War & Peace

Westerners Kidnapped in North Africa — but Is France the Real Target?

"Tightened security measures sent hundreds of armed soldiers patrolling Metros, train stations, airports and tourist sites across France, while officials instructed the French people to be wary of the increased risk of attack at home — and abroad. News reports indicated Islamist radicals had kidnapped numerous French, European, and American workers from an oil installation in eastern Algeria. Somalia’s al-Shabab militia also announced it would execute a French spy. Those developments came after warnings by a jihadi leader in Mali on Monday that by attacking Islamist forces in Africa, 'François Hollande opened the gates of hell for all French people.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWesterners Kidnapped in North Africa — but Is France the Real Target?

Honi Soit Qui ‘Mali’ Pense

"The United States, incapable of allowing a military intervention to pass by without jumping on board, dutifully followed France in the Libya debacle, blowback from which was responsible for the re-igniting of the Touareg rebellion in Mali. What do the Touaregs have that is causing such stirring in France's colonial loins? France is dependent on nuclear power for 75 percent of its energy needs. The larger African region controlled by the Touareg, including particular in Niger, contains tons and tons of that substance that brings back memories of the Bush administration's Iraq lies: uranium." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingHoni Soit Qui ‘Mali’ Pense

France adopts words of war by vowing to ‘destroy terrorists’

"With its talk of 'destroying' enemies and confronting 'jihadi terrorists', France has adopted a language of war for its intervention in Mali that few expected from Socialist President Francois Hollande. As French warplanes carry out airstrikes and French troops clash with Islamist rebels in the West African country, Hollande and his ministers seem to have taken a page from former US president George W. Bush’s playbook on war-time communications. French media reported that ministers have been banned from using the words 'Islamist fighters' in statements on the conflict and must always refer to rebels as 'terrorists'." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFrance adopts words of war by vowing to ‘destroy terrorists’

Panetta: US Has ‘Responsibility’ to Support French Offensive in Mali

"The White House and Pentagon have a 'responsibility' to provide support to French forces looking to push out al Qaeda-linked militants out of northern Mali and ensure the terror group does not gain a foothold in western Africa, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said today. Panetta commended French forces to taking action in Mali, noting the Pentagon and White House were 'engaged in discussions' with Paris over what kind of support may be needed. Over the weekend, France began military airstrikes in Mali, targeting rebel training camps and other targets. Some French troops are already on the ground and more are being deployed to the area." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingPanetta: US Has ‘Responsibility’ to Support French Offensive in Mali

Themes for 2013: Eight trends to follow in 2013 and beyond.

"Rather than attempt to predict the unpredictable – that is, specific events and price levels – let’s look instead for key dynamics that will play out over the next two to three years. Though the specific timelines of crises are inherently unpredictable, it is still useful to understand the eventual consequences of influential trends. In other words: policies that appear to have been successful for the past four years may continue to appear successful for a year or two longer. But that very success comes at a steep, and as yet unpaid, price in suppressed systemic risk, cost, and consequence." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThemes for 2013: Eight trends to follow in 2013 and beyond.

Japan and China step up drone race as tension builds over disputed islands

"Drones have taken centre stage in an escalating arms race between China and Japan as they struggle to assert their dominance over disputed islands in the East China Sea. China is rapidly expanding its nascent drone programme, while Japan has begun preparations to purchase an advanced model from the US. Both sides claim the drones will be used for surveillance, but experts warn the possibility of future drone skirmishes in the region's airspace is 'very high'." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJapan and China step up drone race as tension builds over disputed islands

Israel and Iran: A love story?

"When war between Israel and Iran seemed imminent, Israeli graphic designer Ronny Edry shared a poster on Facebook of himself and his daughter with a bold message: 'Iranians ... we [heart] you.' Other Israelis quickly created their own posters with the same message -- and Iranians responded in kind. The simple act of communication inspired surprising Facebook communities like 'Israel loves Iran,' 'Iran loves Israel' and even 'Palestine loves Israel.'" Continue reading →

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Critics object to Obama nominating ‘Mr. Drone’ John Brennan to CIA head

"The nomination of President Barack Obama’s top counter-terrorism advisor John Brennan to head the CIA has sparked outrage and concern about America’s growing drones programme and its use for targeted killings of suspected Islamic militants. Brennan has been a key architect of drones policy under Obama and many experts believe that the use of the unmanned robot planes in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia is likely to increase if he becomes America’s top spy." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCritics object to Obama nominating ‘Mr. Drone’ John Brennan to CIA head

With Eye On China, Japan Weighs Raising Military Spending

"Japan’s new conservative government announced a review of national military strategy on Monday that analysts said was aimed at offsetting China’s growing military power and that may increase defense spending for the first time in a decade. Mr. Abe had promised during the election campaign to strengthen the military to defend Japan’s control of islands in the East China Sea that are also claimed by China." Continue reading →

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White House wins fight to keep drone killings of Americans secret

"A federal judge issued a 75-page ruling on Wednesday that declares that the US Justice Department does not have a legal obligation to explain the rationale behind killing Americans with targeted drone strikes. United States District Court Judge Colleen McMahon wrote in her finding this week that the Obama administration was largely in the right by rejecting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and The New York Times for materials pertaining to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to execute three US citizens abroad in late 2011." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWhite House wins fight to keep drone killings of Americans secret