Published in Hudson New York President Obama's recent explanation for militarily engaging Libya is yet another example of how U.S. leaders increasingly rationalize their policies via sentimental and idealistic platitudes, rather than reality or the long view—or just plain common sense. In a speech replete with moralizing intonations, Obama did manage to evoke U.S. … [Read more...]
Mubarak Still in Charge?
Published in National Review Online: The Corner While the media has eagerly accepted the "happy ending" that Egypt's Hosni Mubarak abdicated—after all, the uprisings were dragging on and it needed a quick denouement to the drama so it could return to Lady Gaga—an increasing number of Egyptians are convinced that he never abdicated, and is still in charge of the military he … [Read more...]
Weeping and Other Hysterics
Have Muslim Apologists Nothing More to Offer? Published in Hudson New York From Congressman Keith Ellison's emotional breakdown to Congresswoman Jackie Speier's accusations of "racism," last week's hearings on Muslim radicalization have made it clear that those who oppose the hearings have little of substance to offer. Still, the tactics used by such apologists—namely, appeals … [Read more...]
Libya: What to do?
Published in National Review Online As with Egypt, American sympathies instinctively side with Libya's oppositional forces as they seek to overthrow the tyrant Qaddafi—and rightfully so. But where U.S. foreign policy is concerned, prudence is in order. This is especially the case considering that the Obama administration has evinced inconsistency, if not incoherence, regarding … [Read more...]
El Baradei: On the Record
Published in National Review Online: The Corner Mohammad El Baradei, whom many tout as a great reformer, is now on record supporting the Egyptian constitution's controversial Article 2, which states: "Islam is the Religion of the State. Arabic is its official language, and the principal source of legislation is Islamic Jurisprudence (Sharia)." The final clause, that sharia is … [Read more...]