Peace and Security
Modernizing Memorial Day
Whoever made the decision to open the National September 11 Memorial Museum just a few days before Memorial Day was both bold and intuitive. The theme of remembrance unites both events, but the 9/11 memorial is a departure because it is dedicated to those so often...
As Another North Korean Nuclear Test Looms, What’s Washington’s Response?
South Korea and U.S. intelligence sources believe that North Korea is on the brink of another nuclear test. What is Washington doing to stop it? Very little. Washington hasn't even picked up the phone to call Pyongyang. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has responded by...
A Loveless Diplomatic Marriage with No Future
Among the would-be therapists of the foreign policy world, the alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia is a textbook case of a "loveless marriage." Though the values of the two states are at odds, or so the thinking goes, the great democracy and the...
The Diplomatic Dance with Iran
A six-month diplomatic dance with Iran is underway — each step as dainty as a minuet because any misstep is weighted with danger. The issue is Iran's nuclear research program and the UN inspections that are taking place as a result. And while each side has its own...
A Tortured Twist on Ethics
George Orwell wisely observed that our understanding of the past, and the meaning associated with it, directly influences the future. And as the unprecedented public feud between the CIA and Congress makes clear, there are still significant aspects of our recent...
Washington Gives Peace a Chance
It's hard to get your mind wrapped around Russia's annexation of Crimea and seizure of Ukrainian military bases there. It was — and many Ukrainians say still is — part of a neighboring sovereign country until mid-March. And it seemed like Europe had transcended that...
Leave No War Behind
55 Years Is Enough
Dressed in a blazer, sweater, and gloves to protect him from the cold of a DC winter, petite 79-year old Reverend Raul Suarez loves to tell his story. The Reverend asked us to stand up and stretch our hands out towards him, as he stretched his hands out towards us....
Held Captive by Bad Policy
The War on Veterans
Do you remember Cory Remsburg? He's the Army Ranger who received a standing ovation from Congress during President Barack Obama's State of the Union address a few weeks ago. Applause is nice, especially from such influential people. It sure beats those cuts the...