The Wind Catcher

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"Freedom of Speech Under Assault

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    Arrest of Mohamoud Khalil is a Warning to Free Speech By Wahab Raofi The latest arrest of Mahmoud Khalil for political reasons silences critics, undermines justice and threatens our own freedom of speech. A Syrian-born Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent, Khalil had been a leader of pro-Palestine protests that consumed Columbia University’s campus life. His arrest by ICE for organizing protests and spreading hate speech against the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza — actions that resulted in civilian casualties — has ignited a heated debate on the issue of free speech as protected by the First Amendment. Many Americans believe expelling individuals for political speech sets a dangerous precedent, and outright political expulsions are rare. Instead, the U.S. government typically justifies such actions under legal violations, immigration laws or national security concerns. A statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that Khali...
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Trump dosn't want another war but his Rhetoric Could Stoke Many

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  By Wahab Raofi The Prussian diplomat Klemens Wenzel Fürst von Metternich famously said, "When America sneezes, the world catches a cold." In much the same way, one could say that when America speaks, the world listens. American adversaries carefully analyze and adjust their agendas in response to U.S. actions, while regional powers focus on strategies to exert influence over their weaker neighbors. Trump was quoted as saying he would not rule out using military or economic action to pursue acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland, part of a broader expansionist agenda he has promoted since winning the Nov. 5 election. From Greenland to Panama to Mexico, leaders are in shock.  One has to wonder if Trump is even aware that such rhetoric undermines diplomatic norms, jeopardizes global stability and emboldens adversaries to take similar actions, potentially escalating conflicts beyond control.  What does Trump, as an incoming president, aim to achieve by with such pr...
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Biden's Candidacy Would Help Republicans

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If I were a Republican strategist advising the party on how to win the 2020 presidential election, I would do everything I could to help Joe Biden win the Democratic party’s nomination. Why? First, Joe lacks the “electability factor.” In an age of virtual reality politics, Biden lacks the charisma required win the presidency. As Robert J. Chase, founder and president of Creative Connections in Media, observed: “ This goes beyond mere personality or polished good looks. Does a candidate have the “it” factor? Can she or he command the stage? How will they run against an entrenched opponent? Can they bring down-ballot candidates along with them?”   Biden looks stiff and programmed. I don’t see an aura that would entice a crowd to follow him, nor does he stir fear in the hearts of those who would be his opponents.   Aside from that, Biden — unlike Democratic contenders such as Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders — lacks a fresh message. He appears to promise a return to t...
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