CrossTalk: China vs US

In the wake of a second high-level meeting, where does the fraught China-US relationship stand? The first meeting, in Anchorage, Alaska, was an embarrassing failure for Secretary of State Blinken. At the second meeting the Chinese presented the Americans with a set of demands. It would seem the stage is now set for real negotiations and not just theatrics. … Read More >CrossTalk: China vs US

Bullhorns: Ideological instability

The Biden administration tells us the world faces the stark choice between democracy and authoritarianism. Does this make any sense? The balance of power in the world system is moving toward multi-polarity and is not defined by ideological preferences. Dangerously, Washington continues to claim it has the right to define what the legitimate world order should be. … Read More >Bullhorns: Ideological instability

CrossTalk: The politics of Jan 6

The Democrat-dominated Select Committee investigating the events of January 6 on Capitol Hill has been constituted and will start proceedings next week. Will it be merely political theater – a proverbial lunchroom food fight on national display? One thing is for sure – these proceedings will reflect deep political divisions. Sadly, finding the truth looks to be of secondary importance. … Read More >CrossTalk: The politics of Jan 6

Cuba’s trials

Cuba has experienced demonstrations both for and against the Havana government. Many in the US loudly say “something must be done.” What that something is is not entirely clear. The fact is the US has done many things against Cuba for decades, chief among them its long-standing trade embargo. Maybe Washington should stop trying to help the Cuban people for a change. … Read More >Cuba’s trials

Intel worship

Remember the great 1964 film ‘Dr. Strangelove’? Do you recall its subtitle? It was ‘How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’. Well, in light of the surveillance state, here’s an update for 2021: ‘How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Intel Community’. Spooks today aren’t feared – they’re adored. … Read More >Intel worship

Saigon in Afghanistan

Alas, the end appears to be near. Washington’s 20-year effort at nation-building in Afghanistan was always going to end this way – a complete and total failure. It is doubtful the corrupt Kabul government will last long after America’s withdrawal. Afghanistan remains broken and the American people poor. And no one is held to account … Read More >Saigon in Afghanistan