The Limits of Drones, the Law, and Obama
There are costs to drones, huge costs that make anything other than their extremely rare use short-sighted. We can only hope that Obama has not learned this lesson too late.
Mission Accomplished
Obama recently gave a speech in which he tried to start a national discussion to redefine the nature of the struggle against al Qaeda and its affiliates. He said that this war had to have boundaries and, like all wars, must end.
Does Chemical Weapons Use by the Syrian Government Present a Watershed?
The way we think and feel about particular kinds of weapons is significantly influenced by the way they are talked about and acted upon by the powerful.
Obama and the Syrian Civil War
Increased US involvement may not bring about a quick, clean end to Syrian conflict. But, the limited involvement that Obama has recently been indicating will certainly not do so.
Does a New National Security Team Mean a New Foreign Policy?
We should look to the White House for signs of a new foreign policy, not elsewhere. The new cohort in the administration simply reflect Obama’s own preferences.
U.S. Military Culture and the Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Military culture will determine the characteristics of the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. In turn, the withdrawal will determine American military culture and its organization into the 21st century.
Is the Republican Party Doomed?
If the Republican Party does not alter its policy positions, particularly on immigration reform and social issues, it risks becoming a minority party for the foreseeable future.
Review – American Democracy Promotion in the Changing Middle East
This important book examines whether US democracy promotion has been sincere, or whether it was simply one of a range of policy options for promoting US material and strategic interests.
Review – Obama’s Wars
Woodward’s book is a meticulously and exhaustively researched account of President Obama’s handling of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during the first two years of his first administration.
Predictions for 2013
It’s that time of year when the illusion of insight is replaced by the illusion of foresight in bloggers everywhere. Attempts to make lists like this one longer or shorter than 10 fail, so in that spirit, let’s get on with it!
