Columns

"In a Nov. 18 column datelined “Camp Fallujah, Iraq,” columnist Friedman summed up the situation after the U.S. assault had left much of Fallujah in rubble: “Bottom line? Iraq is a country still on life support, and U.S. troops are the artificial lungs and heart.” Apparently, the U.S. military needed to deprive the country of oxygen and blood in order to save it."

"Most in the Arab world know America is the land of hypocrisy and double standards when it comes to Israel and American foreign policy."

"The stories of Freeman-Maloy and Noble are related and illustrate a disturbing fact common to tyrannies—the setting up of tribunals to prosecute political dissenters. In these Star Chambers, the outcome is a foregone conclusion because the accused cannot avail himself of the rights he would otherwise have in a court of law."

"The division of labor between journalists and politicians, in fact, is more apparent than real. Both are shaping public perceptions. Both directly affect the likelihood of electoral victory and defeat. Neither is inclined to openly acknowledge that they need each other to ply their trades. And in general, to a large extent, both are slurping their livelihoods from the same corporate troughs."

"Despite the actions of nineteen terrorists and those who set them on their evil mission and despite the hateful ranting of anti-Muslims bigots who preyed off the fear created by 9/11, no one panicked and no one expressed hostility. In fact no one even appeared to notice."

"Many millions of Americans would tell a suitably inquiring journalist that they don’t really regret John Kerry’s loss -- that what they find horrific is the new four-year lease on the White House for an administration with an unrepentant track record of mendacity and extreme ideological zeal."

"Unlike Reagan, Bush has defined his enemy in singular terms that dictate no other resolution except conflict."

"With the apparent rejection of outside interference in internal political matters, it would be more useful for supporters of Arab reform to find ways to assist infrastructure development and the expansion of trade and investment in order to promote economic growth."