Archive
Washington’s Dangerous New Military Strategy
The Iraq War was a disaster, so the U.S. needs a new foreign policy. Instead of invading foreign countries with tens of thousands of troops and trying to occupy and control the political process, President Barack Obama has embraced a new foreign military policy relying on “unmanned” drones and limited counterinsurgency forces.
Congress Must Pass a Farm Bill in 2012
There’s a nasty fight brewing in Washington over the budget that could determine whether a farm bill is enacted in 2012. Given the gridlock that has afflicted Congress since before this election year even got underway, some lawmakers say it should wait until 2013. I couldn’t disagree more. Our farm and food system is broken, and it’s wrecking the lives of family farmers here in the United States and across the globe.
Libya’s Lessons
Libya is commonly counted as a success story among the ongoing Arab uprisings. NATO bombing, the story goes, saved thousands of lives and allowed Libyans to overthrow the absurd and murderous Muammar Gaddafi. The intervention proves that the West has aligned its interests in the Arab world with its values — and may even be a measure of redemption for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the deeper colonial past.
Iraq Takes It Personally
Iraq is a gift that keeps on giving. We kicked out their murderous dictator for them, helped them institute democracy, poured hundreds of millions into their recovery, and tried our best to interrupt their civil war. Then we left — or at least our combat troops did.
Treating Sick Rich Folks
In these trying times of health care austerity, it reaffirms one’s faith in humanity to learn that many hospitals are now going the extra mile to provide top quality care for all.
Dr. Strangedrone
Raw Trade Deals
After years of debate and delay, Congress finally passed those free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama. There go 159,000 more jobs that we’re likely to lose to Seoul after the Korean deal goes into effect on March 15, according to the Economic Policy Institute. And 55,000 to Bogotá, after the Colombian pact becomes operative too.
Corporations Commit Atrocities, My Friend
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a crucial case yesterday that could have major ramifications for corporate accountability.
Polls and Local Resolutions Underscore Support for Military Spending Cuts
In Washington, senators and Pentagon officials are saying the sky will fall if we cut one more cent from the military budget. But a very different message is building in the heartland.
The Lineup: Week of Feb. 27-March 4, 2012
Scott Williams explains why Congress should preserve funding that makes it safer to ride bicycles.
