The stark missteps recorded in the Afghanistan Papers recalled an historic about-face by an architect of the U.S. war in Vietnam. He was Robert McNamara, the Defense secretary who played a key role in escalating the conflict, only to end up wrestling with his...
The U.S. sends troops far from home on an ill-defined mission. Leaders lie. The conflict becomes a quagmire. That’s Afghanistan — or Vietnam redux. Family members of a U.S. soldier who died in Afghanistan look up as military helicopters fly over graveside...
Immigrants can struggle to work as professionals in the U.S. But there’s no quick fix to “brain waste,” which can punish the economy and migrants. (Photo provided by Uthpala Amarasinghe) This piece tied for first prize in News-Decoder’s...
Through his extraordinary talent, perseverance and dignity, baseball great Jackie Robinson helped open major league baseball to black men. First baseman Jackie Robinson (right) flanked by fellow Dodgers teammates. (AP Photo/Harry Harris) During the opening episode of...
What does it mean when protestors appropriate your symbols to further their national ends? How does it make you feel? A protestor displays a U.S. flag during a demonstration in Hong Kong, China, 20 September 2019 (EPA-EFE/JEROME FAVRE) What does it mean when...
The people of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens but have no vote in Congress. The island is a U.S. territory, but many Americans know nothing about it. Tattered Puerto Rico and U.S. flags, eight months after Hurricane Maria, 16 May 2018, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico (AP...
What was it like in the U.S. before abortion was legal? A doctor recalls botched, amateur procedures and fears health risks if abortion is re-criminalized. A demonstrator favoring abortion rights holds a “Save Roe” sign, 1 July 2005, Washington, DC (EPA/Mike Theiler)...
Why are the U.S. and Iran at daggers drawn while Donald Trump has vowed to pull troops out of foreign wars? Mutual antagonism goes way back. Demonstrators protest against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in Tehran, Iran, 9 October 1979. The effects of the 1979 revolution...
Mexico is under pressure to stop migrants from fleeing Central America to the U.S. Are Mexicans’ attitudes towards their neighbors hardening? A raftsman navigates the Suchiate River between Guatemala and Mexico, 17 June 2019 (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) ...
By Richard Hubbard The U.S.-China trade dispute is currently one of the greatest threats to the global economy. But amid all the talk of on-again, off-again tariffs, there is a danger of missing a more fundamental change in international relations. While to U.S....