Russo-Sino condominium? Not likelyon September 21, 2018Bucharest, Romania: Russia, China and Mongolia have just completed Vostok 2018 (Vostok means East in Russian). Reportedly 300,000 troops and thousands of tanks, ships and aircraft took part. The exercise was designed to defend against a powerful enemy (NATO?) that had attacked or was preparing to attack these states. It will take some time before full analysis of the exercise is completed by our … [Read more...] about Russo-Sino condominium? Not likely
John McCain: sailor, straight talker and statesmanon August 31, 2018John McCain was a sailor, a straight talker and a statesman. From the day he entered the US Naval Academy with the class of 1958, John’s character, courage and charisma were evident. Like all of us, John had his weaknesses. But he will be rightly remembered for his candour, his valour and heroism as well as his self-deprecating sense of humour, his cantankerism and a greatness that had few … [Read more...] about John McCain: sailor, straight talker and statesman
Reconciling Relations: Imran to Donaldon August 25, 2018Now that Imran Khan has been sworn in as Pakistan's Prime Minister, dealing with the United States is among his many problems and priorities. The US-Pakistani relationship has descended from bad to worse. American funding has been suspended. And the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened to block IMF money to Pakistan if Islamabad continues to move even closer towards China's orbit. … [Read more...] about Reconciling Relations: Imran to Donald
How much can a country endure?on August 15, 2018To paraphrase Karl Marx: a spectre is haunting America. It is not communism. Nor is it democratic socialism. Instead it is a failed and failing government. And this failure is the fault of ‘we the people’, who elect the leaders we deserve. Congress remains hopelessly deadlocked on the most important issues. Yes, Congress did pass tax cuts. Yes, the economy grew at a rate of about 4 percent last … [Read more...] about How much can a country endure?
Will Imran bowl for six?on August 8, 2018After many times at bat, to use a cricket metaphor, Imran Khan has a chance to hit for six. But will he? His Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won the majority in Parliament. However, a coalition government will still be required that limits the power of any executive. Way back when Asif Zardari became president in 2008 and before he voluntarily returned many of his powers to the Prime Minister … [Read more...] about Will Imran bowl for six?
We have met the enemy and it is US!on August 5, 2018Yes, the US economy grew at about four percent last quarter. That is very good news. But is all well in America? And are we focusing on perhaps lesser dangers to our way of life and our security, than what really may prove more threatening in the long run? In the past, successive American presidents and their administrations too often have forgotten or ignored history. Likewise, America’s … [Read more...] about We have met the enemy and it is US!
The Atlantic alliance on life support?on July 23, 2018London: The past week was disastrous for the Atlantic Alliance. President Donald Trump was the bull that brings its own China shop with it. At the NATO summit, the President attacked the alliance for failing to allocate enough money for defence, and then proposed a mandatory four percent of GDP as the target. Not even the US spends that much, and besides, NATO defence budgets are already fifteen … [Read more...] about The Atlantic alliance on life support?
What’s next for NATO?on July 11, 2018This is a potentially tectonic week for NATO, US relations with Russia and America’s future global leadership role. It began where last week left off. A trade war with China was underway. After sending strongly worded letters to several NATO members for insufficient defence spending, on a campaign swing in the Mid-West, President Donald Trump continued personalizing these attacks by accusing … [Read more...] about What’s next for NATO?
A jarring July?on July 4, 2018‘Beware the Ides of March,’ was the warning ignored by Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Today, there is no Caesar in America (yet?). But for those who fear Western democracies are in trouble, July will be a jarring reminder of why those fears may be justified. Certainly for the West, the future is at considerable risk of further deterioration in cohesion within the NATO alliance. Britain’s Prime … [Read more...] about A jarring July?
With friends like these…on June 13, 2018Can the United States (US) be considered a rational state under the Trump presidency? The world must wonder how the leader of the 'free world' favour dictators over democratic allies, and abrogate over seven decades of the international order created by the US itself? His supporters argue that Trump is a disruptive and unconventional Chief Executive who doesn't need much help in governing. He … [Read more...] about With friends like these…
