Latest Articles

Democracies die in daylight

February 6, 2019  •  The Washington Times

"Democracy is difficult — perhaps the most difficult to operate and preserve of all known forms of government." Bernard Lewis, the late, great scholar and historian, offered that observation more than a quarter century ago.

He added this succinct summary of democracy's origins: "It arose in a limited region, among the peoples of western and northwestern Europe, and was transplanted by them to their colonies overseas. It has flourished, or at least survived, in some other places; sometimes, as in India, bequeathed by the departing imperial rulers; sometimes, as in the former Axis countries, imposed or implanted by the victors."

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Ireland's surprise attack

January 30, 2019  •  The Washington Times

Last Sunday was Holocaust Remembrance Day and, in America and Europe, people are working hard to put an end to anti-Semitism. They can look forward to permanent employment. Anti-Semitism is a virus that can be treated but not cured. It morphs.

It's been said before but bears repeating: In the 20th century, the goal of extreme anti-Semites was a Europe "cleansed" of Jews. In the 21st century, the goal of extreme anti-Semites is a Middle East "cleansed" of a Jewish state. For many, "Never again!" means never again in the 20th century will European Jews be slaughtered by Nazis. As for Middle Eastern Jews in the 21st century, they're fair game.

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The age of neo-imperialism

January 22, 2019  •  The Washington Times

China, Russia and Iran are very different nations in very different parts of the world, but they have three significant commonalities: All once were great empires. All are now ruled by men who aspire to build great empires anew. All regard the United States as their rival and adversary.

Al Qaeda and the Islamic State also dream of empire, one that would replace the Ottoman Empire, which collapsed in 1922, and its affiliated caliphate, which was abolished two years later.

Important to note: Iran's rulers are not seeking to build a Persian or Iranian empire. Like al Qaeda and the Islamic State, they intend to resurrect a specifically Islamic empire, albeit one dominated by Shia rather than Sunni Muslims.

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Crimes without punishment in Argentina

January 15, 2019  •  The Washington Times

For more than a decade, Alberto Nisman had been investigating the worst terrorist attack ever committed on Argentine soil: The 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. Eighty-five people were killed and hundreds injured.

Four years ago this week, the federal prosecutor was putting the finishing touches on a report that would accuse former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and a dozen others of helping cover up the Islamic Republic of Iran's responsibility for the attack.

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A plaintive cry for Argentina

January 8, 2019  •  The Washington Times

BUENOS AIRES | Why isn't Argentina as wealthy as Canada? For that matter, why are all the countries of Latin America, without exception, so much less prosperous than their neighbors to the North?

Such questions are apt to come to mind here in the Argentine capital, a city of grand boulevards, elaborate architecture, and quaint neighborhoods with cozy cafes, old-fashioned tango halls, and elegant restaurants serving enormous slabs of juicy beef raised in the pampas, the vast grassy plains beyond the city.

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