Coming to terms with NATO’s intervention in the Libyan civil war is a little like wresting a grizzly bear: big, hairy, and likely to make one pretty uncomfortable no matter where you grab a hold of it. Is it a humanitarian endeavor? A grab for oil resources? Or an election ploy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy?
If attacking Libya’s forces leads to the deposal of Gaddafi, who has previously backed down to Western pressure, other states will question the point of cooperating with the West.
The United States comprises the better part of NATO.
The Iraq War was approved by both congressional houses, but there’s been neither a vote nor even a debate on Libya.
Brazil’s rise in a way parallels the demise of U.S. influence in the region.
Washington’s optimal position may be as a concerned bystander to developments in post-revolutionary Egypt.
Which is worse: drone strikes or torture?
Can Obama change Africa policy as Big Oil and other powerful U.S. companies remain a serious challenge to peace and stability on the continent?
The difficulty getting New START passed means ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty isn’t happening anytime soon.
The Bush-negotiated, NAFTA-esque trade agreement with Korea that President Obama is pushing makes him look more Clintonian than ever.