The greatest modern air battle after the 1973 Yom Kippur war was the air battle over the Bekaa Valley in 1982. The outcome of that battle still influences strategic planning and weapons development in the United States and Russia. One development … [Read more...] about The F-35 is a Security Threat*
2016
The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Left: The chart on the right shows the intricate money-laundering system the Lebanese Canadian Bank used to divert money to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, according to United States officials. (The NYT, Dec 13, 2011). And on June 25, 2013, the … [Read more...] about The Counter-Terrorist-Financing Farce
Spotlight on Iran*
Left: On January 31, 2016, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei awarded the ‘Fath’ medal on Commander of the IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi as well as four others for capturing 2 US Navy patrol boats and 10 US Marines on January 12, … [Read more...] about Spotlight on Iran*
China’s New Grand Strategy for the Middle East*
Chinese President Xi Jinping with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Tehran, January 23, 2016 - After decades of distance, China is moving closer to the region’s sectarian feuds — and its vital oil reserves At the start of 2016, prospects … [Read more...] about China’s New Grand Strategy for the Middle East*
Stupidity is Not a Crime – Funding Terrorism Is
The opaqueness that marks both the Obama administration and Ayatollah Khamenei's regime, makes it difficult to know how many unfrozen billions of dollars are going to the coffers of the Islamic Republic following the lifting of the sanctions. The … [Read more...] about Stupidity is Not a Crime – Funding Terrorism Is
Settlements, Schmettlements and Israeli Security*
Left: US Amb Shapiro follows White House lead in the delegitimization of Israel speech. (Watch the video.) - Pres. Barack Hussein Obama appears determined as part of his “legacy” to leave relations in ruins with the U.S.’ most important ally in the … [Read more...] about Settlements, Schmettlements and Israeli Security*
Increasing Militarization of the Middle East *
Left: Definition of Middle Eastern countries: Central Intelligence Agency Recent developments in the Middle East show a disturbing trend to add to all the other disturbing trends that have emerged in the region since the "Arab Spring" began in 2011. … [Read more...] about Increasing Militarization of the Middle East *
Palestinian Attacks Against Israel at Home and Abroad ( January 13-20, 2016)
Left: Picture posted on the Facebook page of QudsN, after the lethal stabbing attack in Otniel, in which Dafna Meir, 39, the mother of six, was murdered at the entrance to her home, while her children were watching helplessly. The single word in the … [Read more...] about Palestinian Attacks Against Israel at Home and Abroad ( January 13-20, 2016)
Better Cooperation Needed With Taiwan*
Left: President-Elect Dr. Tsai Ing-wen and her team holding their first press conference. I have just returned from Taiwan where I served as an International Election Observer. The result of the election was a historic victory for the opposition … [Read more...] about Better Cooperation Needed With Taiwan*
America’s Nuclear Power Plants Vulnerabilities*
Left: The Fukushima nuclear reactor meltdown, March 12, 2011 - A year-long study found that the present legal and regulatory approach to EMP/Space weather threat to America’s nuclear power plants are inadequate and dangerous. This sorry state is … [Read more...] about America’s Nuclear Power Plants Vulnerabilities*