The Prime Minister of Pakistan said almost everything he needed to say if he is to have any hope of keeping aid flowing and keeping us out of PK territory. FWIW, this is the same script that the Musharraf regime used, although PM Gilan did not … [Continue reading]
Introspective Reminder to Christian Leaders
July 29, 2008 By
For those who are called to lead, we are first called to serve. We are called to be witnesses and martyrs. But first of all, we are called to be Christ. It is heartbreaking to see so many Christian leaders burn-out. We (if I may be so bold as to … [Continue reading]
US-PK Talks today in Washington
July 28, 2008 By
This from APP, on the scheduled talks today between Pakistan's Prime Mister Gilan and President Bush; “WASHINGTON, July 27 (APP): Urging Washington to be patient with the elected government’s anti-terrorism strategy, Pakistan’s envoy in the … [Continue reading]
A Funny Thing about Memory and Analysis of Change
July 28, 2008 By
When I was working for the government, I got to spend a lot of time researching why objective analysis was so difficult. I am out of that business now, but it is neat to see that problems of analysis are not confined to the world of … [Continue reading]
Some Thoughts on Orthodox Unity
July 25, 2008 By
I am frequently in contact with people who are passionate about “Church Unity”. Here is my basic take on this, broken down by specific area. Defining my Terms: By “Unity”, I mean a sharing more than a belief in Christ as Savior, but of the … [Continue reading]
Throwing a Wet Blanket on Campaign Promises
July 24, 2008 By
Bottom Line Up Front: Government programs can help improve life “on the margins”, but the potential harm they can cause is immense. This belief leads me to support limited government that protects liberty, markets, and provides those necessary goods … [Continue reading]
Measurement Errors and Sample Bias in the FATA
July 24, 2008 By
It is very difficult to get good information about insurgencies. This is because they: 1. IO. They run their own information operations through their own dissemination channels, traditional channels (e.g. bazaar, mosque), and local, national, … [Continue reading]
Taking Responsibility for Falling to Temptations
July 24, 2008 By
The American heritage is one of a strong work ethic and a deep sense of personal responsibility. These individual traits, together with civic engagement, are the cultural foundations of American prosperity. Originally, these traits sprang forth … [Continue reading]
Looking at a Surge in Afghanistan
July 23, 2008 By
It is nice to see the insurgency in Pakistan getting more news coverage. Today I want to pull out some points made in a recent AP story, Suspicion, terrain are foes for US in Afghan surge). The general point of the story is that “surging” troop … [Continue reading]
In Praise of Civility – and a warning about love
July 23, 2008 By
Today’s gospel lesson from the Orthodox lectionary is on the parable of the leaven, and how a little bit really improves everything. In general, the leaven is love: you can change the world around you if you genuinely love. This is a fundamental … [Continue reading]
