MEF Dispatch: Tech Wars, Campus Follies, and Spy Tales

MEF Dispatch: Tech Wars, Campus Follies, and Spy Tales

By Ahnaf Kalam ● Dec 18, 2024

Smart Brevity® count: 3 mins...834 words

In this edition, we catch up on some recent MEF writings, starting with a podcast with Peter Theroux, a former CIA officer whose new book, In Obscura Part One: Adventures in the World of Intelligence, provides an insider's perspective on the CIA's covert operations, the dedication of its officers, and the politicization of intelligence in recent controversies. We also examine how Congress’s reliance on continuing resolutions rather than formal budgets is undermining U.S. strategic planning and military readiness, potentially leaving the nation at a disadvantage in key technological and security domains. A.J. Caschetta reminds college students promising to boycott anything connected with Israel that doing so will require giving up modern living. Finally, our further reading section includes expert analyses on political appointments, U.S.-Canada policy, demographic changes in Europe, and more.

WATCH: Peter Theroux, In Obscura: Adventures in the World of Intelligence

Peter Theroux, a former CIA officer, releases In Obscura Part One: Adventures in the World of Intelligence, offering a deep dive into the inner workings of the CIA.

Why it matters: Theroux's book sheds light on the CIA's covert operations and the dedication of its officers, challenging previous misrepresentations.

Inside the agency: Theroux describes the agency's dedication to "mission first," highlighting the skilled analysts and operatives working globally.

Controversy revealed: Theroux criticizes former intelligence officers for politicizing intelligence, particularly in relation to the Hunter Biden laptop scandal.

Lessons from history: Theroux discusses intelligence failures, emphasizing human error as a significant factor in events like 9/11 and the Iraq WMD assessment.

To read the full summary, click here.

Continuing Resolutions Without Regular Budgets Undermine U.S. Strategy

Continuing resolutions, used as stopgap measures, are hindering the Department of Defense's ability to effectively plan and implement strategies.

Why it matters: These resolutions prevent necessary modernization and strategic adjustments, leaving the U.S. vulnerable in rapidly advancing areas like hypersonic weapons and cyber capabilities.

Strategic vulnerability: The lack of a formal budget restricts the Pentagon's capacity to address threats, particularly in critical regions like the Middle East, where adversaries challenge U.S. interests.

Need for action: To ensure military readiness and technological superiority, a long-term budget is essential for supporting force readiness, modernization, and alliance building.

To read the full article, click here.

Students: Boycotting All Things Israeli? Abandon All Hope Ye Who Venture

College students advocating for a boycott of Israeli products and technologies may face unexpected challenges if they fully commit to their rhetoric.

Why it matters: Anti-Israel students will need to forgo essential technologies and innovations that are integral to modern life and career success.

Technological dependence: Israeli innovations like drip irrigation, cell phone technology, and medical advancements are deeply embedded in daily life and industry standards.

Career repercussions: Students in STEM fields will severely limit their future prospects by rejecting collaborations with Israeli institutions, which are pivotal in tech and research advancements globally. Of course, these students have no intentions of inconveniencing themselves by acting on their "principles."

To read the full article, click here.

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Further reading:

“How Marco Rubio Can Save the State Department”
by: Michael Rubin
As Trump’s secretary of state nominee, Rubio could disrupt a bureaucracy rooted in an irrelevant past.

“U.S. Action Against Turkish Businessman Is a Warning for Erdoğan About Sanctions-Busting Ties with Venezuela”
by: Abdullah Bozkurt
The case underscores the enforcement of U.S. sanctions against both Venezuela and Turkey, whose leaders seek to undermine sanction regimes.

“Trump Must Confront Canada’s Sympathetic Treatment of Terrorism”
By: Michael Rubin
Under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada has become a security liability and a hotbed for radicalism and terrorism.

“Baby Muhammad Takes Over Much of Europe”
By: Michael Rubin
“Muhammad” is now the most popular name for newborn baby boys in England and Wales, according to a report released on December 5 by the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics.

“Morocco’s Unexpected Solution to Spain’s Antisemitism”
By: Amine Ayoub
In early November, Spain refused to allow a U.S.-flagged ship to dock at its ports, alleging it was carrying military supplies to Israel.

From the undercover work of secret agents, the dysfunction of D.C., and the never-ending virtue signaling of anti-Israel students, developments beyond immediate headlines demand our attention if we’re to understand the Middle East and its effects on our lives. In future editions of the Dispatch, we’ll examine Turkey’s work with its Islamist Syrian proxies, Israel’s strategies for dealing with the dramatic changes to its neighbor, American foreign policy, and the latest podcasts. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis into our ever-changing world.

Sincerely,
Ahnaf Kalam
Digital Media Specialist
Middle East Forum

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