dog days of august upon us

In Syria, the Damascus regime prepares for fall 'offensive' against rebel-dominated areas, as protesters demand international action. Somalia's politics of humanitarian assistance: insurgents block famine refugees. The fall begins in the middle east with gunfire across the Israel/Lebanon border. Israel puts its strength on display. Georgia will soon choose between orderly Presidential transition and dangerous breakdown. International Crisis Group (ICG) gauges the current situation in the new South Sudan.      

the fall season as catalyst

Libyan Rebel Leaders continue to consolidate as they unmask 'secret pro-Qaddafi' fifth column, which makes  European governments wary of who they now back militarily. This invasion is the new definition for 'mission creep'. In Syria, Washington condemns 'brutal' regime attacks. The fall season surely will surely catalyze the conflict and Syria will not remain fragmented. Post-9/11 Detainee Lawyer Sohail Mohammed becomes new New Jersey Superior Court Judge, despite open concerns about possible Sharia agenda. Violence and suicide bombings continue to follow NATO handover of security responsibilities. But the murdered Mayor of Kandahar fought corruption over radicalism. New article in Small Wars Journal asks how the U.S. became a nation of warriors...