Red & Blue America? The Myth of Regionalism

(Just a reflection on today’s class discussion, so that I can get it out of my head and take a peaceful, calm nap…)
I had one main problem with Peter Trubowitz’s conclusions, as we discussed them in class: his usage of the terms “red state” and “blue state” to discuss what he believes to be regional [...]

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Turkey’s Near Abroad

America’s crucial alliance with Turkey has been effective in obtaining access to the Black Sea when the U.S. was providing aid to Georgia during its brief conflict with Russia. Turkey has been a key player in allowing American diplomats to acquire theire desired interests in the region. Even though Turkey refuse to allow American excursions [...]

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Pakistan’s All Weather Ally

Regarding my previous blog regarding the nuclear deal between the U.S. and India, a major policy implication has arisen between our “arbitrary” allie, Pakistan trying to achieve a counterbalance with China. Pakistan felt betrayed after the United States cut off aid during its war with India in 1965. Pakistan was also disappointed in the early [...]

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PIRATES!

We love pirates; they’re big hits on the silver screen, they’re great for childrens’ make-believe games, and for the more serious among us, their history is an interesting one, interwoven with colonial wars and the discovery of the New World.
But those are historical pirates, our imaginary archetypes of swashbuckling ruffians. Modern pirates? Not much fun at [...]

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In Case You Missed The Debate . . . SNL Style.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/36866/saturday-night-live-presidential-debate
 
- Sorry, I’m not smart enough to figure out how to embed from Hulu . .

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Ahmadinejad meets with… Rabbis?

Just a day after he caused a bit of a ruckus at the United Nations for his usual rhetoric concerning Israel, Iranian preisdent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited and spoke with, of all people, a group of Jewish Rabbis. And the bigger surprise? These are ultra-orthodox anti-zionist jews who share his views on the eradication of Israel.
This odd meeting [...]

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Debate format leads to bickering

This past Friday there was the first of a series of three Presidential debates. The format was explained at the beginning of the debate. There would be ninety minutes for the debate. Within this time, each question would be given nine minutes of time. There would be an initial question with each candidate allowed two [...]

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McCains attempted retreat

In the last vital months of the election, there are three presidential debates which allow the candidates to compete in front of one another for their particular strategies if they were to take office.  Earlier this week the people of the United States were left out to dry as the McCain campaign decided to retreat [...]

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Possibly Possible Questions

If I had to predict 8 questions to be asked tonight, I’d say:
1. Venezuela has developed closer military ties to Russia and China, buying jets and arms and the like, as its relations with the US continue to sour. How would you respond if Venezuela threatens US interests in Latin America? Would you consider military [...]

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Ten Questions, Now That is More Like It

Foreign Policy Questions for the Candidates’ Debate – The Caucus Blog – NYTimes.com
From The Caucus: The New York Times Politics Blog
1. Congress requires that every president submit a new National Security Strategy of the United States. That’s the document that, in its current form, contains the Bush Doctrine
that Gov. Sarah Palin and Charlie Gibson [...]

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