NSA still reading your e-mails
In a brazen example of the self-maximizing nature of government power, it appears that the NSA is still engaged in the collection, reading, and archiving of large amounts of American e-mails.
Warsaw Pact redux
Flexing its growing international clout while American geopolitical power continues to decline precipitously, Russia is further developing the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) into a post Cold War Warsaw Pact.
The escalation of AFRICOM
While there has been much ado over the intensification of U.S. operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, developments in South Asia have overshadowed another equally important development: President Barack Obama's escalation of military operations on the African continent.
U.S. shooting blanks in trade war
One of President Obama’s campaign promises has come back to haunt him in Beijing. It seems that compelling the Chinese authorities to revalue the yuan is easier said than done.
China & India: The new naval arms race
The near-constant media hype surrounding BRIC countries could lead some to think of them as a coherent international bloc devoid of internal divisions. Chinese efforts to create of a ‘string of pearls’ around India’s neck can serve as a reminder that this is not the case.
Old habits die hard at the Pentagon
Even though President Obama is expected to preside over a new era of government transparency, it seems that the gears of the Pentagon’s ‘message machine’ are still turning.
It’s Time to Throw Away the Cold War Playbook
Countering Russia’s moves in Europe needs new thinking for a new age.
End game in Sri Lanka
Fueled by the growing civilian carnage, worldwide protests by Tamil emigrant groups and sympathizers are echoing calls by the UN and international aid organizations to restore the Norwegian-brokered ceasefire unilaterally violated by the Sri Lankan government in its campaign against the Tamil Tigers. Yet the world’s political powers remain unmoved, and the Sri Lankan government has vowed to press on towards imminent victory.
Honduras talks collapse
With both sides unwilling to budge in official talks, a protracted period of protests, counter-protests, and domestic instability looms over Honduras.
The Eritrean connection
Recent reports detailing arms shipment from Eritrea into Somalia are a stark indication that Islamic extremist elements within Somalia may have found a powerful patron.