Trudy Rubin

Recent stories written by Trudy Rubin

Iran hurting its cause by holding U.S. hikers (2/8/2010)

More U.S. and international attention should be focused on the plight of three American hikers who have been languishing in solitary confinement in Tehran's notorious Evin prison for six months. They have had no access to a lawyer or any communication with their families, who have no idea of their condition or mental state.

Afghan strategy needs focus (2/2/2010)

U.S. officials attended the London Conference on Afghanistan last week to rally international support behind that country. But I feel obliged to ask an unpleasant question: Does the Obama team want its Afghan strategy to fail?

Distractions endanger Iraq (1/23/2010)

Haiti, the economy, health care, suicide bombs in Kabul. How tempting it must be for the Obama team to consign Iraq to the back burner.

New realities limit U.S. options (1/8/2010)

Over the holidays, I worked on a disturbing project. It reminded me that American power abroad is shrinking, even as threats to our security grow. It involved my Iraqi driver, Salam, who went missing months ago. I recently learned that he was in jail and have been trying to get him out.

Honor those who died for right to speak out (12/21/2009)

In this Christmas season, I want to pay tribute to two unsung heroes who stood up to repressive regimes – and paid with their lives.

Press Karzai from below (12/5/2009)

One of the main critiques of President Barack Obama's new plan for Afghanistan is that it depends on the whims of President Hamid Karzai and his cabal in Kabul.

Pakistan must build on wins (11/29/2009)

MINGORA, Pakistan – The road to the legendary Swat Valley twists through the Malakand Pass and beneath the Malakand Fort, from which young Winston Churchill sent newspaper dispatches about a "mad mullah" trying to drive the British army out.