Clifford D. May
Columns by Clifford D. May
The ideals of 1776
Andrew Roberts, one of the world's great historians, took America to task last week. Let me rephrase that: He took Americans to task for what they -- or rather we -- are doing to these United States during an election season that often seems like a satirical novel, albeit one that would have benefited from more rigorous editing. Published November 1, 2016
The Battle of Mosul
Ayman al-Zawahiri was correct. Believed to be ensconced in the tribal lands of Pakistan, the leader of what's sometimes called al Qaeda Central has dedicated his life to a jihad that he hopes and prays will lead to the founding of a new and mighty Islamic empire. But he understands the value of strategic patience. Published October 25, 2016
A final stab at resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict
You're probably familiar with the old story about the inebriated guy looking for his wallet at night under a streetlight -- not because that's where he dropped it but because what would be the point of poking around in the dark? This, in essence, has been the American approach to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict for years. Published October 18, 2016
The problem with processed peace
When peace-loving people sit down together in a spirit of compromise they can find ways to resolve their conflicts. Does it follow that negotiations with those who don't care a fig about peace and reject compromise also lead to good results? Published October 11, 2016
Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act a strategic mistake in counterterrorism
For almost eight years, I've waited for Congress to stand up to President Obama, to demonstrate that the legislative branch is still -- as the Founders envisioned -- coequal to the executive branch, that senators and representatives are more than a commentariat, a Greek chorus appearing on the cable TV stage. Published October 4, 2016
Who decides which immigrants, how many can come to U.S.
Millions of people want to come to America. Actually, it's tens of millions or perhaps hundreds of millions. Some Americans believe our borders should be open -- that everyone has a "right" to live in the United States. That seems to me both mistaken and impractical. Published September 27, 2016
‘Political correctness’ finds a new target
In "Nineteen Eighty-Four," George Orwell's classic novel about a totalitarian and dystopian future, the ruling Party develops "Newspeak" as way to limit freedom of expression and thought. So, for example, "goodthink" refers to thoughts approved by the Party. That which is not "goodthink" is apt to be "crimethink." Published September 20, 2016
President Obama’s plans to close Guantanamo, establish closer ties with Asia-Pacific nations
Barack Obama is now in his final days as president but, as he made clear on his visit to Asia last week, there are goals he still hopes to achieve before leaving office. Published September 13, 2016
How the world has changed since 9/11
The 15th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 should be a time for mourning, commemoration, reflection -- and strategic planning. Published September 6, 2016
Iran and the future of the Middle East
Nixon went to China. Obama will not be going to Iran. Published August 30, 2016
The George Soros smear effect
Washington is not an easy-going town. You come here to argue policy with the big boys -- you should expect some rough-and-tumble. But you also should expect clean fights -- no biting, no spitting, no hitting below the belt. Whatever else divides us, we all value free speech and edifying debate, right? Published August 23, 2016
Tracking freedom’s enemies
If I were to ask an intelligent person like you what happened in the 20th century, or the 19th or the 18th, you could probably sum up the most significant developments. But if I asked you what is happening in the 21st century, how would you reply? Published August 16, 2016
What does America owe Iran?
An unmarked cargo plane filled with $400 million in cash lands in Tehran. Four American hostages held by Iran's rulers are set free. These revelations have sparked two controversies. Published August 9, 2016
Moderate Democrats must curb socialism
Groucho Marx famously said he wouldn't join any club that would have him as a member. Bernie Sanders last week turned that on its head, saying he wouldn't remain a member of any party that wouldn't have him as its leader. Published August 2, 2016
The dark dilemma of modern globalism
"Americanism, not globalism, will be our credo." That line from Donald Trump's long and emphatic speech to the Republican National Convention last Thursday jumped out at me. I think I know what he meant: that he prioritizes America's national interests above those of the wider world. Published July 26, 2016
The jihadis in France, the Islamists in Turkey
Streets ran red with blood in both France and Turkey last week. A terrorist atrocity and an attempted coup are quite different events. But underlying both is this question: How are the most dynamic forces within the Islamic world shaping the 21st century? Published July 19, 2016
Obama’s Iran experiment
A hypothetical question: Suppose the Islamic State wanted to buy some American airplanes and promised not to use them to support terrorists. Would you be OK with that? I'm guessing not. Published July 12, 2016
The Battle of Bangladesh
During the past 10 months, there have been more than 30 terrorist attacks in Bangladesh. Published July 5, 2016
Brexit vote democracy in action
Whether you think the United Kingdom exiting the European Union is cause for alarm or celebration, you have to concede this: Britons engaged in an open, lively and mostly peaceful debate, they turned out in droves, they cast their votes freely and fairly and, by so doing, expressed their will and determined their future. That's called democracy. Is there a preferable alternative? Published June 28, 2016
Terrorism and economic warfare in Israel
Tel Aviv's Sarona Market bills itself as the "heartbeat of Israeli culinary art." Dozens of small restaurants and shops offer cheese, wine, bread, fish, olives, pasta, burgers -- pretty much anything you can imagine and quite a bit that you probably cannot. Published June 14, 2016
