Why is Kofi Annan, of all people, publishing an editorial in the Washington Post praising the “progress” toward a new constitution and reconstruction in Iraq? 1. To persuade us that his organization’s competence extends beyond the field of embezzlement; 2. To ingratiate himself with U.S. officials, who are deciding whether to ask for his resignation in the wake of the Wilson memos; 3. They’re secretly optimistic, and want to be on the ground in time to claim some credit; 4....

I’m shocked, shocked. DailyNK, which has just published another of my pieces, claims that there is video of Japanese food aid for sale in the markets. It’s not the first time we’ve heard reports of this kind, accompanied by video. Update: No link to the video yet, but here’s a still: It certainly must have taken some cojones to spend a month inside North Korea with a camera, acting as an agent of a dissent or anti-regime group. Photo credit...

I’m rooting for the Iraqi terrorists . . . as long as they’re killing each other.

Why is Kofi Annan, of all people, publishing an editorial in the Washington Post praising the “progress” toward a new constitution and reconstruction in Iraq? 1. To persuade us that his organization’s competence extends beyond the field of embezzlement; 2. To ingratiate himself with U.S. officials, who are deciding whether to ask for his resignation in the wake of the Wilson memos; 3. They’re secretly optimistic, and want to be on the ground in time to claim some credit; 4....

I’m shocked, shocked. DailyNK, which has just published another of my pieces, claims that there is video of Japanese food aid for sale in the markets. It’s not the first time we’ve heard reports of this kind, accompanied by video. Update: No link to the video yet, but here’s a still: It certainly must have taken some cojones to spend a month inside North Korea with a camera, acting as an agent of a dissent or anti-regime group. Photo credit...

How do you tell the extreme left and the extreme right apart in these warped times? Just examine the similarities and the differences, in that order: contempt for the soldiers, an ability to see “good” side of 9/11, and a hatred for government policy / policy-makers that exceeds their love of this country and its guiding principles. The chief difference appears to be spiritual: the choice of gods and the choice of devils (necons or fags–take your pick). When your...

This week, the host is Siberian Lights. I’m up on August 29th.

How do you tell the extreme left and the extreme right apart in these warped times? Just examine the similarities and the differences, in that order: contempt for the soldiers, an ability to see “good” side of 9/11, and a hatred for government policy / policy-makers that exceeds their love of this country and its guiding principles. The chief difference appears to be spiritual: the choice of gods and the choice of devils (necons or fags–take your pick). When your...

This week, the host is Siberian Lights. I’m up on August 29th.

Please join me in remembering a quiet man named Dr. Jae-Joong Nam.

Please join me in remembering a quiet man named Dr. Jae-Joong Nam.

And how are ordinary North Koreans reacting? Brendan Brown comes through again with the views of his refugee students in Seoul. As before, not scientific. As before, Brendan is no fan of W., which only adds credibility to this: My students couldn’t hide their glee and admiration for Bush after meeting Kang Chol-hwan. I was tempted to bring them down to earth by reminding them of a few of the less honourable aspects of his presidency, but decided not to...

And how are ordinary North Koreans reacting? Brendan Brown comes through again with the views of his refugee students in Seoul. As before, not scientific. As before, Brendan is no fan of W., which only adds credibility to this: My students couldn’t hide their glee and admiration for Bush after meeting Kang Chol-hwan. I was tempted to bring them down to earth by reminding them of a few of the less honourable aspects of his presidency, but decided not to...

And how are ordinary North Koreans reacting? Brendan Brown comes through again with the views of his refugee students in Seoul. As before, not scientific. As before, Brendan is no fan of W., which only adds credibility to this: My students couldn’t hide their glee and admiration for Bush after meeting Kang Chol-hwan. I was tempted to bring them down to earth by reminding them of a few of the less honourable aspects of his presidency, but decided not to...

Bad news in Uzbekistan. The U.S. appears to very interested in keeping its bases there. Karimov will demand a price for that.