Monthly Archives: September 2009

“The Stability of MAD” Habakkuk

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Pat Lang

A central issue here is the stability of MAD. This is something in which I used to believe, but do not any more. A major influence has been the writings of Bruce Blair, who before becoming a leading expert on … Continue reading →

Posted in Habakkuk | 22 Comments

Iran’s Intentions

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Pat Lang

"Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps tested the Shahab-3 and Sejil missiles in the third phase of a two-day exercise called The Great Prophet IV, state-run news media reported. The missiles are believed to be capable of striking Israel, U.S. military targets … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Justice, The Military Art | 98 Comments

National Journal Bllog – 28 September, 2009

Posted on September 28, 2009 by Pat Lang

http://security.nationaljournal.com/2009/09/the-israelipalestinian-conflic.php#1364962

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

They had a lean and hungry look.

Posted on September 27, 2009 by Pat Lang

Andrew Bacevich has an oped piece in today's Post that closely parallels my own views on what to do about Afghanistan and the takfiri jihadi threat generally.  Senators Jim Webb and Jon Kyl debated this point on "Meet the Press" today.  Webb … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, government, Politics | 28 Comments

Hear no evil, See no evil and …

Posted on September 26, 2009 by Pat Lang

"The defense official denied any tension between the military leadership and the White House over the pace of decision-making on Afghanistan. "There is no sense of unease here with regard to the president's review of strategy," the official said. Admiral … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, government | 22 Comments

The Angst of the Legions…

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Pat Lang

"We had been told, on leaving our native soil, that we were to defend the sacred rights conferred on us by so many of our citizens settled overseas, so many years of our presence, so many benefits brought by us … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, government | 28 Comments

Olmert the peacemaker?

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Pat Lang

"While prime minister, Olmert also held peace talks with the Palestinians and indirect talks with Syria. Since leaving office, Olmert has said he offered the Palestinians a deal that would have seen Israel cede about 93.5 percent of the West … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs, Religion | 29 Comments

Clever, these Iranians —

Posted on September 24, 2009 by Pat Lang

"U.S. officials said Thursday that an Iranian offer to allow the country's nuclear experts to meet with American and other scientists was not enough to ease concerns about that country's nuclear program. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made the proposal in … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran | 18 Comments

The Struggle for American Policy Continues

Posted on September 23, 2009 by Pat Lang

"They reached no consensus, so three or four more such meetings are being scheduled. “There are a lot of competing views,” said one official who, like others in this article, requested anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations. Among the alternatives … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan | 6 Comments

The Clinton – Warner Interview

Posted on September 22, 2009 by Pat Lang

"MARGARET WARNER: So is a real change in strategy, at least an alternative, which is not trying to build up or, or create capacity in a strong central government, but going to a different model. Doing a more classic counter-terrorism … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan | 13 Comments