Syria Spotlights Problematic International Law

by Mitchell Plitnick Russia is not staying silent as the US appears to be positioning itself for an attack on the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. Defending its last key ally in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned… Continue Reading →

Power Woos Critics with Pro-Israel Charm Offensive

by Mitchell Plitnick via IPS News Samantha Power, U.S. President Barack Obama’s nominee for the post of ambassador to the United Nations, made a strong case for her confirmation Wednesday with strong pro-Israel and interventionist statements that will appeal to… Continue Reading →

As Hunger Strike Spreads, Obama Again Denounces Guantanamo

by Jim Lobe via IPS News With at least 100 detainees now participating in a three-month-old hunger strike, U.S. President Barack Obama Tuesday reiterated his earlier denunciations of the Guantanamo detention facility and blamed Congress for preventing its closure. Speaking… Continue Reading →

White House Letter Fuels U.S. Involvement in Syria Debate

by Jasmin Ramsey via IPS News A White House letter Thursday to Congressional leaders suggesting chemical weapons use by the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad has reignited debate about direct U.S. military involvement in the war-torn country. “Our intelligence community does assess… Continue Reading →