Left: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, and President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran. Photo: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP. There is nothing going on in the world at this time that has the potential to affect … [Read more...] about Iran Between A Rock And A Hard Place While Living In Interesting Times
Russia
Russia responsible for Iran’s behavior in Syria
Left: Iran has provided military support to Syrian government forces since at least 2012. Credit, RFE/RL file - It has been a slow burn for a while, but the latest incident in northern Israel resulting in the shoot-down of an Israeli F-16 tells us … [Read more...] about Russia responsible for Iran’s behavior in Syria
To the Finland Station*
Left: The Finnish-Russian border. Photo credit: Wikipedia - While the U.S. debates whether it has “a Russian problem,” little Finland [6 million] is again fearful of wrestling with its old neighbor. There is a new wrinkle in the Russia-Finland … [Read more...] about To the Finland Station*
Is Putin on his way out?
Left: The Vladimir Putin calendar, March 2017: "Me and pussy liked each other instantly. I love animals." Last month's anti-corruption demonstrations in Russia are being interpreted, again, as a sign that the reign of Russian President Vladimir … [Read more...] about Is Putin on his way out?
Europeans Risk Losing American Defence*
Left: Secretary of State Dean Acheson signs the Washington Treaty, April 4, 1949. President Harry Truman and Vice President Alben Barkley are standing next to him. Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer. Digital File Name: … [Read more...] about Europeans Risk Losing American Defence*
Dealing With Cyber Vulnerabilities of US Weapons Systems*
A new Defense Science Board report, produced by a special task force, has raised serious questions about how robust existing and future defense systems are and will be against cyber attacks and cyber intrusions. As the Trump administration rightly … [Read more...] about Dealing With Cyber Vulnerabilities of US Weapons Systems*
Any Secrets Left to Steal?
Left: Credit: CNN, October 9, 2015 - Everyone is shocked, shocked by WikiLeaks’ latest exposé that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been exploiting software vulnerabilities in our digital and electronic devices. All those “shocked” should … [Read more...] about Any Secrets Left to Steal?
Nuclear Weapons in the Hands of the European Union?
The European Union does not have an army, navy or air force but it is now considering embarking on a joint European nuclear deterrent force. Why now and what for? Trying to understand this idea is not very easy. Its origin ostensibly is a lack of … [Read more...] about Nuclear Weapons in the Hands of the European Union?
US Ground Troops for Syria: A Really Bad Idea
The president is being asked by the Pentagon to provide U.S. ground troops to fight ISIS in Syria. If the president is wise, he will run as fast as he can the other way. There are four potential traps here: The cost in American lives; The … [Read more...] about US Ground Troops for Syria: A Really Bad Idea
Will NATO fight? And for What? (la NATO combatterà? E per cosa?)
The one thing I am convinced about is that the Russians can count. They know the size and capability of NATO-directed forces deployed in the Baltic States and Poland, and they know that NATO is, despite recent frenetic activity and the delivery of … [Read more...] about Will NATO fight? And for What? (la NATO combatterà? E per cosa?)