Topic: James Baker

A cornucopia of myths: Five things you thought you knew about Thanksgiving

Since the first Thanksgiving occurred, reportedly in 1621, historians and pop culture have spread a cornucopia of tall tales, half truths, and straight-up lies. Here, we correct those myths. 

GOP candidates show more loyalty to a foreign country (Israel) than their own

Republican presidential candidates do the United States a disservice in trying to bind an American president to the policies of Israel and its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. Whatever happened to GOP foreign-policy realists, like Bush I?

As US slowly withdraws from Afghanistan, regional neighbors should step up

A US and NATO withdrawal raises the stakes in Afghanistan for Pakistan, India, China, Russia, and Iran. It's time for these regional powers to join together in a conference on Afghanistan, based on common concerns and shared interests.

After Albania violence, a fragile calm

Albania was quiet Monday after deadly protests Friday. Prime Minister Sali Berisha last week accused Socialist opposition leader Edvin Rama of attempting a 'Tunisian-style' coup.

Why Hillary Clinton made a surprise stop in Yemen

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Yemen's president today, as well as locals at a town-hall meeting, in a bid to demonstrate that US support extends beyond counterterrorism.

Colin Powell gives Obama backing on START nuclear deal

Colin Powell and Obama warned of grave consequences if the Senate fails to ratify the New START pact, which would reduce how many strategic warheads the United States and Russia could hold and set up a system so each could inspect and verify the other's arsenal.

Why Israeli settlement construction must stop

Israel's refusal to freeze construction undermines the entire peace process. And peace must succeed. There are no viable alternatives – for Israelis, Palestinians, or the region.

Japan: Lessons of a debauched currency

Everything happening in the US today happened in Japan in the 1980's. And when their bubble burst, they fell into a decline from which they've never recovered.

Legacy of the BP spill: What's a reputation worth?

The BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused a public outcry and savaged BP's share price. Image repair won't be easy.

Notable architects of US foreign policy

From 'Seward's folly' to the marshall plan, a snapshot of American diplomacy of the past.

MVP of Obama's security team: Hillary 'the hammer' Rodham Clinton

Even the right wing applauds Secretary of State Clinton's performance.

US says no plan to cut Israel loan guarantees, but it's been tried before

US Mideast Envoy George Mitchell hinted over the weekend that the US could withhold loan guarantees from Israel to pressure the Jewish state back to peace talks with Palestinians. Aid has been used to try to change Israel's behavior in the past, with mixed results.

Right Time, Right Place

How it felt to grow up at the National Review – with William F. Buckley Jr., as a mentor.

Republicans need fresh ideas, not a savior

The GOP could rebuild by grooming conceptual thinkers in foreign policy.

As NATO leaders meet, how will they deal with Russia?

Some advocate inviting Russia to join. Russian President Medvedev wants a new security architecture that includes his country.

G-20 could help US, Russia "reset" ties

Afghanistan and arms control are two areas where the countries could find common ground.

Will Obama and Clinton work as a team?

They’ve had differences, but Obama is expected to name her as secretary of State.

USA

Sending the U.S. to war is not the president's call

That power is Congress's alone; don't hand it over.

Review: 'Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson'

Documentary about a journalist's drug-fueled exploits and equally wild prose tends toward the worshipful and neglects sadder aspects of his life.