Articles and analysis

How the Russian forces performed in Georgia, and what the West should do next

by Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., James Jay Carafano, Ph.D. and Lajos Szaszdi, Ph.D.

While all the facts of last week's Russian-Georgian war are not clear, enough information--including eyewitness accounts--has been reported in the media to draw initial conclusions about the performance of Russian military forces and the implications of these operations for U.S. defense policies. Unquestionably, the war is a reminder that "conventional" military operations as an instrument of modern combat are far from obsolete. The U.S. and its allies must retain a robust conventional capacity to deter aggression and assist in the defense of its treaty obligations to NATO and other allies.

Australian armed forces should turn out soldiers, not bureaucrats

by Nicholas Stuart

There's a pause for a second, and Major General Jim Molan considers his response carefully before replying. "Our commandos are just as good as the British, American and Dutch soldiers they were serving alongside in the Middle East." At first the words sound reassuring, but in fact they shouldn't be. The significance of this statement is not what the general says, but rather what he's leaving out.

The Magic Pudding - Why is the US government still pouring billions into missile defence?

by George Monbiot

It's a novel way to take your own life. Just as Russia demonstrates what happens to former minions that annoy it, Poland agrees to host a US missile defence base. The Russians, as Poland expected, respond to this proposal by offering to turn the country into a parking lot. This proves that the missile defence system is necessary after all: it will stop the missiles Russia will now aim at Poland, the Czech Republic and the UK in response to, er, their involvement in the missile defence system.

Articles and analysis

How the Russian forces performed in Georgia, and what the West should do next

Australian armed forces should turn out soldiers, not bureaucrats

The Magic Pudding - Why is the US government still pouring billions into missile defence?

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