U.S., Germany and Russia Play Spy vs Spy vs Spy

Friday night around eight o’clock, the Round Robin Bar was packed with revelers fortifying themselves for the Fourth of July fireworks display, which we here in Washington were lucky enough to have escaped the wrath of Hurricane Arthur to witness. The Round Robin is located in the Willard Hotel, right across the street from the… Continue reading U.S., Germany and Russia Play Spy vs Spy vs Spy

Welcome to Zunzuneo, Brought to You by USAID

Last night I stopped by the Round Robin Bar before meeting Cerise to take in a performance at the Woolly Mammoth Theater.  There I saw Cabot, who is with the United States Agency for International Development Office of Transition Initiatives.  Now, USAID is associated with the State Department, and everybody knows how those folks can… Continue reading Welcome to Zunzuneo, Brought to You by USAID

Ach du Liebe Zeit! NSA Private Cell Phone Tap Penetrates Angela Merkel

Fortunately, despite the desperate state of the world, it did not prove necessary for Gretchen to book any consultations on this particular weekend.  So she had both days off – although I am, technically speaking, on call year-round, 24/7.  And so it was that shortly after breakfast in bed, while Cerise and I relaxed with… Continue reading Ach du Liebe Zeit! NSA Private Cell Phone Tap Penetrates Angela Merkel

Edward Snowden – Raskolnikov, Robin Hood or Rat?

Yesterday afternoon, Dr. Margaret Scheisshower, Senior Deputy Assistant for Policy to President Barack Obama, paid me a visit.  She demonstrated her forthright nature by striding into my office and selecting the chair positioned directly in front of my desk. “Mr. Collins,” she opened in a well modulated contralto with a slight Chicago accent, “the Administration… Continue reading Edward Snowden – Raskolnikov, Robin Hood or Rat?

Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

He began calling early Thursday, trying to get a telephone consultation appointment, but I was booked solid.  Since we were working this weekend, Gretchen finally managed to fit him in on Saturday afternoon. Bo: Hello?  Tom Collins? Tom: Yes. Bo: This is Bo Guagua.  How are you? Tom: Fine, thanks.  And you? Bo: I’ve been… Continue reading Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?