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Showing posts from September, 2024

UKRAINE: Brutal Abuse at the Hands of Russians

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The systematic torture and mistreatment of Ukrainian POWs and civilians by Russian forces is well-documented. Nearly all returned captured combatants report enduring various forms of physical or mental abuse: savage beatings, sexual assault, mock executions, and electrocutions. In blatant violation of the Geneva Convention, Russia refuses to release wounded detainees or provide necessary medical treatment. War prisoners are held in squalid, overcrowded facilities lacking basic essentials like running water, proper sanitation, or heating. Beyond the military, civilians are also ruthlessly targeted, with public spaces frequently coming under attack.  How can such brutality be rationalized or excused?  I n this blog post, we delve into the grim reality of these war crimes. Though it's a deeply unsettling topic, understanding the full scale of these atrocities is crucial to grasping why Ukraine's victory is essential—not just for their survival, but for justice and the protection o

EDITOR'S CORNER: Long Range Weapons and Red Lines

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Recently, debates have intensified over whether the U.S. should allow Ukraine to use American-made long-range weapons. The UK has signaled its willingness to approve the move but remains dependent on U.S. consent, as the British Storm Shadow missiles rely on American-supplied navigational data and components. In this blog post, we’ll examine why the U.S. and its allies are hesitant to act, the potential impact of these weapons, and Russia's so-called "red lines." WHO IS ON BOARD AND WHO'S AFRAID Ukraine is facing mounting challenges on the battlefield, struggling to hold the front lines in Donetsk while managing its Kursk incursion. Intense fighting rages on both fronts, and recruitment and training efforts are falling short. Recently, Ukraine cut its basic training program from 45 to 30 days , leaving the frontlines with inexperienced, uncertain soldiers. Western weapons are arriving too slowly and with too much public discussion, leading to a growing sen

RUSSIA: The Case of Aleksandr Poteyev

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Aleksandr Poteyev’s story is one of the most intriguing in the world of espionage. As a former Russian intelligence officer, his decision to defect to the United States and expose a major Russian spy network in America sent shockwaves through the intelligence community. Poteyev's actions not only brought a covert operation to light but also sparked intense debate about loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of espionage. In this post, we’ll delve into his life and the remarkable events that defined his career. Aleksandr Poteyev in Kabul, date unknown.   A BACKGROUND IN INTELLIGENCE Aleksandr Poteyev was born on March 7, 1952, in Brest, Belarus. His father, Nikolai Pavlovich, was a Hero of the USSR in the Second World War, having destroyed nine German tanks. One could say that the military was in Poteyev's blood. During the 1970s, Aleksandr met his wife, Marina. Both were natives of Brest, and she was a year older than him. In 1979, they had their first child, a daughter named

USA: The Events of September 11, 2001

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September 11, 2001, marks a defining moment in modern history, altering the course of global events. On that day, coordinated terrorist attacks shocked the United States and the world, bringing a superpower to its knees while forging a rare sense of national unity. The attacks reshaped global security strategies and foreign policies, with lasting effects on international relations and personal lives. Known simply as "9/11," the tragedy claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives and set the stage for sweeping changes in how nations address security and terrorism. In this blog post, marking the 23rd anniversary of this tragic event, we will explore the events leading up to September 11, 2001, the harrowing occurrences of that day, and the profound aftermath that transformed both the United States and the world. The two towers of the World Trade Centre on fire after the attack. (Picture credit: Unknown) THE BACKGROUND OF THE ATTACKS Al-Qaeda, responsible for the 9/11 attack

EDITOR'S CORNER: The Changing World Order

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The term “world order” refers to the overall framework of global power, governance, and international relations. As the global landscape evolves, the world order adjusts to changes in economic, political, and technological spheres. Some people talk about a “new world order” in the context of conspiracy theories, suggesting a secretive group is manipulating global events to create a totalitarian global government. However, this is not what we are addressing here; instead, we are focusing on the real and evolving dynamics of global affairs. This post examines the changing global structures. It explores the reasons behind these transformations and their implications. It also looks at the emerging trends reshaping global dynamics. I believe the world is moving from a unipolar framework dominated by the United States to a more complex multipolar system. This shift is marked by the rise of new global powers and changing alliances. THE ROOTS OF THE CONCEPT To fully grasp the changing world or