Category Archives: Defense

Iran: Going through the Motions

The United States, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany agreed today to face-to-face talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program. While I am confident the talks will lead to nothing, they are a necessary component of the United States’ coercive … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear proliferation, Politics, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Koran Burning Incident Underscores Dangers of “Advise and Assist”

I thought I would take a moment to comment on the recent events surrounding the burning of Korans by American troops in Afghanistan. The events of this week have reinforced the part of my previous post that mentioned the danger … Continue reading

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Posted in Central Asia, Defense, Leadership, Policy, Politics, Terrorism | Tagged , , , , | 57 Comments

Six Silly Questions Reporters Should Not Ask of Anyone Advocating Military Action Against Iran

Reza Marachi and Trita Parsi published a piece on The Huffington Post Friday called “Six Questions Reporters Should Ask of Anyone Advocating Military Action Against Iran.” They take the usual liberal approach that the “silly” warmongering Neanderthals just don’t get … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear Power, Nuclear proliferation, Peak Oil, Policy, Politics, Terrorism, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Why “Advise and Assist” Is A Bad Idea

Recently, the Pentagon announced plans to end combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2013.  Instead of taking an active combat role, American forces will shift to an “advise and assist” mission according to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. … Continue reading

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Posted in Central Asia, Defense, International Security, Leadership, Policy, Politics, Terrorism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Where Are the Carriers?

Over the last few weeks, Stratfor, a global intelligence site, has provided updates on the approximate location of the American carrier fleet. According to Stratfor’s estimates, two carriers are operating in or near the Persian Gulf, another is operating in the … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear Power, Nuclear proliferation, Policy, War | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Will Israel Attack Iran This Spring?

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta indicated today that Israel is considering a strike on Iran’s nuclear program as early as this spring. A Washington Post reporter asserted Panetta believed “there is a strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, Middle East, Nuclear proliferation, Peak Oil, Policy, Politics, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Are Airstrikes Imminent in Iran?

According to Stratfor, a routine rotation of American aircraft carriers could place three carrier strike groups in the vicinity of the Persian Gulf; a fourth carrier strike group in Japan is within a week’s sailing distance. This suspicious-looking placement of … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear Power, Nuclear proliferation, Policy, Politics, War | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

The Conflict over Iran’s Nuclear Program Update

On December 29th, I cataloged several incidents that occurred during the past two years, indicating that a covert war between the West (including Israel) and Iran was well underway. In recent days, several prominent American defense officials have begun signaling that the conflict … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear Power, Nuclear proliferation, Policy, Politics, Terrorism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 10 Predictions for 2012

Last year, I started this blog with my top 10 predictions for 2011. I also polled readers on these same predictions. At the end of the year, my accuracy rate was 40%, while my readers were right 50% of the … Continue reading

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Posted in Business, Central Asia, China, Defense, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, International Security, Investing, Leadership, Media, Middle East, Nuclear Power, Nuclear proliferation, Peak Oil, Policy, Politics, Predictions, Taxes, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Conflict over Iran’s Nuclear Program Continues

On December 20th, I cataloged several incidents that occurred during the past two years, indicating that a covert war between the West (including Israel) and Iran was well underway. In recent days, several prominent American defense officials have begun signaling that the conflict … Continue reading

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear Power, Nuclear proliferation, Policy, Politics, Terrorism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments