[haw-info] HAW Notes 2/5/14: Boycott discussion; links to recent articles of interest

To members and friends of Historians Against the War,

Last week we sent a message from Van Gosse, on behalf of the HAW Steering Committee. It  passed along two conflicting views (one by Linda Gordon, Alice Kessler-Harris, and Elaine Tyler May and one by Vijay Prashad) concerning boycotts of Israeli institutions as a method of supporting Palestinian rights. The message invited comments, including opinions about whether HAW should take a position on the subject, and if so, what the position should be. Comments are still solicited, either on the HAW Blog or on HAW's Facebook page. Both sites provide the original message with the articles by Gordon et al. and Prashad.

Links to Recent Articles of Interest

"We Need to End the Disastrous Failure of the War on Terror"

By Nicolas J. S. Davies, AlterNet.org, posted February 3

Highlights the increase in terrorist incidents from 208 in 2003 to 5,000 or more every year since 2005

"The End of American Exceptionalism"

By Peter Beinart, National Journal, posted February 3

Argues that conservative policies, including overseas interventions, have undermined the bundle of beliefs called American exceptionalism,

"AIPAC's Annus Horribilis?"

By Jim Lobe, LobeLog, posted January 31

Primarily on the failure of the lobbying effort for a Congressional resolution aimed at sabotaging negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Calls and emails to Congressional offices ran heavily against the resolution.

"The Two Faces of Empire: Melville Knew Them, We Still Live with Them"

By Greg Grandin, TomDispatch.com, posted January 26

The author teaches history at New York University.

"The US Role in Iraq's Upsurge of Violence"

By Stephen Zunes, National Catholic Reporter, posted January 25

Traces the current conflicts largely to US policies during the occupation

"Almost Everything in 'Dr. Strangelove' Was True"

By Eric Schlosser, The New Yorker, posted January 23

January marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Kubrick film.

Thanks to a reader who wants to remain anonymous for suggesting one of the articles included in the above list. Thanks also to Rosalyn Baxandall, Steve Gosch, Mim Jackson, and Rusti Eisenberg for their helpful suggestions for many of these lists. Suggestions can be sent to jimobrien48@gmail.com.