Don’t Be Fooled by Libya—This is a Failed State
Gunmen today seized Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan from a hotel in central Tripoli, releasing him shortly afterwards, but making it clear that post-Gaddafi Libya is a failed state and that the government is incapable of taking full control over its oilfields and export terminals. While the markets have been responding lately with unfounded optimism ... Read more
Three Scenarios for Syria After a Limited American Strike
“… History says, Don’t hope on this side of the grave…” –Seamus Heaney Mr. Heaney’s words are appropriate for this foul situation. I see nothing to be hopeful about in Syria. Whatever happens, the Syrian people will face further torment. President Obama’s proposed limited air attack on the Assad regime, with no boots on the ground, is the ... Read more
Keeping Terrorism at Bay
References to GWOT – as the Rumsfeld-era Pentagon liked to refer to its Global War on Terror – today carry certain freight. Firstly, the misapplication of military force and grand strategy that is the primary foreign policy legacy of the Bush administration has discredited the phrase. With the exception of military and intelligence officials who ... Read more