Ike Skelton Knows Better (Or, At Least He Should)
In recent years, Democratic Congressman Ike Skelton of Missouri has been something of a rarity in his party–a voice of moderation and sanity on defense issues. Over the course of…
The SA-15 Arrives in Iran
As expected, Russia has begun deliveries of the TOR-M1 air defense system to Iran. Tehran and Moscow signed a deal for the TOR-M1 (NATO codename: SA-15) more than a year…
Somewhere, Dean Wormer is Smiling
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is imposing its version of “double-secret” probation, agreeing to suspend funding for Iran’s heavy water nuclear reactor at Arak. That facility, scheduled to begin…
The Lenin Approach
In his smack-down of Senator Chuck Hagel’s idiotic op-ed on Iraq, Rick Moran at Rightwing Nuthouse cites a history lesson that I’d forgotten–but one that perfectly illustrates the problems with…
Does the Military Need More Ivy?
Congressman Charley Rangel was at it again over the weekend, insisting that today’s military is populated largely by those who “lack other options.” Never mind that Mr. Rangel’s thesis has…
One Term Jim Strikes Again
Washington is abuzz over the purported “smackdown” between incoming freshman Senator James Webb of Virginia and President Bush. At a White House reception last week, Mr. Bush asked how Webb’s…
End of the Pave Hawk Era
As the hunt continues for that missing F-16 pilot in Iraq, the Air Force has made a decision that will have a major impact on future search-and-rescue (SAR) missions. Earlier…
Viper Down
The Air Force and CENTCOM have begun their investigation into yesterday’s crash of an F-16CG in western Iraq. According to a CENTCOM press release, the single-seat fighter was in support…
A Broken Promise Worth Keeping
It has become a mantra for the Democratic Party, long accused of being “weak” on national defense and intelligence issues. Put us back in power, the Democrats pledged, and we’ll…
A Victory for the Misinformed Fools
We’ll probably never know the backroom deals and political machinations that derailed Alcee Hastings’ bid to become Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi announced yesterday that Hastings,…