Russ Wellen

Russ Wellen writes for Foreign Policy in Focus.

Five Ways the Myth That Iran Was Developing Nuclear Weapons Was Hyped

More and more men and women are either born with a talent for, or are developing skill in, technical matters, especially computer hardware and software. With those capabilities now widespread, it’s odd that more people don’t take the time to acquaint themselves with the technical issues surrounding Iran’s alleged nuclear-weapons program. While the issues may … Continue reading “Five Ways the Myth That Iran Was Developing Nuclear Weapons Was Hyped”

Did John Brennan’s End Run Lead to the Death of Ambassador Stevens in Benghazi?

Benghazi: The Definitive Report is the title of an e-book published on February 12 by William Morrow. It’s written by two editors at SOFREP.com, the unofficial special operations site: Brandon Webb — a former Navy SEAL — and Jack Murphy — a former Army Ranger and Green Beret. What’s unique about the report is its bipartisan … Continue reading “Did John Brennan’s End Run Lead to the Death of Ambassador Stevens in Benghazi?”

US Using Bad Info for Drone Strikes Like It Did for Detainees

Just as it did in Afghanistan and Iraq, the CIA and U.S. military act on bad intel when designating targets for drone attacks. As when the United States greased the skids for war with Iraq, it’s ratcheting up tensions with Iran by disseminating misinformation about nuclear weapons. The United States has also failed to learn … Continue reading “US Using Bad Info for Drone Strikes Like It Did for Detainees”

Heavy Grows Israel’s Finger on the Trigger

P5 +1 (the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany) and Iran failed to secure a breakthrough at the third round of talks in Moscow last week. Meanwhile, Israel’s trigger finger remains itchy. On May 17 Michael Stott of Reuters reported: “I think they’ve gone into lockdown mode now,” the senior Western … Continue reading “Heavy Grows Israel’s Finger on the Trigger”

No, Really, Iran Isn’t Developing Nuclear Weapons

It’s just as easy for a nuclear disarmament advocate as a hawk to believe that a state such as Iran that has not only established a nuclear energy program but also experimented with nuclear weapons until 2003 is still developing them. Nevertheless, however much Tehran may experience lust in its heart for nuclear weapons, the … Continue reading “No, Really, Iran Isn’t Developing Nuclear Weapons”

No One Supports the Troops More Than Bradley Manning

Even though the yellow ribbons of the Bush era are out of fashion, the admonition to support our troops continues to grate. In January 2006 then-Los Angeles Times humor columnist Joel Stein wrote an inflammatory oped titled “Warriors and Wusses.” “I don’t support our troops,” he began. “But I’m not for the war. And being … Continue reading “No One Supports the Troops More Than Bradley Manning”