Militarization

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – In the wake of his big win in New York, I want to push back once more against the normalization of Trump as a legitimate presidential candidate, given his policy positions. Let us remember what the Republicans of New York voted for (there are hardly any […]

Militarization

The Euphemisms of War and Covering up American Military Failure

contributors

By William J. Astore | ( Tomdispatch.com) | – – Introduction | By Tom Engelhardt | – – At the moment, there are a maximum of 3,870 U.S. military personnel (or 7,740 actual boots on the ground) in Iraq supporting the war against the Islamic State. That’s the “official cap” imposed by the Obama administration, […]

Constitution

Unconstitutional: How the Imperial Presidents went to War all by themselves

contributors

By Andrew J. Bacevich| ( Tomdispatch.com ) | – – Let’s face it: in times of war, the Constitution tends to take a beating. With the safety or survival of the nation said to be at risk, the basic law of the land — otherwise considered sacrosanct — becomes nonbinding, subject to being waived at […]

Democratic Party

Dear Candidates: What’s the US Military for and What exactly do you want from the Mideast?

contributors

by Peter Van Buren | ( Tomdispatch.com) The nuances of foreign policy do not feature heavily in the ongoing presidential campaign. Every candidate intends to “destroy” the Islamic State; each has concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea, and China; every one of them will defend Israel; and no one wants to talk much […]

Militarization

Has the Pentagon become Lawless, Corrupt & only overseen by Civilian Hawks?

contributors

Gregory D. Foster | ( Tomdispatch.com ) | – – Item: Two U.S. Navy patrol boats, with 10 sailors aboard, “stray” into Iranian territorial waters, and are apprehended and held by Iranian revolutionary guards, precipitating a 24-hour international incident involving negotiations at the highest levels of government to secure their release. The Pentagon offers conflicting […]

Far Right

The US is a Center-Left Country; Why is its politics FrankenRight?

contributors

By: Paul Street | ( TeleSur | – – In a recent column opinion writer Roger Cohen notes that “Europe is alarmed by America’s’ embrace of a latter-day Mussolini” – namely Donald Trump. What Democracy? In a recent column the liberal New York Times opinion writer Roger Cohen notes that “Europe is alarmed by America’s’ […]

Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Washington’s Twenty-First-Century Opium Wars

contributors

By Alfred McCoy | ( Tomdispatch.com ) | – – In October 2001, the U.S. launched its invasion of Afghanistan largely through proxy Afghan fighters with the help of Special Operations forces, American air power, and CIA dollars. The results were swift and stunning. The Taliban was whipped, a new government headed by Hamid Karzai […]

Militarization

Is our Military-Industrial Complex a Fat Spoiled Brat?

contributors

By William J. Astore | ( Tomdispatch.com) | – – The word “affluenza” is much in vogue. Lately, it’s been linked to a Texas teenager, Ethan Couch, who in 2013 killed four people in a car accident while driving drunk. During the trial, a defense witness argued that Couch should not be held responsible for […]

Militarization

After 14 Years it sinks in: Maybe US is just not Good at Asian Counter-Insurgency

contributors

By Tom Engelhardt | (Tomdispatch.com) | – – Here’s my twenty-first-century rule of thumb about this country: if you have to say it over and over, it probably ain’t so. Which is why I’d think twice every time we’re told how “exceptional” or “indispensable” the United States is. For someone like me who can still […]