The phrase “Escalate to De-escalate” has been used to describe a Russian military doctrine of the select use of nuclear weapons to stop a war from proceeding any further. While some have countered that the phrase does not exist in Russian military doctrine, it is clear that the idea does. But what exactly does it […]

As we try to come to grips with the situation in Europe – a war in Ukraine, a great deal of pressure on the NATO alliance, the problem of Vladimir Putin – we need to take a look at history to provide us with some guidance. And, while comparing anyone to Hitler is often a […]

The road from the port dipped, As it ran beside the long pier, Dark and dirty and quiet, Efficient, unwelcoming, austere. He walked slowly down the road, Far away was a single streetlight, A pale yellow glow in the tropic heat, Just managed to hold back the night. The bougainvillea smelled like honeysuckle, Memories of […]

It has been a strange few years: around the world we have seen the reach of governments grow. Whether we agree or disagree with the specific justifications for the expansion of government, we simply cannot deny that virtually every government in the world has tried to expand its reach over the past several years. In […]

Most wars of conquest have several phases; often (and this is true in the past as much as it is today) wars start with a few brilliant victories in short order. Then they seem to separate out into several categories: the loser of the battles surrender (less common); long, slow grinds follow in which both […]

We need to end the war in Ukraine, for a host of reasons. The immediate reason is obviously to end the very real suffering among innocents, the reason any war should be avoided at nearly any cost (not all costs, some wars are necessary, Ukraine is justifiably fighting at this point). The second reason is […]

They huddled in their basements, The cannons pounded away, Through the day, through the night, And when dusk gave way to day. Thousands of people, families and friends, Each loved by someone afar, Sharing in the fear, and the anger, Trapped in this dark world, evil, bizarre. A city of poets and painters, A city […]

The war is on in Ukraine, the Russians are advancing, sometimes well, mostly not so well. They are taking some ground but also taking losses. It’s fair to say that they are winning the conventional aspects of this war, but not nearly as well as they thought they would. Mainly, what they have over the […]

Author’s Note: “My Muse is angry, I think…” – Arrias Ordinary Heroes Heroes can often be found in the damnedest places, In a cockpit, in a trench, in all sorts of cases. Fact is you never know who will be dealt the cards, Could in fact be anyone, even thirteen border guards. Border guards not […]

Editor’s Note: A war in Europe is unfolding. The crowd at Refuge Farm is uneasy, memories of old times of great sadness rising under gray skies. In keeping, Arrias finds his Muse to be in a harsh mood on a morning filled with the number “2.” – Vic For the Children Comes in many shapes […]