At the height of World War I, British diplomat Mark Sykes stood with the prime minister, poring over a map of the Middle East. The two men had before them what they mistook as a simple task: to divide the former Ottoman Empire for the best interest of their own empire. Sykes pointed to the … Continue reading We cannot afford the hubris of another ‘Deal of the Century’
syria
A gravely wrong decision
Thoughts on the travel ban and Trump v. Hawaii The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld in Trump v. Hawaii President Trump’s travel ban – many, drawing on the president’s own words, contend it is a Muslim ban. To the president’s supporters, this is an affirmation of sound national security and immigration policy. To his detractors, … Continue reading A gravely wrong decision
Shades of suffering
What human suffering can teach us about our empathy bias There's been no shortage of opportunities for us to grieve lately, to wonder at the horrors of human violence and the destructive power of nature. From the shooting in Las Vegas to war in Syria, from the aftermath of Harvey in Texas to the plight … Continue reading Shades of suffering
Our Own Worst Enemy
Thoughts on the Refugee Order In the little more than two days since President Trump signed an executive order barring Syrian refugees indefinitely from entering the United States, and placing a 120-day moratorium on all refugee admissions, there has been no shortage of commentary on the matter. Social media, news media coverage of all kinds, … Continue reading Our Own Worst Enemy
James R. Neal 