US Foreign Policy

Many different interests vie for supremacy in Afghanistan, and the new administration must stimulate an honest discussion among the stakeholders. Left out of discussions so far has been consultation with the Afghan people themselves.. I recently taught a class at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, where students were assigned various roles simulating democracy-building …

All Eyes on Afghanistan: What Should Barack Obama Do? Read More »

There are rumors that President-elect Obama is vetting Senator Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State. Taking Clinton out of the Senate and putting her in this position would be a major loss for New York, and no gain for Obama’s foreign policy team. It is true that Clinton has met many international leaders – mostly …

Senator Clinton as Secretary of State? Read More »

Today, like millions of Americans, I exercised my constitutional right to vote. I have to say, although I waited just about an hour, I am proud to exercise my right and privilege as an American. My voice joins the chorus of so many others. I am able to participate in choosing who will represent us …

Voting is not enough: Americans need to get and remain engaged! Read More »

Last night’s Presidential debate was a rehash of the same old. Senators Obama and McCain pretty much just repeated the same things they said last time. Although I somehow understand that we all have to repeat ourselves, personally I get kind of tired of reruns. Obama to his credit tried to add a few extra …

Presidential Debate Number 2 Redo Read More »

Me and Robert Fisk on GritTV! Check it out. GRITtv with Laura Flanders airs Mon-Thurs, at 8pm & 1 am ET, on Free Speech TV (DISH Network ch. 9415), on public stations and online at www.grittv.org and www.firedoglake.com/lauraflanders

No one can argue against the need for a strong foreign policy. As a nation, we face challenges ranging from terrorism and climate change to the enduring wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. None of these problems can be solved without building a better relationship with the rest of the world. None can be solved without …

Palin Power(less) Read More »

I must say that the McCain campaign certainly has a good spin-doctor. I just can’t believe anyone out there would buy it. John McCain is clearly bringing the Presidential campaign home to the Congress. His announcement today to delay his campaign and the debate sounds desperate not pressing. “He looked like what he was saying …

McCain’s Failed Stand Read More »

I am usually an optimist. Hope is not just a word. It is a feeling that I have always had deep down in my soul. Unfortunately, I am not feeling too hopeful or optimistic these days. The world it seems has lost its mind. The day before I left Afghanistan there was a double car …

Usually an Optimist Read More »

And so we pass yet another September 11th. It has been seven years since two planes tore into the twin towers at the World Trade Center in New York. Seven years after another plane collided into the Pentagon and seven years after Todd Beamer uttered, “let’s roll” in a failed, but extremely brave, attempt to …

Another September 11th Read More »

Today media sources revealed that US investigators are looking into a deadly raid conducted by US forces in the Afghan city of Herat. Afghans allege that over 90 civilians were killed in this raid, sixty of them children. US military investigators claim they found seven dead militants. The military’s refusal to acknowledge the civilian deaths …

Aimless Air Strikes in Afghanistan Read More »