Tiersky's Viewpoint

Victory or defeat in war is often as much psychological as it is military. Military forces fight to impose their wills, and at a certain moment, even if the weapons are not yet silent, one side or the other loses... Continue Reading →

President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address spent a couple of paragraphs discussing the terrorist threat to the American homeland. In the wake of the San Bernardino attack, he felt obliged to say what is obvious: that while the... Continue Reading →

Charles de Gaulle saves France again: The National Front is boxed out by France’s electoral system Charles de Gaulle from beyond the tomb is again saving France from the French, i.e. from the French people’s penchant for periodic self-immolation. The... Continue Reading →

Understandably the San Bernadino terrorist attack has mesmerized many Americans, terrorized by Islamic State’s capacity to inspire or to command mass killings and bombings. It’s all too easy for people to be swept up in the fear that the Islamic... Continue Reading →

Being a Real American is always an asset for U.S. presidential candidates. Voters like it, identify with it, feel reassured by it and they will even excuse some wild behavior by those they feel fit the bill. This time around,... Continue Reading →

As a longtime writer on French politics who was critical of François Hollande’s performance since the feckless early days of his presidency, it’s gratifying to report that Hollande is finally taking the measure of his job and the responsibility it... Continue Reading →

Being a Real American is always an asset for U.S. presidential candidates. Voters like it, identify with it, feel reassured by it and they will even excuse some wild behavior by those they feel fit the bill. This time around,... Continue Reading →