Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 29, 2021

John McLaughlin, Ozy: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Reality of Afghanistan

The Taliban are strong and well-armed. The elected government is weak, corruption is rife, and government security forces are struggling. What could go wrong?

President’s Joe Biden’s decision to bring all U.S. troops home from Afghanistan by Sept. 11 has provoked enormous controversy across the political spectrum.

Opinion divides between those outraged by what they see as a potentially disastrous “cut and run” decision and those who insist that keeping troops there would just prolong an unwinnable war that has already consumed 20 years and many lives.

Critics and supporters are about equally divided, and each side can make a good case, so let’s peel back the arguments to see what’s underneath.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 29, 2021

Afghanistan: How Six Good Reasons Can Still Lead to a Bad Decision -- Tim Willasey-Wilsey, Cipher Brief

Candid reflections on Afghanistan from those whose lives were changed forever by the war -- Howard Altman, Military Times

I Commanded a NATO Brigade in Afghanistan. Now Is Not the Time to Leave. -- James L. Creighton, National Interest

India’s COVID Tsunami -- Shashi Tharoor, Project Syndicate

India's COVID 'inferno': Why is the second surge happening now? -- Beatrice Christofaro, DW

Philippines headed towards India-like Covid crisis -- Jason Castaneda, Asia Times

Who should America give its surplus vaccines to? -- Andrew Salman, Asia Times

Is latest Ethiopian proposal on Nile dam talks a play for time? -- Ahmed Gomaa, Al-Monitor

Is Somalia on the brink of a new conflict? -- Al Jazeera

It Is Time to Change Approach to North Korea -- Daniel R. DePetris, RCW

Washington is avoiding the tough questions on Taiwan and China -- Foreign Affairs

Biden’s $90 billion bailout to Tehran -- Foreign Policy

Displaced Conflict: Russia’s Qualified Success in Combatting Insurgency -- Mark Youngman and Cerwyn Moore, Russia Matters

Glenn Greenwald Says US-Russia Relationship ‘Clearly at Low Point,’ Names Two Reasons Why -- Sputnik

Armed Gangs and Warlords Are Taking Over Venezuela -- Frida Ghitis Thursday, WPR

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U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

US Budget Proposal Seeks F-22 Raptor Stealth Jet Upgrades to Protect Air Dominance

Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor fighter jet is confirmed to receive major upgrades under the proposed FY2026 budget plan to ensure its sustained edge in air dominance operations, according to the U.S. Air Force Financial Management and Comptroller. Despite the emergence of sixth-generation designs, the Air Force’s dedicated $90 million budget aims to extend the Raptor’s relevance. This move underscores a broader strategy to protect critical stealth assets against evolving threats from China and Russia. It highlights a firm commitment to bridging the gap until Next Generation Air Dominance systems mature. Read full defense News at this link. The planned FY2026 viability upgrade marks a clear signal that the F-22 remains a backbone of U.S. air dominance doctrine (Picture source: U.S. Air Force) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xebSkjs via IFTTT

Raytheon Australia Integrates Sidewinder Missile With NASAMS Launcher to Strengthen Air Defence

On June 30, 2025, Raytheon Australia integrated Sidewinder Missile on NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities. In a significant demonstration at the Woomera Test Range, the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully fired the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a Hawkei High-Mobility Launcher, marking a world-first for this missile-platform pairing. This milestone underlines the growing relevance of adaptable, layered air and missile defence systems for Australia’s national security. Read Full Defense News at this link. The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence (Picture source: Australian Army) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/XxVBQHy via IFTTT

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