Thank You
Robert Serge
VVA 17 Member
Blog Master
To all my fellow veterans friends and family my we all remember
From: no-reply@navytimes.com
To: rserge1@outlook.com
Subject: Navy Times Early Bird Brief
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 04:03:05 -0600
COMPILED BY THE EDITORS OF DEFENSE NEWS & MILITARY TIMES
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TODAY'S TOP 51. CDC director warns Ebola outbreak is "spiraling upward"(CBS) After touring many of the Ebola-affected West African nations, Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plans to brief national leaders Wednesday on the Ebola crisis. He joins the "CBS This Morning" co-hosts from CDC headquarters in Atlanta to give an update on the Ebola epidemic. 2. U.S. drone strike in Somalia targets al-Shabab leader (Washington Post) The Pentagon disclosed Tuesday that it tried to kill the leader of the militant group al-Shabab in an air attack in Somalia, firing several Hellfire missiles and dropping other munitions on a camp on the country's southern coast. 3. Why Cluster Munitions Must Be Replaced (Michael Jacobson in War on the Rocks) The end of American cluster munitions is arriving and the Department of Defense (DoD) has no plans to replace them. In 2008, when the U.S. government committed itself to disposing of cluster munitions by January 2019, it seemed distant. 4. Could Global Threat Picture Restore US Defense Increases? (Defense News) President Barack Obama put the Islamic State terrorist group on the "varsity" team of US foes. America's top general, Martin Dempsey, has spoken of the group's "apocalyptic" visions. 5. Video Claims to Show Beheading of U.S. Reporter Steven Sotloff by ISIS (New York Times) The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has beheaded Steven J. Sotloff, the second American executed by the Islamic militant group, and posted a video of it on the Internet, the SITE Intelligence Group, a research organization that tracks jihadist web postings, said Tuesday. Mr. Sotloff's family issued a statement saying it believed he had been killed. ISLAMIC STATEWhite House: 350 more troops assigned to U.S. Embassy in Baghdad(Military Times) President Obama has approved sending roughly 350 more U.S. troops to Iraq, the White House announced on Tuesday. Are American Troops Already Fighting on the Front Lines in Iraq? (The Daily Beast) The Pentagon is denying that U.S. troops are fighting ISIS on the ground in Iraq-but eyewitness accounts and Kurdish officials tell a different story. Islamic State still threat to Mosul Dam, Pentagon says (Military Times) After several weeks of U.S. airstrikes, militants with the Islamic State continue to mount offenses against the Mosul Dam and threaten the vital facility that controls water and electricity across northern Iraq. Steven Sotloff's Murder Proves the Islamic State Isn't Interested in Negotiating -- and Never Was (Foreign Policy) In releasing a video showing the murder of a second American journalist, the militants of the Islamic State made clear that they have no interest in negotiating with Barack Obama's administration or its allies over the fate of other missing Westerners despite implying that they'd release those prisoners if Washington stopped its intensifying air campaign against the group. British hostage held by IS worked for aid groups (USA Today) David Cawthorne Haines, the latest hostage threatened with beheading by the Islamic State, has worked for non-profit aid groups and may be running a company based in Croatia. 'Stay tuned,' on American plans against ISIS, says State Department (CNN) As ISIS released a video Tuesday showing the beheading of a second American, a top State Department official told CNN's Christiane Amanpour to "stay tuned" on U.S. plans to combat the organization. US leads largest airdrop over Iraq (IHS Jane's 360) US and allied air forces have staged the largest airdrop mission to date to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Iraqi town on Amirli. A look at dangers posed by the Islamic State group (Associated Press) The Islamic State militant group that has taken over large parts of Syria and Iraq and declared a self-styled caliphate poses one of the most significant threats to stability in the Middle East in years. But what danger does it immediately pose? Germany To Provide Anti-Tank Missiles, Other Equipment to Peshmerga Fighters (Defense News) Germany will deliver weapons, vehicles and non-lethal equipment to the Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq to support their struggle against the Islamic State. Waging Desperate Campaign, Iraqi Town Held Off Militants (New York Times) The children lined the unkempt boulevard in this northern Iraqi town on Tuesday to welcome some of the men who had saved them from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Brutal Efficiency: The Secret to Islamic State's Success (Wall Street Journal) Islamic State's stunning success this summer as it swept across northern Iraq and Syria flows from a highly organized structure controlled by a tightknit cadre led by an Islamist zealot who learned from the mistakes of his al Qaeda predecessors. Protesters break into Iraq's parliament (Al Jazeera) More than a thousand family members of missing soldiers abducted by the Islamic State group in June have broken into Iraqi parliament and vandalised the building. Iraqi Christians report a decade of blood (San Diego Union-Tribune) The day the statue of Saddam Hussein was torn down in Baghdad's Firdos Square in April 2003 - a day that was the basis for some of the most iconic and debated images of the war in Iraq - Sam, an Iraqi Christian who had a job at a barber shop just down the street from all of the action, skipped work. INDUSTRYPratt to start testing F-35 engine fix this week: sources(Reuters) United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) this week will begin testing a design change to fix the problem that caused a massive engine failure on a Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-35 fighter jet in June, according to two sources familiar with the program. Rolls-Royce Under Threat for Osprey Engine Deal (Wall Street Journal) Rolls-Royce Holdings RR.LN +0.19% PLC may lose its role as the sole engine provider for the U.S. Defense Department's V-22 Osprey aircraft, as the U.S. military explores ways to cut costs. Pentagon Says Website Improves Communication Between DoD, Industry (Defense News) A US Defense Department website has helped DoD gain better insight into industry's research-and-development projects and improved face-to-face meetings between contractors and their military counterparts, Pentagon officials say. General Dynamics Gets $5.76 Billion U.K. Army Contract (Wall Street Journal) General Dynamics Corp. GD -0.48% has secured a GBP3.5 billion ($5.76 billion) contract to build armored vehicles for the British army in the largest order for such equipment in 30 years. General Atomics demonstrates maritime radar (C4ISR & Networks) General Atomics has demonstrated its Lynx multimode radar during a U.S. Navy exercise. Indian deal for 20 more Hawks faces more delays (IHS Jane's 360) A contract for 20 more BAE Systems Hawk Mk 132 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) for the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) aerobatics display team, approved three years ago by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), is unlikely to be signed before 2016. Turkey Delivers Upgraded F-16s to Pakistan (Defense News) Turkey has delivered the last four F-16 fighter aircraft it upgraded for the Pakistani Air Force, the company tasked with the work said Sept. 2. Russia receives new Mi-8AMTSh 'Hip' helicopters (IHS Jane's 360) The first consignment of a recent order of 40 Mil Mi-8AMTSh 'Hip' helicopters has been delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD), Russian Helicopters announced on 1 September. Air Force MILSATCOM office seeks anti-jam (C4ISR & Networks) The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) MILSATCOM Program Office intends to release a solicitation for enhanced ground based X-band anti-jam capability for the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite constellation. Slovakian C-27J contract imminent (IHS Jane's 360) Slovakia's longstanding aim to buy new transport aircraft may soon come to fruition, with the Slovak Ministry of Defence (MoD) announcing it hopes to sign a contract to acquire two Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft by 30 September. CONGRESSClean CR, Sequestration Hopes: Fall Hill Predictions(Breaking Defense) In the next few days most of Capitol Hill's workforce will return from the summer recess and most efforts will be focused on winning reelection and ensuring the primacy of whichever tribe one favors. Dem bill would authorize US strikes in Syria (The Hill) Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said Tuesday he is filing legislation that would give President Obama clear authority to order airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Rep. Tammy Duckworth pregnant; girl due in December (Chicago Sun-Times) Wounded Iraq war vet Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a double amputee, is pregnant. Democrats Break Ranks to Urge Military Assistance to Ukraine, Talks With Putin (DefenseOne) As Air Force One lifts off Tuesday for President Barack Obama's trip to Estonia and then the NATO summit in Wales, he carries with him growing pressure for more direct involvement in Ukraine. House Homeland chief calls for 'high state of alert' ahead of Sept. 11 (The Hill) House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Tuesday that the United States should be on a "high state of alert" as the anniversary of 9/11 approaches. DEFENSE DEPARTMENTWhite House pushes for lower pay raise in 2015(Military Times) The White House is moving ahead with plans for another slimmed-down pay raise for troops in 2015, and outside advocates still aren't happy about it. MRAPs And Bayonets: What We Know About The Pentagon's 1033 Program (National Public Radio) Amid widespread criticism of the deployment of military-grade weapons and vehicles by police officers in Ferguson, Mo., President Obama recently ordered a review of federal efforts supplying equipment to local law enforcement agencies across the country. This 'company' is a joke': Missing cars remain a problem for Scott command (Belleville News-Democrat) Retired Air Force officer Michelle Kastler is happy to be reunited with her 2012 Hyundai Accent after a nearly three-month wait. ARMYStudies reveal 11 ways to improve Army fitness(Army Times) A smaller force means more emphasis on soldiers doing their jobs at optimum levels - including the job of staying healthy. Army: Robert Bales' medical records to remain classified (Tacoma News Tribune) The Army's official public accounting of Staff Sgt. Robert Bales' massacre of unarmed Afghan civilians will not settle lingering questions about whether the military failed to catch signs of his instability or whether he had access to a paranoia-inducing antimalarial drug. Fort Carson soldier struck, killed crossing highway (Army Times) A 23-year-old specialist based at Fort Carson, Colorado, died early Saturday morning after being struck by two vehicles while attempting to cross an interstate highway on foot, police and base officials confirmed. State Guard's weekend drill canceled over lack of funds (News Journal; Wilmington, Del.) The Delaware Army National Guard has canceled this weekend's monthly training drills due to a Guard-wide budget shortfall, state Guard officials say. 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade Kiowa squadron will be the last in the Army (Fayetteville Observer) Col. Michael Musiol, commander of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, said the OH-58s assigned to the brigade's 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment would remain in service for at least two more years. Network upgrade coming for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (C4ISR & Networks) LGS Innovations has been awarded a $7.3 million task order to upgrade the network at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, near Seattle. Guantanamo Defense Lawyer Resigns, Says U.S. Case Is 'Stacked' (National Public Radio) Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks, is facing a military commission at Guantanamo Bay and potentially the death penalty. He was captured in 2003 but his case still hasn't gone to trial. Full Response Statement On The Denial Of Army Maj. Jason Wright's Course Deferral (National Public Radio) In 2011, the Army appointed Maj. Jason Wright to the defense team for one of the highest-profile defendants in the world: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks. Former Ranger Villanueva signs with Steelers' practice squad (Army Times) The former Army Ranger who tried to catch on with the Philadelphia Eagles will move a few hundred miles west - and swap sides of the ball. Army PEO 3CT Daniel Hughes gets second star (C4ISR & Networks) Daniel P. Hughes, Army's Program Executive Officer for Command, Control and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), was promoted to Major General on Sept. 2. NAVYBataan ARG cruise lengthened amid rising threats(Navy Times) Sailors and Marines aboard the Bataan amphibious ready group have been extended 21 days, the service announced Sunday, a move that will keep the ARG in 5th Fleet while the Obama administration weighs its options for countering the Islamic State militants destabilizing the region. Navy Retention Study Shows Sailor Distrust of Senior Leadership (Seapower) The 2014 Navy Retention Study, released Sept. 1, listed a "widespread distrust of senior leadership" as its "most troubling" key finding. RIMPAC Exercise Puts LCS Through Paces (Defense News) It was the middle of May, and the littoral combat ship Independence was operating out of San Diego, testing components of the mine warfare mission package. The mission is one that, except for several extended overhaul periods, has consumed much of the ship's operating time since the class-leading vessel was commissioned in January 2010. The John Walker Spy Ring and The U.S. Navy's Biggest Betrayal (USNI News) Twenty-five years ago the FBI finally shut off the biggest espionage leak in U.S. Navy history when it arrested former senior warrant officer John A. Walker. AIR FORCEEx-Lackland instructor dead in apparent suicide(San Antonio Express-News) A former Air Force basic training instructor who was found guilty of rape and other sexual misconduct charges two years ago at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland died Sunday after hanging himself in his prison cell, Air Force officials said. Concern Over Speed of Air Force Process (Defense News) The US Air Force's top general said he wants to figure out the balance between the active, Guard and reserve components for the vast majority of his service's programs in time to drive fiscal 2016 decisions. ICYMI: Clock ticking on Delaware Air Guard's aging C-130s (News Journal; Wilmington, Del.) Two C-130 cargo airplanes lifted off into the summer sky from the New Castle Air National Guard Base early Saturday morning, the 45 airmen aboard bound for Germany and 10 days of hauling Army paratroopers during a large multi-nation training exercise. MARINE CORPS22nd MEU deployment extension unlikely to change Marines' op-tempo, but much remains in flux(Marine Corps Times) The 21-day extension of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is unlikely to affect the deployment schedule for other MEUs, Marine officials tell Marine Corps Times. The Uncertain Future of Amphibious Warfare (VICE) The Marine Corps is returning to amphibious warfare - or at least it's trying to. While land wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been the primary focus in recent years, the US military is dialing up its naval and amphibious presence in Asia and the Pacific. Marine overcomes amputation, becomes Brevard deputy (Florida Today) Robert Smith was on foot patrol as a U.S. Marine in Fallujah in May 2008 - suddenly, a roadside bomb exploded. It was a hasty ambush, followed by small arms fire. AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTANAbdullah threatens to back out of Afghanistan election(Los Angeles Times) The campaign team of Abdullah Abdullah, the former foreign minister running against Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai for the presidency of Afghanistan, has issued a 24-hour notice to the United Nations and international observers that if changes are not made to processes in the ongoing audit of all 8 million votes cast in the second round of the election, they will back out of the election process entirely. Afghanistan's election stalemate casts shadow on NATO summit (Stars & Stripes) After nearly 13 years of war in Afghanistan, NATO leaders had hoped at this week's summit in Wales to hail the first democratic transition of power in the country and to reaffirm a commitment of military and monetary support beyond the departure of international combat troops at the end of the year. NATO coalition in Afghanistan shrinking (Associated Press) Alongside the exodus of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, soldiers who hail from countries like Singapore and Slovenia, Mongolia and Malaysia have been packing up too, leaving behind an ever-shrinking NATO coalition. Afghan candidates will not attend NATO summit (Stars & Stripes) Afghanistan's defense minister will attend this week's NATO summit instead of a new president, a blow for the country as it tries to reassure international donors of its political stability. ISIS distributes booklets on Pak-Afghan bordering regions (Khaama Press) According to reports, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has started distribution of pamphlets in bordering regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, in a bid to increase it's influence in South Asian region. Pakistan: 910 militants killed since June (Associated Press) Pakistan said Wednesday it has killed 910 suspected militants and lost 82 soldiers in a major offensive launched in June in a restive tribal region near Afghanistan. Pakistan lawmakers rally around Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against protesters (Washington Post) Lawmakers in Pakistan rallied around embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday, and his government said it was ready to confront the "terrorists" who are trying to oust him from power. MIDDLE EASTU.S. condemns Israeli expropriation of West Bank land(Washington Post) The United States levied unusually harsh criticism at Israel on Tuesday, denouncing plans to seize a large tract of West Bank land for Israeli homes. Israel Says Hamas Is Hurt Significantly (New York Times) A senior Israeli military intelligence official acknowledged on Tuesday that only several hundred Hamas operatives out of a total that he put at 16,000 were killed during this summer's 50-day war in Gaza, leaving the group's fighting force largely intact. After Gaza war, poll finds support for Hamas rises (Associated Press) The popularity of the Hamas militant group among Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip has spiked significantly following the 50-day war with Israel, according to an opinion poll released Tuesday. Turkey Caught Between Allies, Jihadists (Defense News) As US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel prepares to visit Turkey and the US government tries to build a "coalition of the willing" to take on Islamic militants in Syria, the Turkish government ponders how to cooperate without further antagonizing the jihadists. Yemen president dismisses government to end stand-off (BBC) Yemen's president has dismissed his government and promised to review fuel subsidy cuts in a bid to end a stand-off with Zaidi Shia rebels. EUROPEUkraine says Putin, Poroshenko agree on 'permanent ceasefire' in Donbass region(Reuters) Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko reached agreement with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday on a "permanent ceasefire" in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region, Poroshenko's press office said. Obama seeks to reassure Baltics of NATO support (Washington Post) President Obama arrived here Wednesday morning with a singular goal: to reassure Baltic countries that the United States and NATO stands ready to defend them against Russian aggression, as Moscow ratcheted up its rhetoric against the Western alliance Tuesday. Breedlove: Size of NATO Response Force Still Up for Debate (Defense News) NATO leaders heading to Wales this week will discuss how to best enhance the NATO Response Force - a multinational force, which brings together land, air, maritime and special operation forces - amid Russia's growing intervention in the east and southeast regions of Ukraine. Ukrainian troops routed as Russia talks tough (Associated Press) The ferocity of the attack on the fleeing Ukrainian troops was clear, days after the ambush by Russian-backed separatist forces. UK Proposes Joint NATO Expeditionary Force (Defense News) Britain expects to sign at the upcoming NATO summit meeting a letter of intent with six partner nations to form a joint expeditionary force, separate from the alliance's plan to forge a very high readiness force to act as spearhead for the NATO response force, British officials said Sept. 1. AP Analysis: Putin digs in for long Ukraine fight (Associated Press) Riding a wave of military gains by Russia-backed rebels, President Vladimir Putin has made it exceedingly clear that he wants a peace deal for Ukraine on his terms and will not be stopped by economic costs. EU Foreign Policy Chief Nominee: NATO Summit Should Discuss Islamic State Crisis (Defense News) Italy's Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini called for the NATO summit in Wales this week to discuss the crisis surrounding the Islamic State in the Levant (ISIL). Mogherini made the remarks after her first appearance before the European Parliament following her nomination by EU governments as the new EU foreign policy chief at the weekend. Watching the Eclipse (New Yorker) Ambassador Michael McFaul was there when the promise of democracy came to Russia-and when it began to fade. ASIA-PACIFICChinese jet's run-in with P-8 seen as pattern(Military Times) When an armed Chinese fighter jet recently buzzed a U.S. Navy surveillance aircraft over international waters in the South China Sea, it was just the latest in a series of low-level confrontations between the two militaries. China confirms CH-4 UCAV in PLA service at 'Peace Mission 2014' drill (IHS Jane's 360) The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) showcased a CH-4 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) during the multilateral 'Peace Mission 2014' exercise featuring Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members in Inner Mongolia in late August. Philippines Says It Foiled Anti-Chinese Airport Plot (Bloomberg) Philippine authorities said they thwarted a plot to set off home-made explosive devices at Manila's international airport and a nearby mall owned by Filipino billionaire Henry Sy, arresting three men who planned the attack to protest China's assertiveness in the region. PLAN's 17th Type 056 corvette begins sea trials (IHS Jane's 360) China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) appears to have begun sea trials for its 17th Type 056 Jiangdao-class missile corvette Suqian , based on photographs circulated on Chinese internet sources. Australia beefs up military GPS (C4ISR & Networks) Australia is beefing up the anti-jamming features of its military GPS systems. 2 South Korean Soldiers Die in Anti-Captivity Training (New York Times) Two South Korean soldiers apparently suffocated during an exercise meant to prepare them for capture by the enemy, military officials said Wednesday. AFRICAAnother American doctor diagnosed with Ebola(USA Today) A third American aid worker has been diagnosed with Ebola. Video Shows Panic in Liberia as Man Wanders Out of Ebola Clinic (New York Times) As Liberia struggles to contain the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record, health workers say that fear of the disease, and the stigma of being identified as a possible carrier, is creating a hostile environment for possible victims of the disease. Here's what the expanding U.S. military footprint in Africa looks like (Washington Post) It has been a busy 24 hours for U.S. military news coming out of Africa. Boko Haram extends its grip in northeastern Nigeria (Long War Journal) After a two-day battle against Boko Haram in northeastern Borno state, Nigerian forces have lost more territory to the surging terrorist group. Boko Haram has stepped up its offensive over the past few months, grabbing land to build its desired Islamic state. Nigerian Troops Dig In After Boko Haram Attacks (Wall Street Journal) Security forces fortified a strategically important city in the country's northeast, following an audacious attack by militants on a nearby town that required helicopter gunships to repel. Capital Download: Hopes, then civil war in South Sudan (USA Today) Susan D. Page was the first U.S. ambassador to the newest nation in the world, South Sudan. She arrived in 2011 amid high hopes, only to see the outbreak of civil war. On USA TODAY's Capital Download, she talks about the outbreak of violence, the reason Americans should care - and how she managed work-family balance by long distance. Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity. Sudan pushes back against Iran: Cultural centers closed, envoys banished (Washington Post) Sudan pushed back against Iranian influence reach Tuesday, announcing the closure of Tehran-backed cultural centers and ordering the expulsion of a diplomat and other envoys in an apparent sign of fraying ties after years of close cooperation. UN: 4 peacekeepers killed in north Mali, 15 hurt (Associated Press) At least four U.N. peacekeepers were killed and 15 wounded when their convoy hit a mine in northern Mali on Tuesday, a spokesman said. COMMENTARY AND ANALYSISPresident Obama's unnerving happy talk(Dana Milbank in The Washington Post) President Obama is not worried. And that is unnerving. A New Drone Strike in Somalia: Is the 2001 AUMF Needed? (Bobby Chesney in Lawfare) To the best of my knowledge, the U.S. government has not asserted that al Shabaab as a whole is an associated force of al Qaeda engaged in hostilities against the United States subject to the 2001 AUMF. The Summer of Obama's Disconnect (Ron Fournier in National Journal) Wow. That was some summer. The Islamic State that President Obama dismissed as "JV" proved to be a virulent varsity-gobbling up gobs of the Middle East, beheading an American journalist, and threatening the United States. Russia invaded Ukraine. Ferguson burned. Obama shrugged. Boots on the ground in Iraq, or not? (Daniel Serwer in The Hill) Vice President Biden claimed late last month that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) "can be routed by local forces without U.S. boots on the ground." He cites as evidence the Kurdish peshmerga and Iraqi army recovery of the Mosul Dam from ISIL. We need the realist's vigilant cynicism (Richard Cohen in The Washington Post) America rarely does time capsules anymore, but the ones it does should include videos from February 2011 of American TV reporters exulting in the triumph of the Arab Spring. "This is the sound of a people rising," ABC's Terry Moran told us from Cairo. For Egyptians, he said, it was a day "when a people rose and made themselves a new country, a new world, a new life." We need to tell the truth about what Russia is doing in Ukraine (Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark in The Guardian) Nato must face up to the realities of Putin's war of aggression in eastern Europe - and take material steps to support Ukraine Would Cicero Approve of Putin's War in Ukraine? (Lionel Beehner in Cicero Magazine) I wonder what Marcus Tullius Cicero would have thought about Vladimir Putin. On one hand, the orator might not have disapproved of the Russian president or his war with Ukraine. After all, "the land of the conquered belonged to the conquerors," he once wrote. The Myth of a Friendless China (David Wise in War on the Rocks) An article of faith that pervades many policy briefings on the growing tensions in the South and East China Seas is that "China has no friends." 5 technologies for your year-end spending (Federal Times) As a former CIO of the US Department of Transportation, having had oversight of more than $3 billion of annual IT portfolio spending, I know federal year-end times in Washington are very hectic. Why? Well if you are government agency you may stay cautious in the early part of the federal year building a rainy day fund just in case a calamity hits or if there is sequestration down the road. However, in most cases this abundance of caution results in large left over budgets that will expire at the end of the year. An Air Force Strategy Stuck in the Future (Robert Farley in Real Clear Defense) Alex Ward of the Atlantic Council thinks the world of the Air Force's new strategic white paper, A Call to the Future, suggesting that the document is the best of its kind. Contra Ward, I think that the white paper concentrates so much on the future that it ignores the present problems that will inevitably structure how the organization moves forward. | |||||
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