Poland

Poland deserves US gratitude, not censure. The allied service Poland has provided the U.S. is significant in Europe and beyond.

Zaporizhzhia false flag concern, Ukraine dam attack

Destruction of dam will exacerbate US concerns over Russian activity at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Vladimir Putin last week warned that Ukraine was preparing an attack at the plant. It's more likely that Russia is considering doing so in order that it can then blame the attack on Ukraine.

If responsible, Russia must be punished for blowing up Ukrainian dam. This devastating attack seems designed to protect Russia's military position at the expense of major civilian suffering.

Ukraine reconnaissance in force, 2024 security details

Ukraine begins reconnaissance in force operations against Russian defenses. The latest activity suggests Ukraine's counter-offensive is about to begin.

For Biden, Trump, and DeSantis campaigns taxpayer-funded security will save millions of dollars. The other campaigns will have to make do with private security paid for with campaign donations.

Taiwan, IRGC, China

Taiwan has a big problem. It doesn't take its own defense seriously and its de facto ambassador to Washington believes that "hope" is its best weapon.

U.S. should retaliate inside Iran if IRGC kills Americans in Syria. Newly released intelligence on the threat facing U.S. personnel demands Biden Administration attention.

From Wednesday

U.S. should give up on near term defense ministers meeting with China. Beijing cannot be allowed to extract concessions simply for mutually beneficial communication.

Moscow-Kyiv attacks, Lula and democracy, Elon Musk in China

Moscow and Kyiv attacks underline Ukraine war's escalation. Neither side has any interest in making near term concessions.

Brazil's Lula is damaging democracy and allying himself with foreign autocrats. He might find Western media favor, but Lula is no friend of the United States or of the democratic rule of law.

Elon Musk brings the wrong message to Beijing. The Tesla CEO is kowtowing to the Chinese Communist Party.

Brian Hook security, China Ukraine peace

State Department security failure: former Trump official's car stolen and used in DC homicide. Two of Brian Hook's vehicles were stolen even as he was under Diplomatic Security Service protection.

China embarrasses France by pushing pro-Moscow Ukraine peace deal. Beijing is again underlining the willful fiction of Macron's narrative that it has serious interest in supporting a meaningful peace.

Russian nuclear weapons/Belarus, New Chairman of Joint Chiefs, Russian air show malaise

Don't worry about Russian nuclear weapons going to Belarus. There are good reasons to think Putin wouldn't use nuclear weapons.

Biden's strong pick to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Charles Brown has a pedigree of China-related experience and strong leadership skills.

From Wednesday...

In a bad sign for Russian arms industry, major air show canceled. Russian manufacturers are short on spare parts and prospective buyers are fleeing.

China detente? Papua New Guinea, Marines UFO

Communication is key, but dreams of a U.S.-China detente are fiction. The simple truth is that neither nation has much room for significant compromise.

U.S.-Papua New Guinea deal strengthens China deterrence. The Biden Administration deserves credit for building a wall of partners along the First Island Chain.

Marines, air-ground exercises and the challenge of UFO reporting. The need for prudence rather than 'wanting to believe' reporting is key.

Patrushev-Chen, G7 France

Top Chinese and Russian spy chiefs meet in Moscow. Nikolai Patrushev hosted Chen Wenqing for discussions on further cooperation.

France wins China's silent favor for G7 communique efforts. Macron, as I predicted last week, watered down the communique's China-relevant sections.

WSJ latest piece

My latest guest piece for the Wall Street Journal. The U.K. and the U.S. are split on Ukraine, here's why the U.K. has a greater risk tolerance.