The Rise of the Vulcans, Part II
By Edited by Michael Flynn December 21, 2011
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FEATURED ARTICLES
Rise of the Vulcans Redux
By Peter Certo
The purported “end of the neocon consensus” has hardly meant an end to hawkishness in the GOP fold. With the Republican candidates virtually all gunning for Iran, backing right-wing Israeli policies toward the Palestinians, and stabling a passel of neoconservative advisers (Ron Paul excepted), voters have plenty of clues about what the foreign policy of a new GOP administration would look like. And while some of the candidates have expressed wariness with neoconservative notions of armed democracy promotion, all the signs indicate that if a Republican wins next year, we will likely be in for a bit of George W. redux. Read article.
Turning the Tide on the Pro-Israel Debate
By Michael Flynn & Peter Certo
With key members of the "Israel Lobby" acknowledging the importance of providing a broader space to Israel’s critics, the indelibly beltway Politico recognizing the influence of such critics in a full-length feature, and core Democratic organizations showing an increasing sensitivity to inappropriate uses of the anti-Semite charge, is the United States finally willing to undertake a real debate on what are the best U.S. interests in the Middle East? Read article.
FEATURED PROFILES
Long active in the promotion of neoconservative foreign policies, the Center for Security Policy, led by Frank Gaffney, has also distinguished itself as a banner member of the “Islamophobia network.”
A controversial film distribution company, the Clarion Fund has released several films that attack “Radical Islam” while promoting views on its website that call into question the trustworthiness of all Muslims.
Endowment for Middle East Truth
An “unabashedly pro-Israel and pro-American think tank,” EMET promotes the work of “pro-Israel” hawks in Washington, stokes fear of Islam and Muslims, and advocates a militarist U.S. posture toward the Middle East.
Block, a former AIPAC spokesperson who defines himself as a progressive “pro-Israel” Democrat, has collaborated with neoconservatives and other hardliners to marginalize critics of Israel in the Democratic Party, in part by attempting to smear them as “anti-Semitic.”
Institute for the Study of War
Chaired by Liz Cheney and led by Kimberly Kagan, the ISW promotes hawkish stances on U.S counterinsurgency operations.
A military historian, Kimberly Kagan heads the Institute for the Study of War, where she promotes the continuation of U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A decorated former general credited with helping conceive the Iraq “surge,” Jack Keane has used his military experience to promote long-term U.S. engagements abroad—and to turn a profit in the private sector.
The “nonpartisan” UN Watch, which devotes most of its energy to lambasting UN criticism of Israel, has counted on the financial support of the American Jewish Committee, the Becker Foundation, and a handful of other private donors in recent years.
ALSO NEW ON RIGHT WEB
Mass Tragedy Feared as Closure of MEK Camp Looms
U.S. officials fear that unless the MEK’s leaders approve of vacating their camp north of Baghdad, the residents could face violent raids from Iraqi forces or commit mass suicide.
Foreign Aid Spared Massive Cuts in 2012
Although Congress spared foreign aid the massive cuts favored by the GOP-led House, aid spending continues to pale beside Pentagon appropriations.
Iraq Intervention Ends with Scarcely a Whimper
The United States marked the formal end of its unpopular eight-and-a-half year war in Iraq with little fanfare.
Military Option Recedes amid Tug-of-War over Iran Policy
The Obama administration hasn’t shied away from confrontation with Iran, but some administration officials are resisting pressure from Congress to escalate the situation further.
Civil War Looms as Syrian Protests Grow Increasingly Complex
As the West ramps up its engagement with Syrian opposition figures, the behavior of armed opposition groups inside the country increasingly resembles that of the Assad regime.
LETTERS
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