My new book on leadership
8 April 2021 Excited to share this book, that took 3 decades to write. Find it here.
New Dam in Afghanistan Brings Hope
A quick update on the opening of the Dam in Nimroz. Read the story here
Working with the Brits
Jason Criss Howk #TedLasso made me think about what advice I would give anyone that was getting assigned to work in the UK or work on a majority-British team anywhere in the world. I was assigned as an advisor-assistant to a senior British leader and spent a busy year surrounded by other UK defense, diplomacy,… Read More Working with the Brits
Identifying & Countering Afghan Peace Spoilers
5 March 2021 Our writing team covers a critical topic today. “Women judges and media workers have been killed by gunmen in Afghanistan in alarming attacks over the past two months. Civil society leaders are also being targeted, and some are leaving their jobs or fleeing the country. These devastating attacks send a chilling message… Read More Identifying & Countering Afghan Peace Spoilers
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Should Talk AND Fight
4 March 2021 Jason Criss Howk “I think it’s crucial to discard these simple theories/labels and study the more nuanced approaches to achieving peace. If I had to be categorized, I would fall mostly into the talk AND fight approach to bring about Afghanistan security building. Let’s unpack that view…” To read more go to… Read More The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Should Talk AND Fight
What Taliban Stubbornness has Brought
Jason Criss Howk, 22 Feb 2021 The Taliban and Pakistan have shown extreme stubbornness over the years and it has cost the lives of Afghan civilians everyday. The Taliban have missed every chance to miss the chance to find peace. “On November 28, the Taliban reached out to Karzai via Mullah Zaeef the so-called Taliban… Read More What Taliban Stubbornness has Brought
Planning tips from Muscle Shoals
I enjoy starting up new organizations and launching new ideas and policies. I also enjoy music created in the American Deep South. This article looks at how leaders and organizations can improve their creativity by employing the Muscle Shoals method of music making. Unleashing Creativity: The Muscle Shoals Method Versus the Military Decision Making Process… Read More Planning tips from Muscle Shoals
US moves from Counterterrorism to Irregular Warfare
A quick explanation of what this recent department of defense change means and what it doesn’t mean. Read about it here From Counterterrorism to Irregular Warfare: What Does That Mean? #counterterrorism #sof #irregularWarfare #IO #COIN #IW #CT #terrorism #china #iran #russia
ANDSF Versus the Taliban Militia: If Peace Talks Fail
Jason Criss Howk 29 January 2021 Most peace talks struggle to find peace on the first attempt. This piece looks at the factor of experience while trying to determine who will have the military edge in the future if talks stall and or stop.
Biden Options for Afghanistan
Jason Criss Howk The options are much more narrow than they were in the past but the Biden Administration still has some choices to make about Afghanistan. #clearancejobs Read my latest column about what they can do here
Off-Broadway to On-Line
By Jason Criss Howk 13 December 2020 I have been watching my friends in the acting, singing, musician, dancing, and movie theater business struggle this year. It has made me think a lot about where their industry is going. I am a big fan of the arts and humanities, they make our nation wiser and… Read More Off-Broadway to On-Line
Flashback: Into the Afghan Minefields with The HALO Trust
Flashback: Into the Afghan Minefields with The HALO Trust By Jason Criss Howk Thanksgiving Day 2020 Like many of you watching this season of The Crown, I am getting angry with Prince Charles, but also getting more curious about the world’s Princess. One of the things I remember vividly about Princess Diana is her work… Read More Flashback: Into the Afghan Minefields with The HALO Trust
The Electoral College is one of America’s Most Democratic Institutions
The Electoral College is one of America’s Most Democratic Institutions Jason Criss Howk 8 November 2020 When I was teaching American Government at college and also leading a presidential election seminar series for our college’s older adult learners over the last two years, our discussions often touched on the electoral college system. Many people had… Read More The Electoral College is one of America’s Most Democratic Institutions
COVID19 Interview with Pandemics and Emerging Infectious Diseases Specialist Edward Balkovic, Ph.D. (AKA Dr. Microbe)
COVID19 Interview with Pandemics and Emerging Infectious Diseases Specialist Edward Balkovic, Ph.D. (AKA Dr. Microbe) Jason Criss Howk, 4 September 2020 As a college adjunct professor of Middle East studies, I get to teach some other professors, and often they have a lot to teach me. I sat down recently with Dr. Ed Balkovic to… Read More COVID19 Interview with Pandemics and Emerging Infectious Diseases Specialist Edward Balkovic, Ph.D. (AKA Dr. Microbe)
A Guide to the Afghan Peace Talks
Jason Criss Howk 8 August 2020 As the Afghan war peace talks begin in the next week here is a guide to help you understand what might happen. After 11 years of effort from various angles to get the taliban movement to sit in a room with the Afghan government and discuss peace, I am… Read More A Guide to the Afghan Peace Talks
#ShortBookReviews Brother Robert by A.C. Anderson
Jason Criss Howk 25 July 2020 Reviewing Brother Robert: Growing up with Robert Johnson by Annye C. Anderson with Preston Lauterbach, 2020, hachette Books Brother Robert: Growing up with Robert Johnson “We weren’t blood. We were family.” The continuing circle of musical skills and the stories of extended families coming together to face adversity provides… Read More #ShortBookReviews Brother Robert by A.C. Anderson
Field Marshal Slim and the Taliban
17 July 2020 Jason Criss Howk Here are my two most recent columns at Clearance Jobs News. You can see my commentary, news, and career advice as it comes out on my author page. My first piece is a part of a larger series on talented leaders. William Slim is an amazing field commander and… Read More Field Marshal Slim and the Taliban
Who our military is and what it does
Jason Criss Howk 4 June 2020 Had to pen to paper today to remind our nation who our military are Many have been speaking about them as if they are a foreign army…I call BS on that group Read more here https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/2020/06/04/ive-seen-the-military-and-it-is-us/
Afghan Peace Process Score-Card
Jason Criss Howk 15 May A typical peace process takes many years, even decades, to reach an acceptable level of stability and security. I have been reiterating that Afghanistan will be no different, there will be fits and starts, stoppages, reverses, and re-starts. That is NORMAL Don’t lose sight of the long term goals. The… Read More Afghan Peace Process Score-Card
Education Opportunities for NatSec Specialists
My latest article on many of the unique education opportunities out there for folks in the National Security, Foreign Affairs and development world. You need to take advantage of all these great educators and mentors I will always remember my CFR experience. Their fellowship is top shelf. Read more here https://news.clearancejobs.com/2020/04/27/expand-your-national-security-education-prepare-to-operate-in-the-jiim-plus-world/ Cheers Jason
