Saddam Hussein Goes Home and Hides Under a Rug
Myths live and die by their own logic. One of the reasons that myths, especially living myths, become mythic in the first place is that they seem to live outside the rules that govern the rest of us. They are bigger than life, mightier than circumstance, and awesome (in the case of Saddam, terribly so) in their capacity to shape circumstance and the world to their liking, and often to do their bidding.
Challenging US War Myths
About the book: When many Americans hear that the US may go to war against another nation, they tend to believe there’s probably a good reason for it or that no viable alternatives exist—or they don’t think about it at all. They trust their leaders to represent them and defend their values. They accept their leaders’ claims that war is to ensure their safety when others wish to harm them.The parties of war play on Americans’ basic values to bring them online. The media reassures them that the reasons for war are altruistic— that Americans wish to spread democracy and allow others to adopt their way of life. But is this the case?
With 24 compelling illustrations, maps and graphs, this book is intended to serve as a tool for peace advocacy. Well known peace advocates respond to 19 of the most common illusions held by the American public which weaken their opposition to Washington’s wars.
Depleted Uranium not a factor in Iraqi food insecurity
Depleted Uranium not a factor in Iraqi food insecurity Author: Roger Helbig Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 10/15/2008 Category: Letters to the Editor Ross, There is no munition “tipped with depleted uranium” — there are kinetic energy penetrator rounds that are solid small diameter rods of DU that are fired at tanks. […]
Escaping Oil
Executive Order 13303 comes in for scrutiny reinforcing the belief that George W Bush has a tendency to be supportive of the US oil industry.
Politics of the Absurd: Sarah Palin and the mindset for war
Pandora Hopkins reflects on the adsurdity of the 2008 US elections, offering some insight into the archetypal “warrior” and “clanmom” figures of John McCain and Sarah Palin. Hopkins writes: “My hope is that, by using a folkloric perspective—by examining the tales told by and about Sarah Palin and John McCain (stock figures in this drama)–we can begin to find ways to promote the hope that Obama has inspired—and the satirical energy that Sarah Palin
engendered.”
Democracy and peace: an over-emphasized relationship
This essay revisits the classical argument of democratic-peace in reference to more recent political events, including the US and UK led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and concludes that democracy in and of itself is an insufficient indicator of a given state’s likelihood of engaging in war. The message of this argument takes on an extra dimension of meaning in light of the recent conflict in Georgia.
Iraq in the Balance
Iraq in the Balance Author: Peter Krupa Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 06/09/2006 Category: Editorial Few people would disagree that George W. Bush’s stated goals in Iraq – spreading democracy and quelling the threat of Islamic extremism – are indeed worthwhile. What most of the world objects to are his methods – […]
Is the overseas deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Force (SDF) illegal? Rethinking the Japanese contribution to international peace and security
Noriko Hashimoto discusses the legal and political arguments around the deployment of Japan’s self defense forces (SDF) for overseas missions, going beyond the constitutional debate to question the broader concept of national contributions to international society.
The State of the Union
The State of the Union Author: New York Times Editorial Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 01/30/2007 Category: Editorial The White House spin ahead of George W. Bush’s seventh State of the Union address was that the president would make a bipartisan call to revive his domestic agenda with “bold and innovative concepts.” […]
Rescuing Afghanistan from Terror: Recommendations for Recovery
The undetermined question: where will Afghanistan go next? Taking a step forward – Al Santoli provides a solution oriented analysis of the insurgency in Afghanistan. Treading through a mud thick of strife, other options must be considered to overcome the increasing number of attacks on civilians and foreign parties and the ever-growing opium industry.