I always begin my public presentations with the sort of joke I think is funny. Here’s the sort of things my audiences put up with. They expect it.
All posts by suzanne
Iran Is in Transition
Iran is dealing with serious external problems. ISIS despises the Shia. This makes the U.S. and Israel seem less evil to Iran’s leadership. They also have to deal with Turkey and other actors. Iran’s interests are not the same as Russia’s even though they both support Assad. But more of the transition is taking place internally, particularly the demographics and rights of women. There is pent up demand for products and services Iran cannot provide for its citizens. McDonalds in Tehran?
The Grand Battle in ISIS’ Apocalyptic Vision
Where is ISIS coming from? ISIS’ apocalyptic vision will not go away just by defeating ISIS militarily. ISIS would welcome a ground war that would fit their idea of a grand battle between good and evil. ISIS’ warped vision is very attracted to the disaffected and alienated. If we defeat ISIS militarily, who will occupy that territory?
How Big a Victory is Retaking Ramadi?
The Iraqi armed forces have retaken Ramadi. The American strategy of training and use of special forces is paying off. The real question is whether Iraq can hold on to Ramadi. Most of the Sunni Anbar Province is still under Sunni control. Still, this is a significant tactical victory, but whether it is a strategic victory remains to be seen. For the long term, developing a power sharing agreement is a critical need.
The Czar and the Sultan: Escalating Conflict Between Russia and Turkey
Collisions between Russia and Turkey in Syria have longstanding historical precedents. Irdogan’s ambition includes rebuilding the old Ottoman empire. Shooting down the Russian warplane overlooked the fact that Putin cannot be intimidated. The conflict between Russia and Turkey is likely to escalate with further sanctions. This is essentially the Czar and the Sultan with a centuries-old history of conflict. This isn’t going away anytime soon.
Illinois Financial Crisis: Is This a First?
I wrote an article in 2009 that I’m republishing now. Unfortunately, not much has changed.
Are Syrian Refugees Dangerous to the U.S.?
Our system of refugee resettlement is vastly different from Europe’s and very difficult for refugees to navigate. This video explains how the U.S. refugee resettlement process works. It would be the least likely way that a terrorist would be able to come here. Our greatest terrorist threat in the U.S. remains the lone wolf domestic terrorist.
Could It Happen Here?
It is highly unlikely for an attack to happen because terrorist come here. ISIS recruits over the internet. To carry out a coordinated attack without being detected would be difficult, but not impossible. Isolated, radicalized U.S. citizens are the biggest risk.
How Was the Paris Attack Possible?
The Paris attack was coordinated with an attack in Mali. ISIS’ message is that they can hit anywhere. The breeding ground for radicalization is in Brussels. Europe’s system of taking in refugees is completely different from ours in the U.S. Terrorists do their research to find the weak spots, and they use the internet effectively.
Why Paris?
France is fiercely secular and the most visited tourist site in Europe. ISIS was sending the message, “We can strike anywhere we want, any time we want.” France has not done a good job of assimilating Muslims. What does the Paris attack tell us about ISIS’ strategy? Here are my thoughts. I’d like to have your comments.