When I moved to Berlin from Russia two years ago, the last person I expected to follow me here was imprisoned oil baron Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Deutsche Welle invited me to give my first reaction to his historic press conference at Checkpoint Charlie. Click/tap here to view.
The Newsfeed
Stuff happens. Some people call it news. Others see it as entertainment. And many think they’re better off not knowing about it in the first place.
I’m a journalist not for the sake of the news but because of my interest in history. I can’t go back in time, but I can try to be there when history
happens today. The Newsfeed is my first take on anything and everything.
A Life of Redemption
To me, the greatest lesson of Nelson Mandela’s life is that it’s not enough to free the oppressed and restore their dignity.
The oppressors have just as great a need to be liberated and given back their dignity.
America’s Deep State
Drone strikes, Guantanamo and the military-industrial complex. NSA, CIA and WMD. Interests and values. Fact and fantasy.
The moment Obama picked up the nuclear briefcase, he was initiated into America’s deep state. It’s not secret. It’s in plain view for all to see.
Transparency International
Obama promised the most transparent government in history; the likes of Edward Snowden are delivering the goods.
Secrecy in the digital age is an illusion – not only for private citizens, but for governments and their most unaccountable agencies.
A Separate Reality
North Korea’s threats can’t be taken at face value. The country’s leaders live in a parallel universe, united in fear and riven by paranoia.
The clock is ticking. Outward belligerence has never saved a regime doomed to collapse.
Violent Spring
Is it just 10 years since Bush Jr. launched his disastrous invasion of Iraq? It feels more like a hundred.
The lives lost and treasure squandered seem a disproportionate price for yet another lesson in human hubris and the irony of history.
Method in the Madness
North Korea’s leaders are despicable but not crazy. After witnessing the fate of Saddam Hussein, who never got the bomb, and Gaddafi, who abstained from it, developing a nuclear weapon is about the most rational thing a rogue state can do.
Remembering Mark Hummels
Mark was my classmate in journalism school. I remember taking smoking breaks with him and laughing. He was funny as hell.
Now Mark has made news as the latest victim of America’s nihilistic gun violence.
We won’t forget you, bro. Rest in peace.
Hail to the Chief
Eight years ago, I watched in despair as Bush Jr. was reelected. I felt no vindication when his presidency ended in disaster.
Obama is the antidote to W’s betrayal of America’s ideals. He can work no miracles. But he must try.
