Tag Archives: Obama

The day democracy died in Iraq PLUS: Is Ahmed Chalabi behind it all?

Posted on January 18, 2010 by michaelhastings

Here’s why the ban of the nearly 500 candidates is such devastating news to the unwaveringly clueless American misadventure in Iraq. It can’t be ignored. We can no longer pretend that just because violence has dropped everything is cool. It’s … Continue reading →

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Afghanistan: Knowing the lessons of Vietnam didn't stop Vietnam either

Posted on November 23, 2009 by michaelhastings

From Jonathan Schell’s piece in a recent issue of The Nation, “The Fifty Year War:” We are accustomed to thinking that hard experience in Vietnam taught certain lessons that then, for a while, became cautionary principles. But this record reveals … Continue reading →

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Are Obama's Af/Pak 'second thoughts' just an act to give him political cover?

Posted on September 25, 2009 by michaelhastings

At the end of the last post, I gave, for free, my domestic political analysis of the Afghanistan issue for Obama. Essentially this: politically, even if you “win” you lose. Stabilize Afghanistan, the war falls from the headlines, nobody cares anymore. You can take credit … Continue reading →

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OTF: Where have all the anti-globalization protesters gone?

Posted on June 19, 2009 by michaelhastings

Yes, it’s Off Topic Friday. So last night I watched the film “Battle in Seattle,” rented from the local Blockbuster, being the corporate stooge that I am. It is, as Leonard Maltin claims on the back of the box, “well … Continue reading →

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