Peter Van Buren

Peter Van Buren spent a year in Iraq as a State Department Foreign Service Officer serving as Team Leader for two Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). Now in Washington, he writes about Iraq and the Middle East at his blog, We Meant Well. His first book, We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People, was published in 2011, and his second book, Ghosts of Tom Joad: A Story of the #99Percent, was published in 2014. His newest book, Hooper’s War: A Novel of WWII Japan, has just been published.

12 Years Later, We Know the Winner in Iraq: Iran

12 Years Later, We Know the Winner in Iraq: Iran 12 Years Later, We Know the Winner in Iraq: Iran

Every time Washington has committed another blunder in the Middle East, Iran has stepped in to take advantage.

Apr 13, 2015 / Peter Van Buren

We Have Been Watching the Same Movie About America’s Wars for 75 Years

We Have Been Watching the Same Movie About America’s Wars for 75 Years We Have Been Watching the Same Movie About America’s Wars for 75 Years

Missed American Sniper? That’s okay—you’ve probably already seen it.

Feb 19, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Peter Van Buren

The Iraq War Strategy 3.0: If You Can’t Win, At Least Make Money

The Iraq War Strategy 3.0: If You Can’t Win, At Least Make Money The Iraq War Strategy 3.0: If You Can’t Win, At Least Make Money

Iraqis have a saying: “The rug is never sold”—meaning that there’s always more money to be made from any transaction. American defense contractors would agree.

Jan 15, 2015 / Peter Van Buren

Why the Pentagon’s Third Iraq War Is Falling Apart

Why the Pentagon’s Third Iraq War Is Falling Apart Why the Pentagon’s Third Iraq War Is Falling Apart

Four months into Iraq War 3.0, the cracks are showing—on the battlefield and in Washington.

Nov 10, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

Seven Worst-Case Scenarios In the Battle With the Islamic State

Seven Worst-Case Scenarios In the Battle With the Islamic State Seven Worst-Case Scenarios In the Battle With the Islamic State

The US is at war in the Middle East, again. What could possibly go wrong?

Oct 16, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

We Cannot Win in Iraq

We Cannot Win in Iraq We Cannot Win in Iraq

After more than two decades of empty declarations of victory in Iraq, “success,” however defined, is impossible. 

Sep 23, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

How One Piece of Paper Destroyed Your Right to a Trial

How One Piece of Paper Destroyed Your Right to a Trial How One Piece of Paper Destroyed Your Right to a Trial

According to a recently declassified Justice Department white paper, the president can serve as judge, jury and executioner.

Jul 24, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

Four Ways the Fourth Amendment No Longer Applies to Our Lives

Four Ways the Fourth Amendment No Longer Applies to Our Lives Four Ways the Fourth Amendment No Longer Applies to Our Lives

Since 9/11, the government has ceaselessly violated our constitutional rights—none more so than the right to privacy.

Jun 26, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

How the ‘War on Terror’ Became a War on the Constitution

How the ‘War on Terror’ Became a War on the Constitution How the ‘War on Terror’ Became a War on the Constitution

Since 9/11, power-hungry political leaders have eviscerated the First Amendment—and we’ve allowed them to do it.

Jun 16, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

In Today’s America, A Rising Tide Lifts All Yachts

In Today’s America, A Rising Tide Lifts All Yachts In Today’s America, A Rising Tide Lifts All Yachts

A super-wealthy few have successfully defeated all of their rivals—unions, the media, honest politicians, environmentalists—and now are free to do as they wish.

Jun 3, 2014 / Peter Van Buren

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