Guest Commentary Americans take religious liberty for granted. Unfortunately, this most fundamental freedom is not protected in many countries around the world. Religious liberty is the proverbial canary in the mine. If a state won’t respect this most basic freedom … Continue reading
Doug Bandow
Interfaith Dialogue: Let’s Talk Persecution
Guest Commentary President Barack Obama plans to call for an improved dialogue with Islam in his upcoming speech in Egypt. All faiths would benefit from greater understanding. Yet no conversation will be complete if it does not address Islam’s persecution … Continue reading
Obama’s "Change We Can Believe In:" Paying Off the Unions
Guest Commentary Barack Obama has surprised supporters and opponents alike by choosing centrists for his Cabinet. The leading exception is Labor Secretary-designate Rep. Hilda Solis, a long-time supporter of coercive unionism. Big Labor is pushing so-called card check, hoping to … Continue reading
Christmas Behind Bars
Guest Commentary Every time it seems the so-called Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is about to join the “world community,” the regime in Pyongyang reminds us of its criminal nature. A North Korean soldier not long ago shot and killed … Continue reading
Law of the Sea Treaty: Faux Fixes and Expansive Liabilities
Guest Commentary The Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST), an omnibus treaty originally blocked by President Ronald Reagan, is back, supported by internationalist activists and profit-minded businessmen. The convention, originally intended to promote large-scale income redistribution to Third World states, … Continue reading
Dealing with North Korea: Nukes Versus Human Rights?
Guest Commentary After refusing to talk to Pyongyang for years, the Bush administration chose “appeasement”—as its own officials often deride negotiations. So far the administration’s bet has paid off, but critics contend that the United States has sacrificed human rights … Continue reading
Expanding NATO, Diminishing Security
Guest Commentary The recent NATO summit convened with Georgia and Ukraine lobbying the alliance to continue its steady eastern march. But this process is undermining, not improving, U.S. security. Countries that have been variously occupied, partitioned and dominated prefer not … Continue reading
Independence for Kosovo, War in the Balkans?
Guest Commentary Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia, with American support. The process is likely to be both divisive and destabilizing. The United States has no intrinsic interest in Kosovo’s status. The best position would be one of neutrality. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
Confronting Chinese History
Guest Commentary Mao Zedong became the symbol of China’s communist revolution: leading the famed Long March, proclaiming the new People’s Republic of China (PRC), meeting Richard Nixon to open a dialogue between the PRC and America—and killing tens of millions … Continue reading
Creating Crisis: Another War in the Balkans?
Guest Commentary The Bush administration has badly botched U.S. foreign policy. But the administration isn’t finished: Another potential crisis looms in Kosovo. The latest negotiating round over Kosovo’s final status has finished. The ethnic Albanians plan to declare independence from … Continue reading
Picture of Death: The Killing Fields’ Camera Man
Guest Commentary Accountability has been long in coming to Cambodia. Thirty-two years after the Khmer Rouge seized power and unleashed horrific slaughter upon the Cambodian people, trials are approaching for several Khmer Rouge leaders, including former foreign minister, Ieng Sary, … Continue reading
Pro-American in Paris: Sarkozy’s Message to Congress
“The United States and France are two nations that remain true to the same ideal, that defend the same principles, that believe in the same values.” At last! French President Nicolas Sarkozy confirmed France’s commitment to its powerful ally on … Continue reading
China’s Future Path: Trust or Fear its People
Guest Commentary The Beijing Olympics are less than a year away. While China’s extensive construction program is well underway, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is retreating from its promise to the International Olympic Committee to improve human rights. The … Continue reading
Confusing Human Right from Wrong
Guest Commentary “MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN DEADLINE,” headlined the direct mail letter from Amnesty International. Executive Director Larry Cox said, “I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is for Amnesty International to maximize our resources at this critical moment.” I’ve … Continue reading
Low-Key Thailand’s High-Level Threat to Religious Liberty
Guest Commentary Thailand is a warm, welcoming society. A majority Buddhist nation, Thailand leaves religious minorities alone. Yet Bangkok’s policy of religious tolerance is coming under pressure. The forces of Buddhist nationalism were active in the campaign over the new … Continue reading
Addressing the Chinese “Threat”
Guest Commentary Iraq is a tragic problem for the United States and its allies, but hopefully a temporary one. Thankfully the old U.S.S.R. is gone, no matter how hard Vladimir Putin might attempt to put it together again. But another … Continue reading
The Never-Ending Energy Conspiracy
Guest Commentary The evil oil companies are at it again. The price of a gallon of gas has jumped by more than 30 cents in the past month. The gasoline gougers are busy reaping windfall profits. It’s time for a … Continue reading
Putting One’s Soldiers Where One’s Mouth Is
Guest Commentary The Australian government wants America to stick around in Iraq. So do the Turkish and Egyptian governments. Some Americans obviously agree with them on this particular issue, but there’s a larger point at stake. It’s easy for U.S. … Continue reading
Losing Lives or Face: Time to Leave Iraq
Guest Commentary Saddam Hussein richly deserved his execution, but Iraq is no less a strategic disaster for America because of it. It will be years, if not decades, until the world overcomes all of the consequences of George W. Bush’s … Continue reading