It’s time to look back at ’23, which isn’t the best chore. My ideas were either ignored or only partially attempted. Russia’s Ukraine ’22 invasion not only fizzled but forced them to relinquish territory. Everyone was looking forward to the Ukrainian Summer Offensive to yield solid results, forcing the Russians to retreat. Meanwhile, pragmatists such as myself recommended right from the start training for and transferring aircraft to deny Russia any control of the air. Long-range weapons to strike bases and staging areas the Russians used to batter Ukrainian troops, civilians, and infrastructure are essential for success.

The summer offensive started without these necessities—no F16s or our old Warthogs, which might’ve given close air support. The Brits finally gave some long-range missiles, but only when the offense failed to make an early breakthrough. Imagine a U.S. attack on a well-dug-in enemy without air superiority and close support. In our Iraq wars, long-range missiles reached far beyond the battlefield to isolate. 

Yet, our military leaders expected breakthroughs and told everyone that the Ukrainians’ lack of significant success was a failure to follow their advice. Why would anyone follow Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and their minions? Their only military action of note is the disastrous Afgan withdrawal. Sacking the whole bunch in any other military is expected for less. Instead of making sure to the best of their ability, the brave Ukrainians had what they needed to succeed; they urged them forward when they had little chance of a breakthrough. 

We approached the Ukraine war by forcing everyone to listen to known failures. No wonder our worldwide military position continues to deteriorate. Some say the President is the commander in chief, and he over-ruled them, but others resigned to highlight differences with the boss and put the blame for failures in the proper place. The lack of character at the top has never been so apparent.

We forfeited momentum, energy, and savvy the fewer Ukrainian forces displayed and now face Russia’s more significant resources while possibly losing allied support. Was what it would take to achieve a Ukrainian victory realistically discussed? Now, the outlook is dimmer.

After hitting Trump with several weak legal cases in New York and at the national level, Democrats are making him sympathetic rather than righting actual legal transgressions. Republicans have rallied against this blatant attempt to remove an opposing presidential contender. Taking these actions ensures the Democratic candidate would run against Trump rather than an opponent with a higher ceiling. 

Once Trump has secured the nomination, dumping the hapless, unpopular Biden at the convention is in the cards. Colorado Supreme Court’s recent decision to remove Trump from the ballot as an insurrectionist under the 14th Amendment is similar. Another silly case is making Trump more sympathetic. The plan is to put a fresh face against someone who has never exceeded 47% in popularity.

Israel adopted none of my suggestions and is locked in a long war, losing World support by the minute. This reaction is unfair but expected. That’s why destroying buildings while providing aid and safe passage for civilians, especially women and children, is a better choice. 

The strange part of this conflict is it is all orchestrated by Iran, and we are all dancing to its tune. Instead of acting against the puppet master, we refrain, fearing escalation. The war is spreading to essential shipping lanes, paralyzing us. The same people behind the Afgan fiasco and the spotty Ukrainian support are faithful to form. So long as this team remains in charge, we can expect more losses globally. 

With COVID restrictions in the rearview mirror, Ukraine is seen taking the measure of the Russians and the expansion of the Abraham Accords in sight; ’23 looked bright and shiny at the beginning, only to result in gloom due to poor leadership and the lingering still to too high inflation. Add the fiasco at the border, and we have a bleak picture. Next, a look ahead to ’24.