For Obama’s Global Vision, Daunting Problems By Mark Landler and Mark Mazzetti

DeM Banter: interesting times.... New York Times May 25, 2013 Pg. 1 WASHINGTON — President Obama, in one of his most significant speeches since taking office, did not simply declare an end to the post-9/11 era on Thursday. He also offered a vision of America's role in the world that he hopes could be one …

Pivoting From A War Footing, Obama Acts To Curtail Drones By Peter Baker

DeM Banter: interesting....now we just need Al Qaeda to sign the peace treaty of Paris or Versailles and we are good, right? Does the enemy get a vote as to when the war is over? It always about leadership: decision and choices...this is indeed a tough one. Wonder what this will look like in a …

The Great Debate Civil Wars And Syria: Lessons From History By Michael O’Hanlon and Sean Zeigler

DeM Banter: Once again... history is indeed a great teacher. Reuters.com May 22, 2013 Most of the international debate about Syria policy focuses on how to remove President Bashar al-Assad from power. Options for NATO states and key Arab League partners include everything from enlisting Russia’s help in a diplomatic approach, with a conference now …

Refueling Operations In Mali Pass 200 Missions Over 4-Month Span by Brian Everstine

DeM Banter: the Legacy Continues! Long fly the Bloody Hundredth... Proud of you all. Air Force Times May 27, 2013 Pg. 5 It may not have the level of attention of operations in Afghanistan, but Air Force refueling operations just surpassed 200 missions over four months while assisting the French in Mali. The 351st Expeditionary …

DoD Examines 3 Budget-Cut Scenarios By MARCUS WEISGERBER and VAGO MURADIAN

DeM Banter: it's all about choices... I just hope we are realistic about the outcomes... View Original Think Tanks Conducting Shadow Review WASHINGTON — Senior US Defense Department officials are expected to present three budget-cutting scenarios to the defense secretary when they wrap up a wide-ranging review of military strategy at the end of this …