Category: News

The Scotsman – Edinburgh,Scotland,UK – Privacy 'Sacrificed' in Terrorism Fight. Europe's leaders were accused today of sacrificing privacy rights in the fight against terrorism. European Liberal Democrat leader in the European Parliament Graham Watson was reacting to today's formal signing in Washington of an agreement to pass full details of transatlantic air passengers to the… Continue reading Privacy 'Sacrificed' in Terrorism Fight

Zinni is instigating a shareholder/customer revolt:  “There has been poor strategic thinking in this,” says Zinni. “There has been poor operational planning and execution on the ground. And to think that we are going to ‘stay the course,’ the course is headed over Niagara Falls. I think it's time to change course a little bit, or… Continue reading Zinni

An important indicator of how we are moving from a nation-state to a market-state:  our defense department is now run like a corporation.  The all volunteer army was the first step.  Outsourcing of tasks to private corporations was the second.  Estimates are that upwards of 30% of all sanctioned defense activities in Iraq are outsourced —… Continue reading John Robb's Weblog

Transcript of last night's CBS interview with General Anthony Zinni. [Scripting News]

NY vows no major closings for RNC. NEW YORK — When it hosts the Republican National Convention this summer, the nation's largest city does not plan to seal off main streets or close subway stations, in contrast to the transportation shutdown planned for the Boston area during the Democratic convention. [Boston Globe — Front Page]

Out of Control. Given the gravity of the global war on terrorism and Iraq, you would think that the government would be willing to hire-in America's best and brightest.  No such luck.  I was talking with a senior government official this morning and he told me that while there is a huge need for high quality/experienced people,… Continue reading Out of Control

WSJ.  If current oil prices are sustained, the estimated losses at the Airlines is expected to top $5 b this year (hardest hit:  American Airlines). This brings up an interesting question:  does the financial industry need terrorist-centric analysts that can calculate risk metrics and potential impact assessments on commodities/companies/etc.?  My answer:  of course.  From what I have seen, the… Continue reading WSJ

Kerry may delay official nomination. Senator John F. Kerry may delay his nomination as the Democratic presidential standard-bearer in Boston this July in order to deprive President Bush of a significant spending advantage during the final phase of the campaign. Such a move would be unprecedented in presidential politics and may sharply alter the tone… Continue reading Kerry may delay official nomination

Convention bust may reach $50m. In the space of two months, the Democratic National Convention has gone from a $154 million boon to Boston to a potential $50 million hit to the local economy as businesses absorb the magnitude of the announced highway, street, and mass-transit closings. [Boston Globe — Front Page]

Massive closing of roads set for convention week. The staggering scope of the security measures for the Democratic National Convention became clear yesterday, as state and federal authorities detailed changes that surpassed the worst fears of many residents and businesses: nearly 40 miles of major roadway closures, a vehicle-free zone around the FleetCenter, and parking… Continue reading Massive closing of roads set for convention week