SpySats for Saudi Arabia?

Posted by John B. Sheldon. David Ignatius, the novelist and newspaper columnist, writes in The Washington Post today that last year Saudi Arabia requested assistance from the US in the form of high-resolution satellite imagery in order to more accurately target Houthi rebels in Yemen who were fighting a border war with the Saudis. It [...]

A Profoundly Profound Article on Iran’s Nuclear Program

There is a massive preponderance of evidence that shows Iran is going nuclear.  Some of the evidence is physical and some is circumstantial.  For example, Iran is clearly enriching beyond their needs, they have clandestine nuclear facilities, they are developing delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons, and they have clearly and repeatedly stiffed the international community [...]

U.S. Nuclear Forensics Skill Is Declining

Having the ability to attribute the characteristics of a particular nuclear weapon to a specific country is an exceedingly useful ability in responding appropriately. For example, if a dirty bomb goes off in Tel Aviv, it’s one thing to suspect that Tehran gave Hezbollah the materials for the bomb.  It’s another to know they did [...]

Saudi Arabia Going Nuclear? Yup

The Saudis are one of many nations who are not too far from Iran and who have an interest in nuclear power.  Hmm. Well in fairness, the Saudis have had an interest in nuclear power for some time.  Still… Could there be an interest in moving beyond nuclear power?  It depends. All in all, it [...]

Why Hasn’t Israel Bombed Iran (Yet)?

Rhetorical question of the day: if power is defined as the ability to accomplish national goals, is Iran more powerful or less powerful than it was last year? OK, onto the post.  Bret Stephens asks (and answers) why hasn’t Israel bombed Iran (yet)? Without sounding too glib, my answer is conditions aren’t right (yet). The [...]

Inter Press Service: Iranian Spy-guy Says No Nukes In Iran

Has the Iranian disinformation campaign kicked-off? So the Iranian spy-guy and former $5 million man turns out to be a radiation safety specialist who asserts there is no Iranian nuclear weapons program. Little ventured, little lost. If he says Iran has no nuclear weapons program, we’d have to know how he knows. Conversely, if he [...]

Russia Attempts To Play It Both Ways?

The Russians warrant scrutiny. Let’s see: public announcement Russia will provide fuels for Iran.  Despite being off-limits via the recent UN sanctions, selling Iran S-300 air defense systems hasn’t been waved off.  Also, Iran is capable of making trouble in Russian “areas of influence.” This means the administration will have to keep sweetening their deals [...]

Even More Chatter On An Iranian Military Option

Time relays some more chatter/balloon floating regarding military strikes against Iran. Different tunes are not quite being sung yet…but they are being hummed. The Iran options are all bad, but the current approach is clearly not working. That’s what happens when you are dealing with a very serious and determined adversary.  Plus, Iran has cover [...]

Free Agent Nuclear Spy Took The Money And Run?

The Iranian “scientist,” (yes, those are irony quotes) Shahram Amiri,who appears to have been on U.S. soil for some time is alleged to have been paid $5 million by the CIA for his efforts.  I’d say money well spent, especially since Amiri will be unable to access his cash. Shahram Amiri departed the U.S. and arrived [...]

Former Dictator Not Dead Yet

Fidel Castro, once Cuba’s chief judge, jury, and executioner, made an appearance on Cuban television. Was it real or was it avatarded?  It was real, but does it matter? Castro pontificated on the middle east, nuclear war, and the United States. His intent was likely to show that he’s not dead yet and to support [...]