Gore, Wolfowitz Co-Write Op-Ed

Al Gore and Paul Wolfowitz have co-written an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal urging the U.S. government to speak out on behalf of Anwar Ibrahim, the opposition leader in Malaysia who is currently on trial for sodomy—a crime for which the 63-year-old faces a sentence of 20 years. “We do not always agree with his views on foreign policy, but we do agree that as a political leader, statesman and intellectual, Mr. Anwar possesses qualities that encourage hope for the future,” they write. “These qualities include lucidity and openness to debate and engagement; commitment to principles of accountability and good governance; and a serious concern for the future of his country and the world—not to mention his extraordinary courage in standing up for what he believes.” Anwar was arrested on the charges three months ago after he threatened to call for a vote of no-confidence in Parliament.