[haw-info] HAW Notes 9/30/14: US war resisters in Canada; links to recent articles of interest

Note: Luke Stewart, a member of the HAW Steering Committee who is active in support of US military war resisters seeking refuge in Canada, submits the following appeal:  "In the past month, an alarming number of U.S. war resisters who are seeking sanctuary in Canada have received deportation notices as Canada joins the new war in Iraq. If sent back to the U.S., they will be court-martialed and, like others before them, possibly receive between 8 and 24 months in prison, a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge. For more information on the war resisters and how you can help, please visit: www.resisters.ca."

Links to Recent Articles of Interest

"Why Obama Underestimated ISIL in Syria and Iraq"

By Juan Cole, Informed Comment blog, posted September 29

The author teaches history at the University of Michigan.

"Why the Showdown with Islamic Extremists Is the War the Pentagon Was Hoping For"

By Nicolas J. S. Davies, AlterNet, posted September 28

"Squaring the Circle of ISIS"

By Bernard Chazelle, LobeLog, posted September 27

"Hoping Bombs Will Fix Mess That Bombs Created in Iraq and Syria"

By Paul R. Pillar, CommonDreams.org, posted September 25

The author spent 28 years with the CIA and now teaches at Georgetown University in security studies.

"Colonial State of America"

By Jeremy Gantz, In These Times, posted September 23

Review essay on Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz's An Indigenous People's History of the United States

"Apocalypse Now, Iraq Edition: Fighting in Iraq until Hell Freezes Over"

By Peter Van Buren, TomDispatchg.com, posted September 23

The author served with the State Department in Iraq.

"Why Americans' Support for bombing ISIS May Not Last"

By Peyton M. Craighill, Washington Post, posted September 22

Based on the experience of previous wars, as reflected in public opinion surveys

"Gaza: How We Got Here . . . The Struggle for Palestine (1947-1973)

By William R. Polk, History News Network, posted September 4

The author is a former member of the U.S. Policy Planning Council for North Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia and a former professor of history at the University of Chicago.

The above article is one of a series by William R. Polk providing historical background to the Gaza crisis. The earlier pieces can be found on-line as follows: pre-1930s, 1930s, World War II, 1947, and 1948.

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