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Author Archives: Charles Duelfer
Malaysian Aircraft Cargo?
Scheduled airlines don’t just carry passengers. They carry cargo–lots of it. While there has been a release of the passenger manifest, there has not been a release of the cargo manifest. The cargo manifest will be at least as interesting … Continue reading
Ukraine – Dollar vs. Ruble
Looking ahead at the conflict between the US and Russia over Ukraine, it may turn out that this could become a financial war rather than a kinetic war. The US has an enormous strength irrespective of our military–the US dollar. … Continue reading
Posted in Financial Wars, Intelligence, Russia, Ukraine
Tagged Putin, Ruble, Russia, Ukraine
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Space Station and the Ukraine Crisis
The international space station is currently occupied by a crew of six. There are three Russians, two Americans and a Japanese member. The commander is a Russian. Presumably they all get along and are bonded by their collective mission. Nevertheless, … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Russia, Space, Ukraine
Tagged International Space Station, Lavrov. Kerry, Ukraine
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Russia in Ukraine and Market Predictors
No one should have been surprised by Putin’s actions regarding Ukraine after the Olympics. While Americans may have a short memory, that is generally not said about Russians. Putin would have learned from Brezhnev’s experience that it is better to … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Russia, Ukraine
Tagged Market Intelligence, Markint, Russia, Ukraine
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Olympic Sport – CW Racing? And Snowden?
Snowden Lighting the Olympic Flame? I bet someone in Moscow has considered it. The Olympics in Sochi are getting to be a test of political skill as well as athletic skill. President Vladimir Putin clearly has Russia’s reputation, and more … Continue reading
Posted in Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
Tagged AT&T and Snowden, Lavrov, Olympics, Snowden at Olympics
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Syrian CW – The Slow Road to Latakia
Syria has will miss both target dates to remove its chemicals. The most toxic amounts were due out at the end of the 2013 and the less dangerous components due out February 5th. Security is not an excuse for the … Continue reading
Posted in Iran, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
Tagged Saudi Arabia, Sergey Lavrov, UN Security Council
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Iran Nuclear Talks – Progress?
The announcement of the new elements coming from the talks with Tehran represents progress of a sort. Basically there is a trade between Iran’s ongoing ability to enrich uranium (and produce plutonium) that could be used in a weapon and … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Iran, United Nations, WMD
Tagged Iran Nuclear, Iran Nuclear Agreement, Weapons Inspections
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Syrian CW – The Next Stage
OPCW head Mehmet Uzumcu announced today that the initial removal of some chemicals from Syria had taken place today. Chemicals in their specially designed and built containers were loaded onto the Danish ship Ark Futura at the port of Latakia. … Continue reading
Posted in Iran, Iraq, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
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The Iran Nuclear Deal
It is difficult to be categorical when judging this agreement. Much depends upon huge uncertainties that will play out over years or decades. American politicians are condemned to focus on near-term costs and consequences. Our system tends to … Continue reading
Posted in Iran, Iraq, United Nations, WMD
Tagged Iran Nuclear, Iran Nuclear Agreement
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Knowledge is Expensive – Veterans Day 2013
Knowledge is Expensive Veterans day celebrates those who have served the country in the military services. There are many members of the military who served with me in the Iraq Survey Group (ISG). Overall there were more than 1500 people … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Iraq, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
Tagged DIA, Iraq, Iraq Survey Group, Syria CW, United Nations Inspectors, WMD
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