Blog

Karlshorst: 9 May 1945 German Surrender and KGB Rezidentura in Berlin

On the anniversary of the German surrender at Karlshorst, east Berlin, in the presence of Marshal Georgy Zhukov, a bit of history—and lots of photos and videos, including by me—about the vicinity, which was used for administration of the Soviet Zone (1945–49); and housed the biggest KGB station in the world (1954–1991).

Iran’s Ballistic Missile ‘Ring of Fire’

Following threats from Israeli and American officials, like “Iraq is just one campaign… Next, we’re going to have the Iranian campaign,” IRGC began developing a large and diverse array of ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. IRGC is ready (as Israel discovered). Iran has created a 2,000 km radius ring of fire around Iran; an anti-access zone in which enemy ships and bases can be destroyed by IRGC's missiles.

Inherent Weaknesses of Air Defense Systems

Physicists have demonstrated scientifically that anti-ballistic missile (ABM) umbrellas have inherent weaknesses that render them largely ineffective. Critics have proffered scientific evidence, including documented failures of Patriot missile defenses in the First Persian Gulf War, to support findings. Rather than address critics, Washington officialdom has persecuted them. Vast profits are available to manufacturers of ABM systems; hence the silencing of scientists. Iran and Russia are aware of ABM weaknesses, which is why they have invested extensively in penetrating ABM through electronic warfare, drones, cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles. An overview of why ABM systems, and anti-rocket systems like Iron Dome, usually fail.

Afghanistan Studies: Garbage-in, Garbage-out

Christian Bleuer has been maintaining the massive “Afghanistan Analyst Bibliography” since 2004. Bleuer just published the final edition (29 April 2024), accompanied by an essay titled, “The State of Research on Afghanistan: Too many poor quality publications and some real gems.” Links included at post.

USA: The Dying Hegemon

China, Russia, and Iran, a coalition of countries targeted by the collective west, know they have a common enemy and are cooperating militarily, politically, and economically to neutralize it. Recent meetings of Iranian, Russia, and Chinese defense ministers in Astana (Kazakhstan); and China’s reaction to threats by Antony Blinken, are addressed.