Monday, May 30, 2011 Vietnam and the New American Way of War (1 comments)
War-making, in astonishing contrast to post-Vietnam sensibilities, has become a de facto presidential power, legitimized by invocation of national security arguments only desultorily debated. This power was ceded by congress and endorsed by a gratefully uninvolved nation.
Thursday, March 3, 2011 The End Comes To The Colonel's Compound (3 comments)
Kadafi's control is dwindling. The colonel's foreign forces are little more than hoodlums who have thus far been effective in driving demonstrators off the streets of Tripoli but who will be useless against oncoming rebel army units, who of course have superior discipline, weaponry, local knowledge, and public support.
Loyalist forces appear to be weakening. Garrison's here and there go over to the rebels.
Friday, May 28, 2010 Fiscal Crisis and American Globalism
The Obama administration has expressed grave concern over the national debt and signaled that deep budget cuts will be needed. Just where the cuts will come is unknown, but for many citizens and observers, reduced military presence around the world will seem a likely place. For a number of reasons, however, a marked reduction in US commitments around the world is unlikely.
Saturday, January 9, 2010 Pakistan and the Afghan Insurgency (1 comments)
The US is pressing Pakistan to do more to counter the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan. This is unlikely to work because of Pakistan's partnership with the Taliban and some of its allies. Unilateral action in Pakistan poses difficulties.
Monday, November 9, 2009 Leaving Afghanistan (2 comments)
A western withdrawal from Afghanistan would not be, as often claimed, a disaster.
