Washington Affairs

12 May 2003


US Bungles Occupation of Iraq
As predicted, occupying Iraq is much harder than conquering it. Alexander of Macedon knew that some time ago. However, the current bunch have brought a uniquely American buffoonery to the scene. One can only hope that the ineptitude does not result in loss of life. Click here to read more.

Congress Blocks Arms Deal with Allies
When the US sells weapons to another government, even a friendly one, the deal must be reviewed by Congress. The Bush administration, in a fit of folly, wanted to get this removed for deals with the UK and Australia -- America's allies in the war against Ba'athist Iraq. No matter what one thinks of the war and of the two countries in question, it would simply be bad policy for the US to surrender this final review of any arms sale. Click here for more.

Uncle Sam to Tax Ex-Pats More
While trying to give the country a tax cut of marginal value, Congress is also trying to retain some credibility as a fiscally responsible place. This means finding sources of revenue that won't squeal when squeezed. Someone has an overly ambitious staffer because there is a movement on Capitol Hill to increase the tax of Americans living abroad; the only flaw is ex-pats don't have billions to take. Click here to read on.