The Classroom Plot - Britain's Latest Struggle Against Islamic Extremism

My latest @ The American Spectator - The Classroom Plot

CPAC, where was the debate?

My latest @ The American Spectator - CPAC, where was the debate?

The Demise of the UN

My latest @ The National Review - The Demise of the UN

Favorite movie ending

In response to Friday's post, a couple of readers asked me for my favorite movie ending. 

It's the one below. 

Why?

Because it speaks to the American tradition of honorable sacrifice. Giving everything in return for nothing, save the hope that those who receive the benefit live in honor of that noble gift.

Six Instructive War Scenes

Something slightly different today.

Below are a few of my favorite war movie scenes. Under each video, I explain why I pick these in particular. My comments flow from my own research, my time as a student at King's and my conversations with friends who serve or have served in the military. Please note, I don't post these videos as a celebration of war- as I've written here and here, I subscribe to the notion that war is hell.

Midway - ''I want that fourth carrier''

Here, Nimitz illustrates why he was such a successful leader - his willingness to take risks in order to maximize the strategic impact of his battles. His intention was to eviscerate Japanese power-projection capabilities. By pursuing that object with aggression, he won an astounding victory at Midway.

Patton - ''Nuts''

In his rapid assault to relieve General McAuliffe's 101st Airborne, Patton hears that the surrounded American forces will not surrender. To me, in this event, both McAuliffe and Patton represent the best of the US Army's action in Europe. McAuliffe was able to apply a small group of highly skilled soldiers in defense of a critical strategic objective. At the same time, Patton's aggression gave him the confidence to rapidly take territory and move forwards against the enemy.

Zulu - ''Keep working''

Here, the British garrison at Rorke's Drift stand on the verge of a breakdown. Outnumbered by thousands of Zulu warriors and absent the prospect of support, the soldiers fear for their lives. Then, in the finest tradition of an NCO, Colour Sergeant Bourne steps forward to keep the men moving. His objective is clear - to maintain the sense of order and purpose that is critical to a military unit. He knows that he cannot let the men dwell on the predicament that they face.

Zulu - ''Rank!''

This scene illustrates the success of the British Army over the ages. Combining discipline, composure and professionalism, the heavily outnumbered force is able to repel a Zulu attack and win victory at Rorke's Drift.

Zulu - ''Officer Commanding''

The final scene of 'Zulu' provides a list of those decorated with Britain's highest military award at Rorke's Drift. Fittingly, Lieutenant Chard, the officer commanding, is given the last scene. The closing landscape, the shield and Chard's tired demeanor perfectly encapsulate the extraordinary responsibility of an officer. In the end, the officer must retain command and lead with confidence - Chard did that and saved his men.

The Longest Day - ''History''

This scene from the longest day is perhaps my favorite. In the context of history and politics, in one moment, it explains why the US was so instrumental to the allied victory in World War Two. The United States may not have had the history of art or culture that defined Europe, but what it did have was eminent courage and an unsurpassed ability to project power. That, and a sustaining belief in the cause of good against evil.

One week later, what Obama should say on Ukraine

‘‘Good evening.

Last Thursday, without warning, military forces from the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine.

This invasion has been calculating and patient; moving deliberately to seize control of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and destabilize Ukrainian society.

Over the last few days, in conversations with the United States and our allies, Russia’s leaders have claimed that they took this action only in order to protect their citizens.

They say they had no choice.

That is a lie.

Let me be clear. I recognize that the political situation in Ukraine is tense and uncertain. I’m also fully aware of the Russian government’s fears – many ethnic Russians live in eastern and southern Ukraine. The Russian Navy has traditionally relied upon Crimean ports as the base for their Black Sea fleet. In the aftermath of the recent revolution Russia has an obvious desire to protect its interests.

But fear is no excuse for an invasion.

Indeed, we’re witnessing today is a cold echo of a former era that was defined by fear.

 In the images of tanks and soldiers and ships crushing dissent, President Putin is dishonoring his nation and pillaging the traditions of international law that he claims to cherish.

This must not stand.

And so, today, I want to outline a number of steps that my Administration is taking in order to support our Ukrainian friends and compel Russia to return to the table of peaceful diplomacy.

First, I have instructed the State Department to begin consultations with our G7 allies towards expelling Russia from the G8. With what we’re seeing; both in Ukraine and in Russia’s continuing support for the dictator in Syria, the Kremlin has clearly lost interest in a constructive partnership with the international community. While I hope that Russia will return to the community of nations, we must accept reality in the moment. Correspondingly, America cannot accept the G8's credibility as legitimation for this injustice.

Second, I’ve spoken with Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress in order to begin laying out a targeted sanctions response against those Russian leaders and institutions that are involved in this invasion. But it won’t just be America. We’ll work with our partners around the world in order to make sure that Russia understands the whole world stands against them. Russia’s leaders must realize that their access to the international economy is not a fait accompli. That trust and cooperation are earned. We will not allow these leaders to profit while the specter of war blankets Ukrainian society.

Third, paying close attention to Russian troop movements inside Ukraine and along the borders of Poland and Lithuania, I’ve ordered our military to move certain key assets into the region. Again, let me be clear, these deployments are precautionary and defensive. We do not seek a conflict with Russia. Nevertheless, we’re aware of our responsibilities under NATO. We won’t tolerate intimidation without answer. So let me emphasize this fact – although we stand ready to talk at any time, our allies should feel confidence that their friendship with America has meaning.

Underlying these actions is a simple policy consideration. History. Over centuries of conflict, we’ve learned that aggression cannot be appeased by equivocation. So while it’s tempting to believe that words of condemnation would provide an effective response alone, the truth of this invasion is harder. Russia must be made to understand that every action has a reaction. A reaction beyond anger.

America seeks friendship with Russia but we will not accept a dominion of fear.

This speaks to something else- only Russia can make the choices that are necessary to defuse this crisis.

Russia is better than this.

Two weeks ago, the world applauded as Russia delivered a flourish of internationalism – an Olympic games defined by human excellence and mutual respect. Those games defined Russia at its best – proud, talented and passionate.

But today, the world is seeing a very different Russia.

Today, just a little more than two hundred miles from Sochi, we’re being reminded of another, darker testament from history – that the balance between greatness and ignominy is a sharp one. That the face of a nation is not measured by the prestige of one moment, but instead by the legacy of its actions.

My fellow Americans, in this moment, Russia has made its choice. Now we must make ours.

With resolve in our power and confidence in our values, we are now taking a stand for the freedom of a friend and for the peace of the world.

Good evening and may God continue to bless America.’’

Why Ukraine vindicates the NSA

My latest @ The American Spectator - Why Ukraine vindicates the NSA

The Four Truths of International Relations - Crimea

My latest @ The National Review - The Four Truths of International Relations

On Russia

I'll have a piece on Ukraine out in the next day or two. Until then, here are a few of my previous writings on the nature of Putin's government. Thanks for reading.

Putin's Swindle - Obama's Slumber

The Syria WMD Farce

Putin's Letter

Why Obama must get tough on Putin

Russia discussion (BBC)

Russia discussion (GVH)

On Presidential leadership

Ukraine and the Tombstone of the Reset

What's happening in Ukraine represents the tombstone for President Obama's reset. As I've argued before, (here and here) the Russian Government has successfully manipulated US foreign policy over the past five years. Cognizant of the President's international trepidation (an issue I've also written on here), Putin has advanced Russian strategic interests at the cost of both American prestige and influence. As I see it, the Russian surge into Crimea has two specific purposes - to deter western intervention and support for the new Ukrainian Government and to ensure that Russia's access to its Black Sea naval bases is sustained.

Still, this is about more than power politics. In part understandably (considering the ethnic make up of Crimea), Russia is deeply concerned by the prospect of appearing to abandon its key supporters. Russia wants to ensure that their opinion is represented by the new government.

Again, it's absolutely crucial to note that Russian foreign policy is always focused on local domination in service to the central authority of the Kremlin.

But of course, this is also about Putin's willingness to use military force in order to achieve his political objectives (see the video below from 13.58). Putin wagers that the US and the EU lack the constitution to restrain his intimidation. He may be right. In the days ahead, it is critical that President Obama show Putin that there are limits to Russia's power. In essence, the American President must restore Russia's faith in American power.