Babylon, one of great centers of the ancient world, is in present-day Iraq. The US now rules Babylon and beyond. Its invasion of Iraq is old wine in new bottles. It is an imperial power conquering a weaker state using sanctimonious rhetoric, fear mongering and outright mendacities. The Bush regime launched an aggressive war. There have been few more flagrant examples of lawlessness in recent history. And like empires of old the new imperialists pose as peacemakers. "We want peace. We are a peaceful people," proclaims the Commander-in-Chief. The US is now stuck in Babylon. The war and occupation of course have produced some winners. Can anyone say Halliburton or Bechtel?

Tariq Ali
Tariq Ali, an internationally renowned writer and activist, was born in Lahore, then a part of British-ruled India, now in Pakistan. For many years he has been based in London where he is an editor of "New Left Review." A charismatic speaker, he is in great demand all over the world. In his spare time he is a filmmaker, playwright and novelist. He is the author of "The Clash of Fundamentalisms," "Bush in Babylon," and "Pirates of the Caribbean. " He and AR's David Barsamian have collaborated on a book entitled "Speaking of Empire & Resistance."