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Monday, June 30, 2014

[haw-info] HAW Notes 6-30-14: Links to recent articles of interest

Note: We would like to make note of the coming retirement of Andrew Bacevich, whose writings have often been featured in these "articles of interest" lists. He will leave his job teaching history and international relations at Boston University at the end of August. Here is a story on him (with an interview) in the online BU Today, and here is a video (with a link to the transcript) of his recent televised conversation with Bill Moyers on neocons and the origins of chaos in Iraq.


Links to Recent Articles of Interest

By William R. Polk, History News Network, posted June 30
The author is a former member of the US Policy Planning Council and a former professor of history at the University of Chicago.

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted June 30
The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

From the website of Senator Bernie Sanders
Quotes from Dick Cheney, William Kristol, and Paul Wolfowitz from 2003-2006, with links to sources

By Tom Hayden, Portside.org, posted June 24

By Walter G. Moss, History News Network, posted June 22
The author is a professor of history emeritus at Eastern Michigan University.

By Tom Engelhardt, TomDispatch.com, posted June 19

By Timothy R. Furnish, History News Network, posted June 17
Written by a hawkish consultant to the US military, but with some useful historical background and maps

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted June 17
The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

An interview with Olivier Roy, The New Republic, posted June 16

By Frank Rich, New York Magazine, posted June 4

This list was compiled by Steve Gosch and Jim O'Brien. Thanks to Rosalyn Baxandall, James Swarts, Mim Jackson, Jesse Lemisch, and an anonymous reader for suggestions of articles to include. Suggestions can be sent to jimobrien48@gmail.com.

Monday, June 23, 2014

[haw-info] Under Iraq Shadow-House Passes Large Pentagon Budget

With the Obama Administration debating the extent of US military intervention in Iraq, Congressional voices are especially important.
Under the shadow of Iraq, the House of Representatives voted on the 2015 Defense Appropriations bill last week. The bill totaled $571 billion, including $79.4 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. The exact purpose of $ 79.4 billion is left ambiguous-- but these funds could readily be used to extend US military operations in Afghanistan beyond December 2014, or to fund new operations in Iraq.
We are including Roll-Calls on key amendments and the final bill. It would be helpful to consider what role historians can play as this legislation goes to the Senate. This is an important  opportunity for letters to the editor, op.ed. pieces, calls to Congressional offices and other initiatives. Hanging in the balance is the military re-involvement of the United States in Iraq, as well longstanding issues of war and peace.
Carolyn Rusti Eisenberg and Margaret Power for the HAW-SC
----
 Last week the House of Representatives voted on a series of amendments to the HR 4870 Defense Appropriation bill. Among the key amendments were those introduced by Barbara Lee--to prevent US military intervention in Iraq and to bring to an end to all combat operations in Afghanistan. All were defeated by varying margins. (Use links below to see the Roll-Calls)
*** Even though these particular amendments were defeated, It is very significant and distressing that by a margin of 342-73 the House passed a $571 billion Defense Appropriations bill. This is not just the House Republicans. A significant majority of Democrats supported it as well--far more than were willing to support the Pentagon budget last year.
For Roll-call on the bill as a whole
For votes on Representative Lee's amendments on Iraq and Afghanistan, use links below.
Rejected 165-250 Lee (D-CA) amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the purposes of conducting combat operations in Iraq.
Rejected 182-231 Lee (D-CA) amendment to prohibit use of funds to be obligated or expended pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
Rejected 157-260 Lee (D-CA) amendment to prohibit use of funds to be obligated or expended pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military of Force after December 31, 2014.
Rejected 153-260 Lee (D-CA), to prohibit use of funds for the purpose of conducting combat operations in Afghanistanafter December 31, 2014.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

[haw-info] HAW Notes 6/18/14: Links to some articles related to the Iraq crisis

This "recent articles" list aims to shed light on the current crisis in Iraq and US policy.  It was compiled by Steve Gosch and Jim O'Brien and benefited from suggestions by Rosalyn Baxandall, Mim Jackson, James Swarts, and Jesse Lemisch. (Suggestions for these occasional lists can be sent to jimobrien48@gmail.com.)
 

Links to Some Articles Related to the Iraq Crisis

By Vijay Prashad, CounterPunch, posted June 17
The author teaches history at Trinity College.

By Jeremy Kuzmarov, Asia-Pacific Journal, posted June 16
The author teaches history at the University of Tulsa.

By William R. Polk, History News Network, posted June 15
The author is a former member of the US Policy Planning Council and former professor of history at the University of Chicago.

By Ira Chernus, History News Network, posted June 15
The author teaches at the University of Colorado and writes regularly for the History News Network.

By Andrew J. Bacevich, Los Angeles Times, posted June 15
The author teaches history and international relations at Boston University.

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted June 13
The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

By Leslie H. Gelb, The Daily Beast, posted June 12
The author is a former New York Times writer and Vietnam-era Defense Department official who directed the study that produced the Pentagon Papers.



[haw-info] Oppose US Military Intervention in Iraq

Send A Message Today!
Call the White House:
Tell Members of Congress to:
 
Oppose US Military Intervention in Iraq and Syria
Oppose the $ 571 Billion Defense Appropriations Bill

 
Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121
 
As the situation in Iraq deteriorates, the "never learn" caucus is demanding US military intervention in the form of ground troops, air strikes, Special Operations and weapons deliveries. In the last two days, President Obama has begun sending small numbers of troops into the area. More are expected.

The unfolding tragedy in Iraq is a direct consequence of the illegal American invasion and occupation of that country. The least helpful idea is for the United States to involve itself militarily in Iraq or Syria. US military intervention, whether directly or by providing arms, will increase the suffering of people in those countries and enhance the risk of a wider regional conflict.
 
This week the House of Representatives is set to pass a $571 billion Defense Appropriations bill. Our oversized military drains resources from urgent domestic needs. The United States spends more money on warfare than the next eight countries combined and military action continues to be the default response to international crisis. Too many members of Congress claim to oppose war and then quietly pass outlandish military budgets. The proposed FY 2015 Defense Appropriations bill far exceeds what is needed militarily to protect our country. http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381446
 
Please Call your Reps today and tell them:
No to $571 Billion FY 2015 Defense Appropriations bill !
No to Military Intervention in Iraq or Syria !

And

 Call the White House!
 White House Switchboard : 202-456-1111

 

Let the President Obama know you oppose military intervention of any kind and urge him to seek a diplomatic solution. White House
 
Carolyn Eisenberg and Margaret Power for Historians Against the War Steering Committee
 
Some useful articles:
http://davidcortright.net/2014/06/12/diplomacy-not-more-arms-needed-in-iraq-and-syria/

 

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/15/iraq-sunnis-can-be-equal-citizens-that-is-the-battle

http://www.juancole.com/2014/06/promises-modern-history.html



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Monday, June 16, 2014

[haw-info] Action Alert: Oppose US Military Intervention in Iraq!

Send A Message Today!
Tell Your Member of Congress to:
Oppose US Military Intervention in Iraq and Syria
Oppose the $ 571 Billion Defense Appropriations Bill
 
Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121
As the situation in Iraq deteriorates, the “Never Learn” caucus is demanding US military intervention in the form of ground troops, air strikes, Special Operations and weapons deliveries. The unfolding tragedy in Iraq is a direct consequence of the illegal American invasion and occupation of that country. The least helpful idea is for the United States to involve itself militarily in Iraq or Syria.US military intervention, whether directly or by providing arms, will increase the suffering of people in those countries and enhance the risk of a wider regional conflict.
This coming week the House of Representatives is set to pass a $571 billion Defense Appropriations bill. Our oversized military drains resources from urgent domestic needs. The United States spends more money on warfare than the next eight countries combined and military action continues to be the default response to international crisis. Too many members of Congress claim to oppose war and then quietly pass outlandish military budgets. The proposed FY 2015 Defense Appropriations bill far exceeds what is needed militarily to protect our country. http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381446
Please Call your Reps today and tell them:
 
No to $571 Billion FY 2015 Defense Appropriations bill !
 
No to Military Intervention in Iraq or Syria !
There is immense pressure on the President for military intervention in Iraq and Syria. Let the President Obama know you oppose military intervention of any kind and urge him to seek a diplomatic solution. White House Switchboard : 202-456-1111
 
Carolyn Eisenberg and Margaret Power for Historians Against the War Steering Committee
Some useful articles:

Friday, June 13, 2014

[haw-info] Tell President Obama "Don't Try to Put Out the Fire in Iraq With Gasoline!"

The rapid disintegration of the Iraqi Army has created enormous pressure on the White House to take military action. While the President has ruled out the use of American troops, other military interventions-including air strikes- are being actively considered. National Peace Action has put out an action alert directed to the White House. We are pasting it in here for your consideration. We encourage you to forward it to friends.

Steering Committee of Historians Against the War

Believe it or not, some are responding to the escalating violence in Iraq with calls for U.S. military intervention. Have they learned nothing?

Please take action: Tell President Obama not to try putting out the fire with gasoline – no U.S. military intervention in Iraq, invest in diplomacy and international cooperation instead.

The advance of the forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is no doubt alarming, but not a complete surprise in the context of deep social, ethnic, religious and political divisions in Iraq and the wider region. Our former Executive Director, David Cortright, has a sensible, concise post on this issue you might find illuminating.

Please contact the president and send this alert to friends, family and colleagues you believe would want to take this action. The people of Iraq and the region need peace, reconciliation and development, not more war and definitely not U.S. bombs or troops.

Humbly for Peace,

Kevin Martin
Executive Director
Peace Action

P.S. Please take action to let the president know more war is not the answer. To learn more about the situation in Iraq, here are a few recent articles you might find illuminating.

New York Times article on the current situation and consideration of U.S. military intervention

The Guardian on the collapse of the U.S.-trained Iraqi Army as ISIS advanced on Mosul

The Guardian again on the spread of ISIS in Iraq and Syria

Take Action:

Tell President Obama: No U.S. military intervention in Iraq.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

[haw-info] HAW Notes 6/10/14: Links to recent articles of interest


Links to Recent Articles of Interest

By Tom Engelhardt, TomDispatch.com, posted June 10
The whimsical title is a little misleading; the article draws five important lessons from the history of recent decades of U.S. warfare.

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted June 6
The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

By Paul Atwood, CounterPunch.org, posted June 6
The author is a Vietnam-era veteran and a just-retired faculty member in American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

By Winston Warfield, CounterPunch.org, posted June 6
The author is a Vietnam veteran and an active member of Veterans for Peace..

By Andrew J. Bacevich, Boston Globe, posted June 6
The author teaches history and international relations at Boston University.

By Dilip Hiro, TomDispatch.com, posted June 5
The author's 34 books include After Empire: The Birth of a Multipolar World.

By Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies blog, posted June 5
Partly a critique of President Obama's West Point speech, partly a survey of recent events in the Middle East 

By Joseph Gerson, Portside.com, posted June 4
The author is director of the AFSC's Peace and Economic Security Program.

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted June 2
The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

By Neve Gordon, Chronicle of Higher Education, posted June 2
The author is a former chair of the Politics and Government department at Ben Gurion University.

By Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Everett, The National Interest, posted May 30

This list was edited by Jim O'Brien and Steve Gosch, with thanks to Mim Jackson, Rosalyn Baxandall, and an anonymous reader for suggesting article that are included above. Suggestions can be sent to jimobrien48@gmail.com..

Tuesday, June 03, 2014

[haw-info] HAW Notes 6/3/14: Links to recent articles of interest

Links to Recent Articles of Interest

By William R. Polk, History News Network, posted June 1
The author is a former member of the U.S. Policy Planning Council and history professor at the University of Chicago. This important article lays out pas experiences with U.S. training programs.

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted May 30
The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

By Walter G. Moss, History News Network, posted May 28
The author is a professor of history emeritus at Eastern Michigan University.

By Phyllis Bennis, Foreign Policy in Focus, posted May 28
A short and thoughtful analysis

By Andrew Hartman, Society for U.S. Intellectual History blog, posted May 27
This piece is an appreciation of Gabriel Kolko (who died May 19 at age 82), with emphasis on his foreign policy writings. The author teaches history at Illinois State University. 

By Juliane Fuerst, History News Network, posted May 25
The author teaches history at the University of Bristol.

By Joanne Landy, Campaign for Peace and Democracy, posted May 20

By Tarik Cyril Amar and Per Anders Rudling, History News Network, posted May 19
The authors teach history at Columbia University and the University of Lund, respectively.

By Leon Hadar, The American Conservative, posted May 14

Thanks to Steve Gosch (who has become a de facto co-editor of these lists) and Rosalyn Baxandall for suggesting articles included in the above list. Suggestions can be sent to jimobrien48@gmail.com.