Monthly Archives: July 2008

The RAND study of counter-terrorism.

"Since 2001, al Qaeda has conducted a greater number of attacks across a larger geographic area than at any time in its history. "We find it hard to agree that al Qaeda has been significantly weakened since Sept. 11, 2001," … Continue reading

Posted in The Military Art | 49 Comments

Iran and the hinge of fate

In Geneva, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – the U.S., Britain, France, Russia and China – plus Germany offered Iran a package of incentives to suspend its controversial enrichment program. Tehran has until Saturday to … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 61 Comments

What is an infantryman?

Matthew wrote to ask what an infantryman is . I quote the Wiki on "infantry." "Due to the very nature of the "work" with firearms, explosives, physical-emotional stress, and genuine violence, casualties and or deaths are not uncommon in both … Continue reading

Posted in The Military Art | 29 Comments

“Have you left no sense of decency?”

"On Saturday, though, McCain released a new television advertisement in which the announcer says that on his trip, Obama “made time to go to the gym, but canceled a visit with wounded troops. Seems the Pentagon wouldn’t allow him to … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 29 Comments

First Manhattan, then Berlin, then…?

"Mr Obama is now the world’s most recognisable phenomenon. There were, by 11 yesterday morning, hundreds of fans standing in King Charles Road, round the corner from Downing Street, cameras and phones held high. There were banners: ‘Mr B Obama … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 50 Comments

Obama’s rhetoric is not enough.

"Obama speeches almost always have the same narrative arc. Some problem threatens. The odds are against the forces of righteousness. But then people of good faith unite and walls come tumbling down. Obama used the word “walls” 16 times in … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 56 Comments

The oil “head game” is collapsing – for now

"Oil prices continued to decline Wednesday, after a government report showed stronger-than-expected inventories and a Federal Reserve report showed a weakening economy. Light, sweet crude for September delivery fell $3.98 to settle at $124.44 a barrel on the New York … Continue reading

Posted in Oil | 37 Comments

More oil leaking from the barrel.

"The drop offered further evidence that investors who only a week and a half ago drove prices to a new high above $147 a barrel are now quickly pulling money out of the market. It was also a reminder that, … Continue reading

Posted in Oil | 27 Comments

Obama, probably the 44th president of the United States.

Dan Balz is understandably cautious about the political events of the last week.  He has a job to keep. He understates the effect of these events.  1- Senator Obama has, so far, demonstrated a sure footedness in dealing with overseas … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 49 Comments

McCain – US/Iraqi agreements are binding – on them.

Watching 24/7 news television is a more fruitful pursuit than one might think.  It makes for endurable background noise in the office. Just now, McCain said that there are agreements between Maliki’s government and the US concerning the circumstances and … Continue reading

Posted in Current Affairs | 12 Comments