- Posts in Chronological Order
Personal relations, Kerry and Lavrov, facts on the ground, and the search for solutions in Syria
May 19, 2013
U.N. General Assembly Adopts New Resolution on Syria (Doc. A/67/L.63) (May 15)–with vote tally
May 17, 2013
Benghazi reactions: Commentary, opinion and analysis
May 16, 2013
Obama and…the AP phone records, Benghazi, the IRS, or Syria?
May 13, 2013
Benghazi and Beyond
May 10, 2013
Nibia Zabalsagaray and the long arc of justice
May 9, 2013
REPRISE: “Looney Toons” at the White House: New York Times article details Obama’s thinking on Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #45 (May 27, 2012)
May 7, 2013
U.N. Security Council adopts resolution (SC Res. 2100) establishing peacekeeping force in Mali
April 27, 2013
Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic has begged for forgiveness for the Srebrenice massacre, in remarks to be broadcast on Bosnian television
April 25, 2013
Obama’s “red line” baby talk, and the Red Herring of whether it has been crossed
April 25, 2013
Obama’s distorted relationship with the truth: Al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons in Syria
April 24, 2013
Where are the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights?
April 17, 2013
Chavista seizure of power through fraudulent elections and control of electoral machinery apparently underway in Venezuela
April 16, 2013
U.N. Security Council should meet urgently to deal with North Korea’s nuclear threats
April 12, 2013
John Kerry, Barack Obama, and the future of U.S. foreign policy
April 9, 2013
President Obama’s handlers: Ben Rhodes
April 5, 2013
One small step for mankind: “The Arms Trade Treaty” (Press Statement, and link to full text of the treaty)
April 2, 2013
Venezuelan “Chavista” candidate Nicolas Maduro has encounter with “a little bird” embodying Chavez’ spirit, communicates by whistling with the bird
April 2, 2013
A Powerful Vision of International Peace: The United Nations Charter
March 28, 2013
President Obama’s 2013 “Statement on Nowruz” (with links to video and full texts in English, Persian and Arabic)
March 20, 2013
Smart drones, the goal of peace, and the future of mankind
March 17, 2013
Hamid Karzai’s Scurrilous Attacks on the U.S. in Afghanistan
March 14, 2013
Senate confirms John Brennan as CIA Director—with tally and breakdown of vote
March 8, 2013
UPDATE (MARCH 6) WITH LINKS TO SENATOR RAND PAUL FILIBUSTER; REPRISE: Secret Laws, the John Brennan vote, and the rule of law
March 3, 2013
The vote on John Brennan’s confirmation to be CIA Director: Opinion and Commentary
February 27, 2013
What difference does it make if John Brennan is confirmed?
February 27, 2013
Brennan’s wristbands, McCain’s hold, and assertions of legality under international law based on secret operations and secret legal memoranda (with links to Brennan confirmation hearing video and written questions and answers)
February 25, 2013
Secret Laws, the John Brennan vote, and the rule of law
February 24, 2013
Imagine: The Collapse of International Order, Syria, and Berlin in 1945
February 20, 2013
Brennan unclear in confirmation hearing as to whether “waterboarding” constitutes “torture” (with transcript)—The John Brennan File #2
February 14, 2013
Drone Killings, the Constitution, International Law, and the John Brennan File
February 7, 2013
[gaps]
Reflections on the struggle for justice and the rule of law: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama, and President Jimmy Carter
January 18, 2013
Key CIA official involved in Bush torture program criticizes “Zero Dark Thirty” for inaccurate depiction of “enhanced interrogation techniques,” January 7, 2013
REPRISE: “A time to break silence”: Dr. King on the Vietnam war, and President Carter on America’s human rights violations
January 6, 2013
Evaluating Obama’s foreign policy in first term—Call for collaborators, comments and suggestions
January 5, 2012
60,000 killed in Syria—REPRISE II: The Olympic Games, and the Battle for Aleppo, Begin—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #91
January 2, 2013
European court of human rights condemns Macedonia for “extraordinary rendition” to cooperating CIA officials, in Khaled el-Masri case
December 28, 2012
“Zero Dark Thirty”–Movie reviews and comments
December 26, 2012
Syrian army reportedly uses deadly gas on Khaldiyeh-Bayada frontline
December 26, 2012
A prayer for the children of Syria
December 24, 2012
[Please scroll down the main page for articles not yet listed here.]
Morsi’s coup in Egypt: Obama’s silence, America’s shame
December 7, 2012
Is Obama losing Egypt?
December 6, 2012
Petraeus, Allen, Benghazi potpourri
November 16, 2012
Morsi’s Putsch: Battle lines are drawn—Details in draft constitution reveal Muslim Brotherhood’s strategy to seize all power in Egypt, as democrats defend the rule of law December 2, 2012
Morsi’s Coup d’Etat and Rushed Draft Constiution for Egypt (with latest English translation)
December 1, 2012
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Coup d’Etat in Egypt; William Butler Yeats and “The Second Coming”
November 28, 2012
“L’État, c’est moi”—Mohamed Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood launch coup d’état in Egypt
November 27, 2012
Lies, Spies and Politics: The Incredible Evolution of the Benghazi “Talking Points” Narrative–Part II
November 27, 2012
SRI LANKA: United Nations reports on its own grave failure, government war crimes on wide scale in closing weeks of civil war; human rights under assault (with link to U.N. report)
November 20, 2012
Possible motives for forcing Petraeus resignation
November 19, 2012
Deliberate ambiguity: Talking points, and what Susan Rice said on September 16 talk shows
November 16, 2012
Petraeus, Allen, Benghazi potpourri
November 16, 2012
Benghazi machinations continue: CIA announces investigation of Petraeus on eve of his testimony to Congress
November 16, 2012
Chain-of-command failure? Benghazi and the ghost of “Black Hawk Down”; Obama’s credibility (Updated November 15)
November 14, 2012 (Updated November 15, 2012)
All Eyes on Benghazi: The Petraeus Affair, Allen’s e-mails, and other distractions
November 13, 2012
Collateral damage: Holly Petraeus, and other victims of the Petraeus affaire (II)
November 11, 2012
Collateral damage: Holly Petraeus, and other victims of the Petraeus affair
November 11, 2012
On eve of testimony to Congress on Benghazi, CIA Director David Petraeus forced out over an affair
November 9, 2012 (updated November 10, 2012)
Kofi Annan’s Ghost Arises: More Illusory Solutions from Brahimi and China—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #89 (November 8)
November 8 2012
Benghazi Update: New questions raised on intelligence, decision-making failures
November 5, 2012
(Updated November 6, 2012)
Strategy of Assassination: Israel’s “targeted prevention” operations including its admitted assassination of PLO’s Abu Dschihad in 1988
November 4, 2012
Israel attacks Sudan in flagrant violation of international law; U.S. does nothing
October 28, 2012
International law and foreign policy questions for third presidential debate
October 21, 2012
Obama’s Achilles’ Heel: Hubris and the Arrogance of Power
October 15, 2012
New details on Benghazi attack on consulate, American response
October 13, 2012
REPRISE: The Olympic Games, and the Battle for Aleppo, Begin—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #88 (October 11)
October 11, 2012
Mitt Romney delivers important speech on foreign policy
October 9, 2012
Syria as “the tinderbox of the Middle East”; Security Council press statement condemns Syria for shelling Turkish town—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #87 (October 5)
October 5, 2012
No time for cowboys: U.S. preparation for reprisals against Libyan targets
October 3, 2012
The punishment of presumed innocents: From the Vatican, and Afghanistan, cautionary tales for our times
October 2, 2012
Words and Deeds: President Obama delivers eloquent defense of free speech and democracy at U.N. General Assembly (with text and video links)
September 29, 2012
“Muslim rage” and the West: The expression of regret for the protected speech of others
September 19, 2012
REPRISE: Responding to Atrocities in Syria: It’s Not Just About Al-Assad, It’s About Us—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #86 (September 18)
September 18, 2012 (originally published March 6, 2012)
Xi Jinping, China’s presumed next president, re-emerges after two-week disappearing act
September 14, 2012
President Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood express condolences for American losses in Benghazi, offer reassurances concerning defense of U.S. embassy in Cairo; Vienna Conventions require effective defense in all cases
September 14, 2012
By publicly naming person behind anti-Muslim film, federal officials commit appalling abuse of power
September 14, 2012
Obama’s and Romney’s foreign policy teams and key appointments
Obama, the Warrior, accepts the Democratic nomination
Will France take the lead on Syria?—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #85 (September 7)
In Washington, new voices urging no-fly zones; France reportedly supports “liberated zones”, moves towards supply of weapons—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #84 (September 5)
Archbishop Desmond Tutu calls for prosecution of Blair and Bush for Iraq invasion; Torture investigations end in U.S.,
The U.N. Charter, International Law, and Legal Justifications for Military Intervention in Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #83 (September 1)
U.N. Securiy Council Meets: More “blah, blah, blah”, and no action—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #82 (August 30)
America as “Policeman of the World”: U.S. marines deployed in Guatemala for anti-drug smuggling operations
August 29, 2012 (Updated August 31, 2012)
André Glucksmann, “The killing continues in Syria” (English translation)—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #81 (August 28)
Washington Post editorial decries “moral bankruptcy” of Obama policy on Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #80 (August 28)
Die Zeit (Berlin): Mlitary intervention in Syria is “absolutely essential”—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #79 (August 27)
Continuing massacres in Syria, at Daraya and elsewhere; legal justification for military intervention — Obama’s Debacle in Syria
—Update #78 (August 26)
Will the raging fire in Syria reach the cedars of Lebanon?—Obama’s Debacle in Syira
— Update #77 (August 24)
Grave errors, repeated? The United States, France, the U.K. and Kofi Annan’s successor; Latest developments on UNSMIS, Joint Special Envoy—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #76 (August 16) Revised 20:00 GMT
André Glucksmann, “La tuerie continue en Syrie”—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #74 (August 13)
New authoritarian states in Latin America seek to weaken regional human rights commission and court; Venezuela gives notice of withdrawal from Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Ban Ki-Moon’s unceremonious dismissal of General Robert Hood; SG on verge of disastrous appointment of successor to Kofi Annan—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #73 (August 10)
U.N. General Assembly adopts resolution condemning Syria by vote of 133-12 with 31 abstentions (vote tally and full text)—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #72 (August 3) Revised August 4, 2012
Syrian rebels reportedly commit war crimes; U.N. Security Council should refer crimes in Syria to the ICC—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #71 (August 1)
The Olympic Games, and the Battle for Aleppo, Begin—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #70 (July 28)
South Africa strays from Mandela’s vision, abstaining in Security Council vote on Syria
— Update #69
REPRISE: Humanitarian Intervention in Syria Without Security Council Authorization—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #68 (July 25)
Security Council adopts Resolution 2059 extending mandate of UNSMIS for 30 days (with text); fighting and risks intensify—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #67 (July 20)
Draft Security Council Resolution S/2012/538 vetoed by Russia and China (text of resolution and video link)—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #66 (July 19)
REPRISE: “The League of Authoritarian States”—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #65 (July 19)
If Russia vetoes a Security Council resolution on Syria, then what? — Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update # 64 (July 17)
Kofi Annan’s triumph—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #63 (July 14)
REPRISE: Goals to guide the international community in Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #62 (July 11),
July 11, 2012 (originally published May 29, 2012)
What future for UNSMIS and for Kofi Annan? Russia pushes for more of the same, with an implied military threat to dissuade all from any other options—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #61 (July 11)
Next steps in Syria: End UNSMIS observer mission, and send Kofi Annan home. Also, begin prosecutions of war criminals, and prepare for possible military action—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #60 (July 10)
Kofi Annan proves Karl Marx right: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce”—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #59 (July 9)
The Obama Leaks: The issue is not the leaks, but whether the president lied to the American people
Oh, what a beautiful castle in the sky! Kofi Annan the Illusionist, the moral cowardice of the world, and the end of the United Nations dream—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #58 (July 2)
Border tensions with Turkey rise; 190 killed on Thursday, al-Assad defiant, P5 + 4 to meet in Geneva on Saturday—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #57
“A time to break silence”: Dr. King on the Vietnam war, and President Carter on America’s human rights violations (revised June 28)
June 27, 2012 (updated June 28, 2012)
Holder’s Investigations into Torture and Covert Operations Leaks–An Obama Coverup?
Immunity or safe-conduct for al-Assad? Can Kofi Annan fail? Conference before cease-fire?—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #56 (June 23)
Obama-Putin meeting at G-20 in Mexico (video of joint press conference and transcript of related news conference)—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #55 (June 19)
General Mood of UNSMIS briefs Security Council— Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #54 (June 19) (with video links)
REPRISE: Hommage à Homs: Jacques Prévert, “Barbara” (with English translation); Paul Verlaine, “Ariette III” — Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #53 (June 19)
Islamabad, Kabul, Moscow, Damascus and Washington: The cumulative iimpact of “rookie” errors—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #52 (June 16)
Obama, the presidential elections, Syria and Iran—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #51 (June 12)
Did the White House authorize recent leaks on covert programs?
“The League of Authoritarian States”—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #50 (June 9)
New massacre, some 140 killed in Syria; U.N. General Assembly meeting, Security Council consultations on Thursday—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #49 (June 7)
Foreign policy incompetence; further opinion on President Obama as “Executioner in Chief”
U.N. Human Rights Council adopts June 1 resolution condemning Syria (41-3-2), orders inquiry into Houla (Houleh) massacre (with video links)—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #48 (June 5)
More news and opinion on President Obama as “Executioner in Chief”
June 3, 2012 (Updated June 4, 2012)
President Obama as “Executioner in Chief”
Goals to guide the international community in Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #47 (May 29)
Security Council Press Statement on Houla massacre: Empty words, without significance—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #46 (May 28)
“Looney Toons” at the White House: New York Times article details Obama’s thinking on Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #45
Chief of UN Observers confirms massacre at Houla; NGOs report 35 children and total of 110 killed—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #44 (May 26)
At least 70 killed nationwide; massacre of 50 in Houla; U.N. International Commission on Syria Update—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update # 43 (May 25)
U.S. State Department Releases “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011″
Syrian fighting spills over into Lebanon, threatening stability there—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #42 (May 24)
After G-8 “agreement on Syria”, the fighting continues—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #41 (May 23) REVISED
U.S. Covert Action in Syria?—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #40 (May 22)
Obama clueless on Syria? G-8 endorses UN 6-point peace plan—Obama’s Debacle in Syria—Update #39 (May 21)
Reasoning from Conclusions in Afghanistan
Germany defaults on security responsibilities; sends 10 monitors to Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #38 (April 16)
Stop the UN farce!—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #37
EU “slaps” new sanctions on Syria—0bama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #36 (April 14)
Baltasar Garzón presenta recurso de amparo al Tribunal Constitucional contra su condena en el caso de las escuchas Gürtel
Failure of “last chance to avoid civil war” in Syria—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #35 (May 10)
U.N. says peace plan “on track” as up to 43 people killed on Friday—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #34 (May 4)
William Hague (March 22): “We will not forget the people of Syria for a single day.”—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #33 (May 1)
Where are the State Department Country Reports on Human Rights? Are Clinton and Geithner visits to China at play? (Updated May 1)
Latest news reports—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #32
Developments on the ground—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Upadate #31 (April 26)
Syrian forces carry out revenge attacks and targeted reprisals against those meeting with U.N. observers—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #30 (April 25)
With al-Assad defiant, freeze on UNSMIS, military action required—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Upadate #29 (April 24)
Security Council establishes observer mission (UNSMIS) with 300 officials to monitor implementation of Kofi Annan plan—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #28 (April 22),
Stop the killing: Stop al-Assad, Putin, and Kofi Annan— Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #27 (April 21)
At last, the Security Council acts on Syria, adopting Resolution 2042
—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #26 (April 14)
“By all necessary means”: Syria is closer than you think, and the hour is late—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #25 (April 9)
Humanitarian Intervention in Syria Without Security Council Authorization—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #24 (April 8)
Putin’s victory: Another Security Council “presidential statement”, and ferocious attacks on the ground—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #23 (April 7)
A Future Foretold: On the ground, al-Assad continues attacks—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #22 (April 4)
Events on the Ground in Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #21 (April 3)
Into the Abyss: Washington’s Fecklessness, Syria’s Fate—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #20 (March 30)
“The emperor has no clothes”: Foreign policy without a moral core—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #19 (March 29)
Limited military action to halt crimes against humanity: A new template to halt terror in Syria, and elsewhere—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #18 (March 28)
Syrian onslaught continues in Deraa, Hama, Kalidiya, Homs, Saraqueb, Qalit al-Madiq, and elsewhere—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #17
Garzón y el caso de las escuchas Gürtel: El Tribunal Supremo rechaza el recurso de nulidad, abriendo el camino al Tribunal Constitucional
Syrian military continues campaign to crush opposition in Saraqeb, Homs, al-Qusair and elsewhere—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #16 (March 24, updated March 25)
Attorney General Eric Holder offers legal justification for targeted killings of U.S. citizens abroad
Kofi Annan is not God—Obama’s debacle in Syria
— Update #15
Security Council issues “presidential statement”; al-Assad’s military onslaught continues unabated—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #14 (March 22)
Putin plays hardball in Syria, uses Lavrov to distract gullible UN and international community—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #13 (March 20)
Obama sends 2012 Nowruz greetings to Persians (“eide shoma mobarak”), denounces “electronic curtain” in Iran
Beyond Despair: Obama’s Debacle in Syria
—Update #12 (March 16)
Annan fails in Damascus as Syrian army continues its onslaught—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #11 (March 11)
Tanks roll in Idlib as Kofi Annan is rebuffed—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #10 (March 10)
The Daily Star: “We procrastinate”—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #9 (March 9)
The “Rational Actor” Fallacy and Stopping Syria’s Atrocities—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #8 (March 9)
Lack of Moral Courage at the Highest Levels—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #7 (March 8)
Responding to Atrocities in Syria: It’s Not Just About Al-Assad—It’s About Us—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #6 (March 6)
The Nuremberg Principles and Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #5″
March 5, 2012, updated March 6, 2012
PNTR and MFN Status: Congress, Russia and Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #4 (March 5)
Republican Senator John McCain Urges U.S. Military Attacks to Halt Atrocities in Syria—Obama’s Debacle in Syria
— Update #3 (March 5)
Passivity in the Face of Terror in Syria, Threats of War in Iran — Obama’s Debacle in Syria—Update #2 (March 3, 2012)
Diplomats founder—military action, not “mediation” required NOW to halt crimes against humanity—Obama’s Debacle in Syria — Update #1 (February 29)
February 29, 2012, revised March 1, 2012
Garzón absuelto en el caso de la memoria histórica; ahora analicemos de cerca la sentencia en el caso Gürtel
El acoso al Juez Garzón: Caso de los gastos para los cursos de la Universidad de Nueva York archivado por prescripción
Hommage à Homs: Jacques Prévert, “Barbara”; Paul Verlaine, “Ariette”
Military Intervention to establish “no-kill zones” and humanitarian corridors—Syria Update #9
U.N. Commission Report on Crimes Against Humanity in Syria; Military Action; Unilateral Humanitarian Intervention in Syria and International Law
Obama’s debacle in Syria
Guérnica, Hama, Srebrenice and now Homs—Terror Before a Leaderless and Helpless World–Syria Update #8
Military Action Now Required to Stop Al-Assad–Syria Update #7
Críticas a la sentencia del Tribunal Supremo contra Garzón en el caso Gürtel; decisión del Fiscal General de apelar o no
The Syrian Question: Srebrenice Again?—Syria Update #3
U. N. General Assembly condemns Syria by by vote of 137 to 12, with 17 abstentions (text of reslution)
El Poder Judicial intenta limitar críticas de la sentencia contra Garzón en el caso Gürtel
China gets free ride on Security Council veto; questions for Xi Jinping; Nivi Pillay before General Assembly—Syria Update #5
Garzon convicted by Supreme Court in Gürtel wiretap case
Chinese and Russian Vetoes of Security Council Resolution on Syria–Details on February 4 Meeting, Including Video, Text of Resolution, and Transcript of Proceedings—Syria Update #4
China defends Syrian regime committing crimes against humanity, blocking Security Council action—Syria Update #2
Russia’s calculations, al-Assad and civil war: Syria Update #1
Monumental miscalculation? Russia’s strategic interests in Syria and its defense of the al-Assad regime
La Russie défend ses interêts stratégiques du XIXème siècle en Syrie, aveugle au XXIème
Obama’s foreign policy juggernaut, including Tom Donilon, and the risks of hubris
Los casos contra Garzón: Las cuestiones prévias en el caso de la memoria histórica
The legal essence of the cases of “prevaricación” against Baltasar Garzón
Complaint before U.N. Special Rapporteur alleges U.S. judicial interference in Garzón torture cases in Spain
Syria: The Human Cost of Delay
The Baltasar Garzón Case: In Spain, justice itself is on trial
¡Que pena para España! Los casos contra Garzón llegan al juicio
Qatar’s leader suggests sending troops to Syria
New NIE intelligence estimate on Afghanistan not optimistic
Obama’s New Year’s Resolutions for Foreign Policy in 2012
Government Terror in Syria—Putin, Al Assad, and Security Council Referral to the ICC
REPRISE (from 2009): Wanted in Oslo—President Obama’s Vision of Peace
Crisis in Lebanon: Hezbollah versus the United Nations, International Law, and the World Community
REPRISE: Syria and the Shame of the World
Veterans’ Day, 2011: “Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing?”
The risk of uttering a scintilla of truth: Gen. Allen fires Maj. Gen. Fuller in Afghanistan
Drone Attacks and Other “Targeted Killings” — State Department Legal Adviser Invokes International Law Limits
Syria — and the shame of the world (developing)
August 20, 1968 — “Dubček, Svoboda!”
Afghanistan–A Hint of Future Collapse? Hand-off to Afghan Forces, as Taliban Seize Control around Mazar-e-Sharif
Words and Deeds: Obama’s Defense of Democracy in Africa, 2011
VACATION – FÉRIAS – VACACIONES – VACANCES – FERIEN
International Law and the Use of Force: Drones and Real Anarchy Unleashed Upon the World
Obama and Democracy in Africa, 2011
Der Spiegel on Nasrallah, Hezbollah, and the STL Indictments
Assassination of Syed Saleem Shahzad: Pakistan is the problem
Update: Torture, The STL in Lebanon, and Obama’s “Way Forward” in Afghanistan
Cristina Almeida: Casos contra Garzón “más grave que el intento de golpe de Estado de 1981″
Ratko Mladic to join Radovan Karadic in The Hague; Moammar Qaddafi and Bashar al-Assad await similar fates
REPRISE: Consorting with the Devil? The Debate Over the Efficacy of Torture
Repression in Syria, and the spread of universal ideals throughout the world
Bin Laden and the Debate Over Torture–Revived
Negotiating with War Criminals? Obama’s Debacle in Libya — Update #7 (May 4)
If Misrata falls…: Obama’s debacle in Libya– Update #6 (May 2)
Fierce Artillery Attacks on Misurata: Obama’s Debacle in Libya — Update #5 (May 1)
NATO Impotent: Obama’s Debacle in Libya — Update #4 (April 28)
The Human Cost: Obama’s Debacle in Libya — Update #3 (April 26)
Obama’s Debacle in Libya — Update #2 (April 23)
Obama’s Debacle in Libya — Update #1 (April 22)
Obama’s Debacle in Libya
Libya — “All necessary measures”
Current military actions in Libya
“Analyst-in-Chief” muddies waters; “Commander-in-Chief” cannot be found
Shooting Straight About Military Operations in Libya
Commitments Obama Needs from Brazil
While Carthage Burns, Obama Dithers
Zawiyah–Qaddafi’s victory, but stories will be told
Libya—America Abdicates Global Leadership in Struggle for Democracy
Zawiyah 2011 = Srebrenice 2005
Libya and “The Audacity to Act”
The Struggle for Democracy in Bolivia, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, Ivory Coast, and Iran
Obama’s Foreign Policy Quagmires and Successes
Corrupt-istan Update: Karzai’s Brazen Defiance
Lebanon teeters on the brink
The smartest person in the room, and the Afghanistan policy review
Is Obama the smartest person in the room?
Complex political currents in Iran
“The Magician” draws eyes away from the ball in Afghanistan–again!
Strategic disarray in Afghanistan
Übersetzungen von Artikeln Über die Anreicherung in Brasilien, den Fall von Baltasar Garzón in Spanien, und die Unabhängigkeit der Gerichte in Bolivien
English translations of articles on enrichment in Brazil, the case of Baltasar Garzón in Spain, and the independence of the judiciary in Bolivia
Ex-Presidente Jorge Quiroga, sentenciado por injurias, cuestiona democracia e justicia independiente en Bolivia
Tribunal Supremo de Justicia rechaza apelación de Garzón para ordenar pruebas; quedan pendientes otros recursos
O enriquecimento do urânio no Brasil avança
Afghan National Assembly Elections and their Implications
NEWS TO NOTE: Pakistani sources report progress in back-channel talks with Taliban
Fighting corruption and other challenges in Dexter Filkins’ Corrupt-istan
The U.S., Iran, and Afghanistan; In Iran, attacks on home of Karroubi and offices of Moussavi
September 18 Afghan National Assembly Elections–Context
CIA Payments Undercut U.S. Efforts to Strengthen Governance in Afghanistan
August 20, 1969 — “Dubček, Svoboda!” (Personal Takes)
Senator Kerry’s Conflict of Interest in Afghanistan
“Houston, we have a problem” — Mexican Prison Director Allegedly Uses Inmates as Hit Squad
UPDATE: Anwar al-Aulaqi: Targeted Killings, Self-Defense, and War Crimes
REPRISE (from March 26, 2010): Afghanistan U.N. SRSG de Mistura Describes U.N. Electoral Role; What Are Allied Forces Fighting For?
(Originally published March 26, 2010)
Wikileaks’ Leaked Documents on Afghanistan: Massive U.S. Intelligence System Failure
“The Magician” enthralls donors once again, in Kabul
General Petraeus, the Haqqani network, and moral clarity in Afghanistan
Updated July 16, 2010
Afghanistan: Suicide Attack on Contractor DAI Compound in Kunduz / Selbstmord Anschlag auf US-Hilfsorganisation DAI in Kunduz
Urgent Note to Obama and Petraeus: Reread the Eikenberry Cables, Avoid Reasoning from Conclusions, and Adjust Course
La defensa pide al Tribunal Supremo la absolución del juez Garzón
After McChrystal: Obama, Petraeus, and Fixing a Failed Strategy in Afghanistan
L’appel du General de Gaulle du 18 juin 1940, le president Obama, et le droit international
The New York Times’ Bob Herbert on dire Afghanistan situation and “the courage to leave”
Der Spiegel article: “Non-proliferation in Latin America: Is Brazil developing the bomb?
Der Spiegel publica artigo sobre “A não proliferação na América Latina: Está o Brasil desenvolvendo a bomba?”
DEVELOPING STORY
Intelligence Matters: In Afghanistan, Karzai Ousts Interior Minister Hanif Atmar and Intelligence Chief Amrullah Saleh
Targeted Killings: U.N. Special Rapporteur Alston Publishes Report to U.N. Human Rights Council
Intelligence Matters: U.S. Dependence on Intelligence From Wali Karzai Shapes Kandahar Strategy
Brazil and Turkey’s Nuclear Deal with Iran
updated May 26, 2010
Obama Snubs Abdullah During Latter’s Trip to Washington
L’interdiction du niqab dans les espaces publiques en France / The ban on full-face veils in public spaces in France
Análisis profundizado de los errores de Varela en el “Caso Garzón”
Targeted Killings by Drone Aircraft: A View From India, and Some Observations
Prix René Cassin; Auto de Varela de apertura de juicio contra Garzón; Intervenciones de parte de la Fiscalía
Más reportajes y comentarios sobre el fondo jurídico del ‘Caso Garzón’
VACATION – FERIAS – VACACIONES – VACANCES – FERIEN
Sobre el fondo jurídico del caso de prevaricación contra Baltasar Garzón
Se acusan a los acusadores de Garzón; el caso Garzón es una mancha en el Poder Judicial de España
Garzon’s Accusers are Accused: Abuse of Judicial Power in Garzón Case is Stain on Spanish Judiciary
Reportajes y Comentarios Sobre el Caso de Baltasar Garzón
In Spain, Judge Baltasar Garzón, Champion of Human Rights, is Prosecuted
En España, Enjuician al Juez Baltasar Garzón, Campeón de los Derechos Humanos
Anwar al-Aulaqi: Targeted Killings, Self-Defense, and War Crimes
Opera Buffa in Kabul — Karzai Threatens to Join the Taliban
José Goldemberg da USP Publica Crítica Detalhada à Postura do Brasil em Relação a Irã e a Não Proliferação de Armas Nucleares
News to Note: Lower House of Afghan National Assembly Rejects Karzai’s Electoral Coup
Thomas L. Friedman on Karzai; Hard Options
Afghanistan: Obama Begins to Grasp the Reality of Karzai
Afghanistan: U.N. SRSG de Mistura Describes U.N. Electoral Role; What Are Allied Forces Fighting For?
GoDaddy Follows Google, Refuses to Aid Censorship in China; Clinton on Internet Freedom
Obama: “eide shoma mobarak” — The President’s Nowruz (New Year’s) Greeting to Persians Throughout the World
Intelligence Matters: CIA Capabilities in Afghanistan
Intelligence Matters: Khost, The Flynn Report, and a Few Hypotheses
China’s Report on Human Rights in the United States
Update: Colbert Weighs In–-on Patrick Kennedy’s Charge News Coverage of Afghanistan Vote “despicable”
March 17, 2010
Original Post
Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) Decries News Coverage of Afghanistan Vote
Afghanistan: Controversy Over Live TV Coverage of Attacks, Deafening Silence on Karzai’s Electoral Coup
NEWS TO NOTE: Former MI-5 Head Charges Americans Hid Torture from British
Viagem de Clinton, Irã (Irão) e Armas Nucleares no Brasil
Clinton’s Visit, Iran, and Nuclear Weapons in Brazil
More News and Commentary on Clinton Trip (II)– Más/Mais Notícias sobre Viaje / Viagem de Clinton
News Reports on Clinton Trip / Notícias sobre Viaje/Viagem de Clinton
Onde está a América do Sul? O terramoto, Clinton, e o continente esquecido
¿Por dónde está la América del Sur? El terremoto, Clinton y el continente olvidado
EL OBSERVADOR INCISIVO: Artículos en orden cronológico
Where is South America? The Earthquake, Clinton, and the Forgotten Continent
U.S.-Pak Military Deal: Quetta Shura Arrests, Karzai’s Electoral Coup, and the Rule of Law
February 24th, 2010
REVISED February 25, 2010
Karzai’s Electoral Coup, 1000 U.S. Military Deaths and… “What Is It, Again, That We Are Fighting for in Afghanistan?”
The Clock is Ticking: U.S. Application of the Torture Convention
Targeted Assassinations: Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, International Law, and Strategic Implications
Pakistan Desire to “Mediate” with Taliban Consistent with Earlier Reports of Deal to Support Karzai in Election Settlement
February 11–The 20th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s Release; South Africa’s Support for Zimbabwe, Iran
U.S. Targeted Assassinations Violate Citizen’s Right to Life and Due Process, Undercut International Law
Commentary on Eikenberry Cables, Intelligence on Afghanistan
Afghanistan Donors Conference in London, Need to Address Past Failures
Eikenberry Memos Place Spotlight on U.S. Dilemmas in Afghanistan
Media Notes: Obama Needs a Non-Verbal Communication and Culture Coach
NEWS TO NOTE: In Iran, Khamenei calls for non-interference by militias and for officials “to fully respect the law”
MUST-READ ANALYSIS: Juan Cole on “Serial Catastrophes in Afghanistan”
Our Dimming Vision of World Affairs
NEWS TO NOTE: “Dirty War” Prosecutions in Argentina
Obama — “that spark of the divine that still stirs within each of our souls”
Obama’s Nobel Lecture: Setting a Course for the American Ship of State
Obama’s Pit Stop in Oslo
Wanted in Oslo: President Obama’s Vision of Peace
Background Reading for the Nobel Acceptance Speech in Oslo: The U.N. Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Craig’s Departure, the Ban on Publication of Any Torture Photograph, and Reaffirmation of the Prohibition Against Torture
Orignal Post, November 25, 2009
MEDIA WATCH—Frontline Episode on “A Death in Tehran”
Understanding Obama’s Dilemma: Key Articles on Taliban Advances, CIA Role, Karzai’s Brother, Magnitude of U.S. and U.N. Failures
NEWS TO NOTE Deal by U.S. with Pakistan Military to Undercut Abdullah in Final Discussions?
NEWS TO NOTE—Karzai discounts contribution of withdrawn U.N. staff
WORDS FOR REFLECTION: White House Response to Karzai Being Named President; Iranian Demonstrators
COULD U.N. TAKE CONTROL OF AFGHAN ELECTIONS TO STOP SECOND ROUND FRAUD?
LUTTE POUR LA SURVIE de Karzaï en Afghanistan: l’ampleur réelle de la fraude électorale, les chances d’Abdullah, et la réponse de Washington
Did the degree of transparency and fairness of the elections in Afghanistan have any impact in Iran?
KARZAI’S FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL IN AFGHANISTAN—THE REAL EXTENT OF THE ELECTORAL FRAUD, ABDULLAH’S CHANCES, AND WASHINGTON’S RESPONSE
MORE TROOPS, OR BETTER DIPLOMACY? DIPLOMATIC AND POLITICAL FAILURES IN AFGHANISTAN
CONSORTING WITH THE DEVIL? THE DEBATE OVER THE EFFICACY OF TORTURE
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