Monthly Archives: October 2009

LTC Daniel L. Davis on Afghanistan Strategy

Posted on October 15, 2009 by Pat Lang

"In a 63-page paper representing his personal views, but reflecting conversations with other officers who have served in Afghanistan,Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis argues that it is already too late for U.S. forces to defeat the insurgency. "Many experts in … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, Policy, The Military Art | 9 Comments

Increased Violence in Iraq – Adam Silverman

Posted on October 15, 2009 by Pat Lang

The recent increase in violence in Anbar Province is not an aberration and will likely continue.   Three quick caveats: 1) I've been home from Iraq since end of last OCT and 2) I was stationed and worked to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

NPR link for the IQ2 debate on Afghanistan

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Pat Lang

I understand that you can listen to it here in wither unedited or broadcast forms.  pl http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113735039

Posted in Ukraine Crisis | 12 Comments

So, what’s the goal in Afghanistan, Mr. Obama?

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Pat Lang

In descending order of importance and precedence these are the steps involved in planning for war. – National purpose (what are we about?) – National goals (what do we want?) – National policy (what will we do about that?) – … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan, Policy, Politics | 28 Comments

We have lost a friend- Leila Abu-Saba

Posted on October 12, 2009 by Pat Lang

I regret to inform the SST community that Leila Abu-Saba has left us all after reaching the end of her long struggle with cancer. Requiescat in pace.  pl http://mondoweiss.net/2009/10/goodbye-to-leila-abu-saba.html

Posted in Obituary | 51 Comments

“The Boredom of Jabber” Richard Sale

Posted on October 12, 2009 by Pat Lang

There has occurred a basic collapse of intellect on the 24 hour news channels and the Sunday morning talk shows: it’s there for all to see. The guest experts do not ever stray from the beaten path nor do they ever … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 35 Comments

No more “Sons of Iraq?”

Posted on October 12, 2009 by Pat Lang

"At least 25 people were killed and dozens wounded in a triple bombing in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, on Sunday. The bombings occurred during a reconciliation meeting, sparking fears of a resurgence of … Continue reading →

Posted in Iraq | 17 Comments

The Nobel Committee and Obama

Posted on October 11, 2009 by Pat Lang

Oslo is a long way from the White House cabinet room, but the lack of compehension on the part of these five Norwegians is appalling.  Did they really think they were doing something nice for President Obama?  As someone has … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 99 Comments

Open Thread – 10 October, 2009

Posted on October 10, 2009 by Pat Lang
Posted in Open Thread | 26 Comments

The Shape of Obama’s Decision?

Posted on October 8, 2009 by Pat Lang

"Aides stress that the president's decision on specific troop levels and the other elements of a revamped approach is still at least two weeks away, and they say Obama has not tipped his hand in meetings that will continue at … Continue reading →

Posted in Afghanistan | 40 Comments