The Audacity of Hubris

The Audacity of Hubris - My latest @ The National Review

Lee Rigby Beheading

I have two relevant thoughts.

1) The Police marksmen were highly professional and only used force when it became absolutely necessary (see video below). This is an important point that has been lost in the coverage - it challenges the false narrative generated by criticism of the Police during the Mark Duggan operation.

2) The killers were deliberate in their efforts to cultivate death for propaganda (my thoughts here) and followed in the tradition of Salafi Jihadism (my thoughts here).

The Indefensible Defense Budget

My latest @ The American Spectator - The Indefensible Defense Budget

Moazzam Begg, Syria and Guantanamo

Regarding the charging of Begg by British Counter-Terrorism prosecutors, here's my radio debate with Mr. Begg from a few months ago. We debate whether Guantanamo Bay should remain open (Mr. Begg was formerly detained at Guantanamo). Also might be of interest - my piece on why Syria is causing great concern for British Intelligence.

Talking about Russia

Talking about Russia under Putin. Had a lot of fun!

White House Air-Miles Program

My latest @ The National Review - White House Air-Miles Program

Afghanistan - No reason for retreat

Latest @ The American Spectator - Afghanistan: No reason for retreat

Debt Limit

This?

One reason - ObamaCare. I explain below (admittedly from a couple of months back).

The Nuland Call

My latest @ The National Review - The Nuland Call

Iran Navy Patrol

Iran is claiming that it has sent a small flotilla on a patrol close to the US Atlantic border. 

No need for alarm.

1) The Iranians lack the naval power to threaten the United States in any significant way. While Iranian forces in the Gulf could cause problems in the event of a localized conflagration, the ships in question here do not represent a serious challenge. In fact, the Iranians may be lying about the entire deployment.

2) The flotilla will be monitored by the US Navy. There's no doubt that the US will keep a close eye on what the Iranians do. It's in this sense that US Navy forces will protect American interests and gather intelligence on Iranian naval tactics, strategic doctrine and capabilities.

3) There's an obvious domestic political component to this action. Iran's Navy wants to exert prestige and regime hardliners want to show the US that they retain significant influence. Moreover, the imagery and narrative of Iranian vessels off the US coast is a powerful one. At least in propaganda terms. Correspondingly, Iranian state media are using these claims as an opportunity to assert Iran's presentation on the international scene. Power politics rely upon successful presentation.

4) The main point - states have the right to patrol in international waters. Indeed, the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group is currently on operations proximate to Iran. What's important is that naval powers behave responsibly. And not like China's Navy.