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The author discusses the attitude towards militarism, the plight of unsung victims of war and strife and suggests that victims of American warmongering should be celebrated on Memorial Day.

Ostensibly an inspirational film about a high schooler's development of character, ''A Warrior's Heart'' is factory-issue jingoism, yielding no surprises and frightfully few insights. Conor Sullivan (Kellan Lutz of the ''Twilight'' franchise, toting six-pack abs and an empty emotional quiver) is a lacrosse player from California newly arrived at a Virginia prep school. A showboating hothead lacking teamwork skills, he has much to learn. Why, he's even mystified by the sight of a teammate praying before a game. (Some classmates facetiously address him by the nickname West Coast; others call him, yes, Captain America.) When his father dies while serving in Iraq, Conor comes undone, brawling, alienating his teammates and distressing his mother (an uncommonly earthy Gabrielle Anwar, remote from the fashion-spread sheen of ''Burn Notice''). Worst of all, Conor is imperiling his burgeoning romance with the coach's daughter, Brooklyn (the pretty Ashley Greene, also of ''Twilight,'' delivering archly pious narration). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

MANAMA, Bahrain -- Bahrain's forgotten revolt sometimes reads like the script for a film of international intrigue, where the truth remains elusive. There is the beleaguered crown prince of a veteran American ally, and a scheming royal family that believes, with seeming sincerity, that it was almost overthrown. An ensuing crackdown made chauvinism against the majority the effective policy of the state. Inscrutable and aggressive, Iran and Saudi Arabia lurk over a body politic where the opposition waits, restrained, even as it warns that far worse is yet to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents questions and answers related to football matches between Mexico and the U.S. such as the chanting of "Osama! Osama!" by Mexican soccer fans as jingoism in matches against the U.S., and why Mexicans hate Landon Donovan and American soccer.

Public life in America has never been gracious or rational, but sometime around 2003 we entered a new era of volatility and virulence. The causes were many. Foremost among them, of course, was the war in Iraq, an adventure that was justified mendaciously and executed incompetently, but may finally introduce an open and self-governing society into the Arab world and confer the blessing of political liberty upon the Shiites, the Sunnis and -- who cannot rejoice over this? -- the Kurds. After ''shock and awe,'' I will never again be shocked and awed; but one's feelings about the origins of the war have no bearing upon one's analysis of its outcome. And after the extreme action came the extreme reaction. George W. Bush espoused the spread of freedom as an objective of American foreign policy, so many of his critics hardened their hearts toward the tyrannized peoples of the world and decided that democratization was another form of imperialism and that the fault for our mistakes lay in our moral vocabulary. ''Realism'' became the slogan of otherwise sensitive souls. Back and forth the debate went, more and more reflexively, more and more soaked in contempt, in a process of Manicheanization (forgive the ugly word, but it describes an ugly thing) that is not yet done. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses a drop reported by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) in the number of foreign students applying to graduate business schools in the U.S. from 2005 to 2009. Reasons given include the poor economy, weaker job prospects, restrictions on work visas and a climate of patriotism and chauvinism which makes living in the U.S. more difficult. David A. Wilson, president and chief executive of the GMAC, says these factors turn people towards a number of excellent schools outside the U.S. Douglas Viehland, executive director of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, says strengthening of foreign programs gives American schools reliable partners for research collaboration and faculty and student exchanges.

On Aug. 2, 1949, with the Communists about to seize power in Beijing, the United States recalled its ambassador to China, John Leighton Stuart, a respected missionary, educator and diplomat. Mao Zedong, the insurgent Communist leader who would take power two months later, quickly denounced Mr. Stuart as a symbol of failed American imperialism. Mr. Stuart's departure effectively ended diplomatic ties between the United States and China for a quarter century. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents the author's views on Japanese cars taking part in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (Nascar) season. Japan's biggest car company, Toyota will enter the American tracks and several American enthusiasts, including Jack Roush, a prominent racing team owner, have brought in metaphors of another war between the two countries. The author says this sentiment is rooted not in patriotism but in racism.

The article presents a quotation from U.S. President George W. Bush. He quoted in response to an audience member in Charlotte, North Carolina, who had just accused Bush of asserting his own choices, that he is not their favorite guy.

Reports that international Olympic officials have reached a solution for how best to display a United States flag at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Significance of the flag, which was found in the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York City following terrorist attacks; Their solution, which involves a parade prior to the opening ceremonies; Their efforts to avoid any displays of jingoism.

Offers observations on jingoistic displays at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Appropriateness of such displays of nationalism at these games; Importance of victories to a host country; Impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States on public opinion of these displays in Utah.