Israel-Iran, Russian satire, Macron's math

Why Israel won't bomb Iran's nuclear program before Trump leaves office. The issue is one of capability and political cover. Both of which require American support.

Russian intelligence dances two waltzes with Soviet-era satire. The SVR and FSB's latest adventures through the looking glass are telling examples of how Putin's security apparatus operates.

The missing $60 billion in Emmanuel Macron's defense budget. The French president either does not understand math or is being deceptive about Europe's military capabilities.

Iraq and Afghanistan withdrawals, Franco-German messaging, Putin 2036, last week

Trump's self-destructive Afghanistan and Iraq withdrawals. There is no obvious strategic rationale for this decision. But quite obvious risk.

French and German defense ministers give Biden their wish list. The two officials do not appear to have learned much about U.S. concerns over an unbalanced transatlantic relationship.

Sixteen more years. What's behind Putin's legislative drive to retain power until 2036.

from last week...

Michele Flournoy for defense secretary. Flournoy is a smart thinker with DoD experience.

Biden should immediately sanction these two Putin cronies. They are undermining American interests.

Pompeo should bring a tough message to Tbilisi. The Secretary of State must affirm America's commitment to the democratic rule of law.

Hong Kong, Iran nuclear

In Hong Kong, a mirror to Xi's mind. The world is seeing the true nature of the CPC.

Joe Biden faces Iran's nuclear fastball. The incoming president will confront a regime that is rapidly developing its ballistic missile capability and its enriched uranium stockpile.

Boris-Biden, Israel Saudis, Pompeo comments

Boris Johnson's Biden call is very telling. The Prime Minister shows that Britain A) believes Biden is near-certain to take office. B) needs to urgently secure Biden's favor.

Why Joe Biden must listen to Israel and Saudi Arabia. The risks, of not doing so, for nuclear proliferation and regional political stability are significant.

Mike Pompeo launches 2024 presidential bid with comments on election. The Secretary of State should not have played to Trump's fraud allegation.

China Biden, Mark Esper, NATO Biden

How China will try to play Joe Biden. The President-Elect faces a regime that will seek to buy political space for its global strategy. 

Trump's firing of Mark Esper is petulant and pointless. The defense secretary has done a good job.

Biden can't strengthen NATO without publicly challenging Germany. Berlin continues to freeload off the alliance.

China, HK

 Any China-Russia alliance faces three major problems. Namely, mistrust, strategic interests, and India.

In Hong Kong, China asks neighbors to spy on each other. The police tip line is a Gestapo style endeavor.

Prince Xi, D-Day

Meet Xi Jinping, the dark god-prince of Communist China. Xi's leadership is built on a pack of lies, especially when it comes to his offerings to the world.

US must defeat China's "D-Day" trade attack on Australia. Beijing claims, which is a lie, that it is only acting in accordance with customs rules and public health requirements.

Xi

 The header photo from Xinhua -- God Xi.

Elections via Russia, Allies, China, Taiwan drones, Germany's naval deployment

Why Russia will relish in - and take advantage from - the U.S. election chaos. Putin will sense an opportunity to fray American democratic credibility and act against U.S. interests abroad.

How American allies are reacting to our election confusion. They want certainty as to who has won, or will be coronated the winner.

China's reaction to the U.S. election. Beijing is nervous that Biden might lose, and will be downhearted that the GOP appears to have secured the Senate.

U.S. sells Taiwan a drone curve ball against China. The $600 million deal will help the island democracy deter and defeat any Chinese invasion.

From Tuesday...

Germany's critical naval deployment to the Indian Ocean. The comments by Germany's defense minister that her nation will deploy a warship alongside the Australian navy, are to be welcomed.

Russia v. Turkey, France freedoms, Hitler's leadership

Why Russia is threatening Turkey and Azerbaijan. Putin’s government is frustrated by Erdogan’s consistent escalation.

France can defend free speech and free worship. The government should reconsider its veil ban as it rightly defends Charlie Hebdo.

Bandy Lee’s silly Hitler tweet. The psychiatrist does not appear to have read very much about the Nazi leader.