America’s Ulcerous Credibility Gap: Read Dafna Linzer Today

-

15

I have little doubt that long term Iran wants a nuclear weapons program. By knocking Iraq out of the equation, America has removed one of the chief ‘balancers’ of power in the region, and Iran’s security and regional pretensions are going to fill that void. Balancing Israel is a long-term strategic objective of Iran.

Rita Hauser, George Soros, Warren Rudman, & Lee Hamilton at September 6-7 Terrorism Conference

-

3

The line-up for the September 6-7 conference: Terrorism, Security and America’s Purpose: Towards a More Comprehensive Strategy continues to strengthen. Rita Hauser is a well-known international lawyer, leading Republican Party stalwart in New York, a board member of the RAND Corporation, and Chair of the International Peace Academy that works closely with the United Nations….

Iraq as Wedge Issue

-

9

President Bush is planning a rally to stir up support for the war in Iraq. Senator Hagel, who is speaking at our terrorism conference on September 6th, has cut down near the roots of the White House’s effort to keep pumping money and military men and women into Iraq.

Just did “The Majority Report” on Air America Radio

-

5

I really enjoyed talking with Sam Seder tonight on Air America’s The Majority Report. We spoke about George Bush and the Iraq War, Cindy Sheehan, Ari Berman’s excellent article — The Strategic Class — in The Nation, and then our upcoming mega-conference on America’s “next phase response” to terrorism.

Juan Cole: Understanding What is Fueling the Storm

-

12

There are few in the country whom I think better articulate what is driving the tumult in the Middle East than Juan Cole. Juan Cole is one of the mega-bloggers in the U.S., publishing the smart “Informed Comment: Thoughts on the Middle East, History, and Religion” blog.