SECRECY NEWS: Over-Classification & Whistleblowers

CAN THE SECRECY SYSTEM BE FIXED? Can the national security classification system be fixed before it breaks down altogether in a frenzy of uncontrolled leaks, renewed barriers against information dissemination, and a growing loss of confidence in the integrity of the system? CAN WHISTLEBLOWERS BE PROTECTED? One of the most compelling reasons for doing so …

Review: The CIA in Iran–The 1953 Coup and the Origins of the US-Iran Divide

Stunning Account of Unethical Incompetence Triumphant July 26, 2010 Christopher J. Petherick I strongly recommend that this book (or my review) be read in conjunction with its counterpart for Guatemala, Secret History: The CIA’s Classified Account of Its Operations in Guatemala, 1952-1954 (or my review). I’ve been a clandestine case officer (C/O) with three tours …

Journal: What Revolution in Military Affairs? Shattering the illusion of bloodless victory

It is not as if the disaster described below, in the Afghan war logs released by Wikileaks to the Guardian, the New York Times, and der Spiegle, was not foreseeable.  Here, for example, is an op-ed I wrote for Defense Week in April 2001, well before we began the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. And I …

Review: Hack the Planet–Science’s Best Hope–or Worst Nightmare–For Averting Climate Catastrophe

Tour of the Horizon, the Smartest of Skeptics July 25, 2010 Eli Kintisch I bristled when I saw the title, but bought the book in association with my own talk to Hackers on Planet Earth (HOPE) on “Hacking Humanity.” I’ve put the book down glad I did not give up in the early pages, and …

Review: Competitive Intelligence Advantage: How to Minimize Risk, Avoid Surprises, and Grow Your Business in a Changing World

REPOSTED to end Russian spammer constant hitting on former URL. Best Possible Starting Point for Executives & Students October 20, 2009 Seena Sharp This book is a gem. It is a rare book that I would recommend equally to senior executives and students thinking about a career path, but this is such a book. I …

Journal: New Strategy for Afghanistan? Or Just a New Naked Emperor and a 2012 Bow Wave?

The  report of Damian McElroy in the Telegraph [UK] describes General Petraeus new strategy for Afghanistan.  It will be have a broad emphasis on counterinsurgency, like McChrystal’s strategy, but McElroy highlighted the following (presumed) differences or distinguishing features: Recognition that Taliban defections are crucial to achieving goal of ending war in 4 yrs (2014). … Observation: …

NIGHTWATCH Extracts: US Foreign Policy Confused

Koreas Comment: The White House statement presented the exercises in the context of routine behavior among Allies, timid and defensive. The Defense Department and UN Command statements indicated the exercises are pointed, aggressive and intended to be intimidating. The two statements neutralize each other because reassurance always trumps vigilance. Undermining both statements is the fact …