Iran has been willing to deal for at least a decade. Why are there still calls for more sanctions?
Affirming Somali Sovereignty
Somalia is, on paper, a sovereign state. But for the past two decades, beset by endless civil strife, secessionism, and regionalism, it has been anything but. The international community has acted as a de-facto caretaker of Somali affairs in the absence of a credible central government, with troops from African states continuing to provide security assistance. But this has begun to change.
Reinforcing Washington’s Asia-Pacific Hegemony
A year ago, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signaled a major transformation in U.S. foreign policy in an article titled “America’s Pacific Century,” which announced the U.S. “pivot” toward Asia, the Pacific, and the strategically important Indian Ocean. The expansion comes at a price for the region’s people.
Hillary Clinton in Laos, Where Our Past Lies Buried
The United States continues to give short shrift to removing unexploded bombs from Laos.
A Bomb-Free Future for Laos
Almost 40 years have passed since the end of the secret U.S. bombing campaign over Laos, and U.S.-Lao relations have made impressive strides. On her trip to Laos, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should reaffirm America’s commitment to cleaning up the deadly mess it left behind.
U.S. Sides With Israel’s Nukes Over Iran’s Lack Thereof
The United States sides with a state with an illegal nuclear weapons program over one without one.
In the Garden by the Lake
One anonymous commentator says
do Suu Kyi and Hilary have
the same hair stylist what
they don’t realize is Burma is
very hot both climatically and
politically pulled back hair
off the face is best.
In the garden they hold hands like
long lost sisters.
Appeasement Complex
Back in 2008 when the Burmese military junta announced a new constitution as a step toward civilian rule, the international community responded with considerable skepticism. The military didn’t look as though it intended to give up any real power. When Thein Sein won election as president earlier this year, The New York Times described it as “a move that cements the military’s control of a new political system.” The new president was widely considered a puppet of the top military general Than Shwe.
Sometimes, though, puppets manage to take on a life of their own.
What Does It Feel Like to Break Bread With a Murderer Slash Torturer?
The Frank Wisner debacle was a “who’s in charge here?” moment for both President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton.
Make 1325 Real for Women’s Peace and Security
October 31 marked the tenth anniversary of the momentous UN resolution on women, peace and security—UNSCR 1325. This set a new international standard that requires all parties—the UN, states, and armed militias—to ensure that women participate fully in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction. If this really worked, it would transform our militarized world.