Tag Archives: Afghanistan

Koran Burning Incident Underscores Dangers of “Advise and Assist”

Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2012 by kevinremus

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

Why “Advise and Assist” Is A Bad Idea

Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by kevinremus

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

9/11 in Numbers (Part I): The U.S. Military

Posted on Friday, September 9, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

Since 9/11, the United States military has changed in several fundamental ways. Here are just a few of them: The Defense budget grew by 155% from FY2001 to FY2011 The number of active military personnel increased by 3.6% The Army and … Continue reading →

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Posted in Central Asia, Defense, Energy Security, International Security, Middle East, Policy, Terrorism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Afghan Strategic Review Appropriate in Wake of Bin Laden Death

Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

On Tuesday, Senators John Kerry (D) and Richard Lugar (R) suggested that the President review the Afghan War effort in light of bin Laden’s death. I think the Senators’ suggestion is an appropriate one.

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Posted in Central Asia, Defense, International Security, Policy, Politics, Terrorism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Koran Burning No Worse Than Flag Burning

Posted on Saturday, April 30, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

All this outrage in America over a Florida pastor’s burning of the Koran is starting to get a bit ridiculous. I understand that it is not in the United States’ interests to inflame the Afghan people. This fact explains why … Continue reading →

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, International Security, Policy, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Pakistan Is a Mess

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

Yesterday, The New York Times reported on Pakistan’s demand that the United States sharply reduce the number of CIA and Special Forces personnel operating in the country. Many of these personnel have been involved in the United States’ highly successful Predator … Continue reading →

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Posted in Central Asia, Defense, International Security, Nuclear proliferation, Policy, Politics, War | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Reining in the Red Queen: Winning Wars with Science

Posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

The most recent issue of The Economist included a tantalizing article about the behavior of complex systems. The system in question was the interaction between coalition forces and insurgents in Afghanistan. According to Professor Neil Johnson, the relationship between the coalition … Continue reading →

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Syria: A Clearer Case for Intervention

Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

With American forces tied down providing air cover for rebels in al Qaeda-infested Benghazi, the United States has committed forces that it could have used to enforce a no-fly zone over its real enemy in Damascus. So far, Syrian government forces … Continue reading →

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Posted in Defense, Energy Security, International Security, Middle East, Nuclear proliferation, Policy, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Felling Pharaohs: Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid (Part I)

Posted on Thursday, February 3, 2011 by Sean Patrick Hazlett

Arab Discontent Abounds… Since unrest began in Tunisia in early 2011, news outlets have reported unrest or threats of unrest in eight Arab nations including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen, comprising a combined population of over … Continue reading →

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Posted in Business, China, Defense, Energy Security, Finance and Economics, International Security, Investing, Politics, Predictions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments