Peace and Security
How to End the Syrian Bloodshed
The international negotiations to end the brutal civil war in Syria were never going to be easy. Getting all sides to the table was itself a huge challenge. On the eve of the talks it looked, for a moment, like at least that first step might be possible. To prevent...
The Clear and Present Danger of Pentagon Contractors
Hollywood covets action movies, especially the kind where our nation faces mortal danger. Sticking with a longstanding tradition, these flicks often feature alien invaders. Another common strain portrays terrorist networks seeking to destroy or take over our...
The End of Civilization as We Know It
Do Look This Gift Horse in the Mouth
It's still a mystery how Santa Claus got it down the chimney, but Bastrop got a Christmas present boys can only dream about: a big honking, steel-clad, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) truck. But Bastrop isn't a 6-year-old boy, and this truck is no toy. Bastrop...
Seeing Through the Fog
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel was full of tough talk when he visited the island kingdom of Bahrain in early December. The United States, he vowed, will continue to guard “the free flow of energy and commerce” from the Persian Gulf and keep Iran nuclear-free,...
The War on Ourselves
When Newtown observed the first anniversary of its tragic 2012 massacre, the locals asked for the media to stay away. For the most part, journalists gave them the space they needed to privately grieve. That quiet reflection didn't mean there was no wallowing in and...
Flashback: The Red Sox and the White House
Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little's team was on track to beat the New York Yankees in the American League baseball playoffs when he made the decision to stick with a faltering star pitcher rather than change strategy and call in relief help. Thus he became the...
Winning and Losing the ‘Great Game’ at the Same Time
Back in 1898 when George Curzon coined the term, "the Great Game" while he served as viceroy of India, the United States was just putting on its imperial uniform. Countries are "pieces on a chessboard upon which is being played out a great game for the domination of...
The Pentagon’s Latest Boondoggle
It would be great if we could take military leaders at their word when they vow to stem the growing tide of sexual assaults in the armed services. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced new measures over the summer to address what he described as "a stain on the...
Built on Verification
After years of stalemate, the United States and our allies have secured a verifiable nuclear deal with Iran. This first-stage deal freezes Iran’s nuclear program and provides both sides time to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement ensuring Iran never develops the...
