Big Battle Near Bagdad?
I’m getting word of a big battle last week between terrorists and elements of the 82nd Airborne, east of Baghdad, near the Iranian border. According to one U.S. officer, the…
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…
Assad Runs Amok
If you want proof that Syrian dictator Bashir Assad is feeling his oats, look no further than yesterday’s assassination of Lebanese Cabinet member Pierre Gemayel. Mr. Gemayel, a cabinet minister…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…