USA

Should Obama Fire Gen. McChrystal?

Yes, says Ray McGovern

Volunteer Army: Two Wars and Counting

A draft doesn't prevent war, says Murray Polner

Historically addicted to war, the U.S. has a vast "national security" apparatus, more than 1000 bases, and with much money to be made by arms producers and global weapons traders. To service this immense and complex system requires a constant supply of troops. Meanwhile, far from the battlefield, politicians and pundits debate the "proper" use of military intervention, whether for allegedly humanitarian causes or by invading, bombing and occupying to ensure economic and military domination. Now, faced with nonstop wars in the Middle East and possibly elsewhere, and while the drums of war against Iran are heard in Washington and Jerusalem, the question remains, who will be required to serve and fight, and most important, why?

Terror Trials Are Our Defining Moment

Bring back America, says Leonard Pitts