2014-08-12 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake Iraq 2014 is really about dealing with an extremist group aggregating power, trying to build an army and shaping a leadership role in a volatile region. The rejection of all groups other than their own or join us or die is the mantra…
2014-08-22 By Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird A neglected aspect of the ISIS assault is in the domain of information warfare. IW is even more central to US capability than is cybersecurity. Yet IW remains in the fallow ground, while US and Western competitors hone their skills. Is ISIS winning…
2014-08-13 By Robbin Laird The George W. Bush Administration did not have a rush of allies wishing to join in the invasion of Iraq. And today, there are few who would like to join in the effort to manage all of Iraq and work with the “new” government in Baghdad.…
2014-08-13 The French have expressed concern about the deteriorating situation facing the Christians in Iraq and that of the Kurds in various ways. In early August, French Bishops visited Iraqi Christians to demonstrate their support. According to the Vatican in a piece released on August 5, 2014: Last week, Cardinal Barbarin…
2014-08-13 When the Obama Administration sought to shape a status of forces agreement with the Baghdad government it failed to do so. This meant as well that the Administration left without a plan ever to return to the aide of Iraq. As Secretary Gates described the situation during his last…
2014-08-08 By Ed Timperlake The Honorable Mike Wynne 21st USAF Secretary expressed what is now known as The Wynne Doctrine—“If you are in a fair fight someone failed in planning.” Many successful battlefield commanders in history practiced the Wynne Doctrine. Israel certainly needs too because they can never afford to…
2014-08-11 By Ed Timperlake The Honorable Mike Wynne 21st USAF Secretary expressed what is now known as The Wynne Doctrine: “If you are in a fair fight someone failed in planning.” Many successful battlefield commanders in history practiced the Wynne Doctrine. In fact, General Sherman “Uncle Billy” to his soldiers…
2014-08-08 By Ed Timperlake and Robbin Laird To listen to many of the talking heads after the President’s decision to engage in Iraq, they immediately went to mission creep and ways to avoid the mistakes of the past. Although interesting, except for a Presidential speech and so far a combat…