec 18, 2003

The guiding maxim of medicine, “Do no harm,” has a common-sense counterpart in anti-guerrilla military operations. This should not be surprising, for these military operations, when conducted by lawful governments, try to excise a perceived imminent and grave danger to civil society without causing additional trauma to the body politic.

Terrorist Attacks in Turkey: Why and How?

by Simon Roughneen | Dec 3, 2003

Why Turkey? Why now? Why twice? These are among the central questions arising from the 4 horrendous attacks on synagogues and British interests in Istanbul recently. Jewish places of worship outside of Israel have been targeted in various locations–such as Tunisia and Morocco–over the past 2 years. Britain hosted U.S. President George W. Bush on a controversial state visit the week the attacks occurred. So, within the mindset of the perpetrators, the targets in Istanbul make some sense–and the timing of the anti-British bombings had an obvious rationale.

Israelis and Palestinians Attempt to Jumpstart the Peace Process Despite Washington’s Support for Sharon

by Stephen Zunes | Dec 3, 2003

FPIF Commentary Israelis and Palestinians Attempt to Jumpstart the Peace Process Despite Washington’s Support for Sharon By Stephen Zunes | December 3, 2003 Editor : John Gershman, Interhemispheric Resource Center ( IRC ) Foreign Policy In Focus www.fpif.org

Miami’s Trade Troubles

by Mark Engler | Nov 26, 2003

Jeb Bush wanted a win in Miami, and he got one, so the White House says. Any honest observer, however, knows that the negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) failed before they ever began.