American Strategy Program: Latest Articles

Not Serious -- This Time

Erin Drankoski — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:20:00 -0500

Is the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) leadership, which is currently proposing to seek United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state along the pre-1967 border, about to shake up the Israeli-Palestinian paralysis in a game-changing way? The answer for now would appear to be "no." Both U.S. and EU officials were quick to distance themselves from the idea and label it premature. For their part, the Israelis took umbrage at this hint of Palestinian unilateralism. In case anyone

How Copenhagen Died During Barack Obama's Asia Trip

Erin Drankoski — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:21:00 -0500

He did it! During his trip to China, President Barack Obama mentioned human rights and the importance of free thinking, and China didn't dump its massive pile of U.S. dollars. America must still have some sway left in the world.

Perhaps Obama is now on a roll and will score a last-minute deal with China on climate change reduction targets or revaluing the Chinese yuan to get the global economic order rebalanced. Not.

End the GOP's Filibuster Folly

Erin Drankoski — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:49:00 -0500

A year ago, Barack Obama was elected to bring change to America. But his efforts to transform Washington are being stymied by one of the capital's oldest of political traditions: the Senate filibuster. Ten months into Obama's presidency, Democrats have passed just one major piece of legislation, February's stimulus package.

The Assassination of Greg Craig

Erin Drankoski — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:50:00 -0500

Gregory Craig, White House counsel to President Obama and national security advisor to Obama during the presidential campaign, resigned his post this past Friday. But when rumors broke Thursday of his imminent departure, Craig had not written his farewell note and may not have planned to leave -- yet.

Havel's Velvet Anniversary

Erin Drankoski — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:25:00 -0500

Twenty years ago this month, protestors massed for ten days in Prague's Wenceslas Square, demanding an end to communist rule, and chanting: "Havel, na Hrad!" (Havel to the Castle.)