News Abroad

Is Diplomatic Recognition of Cuba Even Legal?

by Humberto Fontova

President Obama’s latest kow-tow to Stalinist dictator Castro seems to violate U.S. law.

What You Don’t Hear in the Media: A Defense of Drones

by Brian Glyn Williams

An interview with the man who ran the first covert drone program, Lt. General David Deptula USAF (Ret)

Why a Greek No Should Lead to a British Yes

by Luke Reader

It has been an extraordinary few hours in Europe. This is what it doesn't mean for the UK.

Did Obama Really “Cut and Run” and “Abandon” Iraq to ISIS?

by Brian Glyn Williams

Far from ending the conflict and creating an inclusive, multi-ethnic state, Shiite prime minister, Nouri al Maliki's anti-Sunni policies directly led to the rise of ISIS. He, along with Paul Bremer, is the man most responsible for creating ISIS.

It’s Déjà vu All Over Again: Authoritarian Regimes Are Back

by Jonathan Adelman and Joseph Szyliowicz

In the last nine years authoritarianism has been on the march, threatening the democratic advances made by the United States since World War II.

The Lesson of the Fall of the Roman Republic We Ignore at Our Peril

by Richard Alston

In the modern West, we assume loyalty to the state and thus fail to consider how states can secure the loyalty of their people. Rome teaches us why this is a mistake.

Are You a Genius?

by Ann Jefferson

Here's the French answer as to who qualifies and who doesn't.

The Cuba Embargo Has Actually Worked Like a Charm

by Humberto Fontova

Claims that it hasn’t are based on bad media reporting.

The Myth of Middle East Politics Today Is that It’s All About Religion

by Hakim Khatib

Actually, religion’s often mainly being used as an instrument of power, not belief.

What Ever Happened to Good Old Fashioned Threats to Nuke Our Enemies?

by Jeffrey P. Kimball

And for them to nuke us?

What Do Unpopular Wars Have in Common?

by Kenny Kolander

As with Korea and Vietnam and now with Iraq, Congress is reasserting its role in foreign policy.

Britain, the European Union, and Why History Matters

by Luke Reader

Discussions about British withdrawal from the EU should really be considered part of an ongoing debate about history and national identity.   

A World without Strong American Leadership?

by Jonathan Adelman

History suggests that could spell disaster.

Did the Bush Invasion of Iraq “Create” ISIS?

by Brian Glyn Williams

The facts are clear.  ISIS has its roots in Paul Bremer's decision to disband Saddam's army.

The Global Village Myth

by Patrick Porter

Technology may accelerate movement and compress physical space. But it does not necessarily shrink strategic space, the ability to project power affordably across the earth.

Could a Movie Help Lead to the Departure of Scotland from the UK?

by Robert Brent Toplin

Remember “Braveheart?” Scotland’s voters certainly have.

Why I Prefer a Right-wing Government in Israel over a Left-wing Coalition even though I’m Left-wing

by Ahron Bregman

"I believe that only a right-wing government could possibly make the concessions that would allow a Palestinian state to emerge."

6 Predictions About What Will Happen in Syria

by James L. Gelvin

None of them are hopeful, unfortunately.

The Vietnam War: After Forty Years

by Lawrence S. Wittner

A visit to Vietnam reinforces the conclusion that the war was an awful waste, but surprisingly now Vietnam and the US are friendly.

The Conservatives in Japan Who Are Refusing to Acknowledge the Crimes of World War II Think They’re Helping Their Country. They Are Sabotaging It.

by Joyman Lee

The Japanese conservative position on war responsibility is pushing China and Russia together, and it’s inadvertently reinvigorating Cold War divisions in Asia.