BREAKING: NOTHING MUCH HAPPENED One of the reasons I don't post these earlier in the day is because HUGE BREAKING NEWS MUST CREDIT GUY WHO HELPED SELL IRAQ WAR stories are often later shown to be no big deal. To wit: https://twitter.com/Susan_Hennessey/status/848905721748094976 Maybe I'm wrong, but it sure does seem like intrepid reporter Eli Lake … Continue reading Conflict update: April 3 2017
Author: DWD
writer, blogger, lover, fighter
Conflict update: April 1-2 2017
EGYPT Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is in Washington right now, preparing for his big meeting tomorrow with fellow authoritarian personality Donald Trump. Because I did a TV spot for Alhurra about this earlier today and it's therefore fresh in my brain, here are a few things they might get to talking about tomorrow. These … Continue reading Conflict update: April 1-2 2017
Fun with languages
Language, as in the study of a foreign language, is one of those things that fascinates me while also driving me absolutely bananas. I've studied several and struggle at pretty much all of them, but I enjoy learning about them and that's why I sometimes note interesting stories about language here at this very English-language … Continue reading Fun with languages
Middle East conflict update: March 30-31 2017
If you're looking for bad news from the rest of the world, you'll find it here. IRAQ The main progress in Mosul continues to be to the west of the Old City, where Iraqi counter-terrorism forces are pushing north in an effort to eventually surround the Old City and attack it from two sides. War … Continue reading Middle East conflict update: March 30-31 2017
Conflict update: March 30-31 2017
Skipping yesterday was probably a bad idea. There's plenty here for a two-parter, so as I've done before I'm going to put all the Middle Eastern stuff in a separate post. 320 MILLION FOOLS AND OUR MONEY The F-35 is the most expensive weapon (well, it's intended to be a weapon, anyway) ever manufactured, with … Continue reading Conflict update: March 30-31 2017
Today in European history: the Siege of Thessaloniki ends (1430)
Historically, Thessaloniki is one of the most important cities in Europe, though it's probably never been quite as prominent as its importance should have warranted because it's generally would up being overshadowed somehow. Founded in the fourth century BC by Macedonian King Cassander, it rose in stature to become the most important city in Macedon...shortly … Continue reading Today in European history: the Siege of Thessaloniki ends (1430)
Conflict update: March 29 2017
I started working on this way earlier than usual because I've heard that it's actually good to sleep a couple of nights each week. Whether I finish any earlier than usual is an open question, but if Donald Trump tweets "More like Justin Tru-BLOW, sorry if this offends" later tonight and you don't see it … Continue reading Conflict update: March 29 2017
Conflict update: March 28 2017
BREXIT Theresa May will formally trigger Britain's exit from the European Union on Wednesday. That will begin the two-year negotiation over the terms of that exit, meaning that the UK will be out of the EU as of March 29, 2019. The European parliament is reportedly preparing a resolution in response to the trigger that … Continue reading Conflict update: March 28 2017
It’s always the cover-up
The investigation into Donald Trump's ties to Russia, and the assorted wiretapping allegations that have accompanied it, have to be turned over to an independent investigator or, at least, a select Congressional committee with equal Republican and Democratic membership. I say this as somebody who remains largely unconvinced that this story is as big a … Continue reading It’s always the cover-up
Conflict update: March 27 2017
A FEATURE, NOT A BUG: PART I At LobeLog, I look at the recent increase in US-caused civilian casualties in the Middle East, and the presumption, still denied by Washington in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary, that President Trump has told the Pentagon to stop worrying about civilian casualties and just blow … Continue reading Conflict update: March 27 2017
The Foreign Exchanges Companion 