Monthly Archives: May 2006

Kabul Mobs Are Dangerous

  Twice in the 19th Century the British Indian Army was forced out of Kabul by murderous mobs. The first time was n the 1840s, the second in 1879.  Earlier that year the British had negotiated the "Treaty of Gandamak" … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 9 Comments

Bush Backsliding on Democracy? Richard Sale

Richard Sale writes a column for an international wire service, and has, for many years, been a reporter on the "intelligence beat." He sent me the following piece for your consideration. Pat Lang Download in_a_recent_attack_on_the_bush_administration_danielle_pletka_and_a_co.doc

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Adventures in Shialand

"There is, however, a problem with the celebration and with the U.S. troop withdrawals it may presage: The political process, though a success in its own terms, has manifestly failed to stabilize Iraq or even to produce any meaningful movement … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 44 Comments

A Failure of Leadership

"In Haditha, families of those killed keep an ear cocked to a foreign station, Radio Monte Carlo, waiting for any news of a trial of the Marines. "They are waiting for the sentence — although they are convinced that the … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 19 Comments

A Gesture of Contempt

  Iran rules out talks with U.S. over Iraq Reuters, The Associated PressFRIDAY, MAY 26, 2006 BAGHDAD The Iranian foreign minister rejected a U.S. offer of direct talks on Iraq during the first visit from a top Iranian official since … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 6 Comments

“In Cold Blood?”

"We do not employ force just for the sake of employing force. We use lethal force only when justified, proportional and, most importantly, lawful," Gen. Michael W. Hagee wrote in a statement issued by his office.  His statement and the … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 19 Comments

Welcome to the Actualization

"Irving Kristol initiated neoconservatism at least partly in revulsion at the disorder of John Lindsay’s New York. Now his son William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard and the single leading proponent (going back to the mid-1990s) of invading Iraq, … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 21 Comments

The VA Data Theft

Our friend Jon Stanley has sent me this letter concerning the risks for veterans in the recent theft of personal data from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.  He would like to make it clear that he is not in search … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 10 Comments

“–wilfullness, self-righteousness, wishful thinking”

I agree that Hayden’s testimony is momentous and shows how presumption and emotional predisposition to believe and thing to be true and then scuttle around to heap up facts to support what is mainly a desire results in disastrous intelligence … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments

Out by 2010

"A senior British official said Maliki’s unity government will speed the handover of security control from U.S.-led forces to Iraqis, letting London bring some troops home by mid-year. Three years after the invasion to topple Saddam, the United States has … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 13 Comments