Mastery of technical detail without an understanding of history is like learning to ride a bicycle without wheels. Ergo, The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy by Lawrence Freedman is must reading for aspiring wonks. The paperback on my bookshelf dates back to 1983; help yourselves to the third edition. Freedman acknowledges that “strategy” and “nuclear weapons” …
Drone Strikes in Pakistan
by | 2013-03-02 | 32 Comments
Drones provide essential surveillance, thereby helping to protect US forces and national security interests. Drone strikes are meant to serve the same purposes, but they have become a recruiting tool for militancy. Are drone strikes necessary, and if so, under what criteria? Do the current pattern and number of drone strikes advance or harm US …
Ward Wilson Wednesdays Part 4
by | 2013-02-28 | 33 Comments
Yeah, so I missed a couple of Ward Wilson Wednesdays. Suck it. Ward’s final contribution contains an elaborated version of my favorite joke about the epistemology of deterrence. Like the others, it’s an enjoyable read. It’s been a pleasure hosting Ward these past few weeks. In case you missed them, here are links to parts 1, …
FSA Overruns Al Kibar
by | 2013-02-25 | 36 Comments
Update | 10:24 pm 25 February 2013 Our reader friend sends along a fourth, high resolution video in which the narrator explains that the missiles on stationary launchers were to fired from inside the building, through openings in the roof. No, I don’t understand why. The other day, a reader got in touch with some …
