WikiLeaks now has the Afghan “war logs” up in html, which you can browse a number of different ways: be sure to read the introduction for navigation instructions (it’s easy).
And, again, thanks to Wikileaks, Julian Assange, and – especially – Bradley Manning, who sacrificed his career (and his freedom) so that we might know the truth.
Antiwar columnist Eric Margolis was fired in a shake-up at Sun Newspapers.
In what is unlikely a coincidence, it was recently revealed that Sun Newspapers is now receiving Canadian government money.
Margolis has written for the Toronto Sun newspaper chain for 27 years and his column has remained popular.
Margolis, like other high-profile Sun columnists who have been axed or forced into retirement without an opportunity to say farewell to readers, will remain visible online.
“My weekly columns on foreign affairs will still be available at EricMargolis.com each Sunday, and at Huffingtonpost.com and LewRockwell.com. I am also on Twitter and Facebook.”
As Eric says, there was a time during the glory years of the Toronto Sun when opposing views were welcomed by management and appreciated by readers. Quebecor’s newly-planted henchmen are putting an end to that editorial freedom.
Sun Media’s parliamentary bureau has lost five columnists in the past month: Greg Weston, Elizabeth Thompson, Christina Spencer, Peter Zimonjic and Kathleen Harris, who is still writing but as a national reporter from outside the bureau.
Nearly one third of the Republican Caucus in the House of Representatives has introduced a resolution giving Israel a green light to attack Iran. H.Res.1553 declares unwavering support for Israel to “use all means necessary,†to “eliminate nuclear threats†posed by Iran.
The game plan of these Members of Congress was spelled out by John Bolton in the Wall Street Journal just two weeks ago: “Having visible congressional support in place at the outset [of an attack] will reassure the Israeli government, which is legitimately concerned about Mr. Obama’s likely negative reaction to such an attack.â€
The National Iranian American Council is urging people to contact House Republican leader John Boehner urging him to block this measure.
You can go here to automatically contact Boehner.
I also urge you to contact your individual member of Congress and Senator to oppose H.Res.1553. You can go to Congress.org to get contact info.
This Wednesday a debate between Bruce Fein (former associate deputy attorney general in the Reagan administration and author of American Empire: Before the Fall) and radio host/Washington Times columnist Jeffrey Kuhner. It will be moderated by American Conservative editor Daniel McCarthy.
The smackdown begins at 12:30 pm on the 6th floor of the Americans for Tax Reform offices — 722 12th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
With RNC Chairman Michael Steele calling Afghanistan Obama’s war, there’s an opening, however small, for a true foreign policy debate on the Right for the first time in over a decade. The Fein/Kuhner event will give a taste of what’s in store. It’s free, and food and drink will be provided, so drop by if you’re in the area.
General James Mattis was just nominated to fill the post of CentCom commander, has his own history of speaking out to the media.
In 2005, Marine Corps General Mattis spoke of the fun he experienced in Afghanistan:
“Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot,” Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. “It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.
“You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil,” Mattis said. “You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them.”
His boss, Marine Corps commandant General Michael Hagee said Mattis should have chosen his words more carefully, but defended him, calling him “one of this country’s bravest and most experienced military leaders.”:
“Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor.”
“Throughout our history, Marines have given their lives in the defense of this nation and human rights around the globe,” Hagee’s statement read. “When necessary, this commitment helps to provide us the fortitude to take the lives of those who oppress others or threaten this nation’s security. This is not something we relish, yet we accept it as a reality in our profession of arms.”
Added Marine Gen. Peter Pace, then-vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “The last three times that that general has been in combat, when he was leading Marines in Afghanistan and the two times that he led his division in Iraq, his actions and those of his troops clearly show that he understands the value of proper leadership and the value of human life.”
This is one more illustration of why civilians, and not the military, need to be in charge of our defense and foreign policy decisions.
