Russ Wellen holds down the “Nukes and Other WMD’s” desk at the Faster Times, and writes “The Deproliferator” for Scholars & Rogues and other blogs. He is an advisor to the Madrona Institute and co-moderates Terralist.
Russ Wellen
Latest
Nuclear Weapons Stewardship a Victim of Mission Creep
Exceeding its mandate to maintain nuclear weapons, the National Nuclear Security Administration can’t resist the urge to tinker with them.
Impressive Taliban Attack on Embassy Eclipses Success for Afghan Security Forces
The Taliban carried out a major attack on the United States at the same time that it’s opening an unofficial embassy in Qatar to negotiate with the United States.
The Hidden Culprit of 9/11: Clinical Depression
The four al Qaeda pilots were traumatized individuals.
We Could Take a Lesson From Islamist Militants When It Comes to ROI
Islamist militants pull off successful operations for a mere pittance.
How Can a Junta Survive With a Weak Army?
Despite ruling Burma for decades, its military isn’t as strong as you’d think.
China Forced to Temper Its Mercenary Approach to International Trade
China has been taking the code of Western corporations — “ye who enter the marketplace, abandon all ethics” — to the next level.
To Whatever Extent Libya Is a Victory, It’s a Defeat for Nuclear Nonproliferation
As with Saddam Hussein and his regime in Iraq, states may conclude that the fate of Qaddafi was sealed the day he gave up nuclear weapons.
Mass Killing: a Higher Calling?
In war-time, casting aside concern for the fate of your soul when killing is the ultimate sacrifice for your country.
Did Nuclear Weapons Tests Tear Holes in the Sky?
If you’ve ever seen a film of a nuclear test, you can be forgiven for wondering if it might set the sky on fire.
Pakistan: Tragic Trendsetter for Religious, Political, and Ethnic Violence
36,000 Pakistanis have died violent deaths since 2003. Russ Wellen at the Foreign Policy in Focus blog Focal Points.
“War Follows Child Abuse as Night Day”
“Child abuse and war should almost always be mentioned in the same sentence.”
Islamophobia’s Poisoned Wellsprings
Americans are falling prey to disinformation that presents Islam as a threat to their way of life.
Treatment of Russian POWs in WWII Paved the Way for Holocaust
The Nazi zest for killing Russian POWs was almost as great as for Jews.
Hiroshima, Mon Ami: “History’s Most Awkward Handshake”
How a Hiroshima victim came to meet the co-pilot of the plane that dropped the bomb.
The Warsaw Ghetto: Dry Run for a Death Camp
The 2010 movie “A Film Unfinished” indelibly stamps images from the Warsaw Ghetto on your mind.
800-Pound Gorilla Straggles After Israeli Protesters
It’s inevitable that the settlements and Gaza will soon complicate the Israeli protests.
Obama’s Approach to Disarmament as Self-Sabotaging as Debt-Ceiling Deal
As with the debt-ceiling deal, there’s no end to the largesse that the Obama administration bestows on the nuclear weapons program.
Nuclear Deterrence: a Bridge Not Yet Crossed
Deterrence has long outlived its usefulness.
Iran Eats Nuclear Scientist Rezaie’s Assassination as the Cost of Doing Business
As a smaller power, Iran is in no position to strike back at the West over the death of nuclear scientist Darioush Rezaie.
Bottom of the “Bucket” List: the Manhattan Project National Historical Park
What could be more tasteless and less profitable than a national park system commemorating the development of nuclear weapons?