Next Cold War Roundup 2-15-16 The Munich Security Conference, which turned into a summit for negotiations and discussions on the broadening and escalating Syrian war, concluded with an agreement to work on cessation of hostilities and humanitarian aid for beseiged areas — an agreement that few have confidence will change

Next Cold War Roundup 2/12/16. The Syrian war continues to become more complicated and escalates. The International Syria Support Group in Munich agreed to form a task force with dual goals of cessation of hostilities and humanitarian aid to besieged towns.  At the same time NATO defense ministers are meeting

The worsening defeat of “moderate” rebels in Syria may boost prospects for peace talks, but it won’t solve the root causes of conflict in the Middle East.

Next Cold War Roundup 2/10/16. Kerry Rebukes Syrian Civil Society Activists at Cocktail Reception Hosted by Prince Charles During Syrian Donors Conference in London. _ Over the weekend, Middle East Eye reported about a sideline conversation between John Kerry and some “aid workers” at a cocktail party reception hosted by

In the aftermath of a long-range missile test by North Korea, the US is finding the South Korean government more receptive to installing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) ballistic missile defense system. The Thaad system is designed to “intercept and destroy ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere during

  Next Cold War Roundup, 2/5/16. Turkey Preparing for Invasion of Syria? _ Russian defense ministry says developments on Turkish-Syrian border “give serious grounds to believe Turkey is preparing to invade Syria.  Russian officials have been doing a ground inspection of Turkish military activities in one zone in coordination with

Next Cold War Roundup 2/3/16 Geneva 3 peace talks are faltering. Both parties admit they never fully began. The Syrian army and coalition advance in northwest Syria intensifies.  The map above shows the encircling of the critical city of Aleppo. Two Shiite enclaves besieged for 3+ years by the opposition were freed which

“President Bernie Sanders” would have massive power to set the course of global politics as Commander-in-Chief. But how would he wield the U.S. military?

Next Cold War Roundup 2/1/16 Syrian Peace Talks After delays and controversies, the Geneva 3 Syrian peace talks are proceeding, despite many experts’ doubts that they would ever get started or produce any useful results.  The Saudi-backed High Negotiating Committee arrived in Geneva after receiving some assurances from the US