Tag Archives: Iraq War

H. W. Bush’s “War and Peace” Lessons

By Robin Bates | Published: December 4, 2018

“War and Peace” was the late H. W. Bush’s favorite novel. Perhaps he imitated Gen. Kutuzov by withdrawing from Iraq after winning.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Leo Tolstoy, Persian Gulf War, Saddam Hussein, War and Peace | Comments closed

Bolton’s Preventive War, Greek Style

By Robin Bates | Published: March 27, 2018

Incoming national security advisor John Bolton favors preventive war. Euripides describes an egregious act of prevention in the killing of Hector’s child in “The Trojan Women.”

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged Euripides, Iran, John Bolton, North Korea, preventive war, Trojan Women, warfare | Comments closed

Even Iago Should Not Be Tortured

By Robin Bates | Published: July 27, 2017

Examining an upcoming trial by people who were tortured during the George W. Bush administration, Ariel Dorfman examines the face of Iago and the satisfaction we take at the tortures that await him.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged Ariel Dorfman, CIA torture, Iago, Othello, torture, William Shakespeare | Comments closed

Stephen King & the War for America’s Soul

By Robin Bates | Published: May 22, 2015

In “The Stand,” Stephen King sees the dark and the light fighting for control of America’s soul. His book had the Vietnam War in mind but it is also applicable to future policy in the Middle East.