War & Peace

A complete U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014? Don’t count on it

"A US envoy on Tuesday dismissed suggestions that Washington would withdraw all troops from Afghanistan after next year, saying that both countries wanted to preserve a smaller force. Aides to US President Barack Obama earlier this year openly mulled the so-called 'zero option' of a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan once US troops end their combat role in 2014. 'We talk about the zero option — that’s not an option for the United States,' said James Dobbins, the US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Dobbins said he expected 'several thousand American forces and several thousand non-American NATO forces' in 2015 and beyond." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingA complete U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014? Don’t count on it

U.S. Admits No Imminent Threat from Syria, No Clear Evidence

"Obama is going on a whirlwind media blitz this week in an attempt to sell a very skeptical public on war with Syria. Yet the Washington Post notes: 'Obama’s top aide says the administration lacks 'irrefutable, beyond-a-reasonable-doubt evidence' that skeptical Americans, including lawmakers who will start voting on military action this week, are seeking.' Indeed, those who have seen the evidence say that it is incredibly weak. German intelligence also says that Assad didn’t order the attacks." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Admits No Imminent Threat from Syria, No Clear Evidence

Eric Margolis: Syrian March To Disaster

"Politicians invoke credibility as a excuse after they have made a huge blunder –notably Obama’s foolish 'red lines' in Syria that boxed the president into a corner of his own making. What we are seeing is the latest, 21st century version of the new era of colonialism and imperialism, with a touch of Crusader zeal thrown in. Today, the favored euphemism is humanitarian intervention, but the song remains the same. Syria is not about poison gas or human rights: it’s about a proxy war against Iran, the only nation now challenging total US and Israel military domination of the Mideast. For France, it’s about reasserting its former colonial rule in Syria and Lebanon." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingEric Margolis: Syrian March To Disaster

The Rise of the Antiwar Libertarian Republicans

"If you’re among the majority of war-weary Americans who oppose any sort of military intervention in Syria, thank libertarian Republican lawmakers Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan. If the House and Senate vote against authorizing war next week, the efforts by these two guys will have been instrumental. Indeed, their outspoken, principled pushback is part of the reason that President Barack Obama—the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner—hasn’t already pursued some sort of strike 'just muscular enough not to get mocked' by the world while not inciting retaliation by Bashar al-Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThe Rise of the Antiwar Libertarian Republicans

Rand Paul Issues ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter Opposing Syrian Intervention

"In 1995, Colin Powell wrote, 'War should be the politics of last resort. And when we go to war, we should have a purpose our people understand and support.' I do not believe Syria passes that test. I treat the question of war as if it would determine the fate of my son or daughter. War is not some geopolitical chess game. It is, at best, a necessary evil. It should never be the first option. It should occur only when America is attacked or threatened, or when American interests are attacked or threatened. And only when all other options have been played out. Too often, the debate begins and ends with an assertion that our national interest is at stake, but no evidence is ever presented." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRand Paul Issues ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter Opposing Syrian Intervention

Nancy Pelosi sends fifth letter on Syria

"Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a fifth letter to Democratic colleagues in a week in an attempt to bolster support for a measure to authorize a U.S. strike in Syria. In the letter sent Saturday, Pelosi (D-Calif.) highlighted statements supporting the strike by President Barack Obama and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). In earlier letters, Pelosi emphasized the importance of the strike and has told members she will be flexible about the eventual language in a use-of-force authorization. Pelosi also drew attention to Obama’s remarks that he had not set a red line in Syria, but that Congress set one in the 2003 Syria Accountability Act." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNancy Pelosi sends fifth letter on Syria

After Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

"As portrayed in a satirical television show here this week, President François Hollande is left behind to hold President Obama’s coat while the American leader and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia hold private talks. Mr. Hollande gullibly concludes he is playing a key role. In the show, 'Les Guignols de L’Info,' a rough equivalent of 'The Daily Show,' Mr. Hollande is seen interrupting a visit to a school to ask Mr. Obama’s permission to use the bathroom. If Mr. Hollande ever thought that his decision to stand steadfast alongside the United States in backing a retaliatory strike against Syria would give him new stature on the global stage or help him at home, the last week has been a sharp shock." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAfter Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

‘Obama to attack Syria regardless how Congress votes’

"America's envoy to the United Nations singled out Russia for criticism - for its outspoken opposition to strikes. And that's as the UN chief himself ruled out a military solution to the Syrian crisis - warning that a strike would have tragic consequences and fuel sectarian violence in the region. Investigative journalist Charlie McGrath has commented on the US envoy's statements - saying international trust in Washington's words has all but eroded." Continue reading →

Continue Reading‘Obama to attack Syria regardless how Congress votes’

Al Franken Leaning Toward Supporting Syria Resolution

"Sen. Al Franken (D., Minn.) on Friday said he was leaning toward supporting a resolution authorizing military action in Syria, giving a lift to Obama administration efforts to build support for a strike that U.S. President Barack Obama has sought in spite of widespread unpopularity. 'To me, there is enough evidence that there has been a chemical weapons attack; that it was authorized by the regime and I believe that we have to demonstrate that you can’t do that, so I’m leaning that direction,' Mr. Franken told reporters Friday after a closed-door briefing for lawmakers." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAl Franken Leaning Toward Supporting Syria Resolution