By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
As Washington surveys the landscape of the Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, it becomes clear that the ensuing chaos resembles something closer to a long, harsh winter than a hopeful beginning.
Lawmakers in the tiny but strategic nation of Bahrain are outraged with the United States and accuse the U.S. ambassador — apparently a mild-manner professional diplomat — of waging "war" against the Persian Gulf kingdom, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
A senior Egyptian police officer was shot and seriously wounded Tuesday in the second recent attack of its kind on security forces in the country's turbulent northern Sinai region.
The ambassador from Bahrain is defending her country against allegations that the Persian Gulf kingdom is still abusing its citizens, more than a year after the government crushed an uprising led by majority Shiite protesters against the minority Sunni royal family.
The full beard he wore at the time of his arrest well over two years ago was gone, replaced by closely cropped hair both on his face and head.
The Arab League confirmed the suspension of Syria from the organization on Wednesday and gave its government three days to halt the violence and accept an observer mission or face economic sanctions.
A leading member of the Sunni Muslim ruling class says the king's uncle should consider resigning as prime minister after a sectarian conflict that erupted in February with massive anti-government protests subsides.
In his April 20 Commentary article, "Stability is prerequisite for progress," King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain addresses America's interests in an effort to gain favor with the American public.
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa's argument ("Stability is prerequisite for progress," Commentary, April 20) is striking in its inconsistency.
The Washington Times recently published an excellent piece about Bahrain, penned by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa ("Stability is prerequisite for progress," Commentary, Wednesday).
The Obama administration has denounced the crackdown on protesters in Bahrain. But whether President Obama realizes it or not, stability in that country is a vital U.S. interest.
Thousands of demonstrators denounced the Bahraini government Tuesday after police shot a man in a funeral procession, while the main opposition bloc boycotted parliament in solidarity with the pro-democracy protesters in the key U.S.-allied Persian Gulf nation.
State Department cables reveal that, despite its public silence, the U.S. government is aggressively working behind the scenes to make the world safer.
Hamad told the three former high school classmates they were best suited for an operation on U.S. soil — an idea Zazi said they initially resisted.
"The Syrian government has to sign the protocol sent by the Arab League and end all violence against demonstrators," Mr. Hamad said, adding that it has three days.
