So we are told. “Red line crossed!” Questions: Now what? So?? What do you want us to do about it?
“Regular Talks”
Yeah, that’ll do it. That’ll teach them damn ChiComs. Or not. Hosed we are. Unless we decide to fight back. And we damn well better.
Chinese Interested in the Azores?
Why yes, I do believe they are. And why wouldn’t they be? Evidence of Chinese fleets [sic] routinely patrolling the Atlantic Ocean, near the Azores, is raising speculation that China may have thrown an eye on the military Lajes Air Field, on Terceira Island, jointly managed by Portugal and the United States. According to the Asia Times, “The whole psychodrama unfolded at the end of June 2012, when then Chinese premier Wen Jiabao made a stopover on the Portuguese island of Terceira, in the Azores, after a four-nation visit to South America,” writes geopolitical analyst Emanuele Scimia. As we pull [...]
“We Can’t Stop It, We Can’t Fix It, and We Don’t Understand It”
I would tend to agree: We’re witnessing a titanic event, the crack-up of a long-tottering civilization [sic]. Arab societies grew so corrupt and stagnant that violent upheaval became inevitable. That’s what we’re seeing in Syria and Iraq — two names, one struggle — and will find elsewhere tomorrow. We can’t stop it, we can’t fix it, and we don’t understand it. But we can stay out of it. This is not pretty but I cannot find much to disagree with. What say you?
No, No– Ten Thousand Times, No!
Two Senators differ. No to intervention in Syria, I say. I cannot see a clear and pressing national interest. Let the Turks and the Israelis decide what to do, and we can lend help. I have no problem with some covert support, (and I don’t mean sending the Marine from the VMI class of ’87, ha ha ha). I do believe we need to keep an eye on the more vicious elements there, be prepared to take steps to deny them larger advantages and wait for any opportunities to strike them and their Iranian allies. But I cannot support any [...]
More From Ricks on Mattis
More; a lot more. Here are two points out of several: In his dealings with the White House, Mattis also tried to change the strategic framework, insisting that we need to plan not just for what we assumed Iran might do, but also for what Iran was capable of doing. I am told this was not a welcome thought. The Mattis-Donilon disagreements weren’t just about Iran. Other issues on which Mattis was pushing the White House to think deeper and harder, I am told, were “Afghanistan, concerns about Pakistani stability, [and] response to the Arab spring.” Read and think. What [...]
Mattis Being Pushed Out?
By way of ETP0802, “Report: Obama administration may push Mattis out.” Last month, President Obama nominated Gen. Lloyd Austin to succeed Gen. James Mattis as the head of U.S. Central Command. The choice and its timing immediately raised questions about Mattis’ future, particularly given his standing as one of the most revered military leaders of his generation. Mattis was typically stoic when I approached him for a response. “I’ll remain focused on my job at CENTCOM for now and figure out the rest later,” he said in an email. U.S. military officials have speculated for months that Mattis could leave [...]
Ricks in Leesburg at the George C. Marshall House
Having just finished, and been deeply impressed by The Generals, I was glad that “Wang” tossed this our way about T. Ricks’ upcoming tour: Sunday, Feb. 24 — George Marshall house, Leesburg, Va. I pass it all the time but have never visited it. Might be a good excuse to go. (Within walking distance are two of my favorite haunts, here and here.)
Syria: What Next?
This report shows ominous developments. As recently as Tuesday, officials had said there was as yet no evidence that the process of mixing the “precursor” chemicals had begun. But Wednesday, they said their worst fears had been confirmed: The nerve agents were locked and loaded inside the bombs. If a chem attack inside Syria occurs, what will Our President (PBUH) do? What will Israel do? And Turkey? What will be the ripple effects across the Mid East? Which actors will be emboldened, and which restrained? We might not be interested in another war in the Arab world, but sadly war [...]
Sic Transit Pax Americana
I can’t even conjure up any black humor. Well, we voted for it. It was purchased at great cost; the aftermath will cost us yet more. Wait, wait– here’s a fitting slogan: FORWARD!
