Archiv des Autors: Michael Wehle

This morning I am musing over Tony Benn’s five questions to people in power. „If you can’t get rid of the people who govern you, you don’t live in a democratic system.“ I am finding I can’t even talk about … Weiterlesen →

The problem, contrary to customary Western claims, lay not in the „crushing“ defense outlays. The Soviet military, the military-industrial complex (MIC), and R&D were remarkably cost-effective; according to the best available estimates, they never exceeded 15 percent of GDP. A … Weiterlesen →

The idea of renovating the Soviet Union originated not with Mikhail Gorbachev, but with his mentor Yuri Andropov. For years after the Soviet collapse, many said wistfully: „If only Andropov had lived longer.“ They meant that under his leadership the … Weiterlesen →

The purpose of this book is neither to demonise Putin – he is more than capable of doing that himself – nor to absolve him of his crimes, but to explore his personality, to understand what motivates him and how … Weiterlesen →

Jacques Baud in Berliner Zeitung: Die Anschuldigung, ich würde an der Umsetzung von Politiken arbeiten, die in Moskau festgelegt werden, ist reine Verleumdung. Ich werde beschuldigt, für Aktivitäten verantwortlich zu sein, von denen man nicht einmal weiß, ob sie Russland … Weiterlesen →

The EU is sanctioning the retired Swiss Army Col. and previous NATO advisor Jacques Baud. The reason: Baud is spreading Russian propaganda, the EU says. EU sanctions are not part of the judicial branch. They are punishments coming straight from … Weiterlesen →

In addition to the €16.50 ticket fee, there is a wait for entrance. American voices discuss the location of coffeeshops while waiting. Gaza does not exist here.

Hey, do you remember Pershing Summer? Remember the Reagan Administration, Grenada, El Salvador? I know I do. I also remember The Call and Modern Romans. Back there in 1983 I think Michael Been nailed it. Garth Hudson of The Band … Weiterlesen →

Spiegel: 😀 Spiegel, faithful Atlanticist that it is, now apparently feels jilted.