Surviving Capitalism (Not) : It's Obama vs infinite war

We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Friday, September 24, 2010

It's Obama vs infinite war

by Pepe Escobar from Asia Times.

The author, as always, sees the deeper scenario behind the public display of politics in the US.

What Woodward's book - and the corporate media orchestrated narrative - will never tell is "why" infinite war. Because of the New Great Game in Eurasia. Because of the need of military bases to spy on strategic competitors Russia and China. Because of the US's obsession with Pipelineistan in Central Asia bypassing both Russia and Iran. Because of the Pentagon's full spectrum dominance doctrine - which justifies infinitely ballooning military budgets.

There appears to be a split between Obama (and probably some segment of the US ruling class) and the military establishment (and no doubt other aggressive imperialist-minded hawks, Zionists, etc.) Whatever the outcome of this contest, it is rare that such internecine conflicts among capitalists result in any long term benefits for working people.

Thus I do not agree with the optimistic outlook of American liberal Tom Engelhardt as indicated by his piece entitled, "Why the troops are coming home". He provides a good historical background of US involvement in Eurasia, but doesn't seem to see US involvement as it should be seen--imperial involvement in The Great Game of Eurasia. Escobar does. Therefore, I would have to bet against Engelhardt and his optimistic prediction of US volunteer withdrawal.