We might be tempted to dismiss the latest antics of Dennis Rodman, the freak show of a former NBA great who’s now cozying up to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as the desperate bleats of an attention-starved celebrity. But, let’s give the flamboyant Rodman his due. He now follows proudly in a long line of …
Continue reading “All Hail Dennis Rodman, Our Latest “Useful Idiot””
A congressional push for more sanctions against Iran raises a difficult question related to the six-month global deal over Tehran’s nuclear program and to President Barack Obama’s stature as America’s commander-in-chief and top diplomat. The question: Should Congress, at moments when it disagrees with a President’s foreign policy, try to re-write that policy even if, …
Continue reading “President-Congress Clash Over Iran Sanctions Won’t Serve U.S. Interests”
The U.S.-led six-month agreement with Iran over its nuclear program reflects not just Washington’s limited aspirations for its relations with Tehran but also its affinity for the regional status quo over possible change. Throw in its policy toward Syria both before and after the start of its horrific civil war, and we see an administration …
Continue reading “Obama’s Narrow Focus On Iran’s Nukes Misses The Larger Point”
The U.N. General Assembly’s selection this week of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Vietnam, and Algeria to its Human Rights Council further tarnishes the U.N.’s reputation and reinforces the Council’s status as a laughingstock on human rights. Moving forward, the Council surely will follow its well-worn path – ignoring the brutal human rights violations of …
Continue reading “U.N.’s Human Rights Council Shames Itself Further, If That’s Possible”
The New York Times didn’t know or didn’t care that one of its new high-profile “contributing opinion writers” has long displayed a relentless hostility to Israel and posited startling conspiracy theories about “Zionist” power. The revelations about the best-selling Egyptian novelist and activist Alaa Al Aswany, as highlighted in news reports of recent days, raise …
Continue reading “Alaa Al Aswany: The Grey Lady’s Troubling New Columnist”
The deal that re-opened America’s government and averted a national default should evoke little cheer, for the Washington spectacle of recent weeks has hurt America’s image and influence around the world. The impacts to date are serious enough. They include a Chinese call to “de-Americanize” the world’s economy to lessen its dependence on the U.S. …
Continue reading “Government Shutdown 2013 Ends: Hey, Washington — The Whole World Was Watching”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s charm offensive has already changed the global dynamics over Iran’s nuclear pursuit to Tehran’s advantage, with the West easing its pressure and Israel now positioned as a stubborn outlier. Also to Tehran’s benefit, Rouhani’s efforts have opened a clearer fissure between Washington and Jerusalem. Not only is U.S. President Barack Obama …
Continue reading “Rouhani’s Charm Offensive Already Paying Off For Tehran”