Advice for President Obama: Let America Reach Out to Developing Countries

Advice for President Obama:  Let America Reach Out to Developing Countries
Yesterday I saw a photo of Obama’s face.  His expression looked concerned.  It looked like a man who is truly idealistic and trying hard, but finding all his best efforts frustrated.
That’s probably the case.  Obama seems like a genuine idealist at heart.  Unfortunately, he’s also, [...]

A Trip to Aalst

This weekend I took a day trip to the city of Aalst, Belgium — just a few miles west of Brussels.
I took the trip because someone suggested there was a dance festival in Aalst that day.  But when I arrived no festival was to be seen; so instead I headed on lto the town center [...]

Beware EU Federalism!

It is a privilege to be an American living in Europe during this important phase of European history.
In one sense, what happens here is none of my business. I may observe, but it isn’t my home continent and it’s not ‘my fight’, so to speak.
But in another sense I have a responsibility to at least [...]

The Senate’s Compliance in the Iraq War

Breaking headline:
Iraq report rips U.S. leaders : Senators: Invasion misused intelligence.
Don’t you think this is a little late?
Yes, the Bush administration lied. They willingly exaggerated the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) as a pretext for invading Iraq. And you (John D. Rockefeller, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the rest of the [...]

Notes: On how the people in America and in Gaza are brothers and sisters

On how the people in America and in Gaza are brothers and sisters
A logical proof:
1. I am an American currently living in the center of Brussels. Perhaps half of the dealings I have each day are with Muslims from countries like Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, whose shops I visit and whose services I use. [...]

Notes: the spiritual children of Abraham should not battle each other

Some entries in this blog are formal articles. Others, like this one, take more the form of working notes, outlines for later development, or ‘thinking out loud’. Some are complete, and some are just sketches. For now I will label such entries as ‘Notes’.
I am aware of and distressed by the [...]

Comments on “A Common Word between Us and You”

Comments on “A Common Word between Us”
In October of 2007, 138 Muslim leaders, clerics, and scholars published an open letter to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI titled, A Common Word between Us and You. The letter was unambiguously positive and well motivated. The summary of the letter states succinctly (and correctly): “The future [...]

A Reply to Osama bin Laden

A Reply to Osama Bin Laden
John S. Uebersax PhD
Preface
Following the attacks of September 2001, Osama Bin Laden has delivered several addresses to Americans (e.g., October 2004; April 2006; September 2007). Since the American people themselves, and not their government or corporations, were addressed, and further since the people were the victims the attacks, I, as [...]

Renew America and the World Will Follow

When I came to Europe to visit I hoped I’d to find many good ideas I could take back to the US — new concepts and paradigms for the future. What happened is almost the reverse — the experience made me see appreciate the importance of our leadership role.
Yes, we have difficulties and make mistakes. [...]

The ‘American Library’ of Leuven

The ‘American Library’ of Leuven
Recently, while in Belgium, I found myself in great need of a large research library. Investigating the possibilities, I soon learned that the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL) had such a library — with Leuven being just 20 few minutes away from my residence by train.
Entering the foyer of the [...]