I am surprised that, a week after my last blog post, the situation with the nuclear reactors in Japan has not improved. Indeed, it seems to have gotten worse in many respects, despite every effort to solve the ongoing core-cooling problems in three of the reactors, and a dried-out fuel rod pool next to the fourth reactor. As I write this, workers have been evacuated from the area of the Fukushima Daiichi plant once again, and radiation levels in the vicinity continue to oscillate.
While it seems the Japanese government has not yet gained control of the situation, I am hopeful — as is William Bochardt, executive director of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Operations — that it is stabilizing. The Japanese authorities have brought new power lines to the facility, which is the first step in getting the cooling pumps working again.
I remain convinced that nuclear energy is one of our best alternative energy sources, and we should not allow the current disaster in Japan to steer us away from it. What we should first do is ensure that our current reactors are ready for disaster if it strikes — with effective redundant emergency cooling systems — and then make sure that any future reactors are designed from the start to be as safe as they can possibly be. Hundreds of nuclear reactors continue to function around the world today without incident, and I firmly believe that future reactors will be even safer and more efficient.
In other news, I have been watching our progress in Libya with much interest. I think our attack on Gaddafi’s military was warranted. I support the efforts of our own military and hope we achieve our goals in Libya quickly so we can keep our focus on other matters.
– Bob
Bob,
I just heard the news that the combined allied Western forces against Gaddafi will be managed by an international political committee, and apparently headed-up by France.
I am unaware of any committee anywhere, much less an international political committee, to successfully manage a war machine. I am uncertain if I have ever observed a committee in industry to work productively and efficiently. The Administration appears to have agreed to place U..S. assets and soldiers under the control of such a rubric.
It seems to me that this strategy is misguided to say the least, and being implemented, because a committee makes “political” sense to certain politicians.
Dan
Dan: While I don’t have a problem with NATO commanding the operation — they are an able organization and have done a good job elsewhere — I am concerned that we may find ourselves in Libya far longer than we think. Gaddafi is a survivor, and he will not go quietly. — Bob
Libya is a tribal society and Gadaffhi has insured his tribe owns and controls all the means of influence. His sons have all his historic competencies in that environment are probably smarter. None will willingly leave. This is’nt Tunesia and Egypt. Obama overextended himself and is now trying to get the issue on someone else’s plate. This is going to be a long drawn out affair and ultimately someone will have to root him out. You can do a great deal with airpower but as T.S. Fehrenbach said, If you want to hold the ground and control the ground, you have to be prepared to put your young men in the mud. Ultimately, some young people are going to die to accomplish his ouster. The White House failed one of academias most important adages-Study your professor and then the course.
Keith: Thank you for responding to my blog post and for clarifying the matter. Do you have any feeling whether or not Gaddafi is going to prevail? Or do you think he is on the way out? What do you think? I enjoyed your other posts as well. I’m hoping you are doing well, and I look forward to hearing from you again. — Bob
Bob;
Sorry for the delay. I just got back from Normandy and giving my terrain walks to the active duty Airborne and Rangers. My annual thrill ride………..I am collaborating with Gen Stan McChrystal end of June giving 25 top execs from GE a battlefield tour. I do the history and McChrystal does the business and management lessons learned. Could be a career!
Ref your Gadhaffi question-NATO will have to blow him out. I told a friend at the NSC that Obama made a big mistake jumping on the bandwagon at first blush-so much for my advice! Gadhaffi is a tribal guy and all his tribe hold all the key positions in the police and military. His sons make tons of money by “managing” the country and its oil-there is no incentive for them to depart. He will eventually be ground away but it wont be pretty. The French want to get back into Chad and recapture energy market and Italy wants a better deal on its oil pricing-virtually 100% of Italy’s oil comes from Libya.
Syria will be another tough nut to crack. The Saudi’s are petrified this will all spread to their turf. There is always a law of unintended consequences at this level and we (US) seem to do a poor job at reading it.
My bud-Dave Petraeus will be xlnt at CIA f given a chance. He was the best qualified guy to be Chair we have had in 50 years but the WH was scared to death to make him Chair as his credibility is so huge with Congress and the WH couldnt stand a NO from him on an issue. Real shame. He is 100% pure and good.
Keith
Keith: Thank you for your recent note on my blog. I am afraid you are correct in your assessment that Gaddafi will be particularly difficult to dislodge from power. He has shown that he will not go quietly nor easily. I wonder what Libya will look like six months from now. By the way, where are you working now? Are you still with SAIC or do you have your own business? — Bob
Bob;
I retired from SAIC in April last year. I wasnt prepared to move to DC and do what I was doing here. Suffice to say that I didn’t leave what I had joined. The experience with you and what you wrought was priceless. I am now teamed with Gen (Ret) Stan McChrystal doing historical terrain walks and Business Lessons Learned using Normandy as the teaching vehicle. I am also doing some writing as well as part time work for Trex in San Diego. It is a young SAIC and trying to find Commercial success from R&D products. Ken Tang, the CEO, is a great man and I enjoy the opportunity to still hold the torch.
Bill Garrison, whom you recall from the SPC, and I still do our bit to assist the National Security folks tho they certainly didnt pay much attention to our review of Ghadaffi and Libya-what will and will not work. They chose our “will not” approach so you see how much influence we have!!!!
Stay healthy and stay engaged. I am trying and I am sure it tries other people…
fondest personal regards to you and the family,
Keith
Keith: Your work sounds fascinating, and I believe you are still making a real difference on behalf of our nation. If your travels ever bring you to San Diego, please let Ralph know — I would like to see you. — Bob