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At this late stage of the American republic, military-industrial corruption permeates not only our foreign policy but our ideals. We go to war because the business of war is beyond all constraint
It's no big secret that the United States has lost some economic and political clout in Latin America over the past decade, but United Nations economic projections for 2020 should set off alarm bells
Time for United States to Review Its Cuba Policy
It is past time to change our policy toward Cuba. For over 50 years, the United States has been obsessed with the Cuba of Fidel Castro's time. It is inappropriate for the Cuba of today
Balancing the East, Upgrading the West
The United States' central challenge over the next several decades is to revitalize itself, while promoting a larger West and buttressing a complex balance in the East that can accommodate China's rising global status
By clinging to a paternalistic attitude and an antiquated Washington Consensus, the United States has opened up space for a broad Chinese role in Africa
Pakistan: All-Weather Friendship?
As Pakistan and China reinforce their relationship, questions have arisen around the changing nature of this alliance, the rhetoric that sustains it, and the implications of greater Chinese influence in Pakistan, particularly for the US and India
Gingrich's willingness to outsource U.S. military policy to Tel Aviv is even more mind-boggling than Romney's deference on diplomacy
While security and defense contracting in Africa is nothing new, the awarding of another multi-million dollar contract by the US State Department to a controversial private security operation is perhaps indicative of just how thinly stretched the US military is becoming
Renewed Focus on Pacific Region Intended to Distract from Unrest at Home?
What is at stake between China and the United States? We are on the opposite sides of the world with next to nothing to fight about. Industrial domination of the world? What does that actually mean, and what is it worth? Bragging rights about who is top nation? That's what Washington seems to care about
Afghanistan and Iraq: A Tale of Two Surges
Afghanistan poses far more challenges than Iraq. Instead of Iraq's billions of dollars in state oil revenue, impoverished Afghan gangs export opium. Iraqis are part of the larger Arab world, living in its most strategically important area. Afghans are far more isolated and less critical to the world economy
Iraq: American Imperialism? Please
And so it ends. The United States is leaving Iraq. I'm solidly in the camp that sees this as a strategic blunder. Iraqi democracy is fragile and Iran's desire to undermine it is strong. Still, there's an upside. Obama's decision to leave Iraq should deal a staggering blow to America's critics at home and abroad
United States Iraqi Pullout Whets Iranian Appetite for Trouble
Even with stern warnings from Washington not to 'miscalculate' as American troops begin their pullout from Iraq, Iran will be tempted to foment turmoil in the region, mainly as a diversion to its own internal problems
Mixed Emotions as the United States Leaves Iraq
What is true is that we fought a war we did not have to fight. Iraq cost at least $806 billion and more than 36,000 American casualties, including 4,400 deaths. So there are mixed emotions that President Obama has decided to withdraw virtually all U.S. troops from Iraq. There is elation, of course, thankfulness that American troops will be home for the holidays
US-Pakistan Relations: Straw That Broke the Camel's Back?
It behooves both the United States and Pakistan to reappraise the situation, take stock and course correct. World peace, or at the least regional peace, may depend on it
What's Next for United States - Libyan Relations?
After Muammar Gaddafi's demise, the future of Libya's relationship with the United States remains uncertain
Obama Sets New Precedent with Role in Getting Gadhafi
Unlike the death of Osama bin Laden, the demise of Moammar Gadhafi cannot be chalked up as an unquestioned achievement of President Obama as he seeks political arguments for re-election next year. By choice, the American role was secondary, even inelegently described as 'leading from behind'
2012 Election Will Decide Which New Wars Will Be Waged
Here's a look at what the electorate will be up against when the conventions are over, and when the newly elected president assumes (or resumes) command of American foreign policy
Is a Nuclear Iran Really to be Feared?
The obsession of the foreign policy community with the myth of Iran's 'existential' threat to Israel, brings the world steadily closer to another war in the Middle East
For a symbol of how America's decade-long war is going in Afghanistan, look at the fields of red poppies flowering so bountifully there
Afghanistan: Karzai's Ingratitude is Wearing Thin
Now Hamid Karzai wants to be our friend. Even after insulting the United States at every opportunity, year after year, the Afghan president now says he wants to maintain a 'strategic partnership' with Washington
Expected Win by Egypt's Islamists Poses Dilemma for U.S. Policy
For the Obama administration, which has pushed for free and fair elections in Egypt, the process itself might be considered a victory. The outcome, however, would be a bitter pill to swallow, as U.S. policymakers are forced to reach out to the Muslim Brotherhood to protect their interests in the region
A Call for an Enlightened Foreign Policy toward Latin America
With a little under a year remaining until the next U.S. presidential election, a coherent and sustainable area policy toward Latin America remains absent from the campaign literature and both parties' electoral strategies
Military Action Might Be The Only Option With Iran
Muted reaction to reports that Iran has essentially done much of the work necessary to weaponize a nuclear device is just the latest evidence of the failed Iran policy of successive U.S. administrations. We are in a vicious cycle with Iran
Should United States Engage North Korea?
The United States has failed in its policies to punish, isolate, and otherwise push North Korea toward collapse. Perhaps it should try engagement instead
Why Does America Defend the Weak and Small?
Only the United States seems to have an affinity for protecting tiny, vulnerable countries. Israelis, anti-communist Chinese, Kurds, Greeks and Armenians have a few things in common. They have relatively small populations, aggressive neighbors, few strong allies, many expatriates and refugees in the United States, and a tragic history of persecution and genocide
Obama Risks an Oil Opportunity
It may be a good time to remind President Obama of oil's importance to economic security, and the role that wartime leadership and image play in getting your hands on it post-victory. He can't just quietly outsource and downplay war because it's icky, then call dibs on victory, as he has just done with Libya. Something has to give
Mutual distrust between the United States and Pakistan in part results from mistakes and misjudgments by both countries that date back to the 1979-89 Russian occupation of Afghanistan. But at its heart is an American strategy that not only runs counter to Pakistan's interests
Senator Landrieu: Don't Cut Aid to Israel
Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu says the U.S. shouldn't cut aid to Israel and offers her state's help for the country's nascent energy industry
US Fears Misplaced When it Comes to China
China currently is at the center of long-term Washington policy and of its military preoccupations particularly. Today, the United States may still be the world's leading military and economic power, but in both respects the fiery Chinese dragon's breath is felt and feared, with implications being debated. However, the fear is misplaced.
America is once again getting the upper hand in this long war against Middle Eastern terrorists with the use of Predator drone targeted assassinations that the terrorists have not yet an answer to. In systematically deadly fashion, Predators are picking off the top echelon of al-Qaeda and its affiliates
Cuba's Domestic Reforms Surge Past Immobilized United States
Why U.S. Military Intervention in Syria is Unlikely
An American-led military operation in Syria would be tactically challenging, and would open a Pandora's Box full of political risks. Here are four reasons the U.S. is unlikely to intervene militarily in Syria
Iraq: Still A Work in Progress
The United States withdrawal from Iraq, completed at the end of 2011, could carry enormous costs
United States Hesitant to 'Reckon With Evil' in Syria
More than eight months after Assad showed himself to be a mass murderer, guilty of crimes against humanity, Washington has proffered a few fallow sanctions and carefully worded statements. That's all. Syria is a state sponsor of terror and a nuclear-weapons aspirant. Shouldn't Washington care?
Obama can more or less do whatever he wishes abroad. If he chooses to bomb a country that poses no direct threat, like Libya, or to assassinate a U.S. citizen-terrorist, like Anwar al-Awlaki, the Left will keep mum. And the Right probably will, too. What, then, should we expect abroad in the waning months of Obama's four-year term, with continuing economic bad news at home?
This won't be Vietnam, exactly. But there's little doubt we lost this war -- by every rational measure. But in a certain profound sense, the war in Iraq, as we have come to know it over the last almost nine years, is shutting down
United States: The News of Empire
'Mr. Obama and his senior national security advisers have sought to reassure allies and answer critics, including many Republicans, that the United States will not abandon its commitments in the Persian Gulf even as it winds down the war in Iraq and looks ahead to doing the same in Afghanistan by the end of 2014'
Condoleezza Rice Book Shows 'Inattention' to Latin America
Condoleezza Rice, whose boss President George W. Bush vowed during the 2000 campaign to make Latin America a 'fundamental commitment' of his presidency, devotes only two of the 58 chapters of her memoir 'No Higher Honor' to the region. That's about 15 pages of the 766-page book, plus a few sporadic references here and there
The Wisdom of Retrenchment: America Must Cut Back to Move Forward
In the wake of the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy underwent a profound transformation as American ambitions spilled over their former limits. Today, however, U.S. power has begun to wane. As other states rise in prominence, the United States' undisciplined spending habits and open-ended foreign policy commitments are catching up with the country
United States Prepares Sanctions Against Iran for Bomb Plot
United States State Department officials plan to respond strongly to the Iranian terrorist plot to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States
Time for United States to Think Big on Latin America
American diplomatic ties with Latin America, which have been in limbo for months, got a small boost recently when President Barack Obama nominated Roberta Jacobson as top State Department official in charge of Latin American affairs. But that alone will not do much to revert the gradual loss of U.S. clout in the region.
NATO and Russia: Missile Defense Sticking Point?
NATO, Russia and Missile Defense mark a triangle which contains political promises but also the danger of failure and friction
The United States has effectively relinquished its role as the key negotiator of Middle East peace as the Palestinians, ignoring President Barack Obama's entreaties, announced their decision to pursue UN membership and be recognized as an independent state
Obama's International Outsourcing
Obama, in contrast to his predecessor, George W. Bush, has shown little hands-on international leadership on contentious world issues. Yet, even in America, he doesn't seem to be suffering much from it
Sluggish America Can Still Be a World Leader
A new survey shows that a majority of Europeans want the United States to continue exerting 'strong leadership in world affairs.' One wonders why Europe holds so much faith in America right now when Americans, trapped in a deep national malaise, have so little faith in themselves
Obama's Dilemma: Foreign Policy and Electoral Realities
The United States remains the center of gravity of the international system. As such, no single leader of the world is as significant as the American president. That makes the American presidency, in its broadest sense, a matter that cannot be ignored in studying the international system
As Palestinians head to the United Nations, President Obama faces one of the most excruciating dilemmas of his presidency, a predicament partly of his own making
How to Save Israel and the United States from Themselves
Most Americans would likely agree that the main shock delivered to Americans and the American government by the 9/11 attacks was that of vulnerability. Another such shock is impending. It is the national vulnerability that will be revealed this month by the American veto of a Palestinian demand for full United Nations membership
Light at End of Afghan Tunnel Recedes
The United States - NATO presence in Afghanistan is becoming increasingly immaterial
Is current U.S. foreign policy in Africa following a blueprint drawn up almost eight years ago by the right-wing Heritage Foundation, one of the most conservative think tanks in the world?
Add Latin America to the list of regions upset with President Obama's lack of follow-through on campaign and White House promises
Effects of the American Drone Program in Pakistan
The U.S. drone program has its roots in the late 1990s, when unmanned -- and unarmed -- aircraft tracked and spied on al Qaeda in Afghanistan. After 9/11, then U.S. President George W. Bush ordered U.S. drones, at that point equipped with missiles, to kill leaders of al Qaeda. Since assuming office, Barack Obama has greatly accelerated the program
Does Obama Have a Grand Strategy?
A fierce debate has erupted over the possible existence of an Obama doctrine, with a chorus of foreign policy observers bemoaning the United States' supposed strategic incompetence. But is it true that President Barack Obama has no grand strategy? And even if it were, would that be such a disaster?
Robert Gates Departure Could Bring Makeover for Obama on National Security
Robert Gates, the only cabinet member of George W. Bush's administration to stay on under Obama, has served eight different presidents during his career. He's been praised by some as one of the best defense secretaries ever. And now, the man nominated to succeed him, CIA Director Leon Panetta, has more to fill than Gates' well-traveled shoes
Downgrade Won't Have Short-Term Effect on Foreign Policy
Blame abounds in Washington over the country's downgraded sovereign debt rating. So, it's not surprising that other world powers, like China and Russia, are weighing in also
Germany and the US: Toward a 'Special Relationship'?
The history of 20th century American foreign policy largely surrounds efforts to thwart the designs of Germany to dominate Europe. But with a united Germany now the key player within the EU, has the time arrived for the US to forge a 'special relationship' with the European power?
No U.S. troops were killed in Iraq last month. So why aren't we celebrating? Because the war isn't over yet and it costs way too much -- in Iraqi lives and our money
Bush's Grand Strategy, Reconsidered
Ten years after 9/11, we can begin to gain some perspective on the impact of that day's terrorist attacks on U.S. foreign policy. There was, and there remains, a natural tendency to say that the attacks changed everything. But a decade on, such conclusions seem unjustified.
Assassination as Foreign Policy
None of this is likely to be news to anyone who follows American policy. I bring it up to challenge such a program and policy, not simply out of considerations for national and individual morality, but for political and military policy reasons.
Outgoing Robert Gates Outlines Future US Presence in Asia
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates was in Kabul at the start of June talking about withdrawal -- or non-withdrawal -- from Afghanistan, but before he went home he stopped through Singapore to talk about an enlarged American military engagement in Asia.
Robert Gates: Parting Shot on Afghan Policy
When President Obama gathered his top advisers on Afghan policy at the White House for his latest assessment, soon-to-depart Secretary of Defense Robert Gates participated via videoconference from Afghanistan. But his advice already had been given on the ground: Don't grow more impatient
Roughly two and a half months into the NATO intervention in Libya, members of Congress are still trying to have their say on the matter. Recently, the House voted 268-145 to pass a resolution introduced by House Speaker John Boehner , which demands President Obama to give more detail on U.S. policy goals in Libya
Congress very belatedly has begun to raise its feeble voice in defense of its Constitutional powers on war. Two senators, Democrat Jim Webb of Virginia and Republican Bob Corker of Tennessee, have introduced a resolution calling on President Obama to comply with the War Powers Act of 1973 regarding the U.S. military involvement in Libya
New Tensions in Fraught Relationship
There's been some tough love in America's relationship with Pakistan lately. Both a recent standoff over foreign aid and the U.S. arrest of American citizen Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai on illegal lobbying charges have increased mistrust in an already unsteady partnership. But even with tensions high, this is not one of those relationships that either side can walk away from easily
War Fatigue and the Un-Critical Critics of War
From Iraq to Afghanistan to Libya, the first decade of the 21st century has solidified the U.S. reputation as the energizer bunny of war. While these conflicts continue to rage on, there are a growing number of signs that even the United States has a limit to how much war it is willing to wage
Those who laud the new National Strategy for Counterterrorism as a fundamental realignment fail to realize that the self-limitations on the part of the United States are, in many cases, vast expansions in authorization for the use of force against 'ungoverned spaces'
Obama Undermines Prospects for Middle East Peace
When Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu accepted an invitation to speak to Congress, he could have had no idea that the Obama administration would take the ground from under him. A preemptive strike is about the only interpretation one can make of yet another Middle East speech by the president -- a speech that represented a fundamental change in American policy toward Israel
United States Has Trust Issues With China
A core tension in the U.S. - China military relationship is U.S. frustration over China's unwillingness to reveal more about its military capability, its budget and its strategy. Some have questioned whether U.S. openness toward the Chinese makes strategic sense
For Many Republicans Afghanistan Is A Budget Issue
The military intervention in Afghanistan will cost U.S. taxpayers about $113 billion total -- roughly $2 billion per week -- in the current fiscal year. As the administration prepares for its promised withdrawal of troops starting in July, the anti-spending climate in Washington could be the impetus that opponents of the Afghanistan war have been waiting for
The United States - Russia Missile Defense Impasse
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Obama met privately before the G8 meeting in Deauville, France, and discussed the longstanding dispute between the two countries over missile defense, says CFR Russia expert Stephen Sestanovich
Strategic Implications of Osama bin Laden's Death
Bin Laden Death Raises Big National Security Questions
Where the United States Goes from Here
Will Bin Laden Death Affect Afghan Exit Timetable?
Pakistan Unaware of Osama bin Laden Presence? Don't Believe It
Congress Praises Obama and Troops After Bin Laden Death
Bin Laden's Death and the Implications for Jihadism
Final Letter to Osama bin Laden
President Obama on Osama Bin Laden
Bin Laden and the Return of Common Sense
Power and Politics in an Autonomous Latin America
Terrorism After the Arab Revolutions
Getting the Military Out of Pakistani Politics
America Should Exercise Pragmatic Idealism in the Arab World
Chances for a New US Foreign Policy Not Taken
United States - Pacific Relations: Pacific-Minded
Prudent Multilateralism in Libya
President Obama's Most Amazing Libyan Achievements
The Thinly Veiled Campaign for Regime Change
President Obama's 'New Model' of U.S.-Latin American Ties
Obama Said He Doesn't Mind Criticism on Libya Mission in Latin America
What Happened to the American Declaration of War?
Pakistan: Bad Investment for the United States
Afghanistan: Going for the Quick Fix
The United States Finds Itself on the Outside Looking In
Obama's Card in Latin America: Education
A Welcome Foreign Policy Caution
The Tea Party and American Foreign Policy
WikiLeaks Scandal Spurs Hackers vs. Lobbyist Fight
In New Arab World United States Cannot Straddle Fence Much Longer
U.S. Aid Cuts Could Be 'Diplomatic Suicide'
American-Israeli Policy To Be Tested By Arab Uprisings
Obama's Trip May Lead to United States - Brazil Honeymoon
The United States - Egypt Breakup: Washington's Limited Options in Cairo
Egypt a 'Textbook' Foreign Policy Dilemma
Obama Meets Foreign Policy Test in Egypt
U.S. Officials Talk Tough With China
Obama Presses Hu Jintao to Let U.S. Banks Into China
China and United States Need Overarching Concept for Interaction
China's Growing Military Might Poses Many Policy Questions
America: Flying Into Turbulence
Our Flip-Flopping Wars in Iraq & Afghanistan
Facing Realities on North Korea
Mind of Martyr: How to Deradicalize Islamist Extremists
Obama Talking Peace While Making War
'The Great Global Security Underwriter' Will Pay a High Price
Afghanistan: Questioning Obama's July 2011 Deadline in Afghanistan
Afghanistan: GOP Questions Obama's Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal Deadline
Obama's Surge in Afghanistan Hardly a Surprise
Afghanistan: Obama Dance With the Partner You Came With
Afghanistan: Obama Caring and Killing
Afghanistan: Obama's War Gamble
Afghanistan: Once Again, We're Marching Into an Unwinnable War
Afghanistan: Now It's Obama's Afghan War
Afghanistan: Forward on Afghanistan
Afghanistan: Sartre Meets Afghanistan: Obama's 'No Exit' Strategy
Afghanistan: A Missed Turning Point
On Foreign Policy Front Consider Obama Lucky So Far
Circling Sharks Smell American Blood
A Year With Obama and U.S. Foreign Relations Have Only Worsened
Reagan, Obama and Legacy of the Berlin Wall
Possible New U.S. Option in Afghanistan: Getting Out With Grace
Afghanistan: Another Voice of Caution
Disillusionment in Afghanistan
Victory in Afghanistan Requires Fully Supported Counterinsurgency
Counterinsurgency Cookie Cutter Doesn't Fit Afghanistan
Despite Obama's Concessions, Russia Remains Unhelpful on Iran
Can United States Truly Press 'Reset' Button With Russia
Arrogant U.S. Misses the Message From Pakistan's People
For Europe, U.S. Is Country That Cries Wolf
With al-Qaida Diminished, There's No Sense in Expanding Afghan War
United States: Single-eyed Vision
Latin America Low on Obama's Priority List
Obama Fumbling a Chance for Middle East Peace
Obama's Missile Defense Concession Holds Opportunity for European Security
A Simple Plan for Killing al Qaeda
Obama Faces Reality on Iran, Middle East