Folks, OK, the top story of the week — are the Russians really about to take over Interpol? Crazy if true… And it’s not like Russia isn’t already hyperactive in Europe. There are some who wonder if WWIII will start in Ukraine. And we’re pretty sure Russia hasn’t stopped using CBRN weapons. In anticipation of heightened warfare, Russia is already... Continue Reading →
Under the Radar News…the Week of the Pre-Midterm Jitters
Folks, Why are people fleeing Central America? There is at least one cure, but you won’t like it. Trump’s use of an unsecured iPhone points to a larger problem. But then, isn’t that always the way with Trump? How operational is Iran in Denmark? As operational as they are on Facebook? Fortunately Israel remains on the case, especially in Syria. How... Continue Reading →
Under the Radar News…Vladimir Putin, North Koreans and Far-Right Intrigue in Austria
Folks, If you want to take a good look at Russia’s actions over the past week or so, you’ll need to start in Austria. Austria, like much of Europe, is consumed with choosing the lesser of two evils between Islamism and Russian influence. For co-dependent (one might, uncharitably, say “emasculated”) EU countries like Austria, it... Continue Reading →
Under the Radar News…New Mexico Jihadists, Jedi Mind Tricks, and What Chinese Aggression Can Teach “Woke Charlotte”
Folks, You may remember that last week, I led off with the New Mexico jihadist school shooting training compound (which really sounds like some newsworthy, supercharged SEO verbiage). I say that you “may” remember it because that story has disappeared from the landscape faster than neo-Nazis 25 through 50 trying to make it Unite the... Continue Reading →
Under The Radar…aka What China’s Surveillance State, ISIS Recruitment, and Oxfam’s Orgies have to do with System of A Down, Ricardo Montalban, and the Fourth Planet Hollywood Investor
Folks, I remember when System of A Down released, “B.Y.OB.” I remember driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, tanned from a day at the beach and a belly full of surf and turf while Serge Tankian screamed, “And we all live in a fascist nation!” This was 2006. I remember thinking I liked SOAD more... Continue Reading →
Under the Radar News…aka Things that Happened While You Talked about Potential Supreme Court Picks at a BBQ
Folks, Here’s hoping you enjoyed the 4th of July, even if you think that whole American Revolution thing was a mistake. Imagine you have two harmless ingredients which, when combined, become more powerful than VX gas. Imagine it is undetectable in most chemical security testings. Imagine it is deadly to the touch. Imagine it can absorb... Continue Reading →
Under the Radar from the Week of the Red Hen
Anthony Kennedy’s retirement, the World Cup and the Red Hen consumed most of the past week’s news cycle, and the rest was spent on LeBron James, Maxine Waters and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ surprise primary win. In other words, it wasn’t a real fun week for the foreign intrigue or national security minded among us. So, in... Continue Reading →
Under the Radar…June 14
Folks, You could fill a library with the tales of Chinese influence in the US and, for that matter, in the UN. And if you do, you'll want to reserve a place for a book or two on Ng Lap Seng. In the meantime, it's a rare, clear-cut (and long overdue) positive that Trump... Continue Reading →