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

Donald Trump – A Riddle Inside a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma with Insanity Sauce

Friday was the regular Republican National Committee consultation appointment, and Dick Bilmoer, their premier political policy wonk extraordinaire, was in a state of high dungeon. “Damn it all, Collins!” he bellowed as he flung himself down on the couch in front of the picture window overlooking the White House, “there’s no underestimating the idiocy of… Continue reading Donald Trump – A Riddle Inside a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma with Insanity Sauce

Sugar Honey Graham Discovers 20th Century Technology

This morning, just as I concluded a consultation about Boko Haram’s latest overtures to ISIL with a distraught Nigerian diplomat, Gretchen buzzed me on the intercom. “Mr. Collins,” she told me, “there’s this old Southern lady on Line Two. She sounds exactly like Woody Allen imitating Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire.” “Did this… Continue reading Sugar Honey Graham Discovers 20th Century Technology

Bill O’Reilly Recommends the Universal Solvent – Money

Thursday, I finished late – the last consultation ended at a quarter of nine. My footsteps echoed in the quiet, deserted parking garage under the building. Approaching my imported sports car, just as I was about to take out the electronic key to open the door, I heard an anxious whisper from behind a nearby… Continue reading Bill O’Reilly Recommends the Universal Solvent – Money

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