The above quote was offered, you'll recall, by John McCain a couple of months ago, in response to a question about whether there was anybody in the Syrian rebel army who the US could arm safely, without worrying that our weapons would fall into the hands of terrorists. Well, we better step up those arms … Continue reading “I know them. I’ve met them. They’re there.”

I'm thinking about doing a daily update on what's happening in Iraq, mostly to in some miniscule way address the fact that American media has mostly ignored the rising violence and instability there. Our media isn't equipped to cover international news anymore, particularly not in multiple places at once, so between Syria and Egypt they're … Continue reading The Daily Iraq?

The New York Times reported a couple of days ago that our glorious effort to change water into wine build a stable, functioning democracy in the territory we call "Afghanistan" may be winding down for keeps: Mr. Obama is committed to ending America’s military involvement in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and Obama administration … Continue reading Sympathy for the devil

This is what life is like in America's Hottest New Media Empire: How's this for a listicle: 60 million unique visitors who didn't see your snarky buzzfeed thought piece. — Andrew Kaczynski (@BuzzFeedAndrew) July 11, 2013 Because nothing says "journalism" like "LOOK AT HOW MANY PEOPLE CLICKED ON OUR CONTENT TODAY." Also. Too: And finally, … Continue reading Buzz off

It's definitely not getting any better: At least 28 people have been killed in bomb and gun attacks across Iraq, police and medics have said. In Muqdadiya, north of the capital Baghdad, 11 people were killed when a car bomb exploded at a mourning ceremony. As survivors gathered to evacuate the wounded, a suicide bomber blew himself … Continue reading Iraq getting worse?

Iraq has been clearly shoved to the side in terms of media coverage of the Middle East, what with the Syrian Civil War, massive public unrest in Turkey, and the implosion of Egypt (also Iran elected a new president!) hogging the spotlight. Unfortunately, Iraq seems to be quietly spiraling out of control as well. Al … Continue reading Remember Iraq?

I mean, we say we're not torturing the inmates at Guantanamo anymore, but we are definitely force-feeding those who choose to go on hunger strikes. That's what the above video is about; rapper/actor Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) volunteered to have a force-feeding tube inserted into his stomach to demonstrate what our government is doing to … Continue reading Why are we still torturing people?

Things may be spiraling out of control in Egypt, where a clash between the army and Muslim Brotherhood supporters near the headquarters of Egypt's Republican Guard (where deposed former President Mohamed Morsi is believed to be held) became a bloodbath:Doctors at the morgue say 54 dead, mostly from bullets or asphyxiation.Forensic reports I saw were … Continue reading Egypt deteriorating