Money Isn’t Everything, but It’s Mighty Handy if You’ve Been Kidnapped in Iraq

My very last consultation last Friday was “Ahmed.” That’s what he calls himself, and since he invariably pays cash, I couldn’t care less what his real name is. Historically, he’s been a very, very good customer – no matter how much I charge, he always pays up. And every time he calls to book an… Continue reading Money Isn’t Everything, but It’s Mighty Handy if You’ve Been Kidnapped in Iraq

Al-Abadi Embarks on the Iraqi Road from Ramadi to Mosul – and Beyond

Monday morning, Dr. Telhas T’zee Yasharmouta al-Feekah, Chief Policy Attaché Without Portfolio at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, arrived at my office for a consultation. The discussion scheduled was supposed to be about restructuring Iraqi petroleum policy, but as he morosely settled into the tastefully upholstered chair in front of my desk, it… Continue reading Al-Abadi Embarks on the Iraqi Road from Ramadi to Mosul – and Beyond

Gulf States to Take Action on Refugee Crisis

As regular readers of this Web log know, Gretchen and I make special preparations for visits from my client “Ahmed.” These involve scheduling him as the last consultation on a Friday, preferably before a long weekend such as this one, which includes Labor Day on Monday, installing new filters in the office air purification system,… Continue reading Gulf States to Take Action on Refugee Crisis

What We All Know Now is a Lot of Republicans Want to be President

As I have mentioned before on this Web Log, my clients need not identify themselves if they do not wish to. The only exception is if they want to obtain an initial consultation without charge, and I hardly ever deviate from that rule. That issue proved moot this morning, when “Mr. Xavier,” as called himself,… Continue reading What We All Know Now is a Lot of Republicans Want to be President

A Serious Attack of Iraq Proves the Disease is Chronic

“Jesus Christ Almighty!” Gretchen wailed, “not that guy again!” “He called me at home and I quoted him five times my usual hourly rate,” I pointed out, “and he paid it, up front and in cash, via wire transfer directly to my business bank account. It’s a done deal – he’s coming here Saturday at… Continue reading A Serious Attack of Iraq Proves the Disease is Chronic