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.

Edward Snowden’s Long Flight

Edward Snowden’s Long Flight Edward Snowden’s Long Flight

What a whistleblower thinks a fellow whistleblower might have thought.

Jul 1, 2013 / Peter Van Buren

If the Government Does It, It’s ‘Legal’

If the Government Does It, It’s ‘Legal’ If the Government Does It, It’s ‘Legal’

In the name of homeland security, the US has spent seven years and untold dollars silencing one man.

May 9, 2013 / Peter Van Buren

Why the Invasion of Iraq Was the Single Worst Foreign Policy Decision in American History

Why the Invasion of Iraq Was the Single Worst Foreign Policy Decision in American History Why the Invasion of Iraq Was the Single Worst Foreign Policy Decision in American History

Ignore the jingoism, from politicians and the press—the tenth anniversary marks a tenth year from hell. 

Mar 7, 2013 / Peter Van Buren

Our National Torture Policy

Our National Torture Policy Our National Torture Policy

As Zero Dark Thirty reminds us, Americans have yet to face the torture committed on our behalf. 

Dec 18, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Peter Van Buren

Six Critical Foreign Policy Questions That Won’t Be Raised in the Presidential Debates Six Critical Foreign Policy Questions That Won’t Be Raised in the Presidential Debates

Don’t expect either Obama or Romney to ask any of these questions.

Oct 11, 2012 / Peter Van Buren

Protecting Torturers, Prosecuting Whistleblowers Protecting Torturers, Prosecuting Whistleblowers

While CIA agents that tortured and killed prisoners go unpunished, whistleblower John Kiriakou faces up to forty-five years in prison. 

Sep 11, 2012 / Peter Van Buren

How Not to Reconstruct Iraq, Afghanistan—or America How Not to Reconstruct Iraq, Afghanistan—or America

A guide to disaster at home and abroad.

Aug 16, 2012 / Peter Van Buren

Leaking War Leaking War

How Obama’s targeted killings, leaks and the Everything-Is-Classified State have fused.

Jun 12, 2012 / Peter Van Buren

Joining the Whistleblowers’ Club Joining the Whistleblowers’ Club

What we lost in Iraq and Washington between 2009 and 2012.

Apr 9, 2012 / Peter Van Buren

In Washington, Fear the Silence, Not the Noise In Washington, Fear the Silence, Not the Noise

The fierce campaign against whistle-blowers in Washington.

Feb 9, 2012 / Peter Van Buren

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