James W. Carden — The Fear of Hillary’s Foreign Policy

The Bill Clinton presidency was characterized by the ascendence of liberal interventionist. Hillary's record is one of bringing together liberal interventionists, neocons, and hawks. Garden goes light on her.

Consortium News
The Fear of Hillary’s Foreign Policy

James W. Carden

Alexander Mercouris — McFaul on Russia: How the US’ Demands Risk War

McFaul’s piece [in the Washington Post] encapsulates everything which is wrong and dangerous about US policy. As is only too obvious, in his world view and in that of the neocons Russia – and all other countries – are not entitled to their own opinions and are certainly not entitled to an independent foreign policy. The only proper and “good” course for them is to agree to whatever the US demands of them. When they behave differently by acting in their own interests they are doing something wrong and bad, become “evil” and are vilified and attacked.

This is an impossible, overweening demand the like of which has never been made by any Great Power since the Fall of the Roman Empire. There is no possibility of strong independent countries like Russia ever agreeing to it. Demanding it of them is what is driving the world towards war.

The Duran
McFaul on Russia: How the US’ Demands Risk War

Alexander Mercouris

Robert Parry — Democrats Are Now the Aggressive War Party

For nearly a half century – since late in the Vietnam War – the Democrats have been the less warlike of the two parties, but that has flipped with the choice of war hawk Hillary Clinton, writes Robert Parry.

Consortium News
Democrats Are Now the Aggressive War Party
Robert Parry

Also

Big Money’s Conquest of Democratic Party

Bill Moyers and Michale Kinship

Not that the GOP is no longer the war party.

Despite a nearly $600 billion military budget, congressional Republicans are demanding even more money for the Pentagon, while rejecting cuts in spending for military bands and resisting emergency funds to fight the Zika virus, notes Mike Lofgren.

GOP Congress Plays Pentagon Budget Games

Mike Lofgren

Matthew Allen — China Warns of Endless Conflict If US Continues Provocations in the Asia-Pacific

Cold War 2, theater 2. 

When one of the world's largest economic and military powers warns of "a second Middle East", you should probably listen. Especially when they're coordinating foreign policy with Russia.

Russia Insider
China Warns of Endless Conflict If US Continues Provocations in the Asia-Pacific

Matthew Allen

See also

Deterring China: US Army to Stockpile Equipment in Cambodia and Vietnam at The Diplomat

US and Philippines agree on locations for five new military bases, including one in South China Sea at South China Morning Post

Josh Rogin — U.S-Germany Rift on Ukraine Aids Putin

The emerging split between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine is exactly what Putin has been working toward. When Merkel comes to Washington in two days, she and Obama will try to paper over that divide, but it is real and growing. Obama may ultimately decide that arming the Ukrainian military is too risky. Only after he says that openly could the U.S. and Europe start working on a real alternative strategy.

The US may have permanently damaged its position vis-à-vis Europe. Many Europeans are horrified to discover that the US would risk a war in Europe over Ukraine. US leaders don't seem to understand this anymore than they understand Russia's leaders with they say that arming Ukraine will be interpreted as a hostile act and treated accordingly.

WTF is wrong with these people?

Bloomberg View
U.S-Germany Rift on Ukraine Aids Putin

Josh Rogin