Monthly Archives: November 2006

Head of Government, not Head of State.

"The Presidency Council appoints the Prime Minister of Iraq and cabinet (Council of Ministers of Iraq), all who must be approved by the Assembly. The Prime Minister and his cabinet exercise most of the day-to-day runnings of government, including control … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

“the politics of the last atrocity”

"It is getting worse. The Iraqi army and police are not loyal to the state. If the US army decides to confront the Shia militias it could well find Shia military units from the Iraqi army cutting the main American … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 18 Comments

A purloined letter?

"In that case, the memo suggests, it may ultimately be necessary for Mr. Maliki to recast his parliamentary bloc, a step the United States could support by pressing moderates to align themselves with the Iraqi leader and providing them with … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 21 Comments

Toward a Sunni/Neocon Entente

I am told that within the constraints of the position which the president took today at Riga, his inner circle is going about the business of constructing a "consensus" (ijma’?) of Sunni Middle Eastern forces to oppose the rise of … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 22 Comments

Bush Clarifies His Position – Riga

"National security adviser Stephen J. Hadley told reporters traveling to Estonia with President Bush: "Obviously, everyone would agree things are not proceeding well enough or fast enough." Washington must find ways to "adapt," he added. Events over the past week, … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 17 Comments

War Drums at Washpo

"The killers of Mr. Gemayel have not been identified and may never be. But the attack fits snugly into a pattern of provocations across the region by Iran and Syria, which appear to believe that American reversals in Iraq have … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 43 Comments

The Lebanese Constitution – A Technicality

"Technically, the government decision still requires the approval of President Emile Lahoud, an ally of Syria who has said the decision was unconstitutional given the ministers’ resignations. Without his approval, it would go to parliament, which can be convened only … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 7 Comments

The insurgency has funds, lots of funds

"The report, obtained by The New York Times, estimates that groups responsible for many insurgent and terrorist attacks are raising $70 million to $200 million a year from illegal activities. It says $25 million to $100 million of that comes … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 6 Comments

“Go Big” Sure, but with what?

Senator McCain, AEI and a lot of other interested parties are now advocating a medium to large troop increase in Iraq to take more aggressive action, have a greater US presence and secure large parts of the country long enough … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 43 Comments

Just heard…

Nora O’Donnell ask the following on "Hardball." Question.  What has happened in the last 48 hours to make the situation so much different in Iraq? Answer.  Nothing.  This civil war has been building gradually ever since the end of direct … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 22 Comments