The number of people killed by heroin and opiate overdose in the United States has been growing exponentially, making this epidemic difficult to ignore in an election year. Thus, President Obama's 2017 proposed budget includes an increase of $1.1 … [Read more...] about The Heroin Epidemic and The Zika Virus
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French Appeasement Déjà Vue
French President Francois Hollande stated following the January 7, 2015 terrorism at the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo: “Those who committed this act have nothing to do with Islam….” The French intent to recognize Palestinian statehood in … [Read more...] about French Appeasement Déjà Vue
The F-35 is a Security Threat*
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*
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*
ISIS’s Libyan Expansion
Left: Locations of ISIS presence and control in Libya. It has territorial control over the square outlined in black. Outlined in red are large cities where ISIS is present but not in control, while Misrata and Ajdabiya are on its agenda (Google … [Read more...] about ISIS’s Libyan Expansion
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*
Iran-Saudi Relations*
Left: Iranian anti-Saudi cartoon, Fars News, January 4, 2016 -- Secretary Kerry's Sunday visit to Riyadh to diffuse the tension between the Saudis and Iran tried reassuring the Saudis that “Nothing has changed because we worked to eliminate a … [Read more...] about Iran-Saudi Relations*
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 *