On March 20, 2003, the United States invaded Iraq. On April 9, Baghdad fell, ending Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical rule.
The effect of this victory seemed to transform the globe. In August 2003, Libya accepted responsibility for past terrorism and offered restitution as well as agreeing to conform with non-proliferation commitments. In 2003, the Iranians also suspended [...]

The New York Times has been reporting about concerns about developments in Iraq focusing particularly on the current state of the Awakening Councils and Sons of Iraq (many of them former insurgents who switched sides) (Troops Arrest an Awakening Council Leader in Iraq, Setting Off Fighting) and the ability of Iraqi security forces to deal [...]

From Tom Ricks (Sharia law in Swat):
I know it looks like a setback but I suspect this might be a smart move. Give the people of Swat sharia law, and see how they like it. Meanwhile, bolster your security forces in the area so they can pick up the ball when the Taliban has sufficiently [...]

You heard it here, first.  Literally.  
The voice of ASP could be heard in Friday’s presidential debate on three key issues:

 Accountability.
Are We Winning?
Iraq: Lessons Learned.

Let’s take these one by one. 
Accountability
In his opening statement, Senator McCain hearkened back to General Dwight Eisenhower drafting remarks on the eve of D-Day in the event the invasion had failed.  He [...]

Bush Administration Recalls Cold War, Questions Moscow’s Aggression
Unprecedented Reliance on Private Contractors in War
First Arab Head of State Visits Baghdad
Exit of Georgian Troops from Iraq Opens Border to Iran
North Korea to Remain on List of State Sponsors of Terrorism

Gates Says Fighting Terrorism Military’s Priority for Decades to Come
CIA Confronts Pakistani Intelligence Over Militant Links
Al Qaeda in Iraq Leader Believed to be in Afghanistan
Rand Report Faults “WOT”, Emphasizes role of Law Enforcement over Military
Bush Order Overhaul of Intelligence Aparatus

UK Planning Withdrawal from Iraq
Mullah Rahim Surrenders, Abdul Rasaq Killed
George H.W. Bush and Former Advisers Warn Against Threats to Iran

In Jordan, Construction as Anti-Extremism
Shifting Policy Toward ‘Axis of Evil’
Buses Bombed in China
Limited Food, Water Forcing Tough Choices in the Middle East, North Africa
ETA Bombing in Spain

UK Can No Longer Rely on US Assurances on Torture, Panel Reports

From the NYT: Comment Stings Iraqi Leader on Eve of Obama Visit
This is the second time that the Bush Administration has pressured the Iraqis to “clarify” what seems to be a pretty clear sentiment.  They want us to set a timetable for withdrawal, a timetable that looks an awful lot like that which is [...]

Red Cross Reported US Methods Were Torture
US General Predicts Iraqi Army and Police Ready by mid-2009
Weighing Peace against Justice in Sudan
Falsified Image of Iranian Missile Tests