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Author Archives: Charles Duelfer
Space News – And National News
Tuesday this week, in a speech before the National Space Council, Vice President Pence announced that the US would land its astronauts on the Moon again within five years. He said: “And I’m here, on the President’s behalf, to tell … Continue reading
Posted in NASA, Space
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The Value of Allies – It’s Personal
In his resignation letter, Secretary of Defense General Mattis called out the importance of Allies for US national security. I expect his eloquent statement will be long-quoted by those involved in foreign policy. But I bet it resonates even more … Continue reading
Posted in Allies, Iraq, NATO
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Syrian CW Use – Why? There’s a good reason
Many have wondered why Syrian would continue to use chemical munitions recognizing that the international community would condemn such actions. After all, they received some measure of positive recognition when acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 and allowed … Continue reading
Posted in Russia, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
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Kim Jong Un – We have no clue what motivates/deters him….
The September 18, 2017 New Yorker had a very good article about Kim Jong Un by Evan Osnos. He made the point that we really have no idea what motivates him (or perhaps more importantly, would deter him). And, or … Continue reading
Posted in Iraq, North Korea
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Iraq – Avoiding the Next Insurgency
It is blindingly obvious that while ISIS soon may be expelled from Mosul, absent any further US policy change, there will be a renewed insurgency fueled by disaffected Sunni groups. This is depressingly similar to Spring 2003. I was in … Continue reading
Syria CW Use – Why?
The headline news of Syrian use of Sarin last month has faded from memory. Even the US strike against the Syrian base at Khan Sheikhoun seems to have sunk beneath the daily harangue of Trump news. The military strike seems … Continue reading
Posted in ISIS Chemical Weapons, Russia, Syria, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
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Syria Strike – Before and After – Watch for Russian Action in Ukraine
Putin will respond to action as would be expected. It is a safe bet that Russia will amp up pressure in other areas such as Ukraine. Secretary of State Tillerson, who, with General McMaster put forward a strong case for … Continue reading
Posted in Russia, Syria, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
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Syria CW – Time to dust off Obama’s military options
Syria certainly looks to have used chemical agent in Khan Sheikhun. This instance is a really big deal for a number of reasons–and President Trump will need to act. First, whereas Syria has been dropping chlorine in “barrel bombs” over … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Russia, Syria, Syria CW, Syria CW, United Nations, WMD
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A License to Receive Intelligence?
Should government officials be licensed or pass a test before they can receive intelligence? The debate about whether to believe intelligence reporting on Russian hacking of the DNC highlights a chronic problem. Steps were taken to improve collection, analysis and … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence
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Leaks to Come under Trump?
Overtime there is a transition from an experienced President at the end of an eight year term to a new President who inevitably is inexperienced and from a different party, there is some degree of friction from the permanent government … Continue reading