Monday, December 24, 2007

Richardson the Diplomat

Bill Richardson, bold, brash, aggressive, Latino, reminds me of someone I know...

NY Times article on diplomatic efforts

Monday, December 10, 2007

POLS 284 Review

Review session will be at 1pm on Thurs, BSB 385.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Climate Change and War

NYTimes just listed climate conflict as an important new idea of 2007
December 9, 2007

Climate Conflicts

It stands to reason that the consequences scientists expect from global warming (droughts, floods, failed crops) would worsen the problems that can lead to conflict (poverty, inequality, refugee flows). But Idean Salehyan, a political scientist at the University of North Texas, warns against making too much of that point. There’s little empirical data linking scarcity to conflict, he argues; if anything, people tend to fight over the abundance of resources."

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Iran

One of the most interesting political developments in the last few years. This report derails the call for war, sanctions, call into question the policy of preemption, and suggestions that Iran is a rational actor. Pretty much groundbreaking all around.

NIE Iran Report 2007

Although I do fail to see how this is a victory for Iran. Basically it just says, fine, we believe you.