Richard Weitz
Richard Weitz writes a weekly column on Asia-Pacific strategic and security issues. He is director of the Center for Political-Military Analysis and a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute. His commentaries have appeared in the International Herald Tribune, The Guardian and Wall Street Journal (Europe), among other publications.
-
Obama’s Special Forces Fascination
Barack Obama’s attraction to unconventional operations has perhaps only been rivaled by John F. Kennedy. But plans for a floating base have their limits.
-
Asia Overreacts to U.S. Military Pivot
Despite the warnings from China, the Pentagon’s Defense Strategic Guidance offers few surprises. Change has been coming for a while.
-
Is Taliban Serious About Talks?
Plans to establish a Taliban political liaison office in Qatar suggest peace talks may finally make progress. But are the Taliban really ready to stop fighting?
-
Iran’s Empty Threats
Iran’s military could probably make life uncomfortable for the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz. But the downsides far outweigh the advantages of trying.
-
How Pakistan Kids Itself on China
Pakistani policymakers are wrong if they think Beijing will bankroll a break with Washington. China has no interest in pushing India into U.S. arms.
-
Can North Korea Have Soft Landing?
The death of Kim Jong-il has increased the chances of a violent collapse of North Korea. Nuclear and chemical weapons, mistrust and an uncertain succession are a toxic mix.
-
A Rocky Russia-India Defense Union
India replacing China as the world’s largest arms importer should leave plenty of scope for Russian manufacturers. But the two sides don’t always see eye to eye.
