Category: Global Politics

Religion is the mobilizer of militants and serves as justification for brutality. Still, we must consider solutions beyond bombs and bullets.

In part one of this article series on Uzbekistan, I explored the changing security dynamic of Central Asia and the impact that the adjustments have had on both United States policy towards Uzbekistan and military modernization in the former Soviet republic. Uzbekistan’s recent policy pivots, to include an agreement on acquiring military weapons systems from […]

“War is politics by other means.”  This is probably the most oft-quoted of Clausewitz’s writings.  But politics can interfere with war far more than it informs it. One of the most obvious examples would be President Obama’s address concerning the authorization of airstrikes in Iraq on August 7.  “I ran for this office in part […]

According to recent reporting from Business Insider, the world’s top thirty-five militaries have been identified through a series of analytical and data collection means.  Using data compiled from Global Firepower and The Center For Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Business Insider created a useful infographic that visually displays the results of their analysis. We wanted to identify the […]

On Thursday, May 22nd, two sport utility vehicles pulled into a popular market in Urumqi, the regional capital of Xinjiang Province in northwest China. As the vehicles swung through the open street area teeming with elderly shoppers, occupants inside tossed explosive devices into the crowded streets. After exhausting their supply of hand-tossed explosives, the attackers committed […]

Much has been written about counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies and tactics being used in Afghanistan and Iraq – or rather not. Back in my army days in Kandahar in 2007-2008, I remember  commanders endlessy bragging about how “we totally nail that COIN thing”, keeping on gargling out quotes from the likes of COIN scholar David Galula, […]

In just under fifty-one days Brazil will host the Fifa World Cup in twelve different venues, supporting sixty-four football matches, and costing South America’s largest country roughly 11 billion dollars.  This is significant due to the gross influx of tourists, teams and support staff, fans, and other visitors expected to either participate in, support, or […]

The war in Afghanistan lasted almost twelve years, took over 2,100 US military lives alone, wounded almost 19,000 more, cost over 630 billion US dollars, and mobilized a massive multi-national coalition force dedicated to establishing a secure and stable future for a region torn apart by decades of conflict and war. A few days ago […]

This post reflects my personal views and opinions only.  I’m a former Navy SEAL but, I don’t represent the opinions of the SEAL or Special Operations community. It’s important for veterans to have a voice, after all they are citizens with a unique perspective.  Please remember that the Special Operations PACs that have sprouted up don’t […]

Part 5 of 5   Team of Teams or Tribe of Tribes?   As with the British SAS, there is a huge degree of mutual respect shared between the operators of Delta Force and their Naval counterparts at SEAL Team Six. However, their rivalry is even more pronounced, as they are in direct competition not […]