Avatar photoCrocodiles, Technocrats and Commanders

Revisiting the 2011 Bidganeh explosion. If there is one thing that sanctions-hit Iran does not currently lack, it’s controversies. Ranging from high-profile corruption scandals to mysterious (or not so mysterious) drone attacks, limpet mines and radioactive warehouses, there is a cornucopia of high-drama developments competing for the world’s and the country’s media attention. Somewhat surprisingly, …

Avatar photoScratching Erdogan’s Nuclear Itch

News media reporters can be counted on to scratch their Country X-is-going-nuclear itch whenever its armed forces burst across its borders, and this week was no exception following Turkey’s invasion of Syria. On October 22 the New York Times went over the top in headlining that President Recip Tayyip Erdogan “says he wants nuclear weapons” …

Avatar photoAll Roads Lead to Putin

Quote of the week: “The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”–William F. Buckley, Jr. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s memorable retort to Donald Trump’s October 16th meltdown in the White House — “All roads with you lead to Putin” — ranks up there with Trump’s reference to American “carnage” in his inaugural address. …

Avatar photoTailkits and the Turks: US Nuclear Weapons in Turkey

The New York Times reported recently that US officials are considering removing US nuclear weapons from Turkey. Aaron knows a bit about this, so Jeffrey called in from his car on the road to San Francisco, and Anne called in from a foggy Monterey to talk about nuclear weapons in Turkey. Producer’s Note: Due to …