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North Korean Wheaties

The US, China, and many others called the North Korean nuclear disclosure delay a minor hiccup. A much more accurate description of the situation exists. -Ali

Six bed, four.5 bath, one billion gallon fish tank

There is obviously bigger news today but I have been wanting to post this article for a few days now.

"For the US, the financial stakes are huge. With its wide continental margins, it stands to gain economic control over additional territory larger than the 48 states combined, with an estimated value of $1.3 trillion in minerals, oil, and fish."

Could you imagine national flags alongside major oil and mining company flags on the bottom of the seafloor? Deep sea exploration just got a huge infusion of funds and entrepreneurs. Cheers, -Ali

The new MAD

The tenants of MAD still apply mostly to the Nuclear world but I've often wondered when MAD will become synonymous with a series of botnet deployments. And at what point does a botnet become the next Cuban Missile Crisis? When do Kaspersky and Symantec become Blackwater?

I found some reading from Schneier and John Robb on the topic (be sure to read the comments). Cheers, -Ali

Iran attack lunacy

I have long held that attacking Iran is impossibility. I expect specific tactical actions by Israeli Special Forces with the discreet assistance of the US. I don’t expect any further escalation as the economics of such action would be disastrous for too many world powers. Not to mention the logistics of any Iran invasion are currently unimaginable and no military commander, no matter how dedicated or blinded, would actually attempt such a thing. They’d tell President Bush to pound sand (no pun intended) and they’d take the next C-17 to a non-extradition country.

Unfortunately I may be wrong and reading opposite perspectives is sobering. -Ali

Predicting the future

While the future is still fresh on my mind (*chuckle*) I thought I’d point you at The Economist Intelligence Unit report celebrating their 60th anniversary and predicting some of the next sixty years.

“By 2066, the US will have relinquished its hyper-power status. Although it will continue to have the most bombs and rockets, and cutting-edge military technology, it won't dare to act without the nod from a now very wealthy China and India. Indeed, as the US population gets older and its dominance wanes, it may become more inward-looking, and less willing to take on foreign military responsibilities in a multi-polar world.”

Nothing new there but don’t let that dissuade you from reading the whole report which includes a glimpse of 2026.

If in-depth analysis and geopolitical perspective is your bag make sure to check out EIU, Stratfor, Intelligence Online, and Oxan. Not exactly inexpensive but given the crowd I know that frequent my ramblings I’m sure you’ll find a way. Cheers, -Ali