Steven Fake's Blog, page 3
August 19, 2011
Africom Watch: Nigeria
The Nigerian press reports that "The United States military led by the Commander of its Africa Command, General Carter Ham, is presently in the country to explore areas of cooperation with their Nigerian counterparts." The visit apparently includes development of army, navy, and air force collaboration between the two countries. Stengthening Nigeria's capacities (like a C-130 for troop tranportation) as a continent-wide peacekeeping/proxy force (take your pick) seems to be one aim.
August 9, 2011
Gaza: Tonight on Berks County, PA TV - report-back on the flotilla
I spent an hour with John Hoskyns-Abrahall on July 27th taping a program airing tonight at 9 PM EDT.
August 8, 2011
Tahrir Graffiti
There is a wonderful photo series at the New Yorker by Wendell Steavenson of Egyptian street art coming out of the Tahrir uprisings.
--smf
August 7, 2011
In the 'Love Me I'm a Liberal' file – Obama: Weak or Strong?
Someone named Drew Westen published a long opinion piece in the Sunday New York Times ("What Happened to Obama?," page one of the Sunday Review in the print edition) that serves as a perfect illustration of the paternalistic, condescending naiveté of American liberalism. The author is critical of the Obama presidency from the left. He lists valid complaints against Obama's policies. Yet Westen frames the problem in part as a technocratic one.
July 28, 2011
Gaza Freedom Flotilla Report-back Tour
Talks and interviews I have or will be participating in:
Sunday, July 24th, 8:00PM, Washington DC, Busboys and Poets at 14&V - with Medea Benjamin, Ray McGovern, Missy Lane, Gabe Schivone, and Cindy and Craig Corrie
July 14, 2011
CNN Video of July 1 Sailing of The Audacity of Hope
CNN's Phil Black files a quite decent report on that eventful day from onboard the ship.
Hasbara Disinformation
I relate the following trivial incident only for its comedic value. Shortly after returning to the U.S. from the U.S. boat to Gaza in Athens, I received an email from one "Jesus Terrence Vasquez." The email purports to be a press release (reproduced below), announcing the formation of a new campaign dedicated to opposing Middle Eastern tyrannies.
July 13, 2011
End the Harassment – Free our Boat! (Updated July 16th)
13 Days in Greek Military Dock and Counting
The Audacity of Hope is still detained and power has now been cut again to coincide with the hottest period of the day. We have received word this morning, July 13, from passengers remaining on the boat that electricity has again been cut. Greek authorities are acting under pressure from the U.S. and Israeli governments. Yesterday, five U.S. coast guard agents visited the dock to take photos of our boat, while refusing to communicate with our passengers and crew.
