Turkey Shows the Middle East’s Potential–and it Doesn’t Look Good

In lecture 3 of the Islamist Entanglement, I presented the history of the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey. I introduced this topic to my students by explaining that Turkey is by far the most westernized of all the Islamic countries in the Middle East. As such, Turkey is a kind of historical prototype–an advanced model [...]

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If Eisenhower Had Given the Gettysburg Address

The following is both a hilarious parody, and a tragic reflection on the decline of American culture.  American journalist Oliver Jensen is the creator of the second entry, which is based on Eisenhower’s style of delivering press conferences.
The Gettysburg Address, as Lincoln delivered it:
Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth
on this continent a new [...]

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The History of the Middle East in 90 Seconds

Here’s a link to an interesting animated overview of the history of the Middle East from Ancient Egypt to the present, which takes only 90 seconds to watch.
http://www.mapsofwar.com/images/EMPIRE17.swf
A number of things are missing from this presentation.  
One is evolution of the empires in question after they reach their height, such as the division of the Roman Empire, [...]

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How Will the Iraq War End?

Yahoo News has an interesting article that includes a very hopeful set of predictions on the outcome of the Iraq War, where, according to at least one Middle East expert, “A reasonable outcome would find something like 30,000 to 40,000 troops in Iraq for 25 to 50 years.” 
An good parallel is drawn in the article between the Cold War [...]

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The Truman Doctrine vs. American Self-Interest

Recently, I gave my second lecture in The Islamist Entanglement series, entitled “America and the Middle East.” In that class, I explained the importance of the Truman Doctrine in relation to America’s involvement in the Middle East, and I was asked by one of the students, “Was the Truman Doctrine rational, given the context [...]

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Discover the Greatness of Sir Edward Everett Millais!

OK.  Let’s switch tracks.  Modern politics is so depressing, and I’m sure we all need a metaphysical pick-me-up after thinking about Iran-Israel.
I recently got two great art books for my birthday, and when I tell you that one of them was full of Victorian nudes, but that it’s the other one I’m most excited about, you’ll have some idea [...]

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Israel Attack on Iran, Sooner Rather Than Later?

Perhaps Israel’s action will come before the upcoming election!  Maybe Bush and Cheney will take one huge parting shot in the “war on terror” by using Israel as a proxy–one that doesn’t require “congressional authorization”–to strike at Iran?  That’s what this Washington Post editorial suggests.  It states the following reasons for concern about an upcoming [...]

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McCain or Obama: Either Way It’s All Up to Israel

While Americans try to sort out the question of who will be their next president, the real question people should be asking themselves is, “Will Israel have the courage to save itself–and the rest of the world–when it comes time to deal with Iran?”
It really doesn’t matter whether the American electorate takes the unlikely view that [...]

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Europism: Collectivism’s Failure and the Resentment of America (Part 3)

On the face of it, the development of a European identity seems like a positive thing. Indeed, the establishment of the European Union has resulted in many positive developments for that continent. However, Europeans should not allow themselves to be seduced with a kiss.
In 1951, the European Coal Steel Community (ECSC) was formed, [...]

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America in the Middle East: Lecture this Wednesday!

In his farewell address, George Washington warned against entangling alliances with the outside world. His words were headed by a century of American presidents.  Today, however, the United States is thoroughly entangled in a web of commitments throughout the world, and especially the Middle East.  Learn how this tragic deviation from a foreign policy of [...]

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