Christian Baghai

Main battle tanks (MBTs) have long been integral to military strategy, epitomizing a nation’s strength in firepower, durability, and technological prowess. In Europe, several notable MBTs include Germany’s Leopard 2, France’s Leclerc, Italy’s C1 Ariete, and the UK’s Challenger 2. While many of these tanks were initially designed in the 1970s, ongoing upgrades are essential to ensure their effectiveness and competitiveness until at least 2040. Transition Tanks and the Enhanced Main Battle Tank (EMBT) (2018–2024) To bridge the technological gap until new tank models are ready, European armies are investing in transition or modernized tanks. France and Germany are at the forefront with several collaborative projects. The Enhanced Main Battle Tank (EMBT), introduced at Eurosatory in 2018, exemplifies Franco-German cooperation. This tank initially combined the Leopard 2 chassis with the Leclerc turret, but has since undergone significant advancements. By 2022, the EMBT featured a modified L...

  In 1997, Dick Cheney, then CEO of Halliburton and future Vice President of the United States, voiced vehement opposition to the ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), an international treaty aimed at banning the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. Cheney’s opposition was outlined in a letter to Senator Jesse Helms, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wherein he argued that the CWC would be ineffective and potentially harmful to U.S. national security. Cheney’s opposition was driven by a belief that the treaty would primarily bind nations that were not threats to the U.S., while rogue states like Iran, North Korea, and Libya would either not join or would violate its terms. He feared that the CWC would inadvertently aid these nations by granting them access to chemical technologies under the guise of compliance. This stance was part of a broader narrative pushed by Cheney and other conservative figures, emphasizing the treaty’s all...

  The opioid crisis ravaging the United States today is not a sudden phenomenon but the culmination of a century-long journey through pain, addiction, and corporate greed. This deep dive into the history of opiate use in America reveals a complex and often heartbreaking narrative, one that intertwines with the nation's wars, cultural shifts, and the relentless pursuit of profit. 19th Century: Opiates as a Panacea In the 1800s, opiates like morphine emerged as a medical marvel, touted as a cure-all for various ailments. Their use became widespread during the American Civil War, providing much-needed relief to wounded soldiers. This widespread acceptance continued into the early 20th century, with opiates being prescribed for everything from coughs to menstrual cramps. However, the dark side of these wonder drugs soon became apparent, as their addictive nature led to widespread dependence. Early 20th Century: The Rise and Fall of Heroin In an attempt to create a less a...