Spring time in Moscowon April 22, 2019Moscow: Given the chilly if not frozen relations between America and Russia these days, the annual Moscow International Security Conference (MISC) is a good place to take stock of where, how or if a thaw is even remotely possible. With the decisions to withdraw from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF); New START in jeopardy; continued increases in NATO and U.S. defense spending; and … [Read more...] about Spring time in Moscow
The hides of Aprilon April 17, 2019In Roman times, the mid-point of the month was called "the ides," hence the ides of April. Famously according to Shakespeare, Julius Caesar was warned to beware the ides of March. He did not and was assassinated. Today, we need to beware the ides of April and for more profound reasons than this is tax day.The economy we are told by the White House is strong, so strong that adding former … [Read more...] about The hides of April
Three daggerson April 10, 2019Three political daggers are aimed at America's democracy and security. Whether these are stilettos- thin, stealthy and precise- or nearly foot long Bowie knives to hack, cut and maim makes little difference. The ultimate effect could be deadly.The first dagger threatens truthfulness; the second the constitution; and the third the nation's most important alliance. Former Senator and Vice … [Read more...] about Three daggers
The second American civil waron April 4, 2019America endured the Civil War (1861-1865). Now, an undeclared second civil war has broken out between Republicans and Democrats. The immediate casus belli is not Confederates firing on Fort Sumter in 1861. Instead, President Donald Trump is today's Fort Sumter. It is open season on him and of course on his Democratic adversaries.This civil war is fought not with bullets and bayonets but with … [Read more...] about The second American civil war
Why UK and US are on roads to ruinon March 30, 2019Why are Britain and America, the two greatest democracies of the 20th century, careening towards separate roads to ruin when China and Russia are seemingly in the ascent? And what if anything can be done to reverse these situations?In the UK, the 2016 Brexit referendum has now rendered Prime Minister Theresa May and the Conservative Party impotent and the country, barring a reverse … [Read more...] about Why UK and US are on roads to ruin
Memo for president Putinon March 17, 2019Mr. President: Part of your strategy has been to divide the West thereby weakening and unraveling NATO. Regarding the West, Britain and America, the two greatest democracies of the 20th century, are careening towards separate roads to ruin. It is in our obvious interest to encourage if not accelerate these forces. Indeed, this is the "wedge" issue that we recommend exploiting with even more … [Read more...] about Memo for president Putin
Who needs game of thrones?on March 9, 2019After last week, who needs Game of Thrones or even Netflix to be entertained, dazzled and even overwhelmed than by merely reading the news or streaming it on television, cell phone or nearby computer? Messers Cohen, that is Michael formerly personal attorney to Donald Trump; Imran Khan, ace cricket bowler and now Pakistani Prime Minister; and Kim Jung Un, impersonating Mikhail Gorbachev held … [Read more...] about Who needs game of thrones?
The Trumpian trapon February 27, 2019While the president may often have the touch of an enraged elephant, Democrats too easily may take the bait and undervalue the power of his message. The president's new "axis of evil" is Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. To a southern Floridian and large Hispanic audience, his words were enticing and intoxicating.Few would disagree with the disastrous consequences of the Hugo Chavez-Nicolas … [Read more...] about The Trumpian trap
Memogate is finally over!on February 20, 2019On May 2nd, SEAL Team Six descended on the residence of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad a few miles from Pakistan's West Point. The U.S. did not forewarn Pakistani leadership feared a leak. Bin Laden was killed and a political crisis between Islamabad and Washington erupted over the raid and American violation of Pakistani sovereignty.On October 10th, the Financial Times published an oped … [Read more...] about Memogate is finally over!
Can lies destroy a nation?on February 12, 2019To take liberties with Voltaire, "liars figure and figures lie." Taken more broadly, all of us are prone to exaggeration, stretching the truth and occasionally telling "white lies." Outright lying is hopefully less common although virtually every political leader often succumbs to the untruth."I am not a crook" and "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" are perhaps two of the … [Read more...] about Can lies destroy a nation?
