Why Arabs Lose Wars

By | September 29, 2024

[September 29, 2024]  A long-running theme in the analysis of how poorly Middle Eastern militaries performed on the battlefield is reviewed in an article by Norvell de Atkine titled Why Arabs Lose Wars.  The most common reason given is culture, but de Atkine believes such thinking can lead to false conclusions. “As these examples suggest, when culture is… Read More »

Disfigurement, Decency, and Grace

By | September 7, 2024

[September 7, 2024]   Beauty is more valuable than anything humans can possess.  And while that is true – I believe inherently true – disfigurement of the human form can give rise to other valuable traits: decency and grace.  Dostoevsky wrote in his book The Idiot that “Beauty will save the world.”  I will add that disfigurement can sustain… Read More »

11 Frustrating Things I Learned about Army Leadership

By | August 27, 2024

[August 27, 2024]  Ten years ago, shortly after I retired from the U.S. Army, I wrote down a few frustrating things about Army Leadership.  What I’ve witnessed lately shows that these are more prevalent today than when I retired.  Here is that list. “Toxic” Leaders Do Exist. These leaders have a corrosive effect on any organization and are… Read More »