Professor of Defense Analysis, Naval Postgraduate School
Professor of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and writer for Foreign Policy magazine; author of Worst Enemy: The Reluctant Transformation of the American Military
Iran, Stuxnet and International Diplomacy The US and Israel now say Iran is not as far along in developing nuclear technology as they thought just a few months ago. Hillary Rodham Clinton says that's due to international sanctions. The outgoing chief of Israeli intelligence cites what he calls " technical setbacks ." The New York Times is more specific, pointing to the Stuxnet computer virus, tested at Israel's Dimona nuclear complex with assistance from the United States. Segment image: Iran begins to fuel its first nuclear power station on August 21, 2010 in Bushehr. Photo: IIPA via Getty Images
Iran, Stuxnet and International Diplomacy US and Israeli estimates of Iran's nuclear timetable are less alarming than they were just months ago. Hillary Rodham Clinton says that's due to international sanctions. The outgoing chief of Israeli intelligence cites what he calls " technical setbacks ." The New York Times reports it's the result of Stuxnet, tested at Israel's Dimona nuclear complex with assistance from the United States. That computer virus reportedly caused Iranian centrifuges to spin out of control while convincing operators all was well. It's also capable of disrupting electrical power grids, air traffic control systems or military networks, including those of its own developers. How vulnerable is the US? What will Stuxnet mean for diplomacy, including upcoming talks about Iran's nuclear program?
Afghanistan Elections and Rethinking the War Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has canceled plans to attend this week's UN General Assembly so he can stay home and watch over the process of counting votes from Saturday's parliamentary elections.
Afghanistan Elections and Rethinking the War Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has canceled plans to attend this week's UN General Assembly so he can stay home and watch over the process of counting votes from Saturday's parliamentary elections. The elections have been all but ignored in this country, but they've raised some familiar questions about the US and Afghanistan. Violence and intimidation kept turnout low, and massive fraud will taint whatever results are finally announced. What do Afghans think now of democracy? Is there any way to check the corruption of the Karzai regime, which reportedly undermines America's basic strategy and makes the Taliban stronger? Should the US change its political focus from the central government to local leaders, abandon counterinsurgency and get by with fewer troops?
Another 'Czar' at the Obama White House Cyber crime is a real threat to the economy. Railroads, air traffic control and electric utilities are already the targets of “Weapons of Mass Disruption.” That was the President's message today as he created a new job to make up for a dismal lack of national preparation. The Cyber-security Coordinator will be on both the economic and national security councils with access to the President, but critics insist that won't work. We hear how serious the problem is and ask if creating the new “Czar” will be more than a symbolic gesture.
Cyber-warfare and Weapons of Mass Annoyance Credit-card theft, bank fraud and electronic spying are cheaper and easier because of the Internet. There's evidence that China and Russia have hacked into defense contractors and even the Pentagon. Barack Obama is being urged to create a Center for Cyber Security Operations to be overseen by a special White House advisor.
War and Security in Cyber-space Attacks on the Internet may not produce blood and gore, but they do pose genuine threats to national security and the economy. Credit card theft, bank fraud and other electronic crimes are on the rise. There's evidence that China and Russia have hacked into defense contractors and even the Pentagon. Advisors to the Obama transition team are among those recommending a Center for Cyber-security Operations to be overseen by a special White House advisor. When would a cyber-attack be an act of war? Should intelligence agencies, law enforcement or the military take charge? What about individual privacy?
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.