Everything about the war — its origins, its course, its failures and achievements — is contested. But it has already been placed in a frame that portrays it, like U.S. wars in Korea and Vietnam, as a mistake born of good intentions, ennobled by brave soldiers and mangled by confused and self-interested politicians. A small […]

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Almost 700 foreign service officers. The largest embassy ever built, and four satellite locations. A State Department Air Force consisting of a fixed-wing fleet of four turboprops and enough helicopters to reinvade Grenada (should Rick Perry be elected president): 14 UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters to be augmented by 20 Sikorsky S-61 helicopters, and 24 Sikorsky […]

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Let’s assume this is a two-man race, as none of the second-tier candidates appear capable of competing with Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Are we forgetting Herman Cain? And his evolving thinking on foreign policy? “When they ask me who is the president of Ubeki-beki-beki-beki stan-stan,” Cain said, “I’m going to say, ‘[Y]ou know, I […]

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She composed herself, told me to read Ross Sorkin’s article in the Times, and turned her attention to the two young women leading the general assembly. After watching this movement from up close for two days in October, as well as from afar, I find myself in agreement with the government regulator who feels compelled […]

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Two Men and a Meme — The image is compelling and sublime. A ballerina (a member of the Boston ballet) poised delicately on the back of the iconic Wall Street Bull statue in the Financial District. A visual contradiction: the dancer, unbearably light; the bull heavy and muscular. The text, equally intriguing. Above the image […]

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