Why Mutual Infrastructure Destruction Won’t Break the Ukraine Stalemate

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ting tactical bombardment. Key operational risks include: Siloing Defensive Assets: Spreading air defense units across urban and industrial centers degrades concentrated defense along active combat sectors. Asymmetric Cost Ratios: Expending million-dollar interceptors to destroy low-cost loitering munitions rapidly depletes finite missile stockpiles. Escalation Along Trade Routes: Strikes on maritime transport corridors threaten broader international shipping stability in the Black Sea. How Does an Air Defense Deficit Shift the Front Lines? Air defense is not merely a shield for city skyline safety; it is an essential prerequisite for infantry and armor survival. When interceptor stockpiles run dry, hostile air power operates with far greater freedom. Deprived of a dense air defense umbrella, defensive positions become exceptionally vulnerable to heavy glide-bomb strikes, making tactical holds near impossible regardless of damage inflicted on distant enemy infrastructure. This stark...
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Uncovered Secrets of the Marcos Dictatorship in a Broadway Play

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In an astonishing turn of events, the controversial figures of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos have found an unexpected spotlight on Broadway's grand stage in the tragicomic rock musical "Here Lies Love." For investigative journalist Lewis M. Simons, whose career delved into exposing the dark realities of the Marcos regime, this unforeseen chapter unfolded into a complex tapestry of emotions.

Simons, openly critical of the Marcos duo for their oppressive rule, discovered himself amidst a captivated audience during a sold-out matinee, ranging from Filipinos intimately familiar with the Marcos era to younger individuals unaware of the nation's tumultuous history. "Here Lies Love," a creation by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, unfolds the gripping tale of Imelda's rise to power and the eventual downfall of the Marcos regime. For Simons, who extensively chronicled the Marcoses during their rule, witnessing their story unfold on Broadway was beyond imagination.

Despite initial reservations, Simons acknowledges being unexpectedly moved by the production. He shares insights from conversations with Filipinos in the lobby, some of whom actively participated in the People Power Revolution of 1986 that led to the ousting of the Marcos dictatorship. Tears flowed, laughter echoed, and a myriad of emotions played out in the audience. The musical, featuring actors embodying Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos, revisits pivotal moments from their political reign and personal lives. Arielle Jacobs, portraying Imelda, delivers a poignant performance questioning love, while Jose Llana, as Ferdinand, engages the audience with charismatic campaign antics.

Simons, a seasoned journalist instrumental in exposing the Marcoses' crimes, reminisces about his role in uncovering their hidden wealth and contributing to the public outcry that led to their removal in 1986. The musical, he observes, mirrors the flamboyance of Imelda and the political maneuvering of Ferdinand.

Drawing parallels between the entertainment tactics of the Marcos era and the Broadway spectacle, Simons contemplates broader implications. Today, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator, holds the presidency, a surprising encore in the Marcos saga. In a poignant reflection, Simons recognizes the enduring legacy of the Marcos regime, not only in political corridors but also on Broadway. The once unthinkable concept of a musical portraying their story now serves as a platform for revisiting a painful past and understanding its lasting impact.

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