Eric Robinson
Eric Robinson
Recent Stories
Robinson: No end in sight
In Iraq, a ‘new dawn’ but not a new day
Operation Iraqi Freedom has officially ended. Starting on the March 19, 2003, what began as an attempt to remove the genocidal regime of Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate illegal weapons programs became something more politically complex and catastrophically violent than any of the nations involved in the invasion had ever anticipated. In a televised speech last night, President Obama paid glowing tribute to the armed forces and signaled a new phase in the United States’ commitment to Iraq, declaring an end to combat operations and introducing “Operation New Dawn.”
Robinson: On the plan in Afghanistan
This past weekend began the largest offensive operation in the history of the war in Afghanistan. The objective of this operation is the city of Marja, which has been under effective Quetta Shura Taliban occupation and administration. But a further objective is to implement a Petraeus-influenced counterinsurgency strategy, which helped stabilize Iraq. Although it is too soon to tell whether this strategy — a litmus test of sorts for Obama — will produce the desired results, if this week is any indication, it may find moderate success.
Robinson: Palin’s bigger blunder
Last weekend, the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate gave the keynote speech at the first National Tea Party Conference. It was a speech carried by many news channels and one that is still receiving a lot of attention. By now, the story is old: Sarah Palin glanced at some notes written on her hand during her speech and the subsequent question and answer section. The media and left-leaning critics have mocked her ceaselessly. Regardless, she got her message across: Anyone interested in politics across the country now knows her “three principles,” even if they didn’t pay attention to the speech. Well done.
Robinson: Ditching ‘Don’t Ask’
Like Truman’s 1947 decision to end racial segregation in the American military, President Obama’s decision to end this form of legal discrimination complements our national defense priorities and is in the best traditions of our nation.
Robinson: Those who serve
This is my first Veterans Day since leaving the United States Army after almost five years of active duty. While the nation enjoys a federal holiday, I’ll be attending class with the rest of the student body. But today still begs a moment of reflection.
Robinson: A difficult line in Afghanistan
Now that Dr. Abdullah Abdullah has dropped out of the runoff election leaving the path clear for Hamid Karzai to remain President, the next major decision point on the Afghanistan war — whether the U.S. should pledge more troops — can be expected within weeks, if not days.