Editor's Note: This is a guest post by Aaron McGill, an American teaching in Hong Kong. As the world continues to focus on terrorism and the Middle East, it is important to aware of international relations in Asia. The views expressed here are his own. This article was first published in the Havok Journal on 3 April 2016. _____ Police forces march in on crowds during the … [Read more...]
The North Korean Problem: “Leadership,” by Herd Mentality
It is ironic that political leaders in the United States imagine that negotiations will solve a problem when we have had 60 years of North Korean intransigence and not one measure from the United States, the United Nations, or anyone else has done one damn thing to control the weapons growth or the belligerent attitude.Given their recalcitrance, there is even more reason to … [Read more...]
When “Humanitarian” Projects Aren’t
When "Humanitarian" Projects Aren’t by David HartmannEngineers, especially civil engineers, build things. It’s what we do, and we consider each project, large or small, “our” project. Being a civil engineer in the Army engineer branch was especially rewarding. We played with bridge sets, construction equipment, and building parts. Army combat engineering also meant … [Read more...]
“Two Girls, One Cockroach” Is A Game Show In Japan
"Two Girls, One Cockroach" Is A Game Show In Japan by Scott FaithJapanese game shows are just weird.In one that recently came across my social media feed, a game show features a competition between two young woman in which they blow on opposite ends of a long transparent tube to try to force a cockroach down the other's throat. This is something that passes for … [Read more...]
China Will Eventually Enter The War On Terror. Don’t Expect It To Be On Our Side.
China will eventually enter the war on terror. Don’t expect it to be on our side. By Dan TaubBy now, everyone who follows the fight against terrorism will know that there was an unsuccessful VBIED attack in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in which a suicide bomber attempted to ram the embassy gates before detonating. This attack fortunately only managed to kill one person – the … [Read more...]
Russia Hacking Considerations
Russia Hacking Considerations by Matt JamesEditor's Note: This article was written in August 2017. Given what's going on in our country right now, it seems appropriate to publish it again. The media’s craze surrounding possible Russian interference with the U.S. election through hacking isn’t going away anytime soon. Though the hype is primarily … [Read more...]
This Week’s “Under the Radar” Global News
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!” That was 2006. I remember thinking I liked SOAD more for their music than for their astute grasp of political philosophy. On that … [Read more...]
Ukrainian Journalist “Murder For Hire” Sting: Can Only Sean Connery “Only Live Twice?”
Ukrainian Journalist "Murder For Hire" Sting: Can Only Sean Connery "Only Live Twice?" By Marlon Muir "M: Sit down, 007. James: Thank you, sir. M: No ill effects? James: None at all, sir. M: Well now that you’re dead, perhaps some of your old friends will pay a little less attention to you for a while. Give you more elbow room. You’ll need it, too."- You Only … [Read more...]
Analysis of Russian / Separatist Response to the Death of an American OSCE Monitor
Analysis of Russian / Separatist Response to the Death of an American OSCE Monitor by Adrian BonenbergerAn American paramedic working for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to ensure compliance with the Minsk protocols died last month when their vehicle struck an explosive device. Initial reports suggested that the device was a land mine, and … [Read more...]
Why Meeting Kim Jong Un Is A Good Idea
Recently, President Trump stated he would be "honored" to meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. Many groups and pundits criticized the statement, citing North Korea’s oppressive government, blatant human rights abuses, and its repressive culture. The President was also chastised for calling Kim “a smart cookie” in reference to how Kim runs the country. I’m not here to talk … [Read more...]