World News Insights
1-3 Minute Gist
Search, personalize, or simply browse. Follow the world around you from gist and context to insights.
Who we are | Our Credo | Ways of using Lyrarc | FAQ | Send Feedback | First Letter From the Editor
Sign up. It's free and easy to use
Create an account
to personalize your feed of articles and topics.
All Topics Article
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Keywords:
Tags:
Defense Secretary Gates does not see Russia as the threat it was in the Cold War, first because Russia's conventional forces are a "shadow" of what they were during the Cold War, and Russia has adverse demographic trends that will diminish Russia's ability in conventional forces. He sees the Georgian war in the context of Russia's seeking to exorcize, as he puts it, past humiliations. And Gates sees opportunities in the relationship with Russia. Such things as Russia's willingness to work with the US on Afghanistan. Evidence of this is Russia supporting the renwal of the UN resolution on Afghanistan. Another indication is that Russia he says is very worried about the drugs coming out of Afghanistan, and has been supportive to provide alternative routes for Europeans to get equipment and supplies into Afghanistan. These views come across in an interview on December 17, with Charlie Rose, a five time elected Congressman, for the PBS Charlie Rose show. They are also reflected in an article in Foreign Affairs journal's current issue. Gates was a CIA analyst and has some insightful observations. Gates told Charlie Rose that he does not see the Islamic radicals and violent Islamic extremists as a threat in the same way as the threat in the Cold War years. This threat is not as big as the threat to freedom during the Cold War. He says the failure in strategic communications was huge as agencies of the US government engaged in activities in other countries, like the Agency for International Development and the US Information Agency, were neglected starting in the in the 1990's. Communications in other countries of what the US represented and stands for was left to the Pentagon, a role the Pentagon was ill-suited for. He sees the Islamic terrorism as more of an ideological conflict. Speaking at a town hall meeting at the Balad Air Force base in Iraq, in December, Gates pointed to these communications failures as a real challenge for the new administration. But he now sees a huge opportunity in this past failure, and ways of addressing it creatively, in addition to commiting resources and people to this effort. Walter Pincus wrote this article, and its part of the fineprint analysis effort at the Washington Post in which speeches, reports, and other documents are examined by people like Pincus, to catch the really important things, uncovering the fine print that really makes the headlines. Another aspect of this fineprint effort is that there are a huge number of reports, and speeches and documents that had a tone reminiscent of the Cold War during the Georgia war and yet they do not correctly reflect the real situation about Russia, as Gates sees it from his analysis of what is actually happening. Gates has used Foreign Affairs, the Dec 17 Charlie Rose Show on PBS in which he was interviewed, and the speech at the Balad Air Force base in Iraq, to communicate his views and analysis. They are important to underline and emphasize precisely because they show that all that cold war hysteria reporting and speeches may be misleading and lead to improper conclusions and mistakes in policy, wasted effort, wasted resources, and lost lives. And just as the US strategic communications was starved of resources and effort, so also this necessary work to retrieve and give emphasis to the important things is neglected. One additional link to this is the speech, discussion, and QA session in Washington DC at the time of the G20 summit in which President Medvedev and the new administration's elder statesman and diplomat Marilyn Albright, former secretary of state, expressed their hopes and plans for a new era in Russian-American relations.
Robert Gates on reshaping the Pentagon for a new period
01/05/2009
Defense Secretary Gates gives his vision for changes to the Defense Department.
Grouped Articles
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
The U.S. Has No Global Strategy
Wall Street Journal 02/01/2016
How the West sees Russian intervention in Ukraine and the takeover of the Crimea
01/05/2009
The views of former Defense Secretary Gates, president Obama, and others.
Grouped Articles
Wall Street Journal 03/26/2014
Pride, Prejudice and Putin's Predation
Wall Street Journal 03/26/2014
Russia Plotting for Ukrainian Influence, Not Invasion, Analysts Say
New York Times 04/09/2014
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
New York Times 05/27/2014
‘America Must Always Lead,’ Obama Tells West Point Graduates
New York Times 05/28/2014
The U.S., EU and Islamic terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan- An Alternate view from Gates for 2014-2016
01/05/2009
Former Defense Secretary Gates offers an alternate view about how Islamic terrorism happened and how it should be seen in a larger context of the post war years.
Grouped Articles
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Fareed Zakaria: Let’s be honest, Islam has a problem right now - The Washington Post
Washington Post 10/10/2014
The U.S. Has No Global Strategy
Wall Street Journal 02/01/2016
Gates and Albright's hopes and plans for a new era in Russian-American relations
01/05/2009
Gates and Albright see a new era of Russian-American relations and President Medvedev of Russian shares the same hopes.
Grouped Articles
This Is Just a Date, Not a Marriage
Wall Street Journal 06/03/2014
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
Obama Offered Deal to Russia in Secret Letter
New York Times 03/03/2009
Dmitry A. Medvedev - Russia's President on Building Russian-U.S. Bonds
Washington Post 03/31/2009
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
The other human face of Afghanistan and Pakistan that Admiral Mullen and young officers are paying attention to.
01/04/2008
The book Three Cups of Tea and the story of a humanitarian running 78 schools in the remote poor mountainous areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan is drawing the attention of younger officers and the commanders. That General Petraeus has read the book and passed it onto his staff. The story of the Red Cross Center for prosthetic legs in Afghanistan, and the reverence its Italian doctor inspires among ordinary Afghans. Defense Secretary Gates also sees this in his interview with Charlie Rose on PBS Dec 17, 2008, where he sees the Islamis extremist challenge in adifferent light, as afailure of strategic communications with the US neglecting AID, State Dept and other ways of communicating to developing countries what the US stands for, and sees a lot of possibilities if this is met creatively. He also does not see the Islamic extremism as achallenge in the way the Cold War was.
Grouped Articles
Washington Post 10/18/2014
A Foreign Face Beloved by Afghans of All Stripes
New York Times 12/25/2008
Military Finds an Unlikely Adviser in School-Building Humanitarian
Wall Street Journal 12/26/2008
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
Pentagon's Gates Keeps Single-Minded Focus on Dual Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Washington Post 05/15/2009
9/11- at the 10th anniversary in 2011 a look back at the decade, the U.S., foreign wars
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
The Lower Manhattan revival, now featuring One World Trade Center - The Washington Post
Washington Post 11/01/2014
Sept. 11’s self-inflicted wounds - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/10/2011
Ten years after 9/11, we’re still in the dark - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/10/2011
Ten years after Sept. 11: The gains outweigh the mistakes - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/10/2011
The covert commander in chief - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/10/2011
After the Fall, World Trade Center Rises as Memorial and Workplace
Wall Street Journal 09/10/2011
Civilian nuclear cooperation agreement in 2010 between the U.S. and Russia.
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
Lesser Known Nuclear Pact With Russia Wins Clearance
New York Times 12/09/2010
Russia to Extend Life of Aging Reactors
Wall Street Journal 09/22/2011
Obama tells Medvedev solution on missile defense is unlikely before elections - The Washington Post
Washington Post 03/26/2012
Nuclear Summit Meeting Upstaged by U.S. Politics
New York Times 03/27/2012
Russia's support for the Assad regime in Syria
01/05/2009
Russia's support for the Assad regime comes from a sense of keeping its superpower status and opposition to unilateral interventions by the U.S., Britain and France. Russian arms sales are an insignifcant factor. Russians see the secular regime of Assad preferable to an expansion for Islamist related democratic parties in the Middle East, especially considering the problems in the Chechnya region of Russia. The Russian government has failed to grasp the needs of the younger generation in the Middle East to have a voice in their government especially after years of neglect and military regimes.
Grouped Articles
Why did Mr. Obama overrule his advisers on Syria? - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/09/2013
A Veteran Saudi Power Player Works To Build Support to Topple Assad
Wall Street Journal 08/25/2013
For France, U.S. delay on Syria fuels doubts - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/07/2013
With the World Watching, Syria Amassed Nerve Gas
New York Times 09/07/2013
What Putin Has to Say to Americans About Syria
New York Times 09/11/2013
Obama Is Lost in the Mideast Bazaar
Wall Street Journal 09/12/2013
U.S.-Russia relations under the Obama administration.
01/05/2009
The efforts to build a better relationship, and achieve goal for a nuclear weapons free world.
Grouped Articles
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
U.S.-Russia Relations Come Full Circle After Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/21/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
Wall Street Journal 04/28/2014
‘America Must Always Lead,’ Obama Tells West Point Graduates
New York Times 05/28/2014
Kerry to Meet With Putin in Russia on Tuesday
Wall Street Journal 05/12/2015
Osama Bin Laden and Al Quaeda
01/05/2009
The death of Osama Bin Laden in a U.S. raid at Abbotabad in Islamaba on May 1, 2011. During 2011 the face of the Middle East and most Arab countries began to change with the democracy protests. The result is a region where ordinary Arabs are taking the first steps to determine their own future and look to good governance and democratic processes as critical elements in social and economic change. This leaves little room for the kind of movement Osama Bin Laden led. For the U.S., Arabs and the Muslim world the shift is to other priorities.
Grouped Articles
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
New Test for U.S.-Pakistan Relations
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
Bin Laden's Death Brings Calls for Afghan Pullout
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
In Assault on Bin Laden, Copters Departed From Afghanistan
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
Operation Is Blow to al Qaeda, Taliban
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
Tariq Ramadan on sentiment in the Arab and Muslim world in 2012-2013
01/05/2009
Ramadan on the Arab Spring and the rapprochement between the U.S., Europe and the Muslim world.
Grouped Articles
What Drives Young Muslims to Radicalization
Wall Street Journal 02/06/2015
Wall Street Journal 09/25/2015
Waiting for an Arab Spring of Ideas
New York Times 09/30/2012
Wall Street Journal 10/04/2012
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Fractured Lands: How the Arab World Came Apart
08/11/2016
Medvedev's views and plans for Russia's future.
07/13/2006
Interviews and other information about Medvedev's approach to issues facing Russia, from developing an economy based on innovation, to nuclear weapons free world and relations with the USA and Europe.
Grouped Articles
Ex-Aide to Medvedev and Putin Out at Kremlin
New York Times 05/08/2013
This Is Just a Date, Not a Marriage
Wall Street Journal 06/03/2014
Nuclear weapons: The new nuclear age
Economist 04/05/2015
Excerpts From an Interview With Dmitri A. Medvedev
New York Times 12/11/2007
New York Times 12/11/2007
Wall Street Journal 02/28/2008
Russian President Medvedev
01/05/2009
Only 45, even after a decade in the Russian leadership ranks, Medvedev represents a younger generation of Russian leaders. Medvedev's fascination with the British rock band Deep Purple since the age of 12, and his background as a teenage disc jockey, shows a break from the stodgy image of Russia in the past.
Grouped Articles
Ex-Aide to Medvedev and Putin Out at Kremlin
New York Times 05/08/2013
Wall Street Journal 06/18/2010
Medvedev Chooses Critic for an Interview Debut
Wall Street Journal 04/15/2009
A Puzzle Over Intentions of Russia’s President
New York Times 05/03/2009
Russia's Medvedev Meets Deep Purple
Wall Street Journal 03/23/2011
Medvedev Makes a Slight Break With Putin
Wall Street Journal 05/19/2011
Insights into the thinking and ideas of Russia's Vladimir Putin
07/13/2006
Grouped Articles
New York Times 12/15/2013
Putin Tells European Official That He Could ‘Take Kiev in Two Weeks’
New York Times 09/02/2014
Putin Trumpets Economic Strength, but Advisers Seem Less Certain
New York Times 10/02/2014
Putin’s Friend Profits in Purge of Schoolbooks
New York Times 11/01/2014
Russian President Vladimir Putin Seeks to Reassure on Economy
Wall Street Journal 12/18/2014
Vladimir Putin Chides Turkey, Praises Trump and Talks Up Russia’s Economy
New York Times 12/17/2015
U.S. Defense Secretary Gates
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Gates Faults Obama Over Afghanistan
Wall Street Journal 01/08/2014
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
Former Defense Secretary Gates Is Elected President of the Boy Scouts
New York Times 05/22/2014
The U.S. Has No Global Strategy
Wall Street Journal 02/01/2016
The Libya Mission Was 'Never About Regime Change'
Wall Street Journal 03/27/2011
Wall Street Journal 06/01/2011
President Obama and Gates take a new look at defense spending.
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Pentagon's Next Mission: Cutting Back on Spending
Wall Street Journal 07/09/2010
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
Former Defense Secretary Gates Is Elected President of the Boy Scouts
New York Times 05/22/2014
The U.S. Military Needs Budget Certainty in Uncertain Times
Wall Street Journal 10/21/2015
Some Sense on Defense Spending
New York Times 11/04/2009
Pentagon Seeks Biggest Military Cuts Since Before 9/11
New York Times 01/06/2011
U.S. foreign aid to Egypt- 2012-2013
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
New York Times 07/04/2013
U.S. Struggles for Leverage as Mideast Crisis Deepens
Wall Street Journal 07/08/2013
New York Times 08/14/2013
Egypt erupts as security forces attack Morsi supporters - The Washington Post
Washington Post 08/15/2013
U.S. Officials Fear Losing an Eager Ally in the Egyptian Military
New York Times 08/16/2013
How American Hopes for a Deal in Egypt Were Undercut
New York Times 08/17/2013
The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Jordan
01/05/2009
The Muslim Brotherhood as it faces a political and economic crisis in Egypt and Jordan.
Grouped Articles
Morsi Faces Ultimatum as Allies Speak of Military âCoupâ
New York Times 07/01/2013
Jurist Sworn In to Lead Egypt Transition
New York Times 07/04/2013
Prominent Egyptian Liberal Says He Sought Westâs Support for Uprising
New York Times 07/04/2013
New York Times 07/04/2013
For Islamists, Dire Lessons on Politics and Power
New York Times 07/04/2013
Quiet of Morning Prayer Shattered by Violence in Cairo
Wall Street Journal 07/08/2013
Khairat Al Shater, Muslim Brotherhood leader in Egypt
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Onetime Morsi Supporters Allege Egypt Leader Shifted
Wall Street Journal 07/03/2013
Jurist Sworn In to Lead Egypt Transition
New York Times 07/04/2013
Prominent Egyptian Liberal Says He Sought Westâs Support for Uprising
New York Times 07/04/2013
New York Times 07/04/2013
For Islamists, Dire Lessons on Politics and Power
New York Times 07/04/2013
Where Is the Muslim Brotherhood?
Wall Street Journal 11/26/2011
The Pakistan Taliban and the government, military and intelligence services of Pakistan.
01/05/2009
THe paradox is that the US is helping the Pakistan government fight the Taliban and Pakistan intelligence services openly or clandestinely are helping the Taliban. And Pakistan is hedgin its bets and does not want to see India increase its influence in Afghanistan. It may sound crazy but that is the motivation of Pakistan creating the Taliban as it were.
Grouped Articles
Pakistani Leader Pursues India Ties
Wall Street Journal 05/15/2013
Pakistan to Release Senior Taliban Leader
Wall Street Journal 09/11/2013
Leader of Pakistani Taliban Killed in Drone Strike
Wall Street Journal 11/02/2013
Official Admits Militancyâs Deep Roots in Pakistan
New York Times 06/02/2010
Taliban Take Toll on Pakistan's Biggest City
Wall Street Journal 02/14/2014
After Months of Infighting, a Major Faction Splits From the Pakistani Taliban
New York Times 05/28/2014
A much diminished Al Quaeda in Afghanistan next to a growing Taliban focussed on local issues.
01/06/2008
This factors into whether it makes sense for the US to commit large forces in Afghanistan with no clear mission as General Powell suggests.
Grouped Articles
Leader of Pakistani Taliban Killed in Drone Strike
Wall Street Journal 11/02/2013
Wall Street Journal 06/10/2014
Around an Invisible Leader, Taliban Power Shifts
New York Times 12/28/2014
Unruly Factions Hurt Taliban’s Bid to Capture Afghan Hearts, and Territory
New York Times 01/02/2015
Taliban Leader Mullah Omar Is Dead, Afghan Spy Agency Says
Wall Street Journal 07/30/2015
Al Qaeda's Diminished Role Stirs Afghan Troop Debate
Wall Street Journal 10/06/2009
Afghanistan peace talks with the Taliban in Kyoto- June 2012
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Pakistan to Release Senior Taliban Leader
Wall Street Journal 09/11/2013
Sharif and Karzai Try to Repair Ties
Wall Street Journal 10/30/2013
Leader of Pakistani Taliban Killed in Drone Strike
Wall Street Journal 11/02/2013
Wall Street Journal 06/10/2014
Afghanistan Presidential Rivals Sign Power-Sharing Deal
Wall Street Journal 09/21/2014
Ghani Sworn In as Afghan President
Wall Street Journal 09/30/2014
Taliban and peace talks with the U.S- 2011-2013
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Pakistan to Release Senior Taliban Leader
Wall Street Journal 09/11/2013
Sharif and Karzai Try to Repair Ties
Wall Street Journal 10/30/2013
Wall Street Journal 06/10/2014
Unruly Factions Hurt Taliban’s Bid to Capture Afghan Hearts, and Territory
New York Times 01/02/2015
Taliban Leader Mullah Omar Is Dead, Afghan Spy Agency Says
Wall Street Journal 07/30/2015
Taliban Shows Interest In Negotiated Settlement
New York Times 08/03/2011
Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Pakistan and the Taliban.
01/06/2008
Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Pakistan were the only three countries that recvognized the Taliban regime when it came to power. And the Saudis fear a blowback closer to home with a military push on the Taliban. Pakistan fears that with a military push by the USA the Taliban will move south into Baluchistan province of Pakistan.
Grouped Articles
Leader of Pakistani Taliban Killed in Drone Strike
Wall Street Journal 11/02/2013
U.S. Options in Pakistan Limited
Washington Post 05/04/2009
Wall Street Journal 06/10/2014
Pakistani forces kill alleged organizer of school massacre - The Washington Post
Washington Post 12/27/2014
How the Pakistani Taliban Became a Deadly Force
New York Times 12/16/2014
WikiLeaks Shows a Saudi Obsession With Iran
New York Times 07/16/2015
Vast improvements in counterterrorism operations against Al Quaeda.
01/05/2009
Britain's former head of overseas counter terrorism operations Barrett, who heads the UN group monitoring Al Quaeda and Taliban, says the capabilities and effectiveness of intelligence and operations have increased tremendously. This is happening just as younger Muslims of anew generation are less interested in religion and have no memory of earlier events, and their are fewer competent people in the militant groups.
Grouped Articles
Bin Laden's Death Brings Calls for Afghan Pullout
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
Operation Is Blow to al Qaeda, Taliban
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2011
U.S. Rolled Dice in bin Laden Raid
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2011
White House Adviser Says U.S. Has 6 Months to 'Knock Out' Al Qaeda Leadership
New York Times 07/29/2011
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
The Iraq War- Looking Back
01/05/2009
The U.S. withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 and a look back at the long war and the uncertain road ahead.
Grouped Articles
U.S. Said to Rebuff Iraqi Request to Strike Militants
New York Times 06/11/2014
Obama Finds He Can’t Put Iraq War Behind Him
New York Times 06/13/2014
Diplomatic Note Promises Immunity From Iraqi Law for U.S. Advisory Troops
New York Times 06/23/2014
Iraq’s Military Seen as Unlikely to Turn the Tide
New York Times 06/22/2014
Relief Over U.S. Exit From Iraq Fades as Reality Overtakes Hope
New York Times 06/22/2014
Wall Street Journal 10/22/2011
A look back and insights from former U.S. Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, about Russia and Islamic terrorism not being the threats the way they are perceived
01/05/2009
A detailed look at Russia and Islamic terrorism from Gates that provides perspective and insights beyond the daily headlines about Russia (Georgia, then Crimea) and Islamic terrorists (in Iraq and the Middle East). Two critical points made by Gates about Russia- Russia lacks the capabilities it once had, and the demographics in Russia of a declining population which limit its influence. He sees Georgia, (and possibly Crimea) in the light of Russia exorcizing past humiliations something that Putin has repeatedly referred to in his speeches. The perspective also opens up thinking about what to look for in the future including surprises around the corner. By 2014 for example relations between countries in Asia had deteriorated regarding island disputes.
Grouped Articles
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
U.S.-Russia Relations Come Full Circle After Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/21/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
Former Defense Secretary Gates Is Elected President of the Boy Scouts
New York Times 05/22/2014
This Is Just a Date, Not a Marriage
Wall Street Journal 06/03/2014
The U.S., European Union, and Russia- an Alternate View for 2014-2016
01/05/2009
Former Defense Secretary Gates offers an alternate view of U.S. and EU relations with Russia. His comments about Georgia could apply to Crimea in 2014.
Grouped Articles
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
U.S.-Russia Relations Come Full Circle After Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/21/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
Wall Street Journal 04/28/2014
This Is Just a Date, Not a Marriage
Wall Street Journal 06/03/2014
The Alternate View about U.S. and EU relations with Russia from Gates and German opinion
01/05/2009
An alternate view about U.S. and EU relations with Russia from former Defense Secretary Gates and German public opinion which looks at Georgia, Crimea, Ukraine, in the larger context of the postwar years beyond todays headlines.
Grouped Articles
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Twin Shocks Shake Foundation of German Power
New York Times 04/18/2014
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
U.S.-Russia Relations Come Full Circle After Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/21/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
New York Times 05/05/2014
A new American effort in Afghanistan with Defense Secretary Gates' policy and General McChrystal in the field- 2009-2010
12/25/2008
The head of the Special Forces Operations Command for five years from 2003 to 2008 is now the new commander in Afghanistan. He is known for his hands on approach, intellect, relentless energy, and being always in the field, using networking and coordination to leverage his efforts. He comes from afamily of West Pointers, his father being a General in the second world war. Defense Secretary Gates who made the change putting General Petraeus in charge in Iraq to bring a younger officer with new ideas is now doing the same with replacing McKiernan and bringing in McChrystal. Gates is also bringing fresh thinking to the Defense Department and American defense policy.
Grouped Articles
Pentagon Toils to Build a Bomber on a Budget
Wall Street Journal 11/04/2013
McChrystal article renews attention to split with Biden over Afghanistan
Washington Post 06/23/2010
Weakening, possible firing of McChrystal compounds sense of peril in Afghanistan
Washington Post 06/23/2010
Gates Faults Obama Over Afghanistan
Wall Street Journal 01/08/2014
Former Defense Secretary Gates Is Elected President of the Boy Scouts
New York Times 05/22/2014
Questions for General McChrystal
New York Times 06/01/2009
China, Russia, and the search for or fear of pluralistic democracy, balanced development, and concern about corruption.
12/11/2007
The German book fair and other situations where China is faced with pluralistic options but fears them. And Medvedev's criticism and dialogue on the issues Russia faces in lack of pluralistic democracy and the need for the individual to play a bigger role in Russian life. The approaches in the two societies, problems and opportunities.
Grouped Articles
Washington Post 05/09/2013
Ex-Aide to Medvedev and Putin Out at Kremlin
New York Times 05/08/2013
Mayor's Rival Contests Moscow Vote Result
Wall Street Journal 09/09/2013
Xia Yeliang: The China Americans Don't See
Wall Street Journal 10/26/2013
Chinese Activists Challenge Beijing by Going to Dinner
Wall Street Journal 11/07/2013
New York Times 10/22/2010
How the Muslim world sees America, early in the Obama administration.
01/05/2009
Not much has changed, and in Pakistan it has become more unfavorable after Obama speeches in Cairo and Ankara. The Islamic world and the Middle East has not changed much and some experts say the Arabs see Obama as more rhetoric than substance.
Grouped Articles
âBeyond War,â by David Rohde
New York Times 05/03/2013
U.S. must suspend aid after Egypt’s coup - The Washington Post
Washington Post 07/05/2013
Rice Offers a More Modest Strategy for Mideast
New York Times 10/26/2013
Fouad Ajami: When the Obama Magic Died
Wall Street Journal 11/15/2013
Leaving U.S. Allies Adrift as Chaos Rises
Wall Street Journal 08/01/2014
The Arabs Have Stopped Applauding Obama
Wall Street Journal 11/29/2009
Putin's views on U.S. -Russian relations
07/13/2006
Grouped Articles
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
U.S.-Russia Relations Come Full Circle After Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/21/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
Wall Street Journal 04/28/2014
Putin’s Friend Profits in Purge of Schoolbooks
New York Times 11/01/2014
Russian President Vladimir Putin Seeks to Reassure on Economy
Wall Street Journal 12/18/2014
U.S.-Russia relations
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
U.S.-Russia Relations Come Full Circle After Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/21/2014
Promises of ‘Fresh Start’ for U.S.-Russia Relations
New York Times 04/02/2009
Wall Street Journal 04/28/2014
Kerry to Meet With Putin in Russia on Tuesday
Wall Street Journal 05/12/2015
Task for Obama at Group of 7 Is to Reinforce Isolation of Russia
New York Times 06/06/2015
Russia Bolsters Its Submarine Fleet, and Tensions With U.S. Rise
New York Times 04/20/2016
The talks between Iran, the U.S. , the E.U. and Russia to halt Iran's development of nuclear weapons- 2009-2015
01/23/2008
Grouped Articles
Rouhani Says Iran Is Ready for Nuclear Talks, With Conditions
Wall Street Journal 09/25/2013
Rouhani, Blunt and Charming, Pitches a Moderate Iran
New York Times 09/26/2013
Iran Opens Talks Offering Nuclear 'Endgame'
Wall Street Journal 10/16/2013
New York Times 11/03/2013
U.S.-Iran Thaw Grew From Years Of Behind-the-Scenes Talks
Wall Street Journal 11/07/2013
First-step Deal on Curbing Iran's Nuclear Program Takes Shape
Wall Street Journal 11/07/2013
The U.S. and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood party
01/05/2009
The economic crisis in Egypt after years of underinvestment in the economy. The Muslim Brotherhood is thrust into the role of economic policy maker after winning the parliamentary elections.
Grouped Articles
Morsi Faces Ultimatum as Allies Speak of Military âCoupâ
New York Times 07/01/2013
Prominent Egyptian Liberal Says He Sought Westâs Support for Uprising
New York Times 07/04/2013
New York Times 07/04/2013
For Islamists, Dire Lessons on Politics and Power
New York Times 07/04/2013
U.S. Struggles for Leverage as Mideast Crisis Deepens
Wall Street Journal 07/08/2013
In Egypt, U.S. Is Left With a Familiar False Choice
Wall Street Journal 07/09/2013
Is the Arab Revolution, the struggle for freedom in the Middle East, an opportunity for the West and for the Free World?
01/05/2009
Even in the hills above Darna, near Benghazi, Libya- where Islamic anti-Ghadafi fighters reviled the West- the mood is for friendly relations and being on the same side as the U.S. and Europe. The U.S. and European support for the democracy protests and movements throughout the Arab world has created a change in the Arab world for how America is seen. Did the U.S. support of autocratic regimes in the Arab world create tensions that were released through activities that targeted America? Could this be the opportunity that would turn things around for the West and the Free World's relations with the Arab and Muslim world? Could this be the beginnings of an opportunity that can bring back much needed peaceful relations with the Arab world and Muslims in South Asia?
Grouped Articles
âBeyond War,â by David Rohde
New York Times 05/03/2013
U.S. must suspend aid after Egypt’s coup - The Washington Post
Washington Post 07/05/2013
New York Times 12/30/2013
Fareed Zakaria: Let’s be honest, Islam has a problem right now - The Washington Post
Washington Post 10/10/2014
New York Times 11/19/2014
A Syrian Refugee Lesson for Liberals
Wall Street Journal 11/17/2015
Medvedev's vision for Russia attacking systemic corruption, "primitive" resource based economy, and lack of pluralistic democracy.
01/05/2009
Medvedev looks at Russia today with dismay and positions himself as a reformer.
Grouped Articles
Washington Post 05/09/2013
Ex-Aide to Medvedev and Putin Out at Kremlin
New York Times 05/08/2013
Mayor's Rival Contests Moscow Vote Result
Wall Street Journal 09/09/2013
Vladimir Putin returns to Russian presidency weaker than when he left it - The Washington Post
Washington Post 05/06/2012
Medvedev Chooses Critic for an Interview Debut
Wall Street Journal 04/15/2009
This Is Just a Date, Not a Marriage
Wall Street Journal 06/03/2014
Putin and Russia.
07/13/2006
Russia's prime minister Putin.
Grouped Articles
Washington Post 05/09/2013
New York Times 12/15/2013
New York Times 01/22/2014
Putinism Thrives on Dirty Money
Wall Street Journal 07/22/2014
Putin Trumpets Economic Strength, but Advisers Seem Less Certain
New York Times 10/02/2014
Russian President Vladimir Putin Seeks to Reassure on Economy
Wall Street Journal 12/18/2014
Madeleine Albright, Soros and APR Energy
01/05/2009
The acquisition of APR Energy based in Florida by Horizon Acquisition Co of the UK gives Albright and Soros a 13% and 14% ownership of the new company.
Grouped Articles
U.K. Financier Buys Soros Firm
Wall Street Journal 06/14/2011
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Changing Pentagon defense priorities.
01/05/2009
Defense Secretary Gates and changing U.S. defense priorities that are affecting the defense industry.
Grouped Articles
Pentagon Lays Out Ways to Slash Spending
Wall Street Journal 08/01/2013
Pentagon Toils to Build a Bomber on a Budget
Wall Street Journal 11/04/2013
U.S. Military Eyes Cut to Pay, Benefits
Wall Street Journal 11/18/2013
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
New Pentagon Priorities Reshape Defense Business
Wall Street Journal 09/22/2009
Pentagon's Next Mission: Cutting Back on Spending
Wall Street Journal 07/09/2010
Two scenes-of Gates and Sgt. Hyland- and the knot that ties them together.
01/05/2009
Two scenes stay in one's memory. One on a rainy night in March with Defense Sec. Gates at an airforce base in Delaware. The other with 5 amputees returning to locations in Diyala province, near Baghdad, which they left in agony or unconscious. And Sgt. Hyland kneeling in the battalion hall in front of a picture of Specialist Jonathan who saved his life and breaking out in tears. The sacrifices of U.S. military families in the 2 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Grouped Articles
Gates Faults Obama Over Afghanistan
Wall Street Journal 01/08/2014
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
Former Defense Secretary Gates Is Elected President of the Boy Scouts
New York Times 05/22/2014
Iraq’s Military Seen as Unlikely to Turn the Tide
New York Times 06/22/2014
Relief Over U.S. Exit From Iraq Fades as Reality Overtakes Hope
New York Times 06/22/2014
The U.S. Has No Global Strategy
Wall Street Journal 02/01/2016
Egyptian president Morsi's position in foreign affairs
01/05/2009
Egypt's effort to articulate Arab opinion during the Arab Spring, and set a new tone in relations with the U.S.
Grouped Articles
Egyptian Leader Mohamed Morsi Spells Out Terms for U.S.-Arab Ties
New York Times 09/22/2012
President Morsi in Egypt Seizes New Powers
New York Times 11/22/2012
New York Times 11/24/2012
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
The Muslim Brotherhood and rebuilding the economy of Egypt
01/05/2009
The economic crisis facing Egypt after years of underinvestment in the economy.
Grouped Articles
Qatar's Aid to Egypt Raises Fears on Motives
Wall Street Journal 05/19/2013
Morsi Faces Ultimatum as Allies Speak of Military âCoupâ
New York Times 07/01/2013
Muslim Brotherhood Looks West in Bid to Revive Egyptian Economy
Wall Street Journal 02/17/2012
Tunisia Islamists Test Ideas Decades in the Making
New York Times 02/17/2012
Muslim Brotherhood Leader Rises as Egypt's Decisive Voice
New York Times 03/12/2012
Islamist Group Breaks Pledge to Stay Out of Race in Egypt
New York Times 03/31/2012
The participation of the Islamist and the secular leaders in the new government of Libya
01/05/2009
Islamists say they are misunderstood. They only want freedom to go the mosque and individual freedoms. One Islamist leaders says westerners do not understand them and think they want to lock up their women in boxes. Islamist and Muslim Brotherhood rebels did a lot of the hard fighting against the Gaddafi regime and Belhaj is one of the leaders running the capital Tripoli. See the interview with Belhaj by Rod Nordland in the New York Times, Sept. 1, 2011. Belhaj says he is grateful to NATO and the West for the help in fighting Gaddafi and holds no rancor- even though he was turned over to the Gaddafi regime by the CIA in this amazing account by Nordland.
Grouped Articles
Morsi’s ouster spells trouble for region’s other Islamist movements - The Washington Post
Washington Post 07/04/2013
Jurist Sworn In to Lead Egypt Transition
New York Times 07/04/2013
New York Times 07/04/2013
New York Times 07/04/2013
Still Torn by Factional Fighting, Post-Revolt Libya Is Coming Undone
New York Times 07/27/2014
U.S., European Allies Raise Alarm About Escalating Violence in Libya
Wall Street Journal 08/26/2014
The Taliban in their Own Words.
01/05/2009
A Washington Post-Newsweek account of the Taliban's disintegration after the U.S. invasion post 9/11 and the way they gradually came together to pose the threat they now pose. See the link to NY Times accounts of how the Pakistan Inter Services Intelligence operates behind the scenes to back the Taliban, which may provide the other side of the story how the Taliban gain the sophistication and support they need to reorganize. And the links to the failure of the Karzai regime that has played into Taliban leader Mullah Omar's hands.
Grouped Articles
Around an Invisible Leader, Taliban Power Shifts
New York Times 12/28/2014
How the Pakistani Taliban Became a Deadly Force
New York Times 12/16/2014
Taliban Leader Mullah Omar Is Dead, Afghan Spy Agency Says
Wall Street Journal 07/30/2015
The Taliban in Their Own Words | Print Article | Newsweek.com
Unknown 12/28/2009
Taliban Shows Interest In Negotiated Settlement
New York Times 08/03/2011
U.S. Preparing for Pakistan to Restrict Support for Afghan War
New York Times 12/25/2011
NYT David Rohde's account of staying with the Taliban for 7 months.
10/21/2007
Grouped Articles
Fearing Chaos, U.S. Officials Review Stance on Pakistan
New York Times 10/21/2007
Times Reporter Escapes Taliban After 7 Months
New York Times 06/21/2009
New York Times 10/19/2009
7 Months, 10 Days in Captivity
New York Times 10/18/2009
‘You Have Atomic Bombs, but We Have Suicide Bombers.’
New York Times 10/20/2009
Q. and A.: Held by the Taliban.
New York Times 10/21/2009
Taliban and peace talks in Chantilly, France
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Pakistan to Release Senior Taliban Leader
Wall Street Journal 09/11/2013
Sharif and Karzai Try to Repair Ties
Wall Street Journal 10/30/2013
Wall Street Journal 06/10/2014
Around an Invisible Leader, Taliban Power Shifts
New York Times 12/28/2014
Wall Street Journal 12/21/2012
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Taliban and its chief Mullah Omar.
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
Pakistan to Release Senior Taliban Leader
Wall Street Journal 09/11/2013
Wall Street Journal 06/10/2014
Around an Invisible Leader, Taliban Power Shifts
New York Times 12/28/2014
Taliban Leader Mullah Omar Is Dead, Afghan Spy Agency Says
Wall Street Journal 07/30/2015
A Dogged Taliban Chief Rebounds, Vexing U.S.
New York Times 10/11/2009
Taliban to Open Political Office in Qatar
New York Times 01/03/2012
Video of U.S. Marine soldiers and Taliban war dead in Afghanistan
01/05/2009
Grouped Articles
U.S. Deplores Video of Marines Urinating on Taliban
New York Times 01/12/2012
For one war widow, moving on is a marathon - The Washington Post
Washington Post 07/09/2012
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
The view form Pakistan which discourages a large American footprint there and in Afghanistan.
01/04/2008
The head of the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency, met with CIA officials and argued against America sending more troops to Afghanistan. Some opposition parties oppose the large American embassy construction in Islamabad and consulate in Peshawar as signs America is increasing its presence. And Army chief Kalyani who sees Taliban moving into Baluchistan opposes drone attacks on Mullah Omar residing there.
Grouped Articles
Pakistan Gives Sharif a Mandate
Wall Street Journal 05/12/2013
Pakistan to Release Senior Taliban Leader
Wall Street Journal 09/11/2013
Leader of Pakistani Taliban Killed in Drone Strike
Wall Street Journal 11/02/2013
Taliban Making Military Gains in Afghanistan
New York Times 07/26/2014
Around an Invisible Leader, Taliban Power Shifts
New York Times 12/28/2014
Taliban Leader Mullah Omar Is Dead, Afghan Spy Agency Says
Wall Street Journal 07/30/2015
Fresh thinking for U.S. involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, and foreign policies to match the 21st century global architecture.
01/05/2009
The single issue engagement with global partners and rivals is from the 20th century. The USA has to work with other large economies who face the same problems we do, whose biggest challenges are similar to ours.
Grouped Articles
U.S. to Send Up to 300 Military Advisers to Iraq
New York Times 06/19/2014
Chuck Hagel - Why Going It Alone No Longer Works
Washington Post 09/03/2009
Setback in Afghanistan: The Right Response Is Not a Retreat.
Washington Post 09/03/2009
New York Times 09/16/2009
New York Times 09/25/2009
Economist 09/24/2009
The West and policies towards Russia- (1) Kennan, Gates, Nurick and Allison on American policy in 2015-2016
01/05/2009
Linked Articles
In Cold War Echo, Obama Strategy Writes Off Putin
New York Times 04/19/2014
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Gates new perspective on the US role in foreign affairs.
01/05/2009
How Gates sees the US role in foreign affairs and its relaions with Russia, the war with extremist Islamic militants, and the ways in which US policies should be reshaped in the new administration.
Linked Articles
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Foreign Affairs 01/05/2009
An Alternate View of U.S., and EU relations with Russia from Gates and German public opinion
01/05/2009
A look back at former Defense Secretary Gates views about Russia in the larger context of the postwar years and what it is today, including Georgia (and Crimea) and other issues. A similiar perspective fom the German side as seen by former chancellor Kohl, Merkel, Schroeder, and Ischinger, going back to the days of Wily Brandt. Brandt was Mayor of West Berlin in the period of enormous tensions between the Soviets and the Federal Republic during the sixties and later initiated the policy of constructive engagement.
Linked Articles
Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism
Washington Post 01/05/2009
Germany's Angela Merkel Treads Softly With Russia's Putin On Ukraine
Wall Street Journal 04/08/2014
We took a different way to help millions around the world build educated informed mindsets that affects and shapes their lives. For a future that is open, global and digital, with everyone having access to high quality information. We believe in the renewal of America, renewal of Europe, the renewal of India, the rest of Asia, Latin America and Africa. The renewal of our supply chains, health, education, infrastructure, as we rebuild our countries after the pandemic. Literacy and knowledge we believe cannot thrive and grow in a world of web bots, web crawlers, or AI. This requires human curiosity, human learning, and human imagination. We take as inspiration the saying- “One has to be free, and as broad as sky. One has to have a mind that is crystal clear, only then can truth shine in it.” Every contribution whether big or small is precious- in this crisis and ahead.
Support Lyrarc from as small as $1
Terms and Conditions | Copyright Policy | Privacy Policy | Contact Us