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Category Archives: Iraq
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
Trump and Intelligence Community
Does the President need to know what is true or what everyone thinks is true? This question that did not first arise with Donald Trump’s election. It is a function of the growing power of social media. Political leaders … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Iraq, Russia, WMD
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Can Iraq be a Solution Instead of a Problem?
There is an opportunity for the US to recalibrate its approach and objectives in Iraq. It could be a positive rather than a negative and its tied to our approach to Iran. The following piece ran in the Cipher Brief … Continue reading
Posted in Iran, Iraq, ISIL, ISIS
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Mosul and Washington – Between Administrations
The period of time prior to a presidential election is always a vulnerable time for the United States. It is especially so at the end of a two-term administration. The current administration is less focused on new policies than locking … Continue reading
CW in Syria – Assad will be around longer than Obama
Consider: Would the events below and ponder whether they would be taking place if the Obama administration were not so obviously just running out the clock? It’s a safe bet that Bashar al-Assad will be in power longer than Barack … Continue reading
Tony Blair and the UK Chilcot Report
Below is an opinion piece that UK publications did not print. It seems anything that would appear to defend the actions of Prime Minister Tony Blair is of no interest. My take on the Chilcot review of the UK actions … Continue reading
Posted in Intelligence, Iraq, United Nations, WMD
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In Iraq–ISIS is Symptom, the Problem is Worse
In Iraq, Washington is treating a symptom and avoiding the underlying problem. Washington is busy with ISIS in Iraq and reporting substantial progress. On June 28th, Ambassador Brett McGurk reported to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (http://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/062816_McGurk_Testimony.pdf) on progress the … Continue reading
Looming Disaster of “Doing Mosul”
If President Obama pushes ahead to expel ISIS from the major city of Mosul in Iraq, without much better preparation of the post-conflict circumstances, the aftermath with be a disaster. Iraq was bad when he inherited the problem, it may … Continue reading
Mosul – Prepare for Chemical Weapons and Civilian Casualties
Retaking Mosul from ISIS is clearly the next big military objective. Visits to Baghdad by SECDEF Ash Carter and SECSTATE John Kerry clearly presage this movement. Carter announced additional US forces and capabilities. President Obama’s meetings with the GCC clearly … Continue reading
Posted in Iraq, ISIL, ISIS, ISIS Chemical Weapons, Saudi Arabia, Sunni, WMD
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