The Fall of the American Empire (Writ Small)
David Petraeus was always smoke and mirrors, always the farce, even if the denizens of Washington didn’t know it.
In Afghanistan Speech, Obama Offers Token Troop Withdrawals While Maintaining the “War on Terror” Mindset
President Obama passed up an opportunity to recognize our democracy and respect the views of the vast majority of the American people with regards to the Afghanistan War.
The Urge to Surge: Washington’s 30-Year High
If, as 2011 begins, you want to peer into the future, enter my time machine, strap yourself in, and head for the past, that laboratory for all developments of our moment and beyond.
Bacevich Held Over Another Week!
When it comes to evaluating our military, Andrew Bacevich’s analyses are as accurate as they are eloquent.
Biden Embraces Myth That Surge Turned Iraq Into Good War
By embracing the myth of the surge, Joe Biden reveals the extent to which Obama has continued Bush’s strategy.
Withdrawal from Iraq: Remembering the Quaker’s Colonel
With 50,000 troops still on the ground inside Iraq and a lack of clarity when they will all come home, the war is anything but over.
A Confirmation for Petraeus Is a Confirmation of the Surge Narrative
Many hoped that the change in U.S. command in Afghanistan would prompt a discussion not of Petraeus’ qualifications, but rather, of the guiding principles and values of the war in Afghanistan.
The Surge of Ideas
As the United States approaches next year’s deadline to begin troop withdrawals from Afghanistan, questions about the legitimacy of joint military-wonk policy campaigns are churning just beneath the surface.
Sunrise or Sunset for Iraq?
The Pentagon is now calling its operation in Iraq “New Dawn.” But for Iraqis, as columnist Frida Berrigan points out, it just means same occupiers, different day.
A Lesson on Nonviolence for the President
Contrary to what the president believes, violence is not the answer.
Obama’s Surge and Pakistan
U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan is built on two coups, one in Kabul and the other in Islamabad.
President Obama’s Afghanistan Escalation Speech
An assessment of what Obama said — and what he didn’t say.
The VP Debate: Dishonest Foreign Policies
Palin and Biden both uttered an alarming number of false and misleading statements.
Basra: Echoes of Vietnam
There’s no light at the end of the tunnel, laments columnist Conn Hallinan in a comparison of the battle of Basra to the Tet offensive.
Petraeus-Crocker Hearing: Political Theater on Message
UFPJ Talking Points #57: Petraeus-Crocker hearings target Iran, justify the “surge,” and defend permanent occupation.