Cyber-War Telegraph

By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

When I was a young man I played a lot of pick-up basketball.  I was an okay shooter, and a less than satisfactory ball handler.  I was pretty good with the assists, though, because I had a knack of passing the ball inside to my teammates without "telegraphing" what I was getting ready to do.

In sports in order to be successful it is important not to let the opposition know what you are doing next, or to use misdirection to get them to head one way as you change direction and take off in the other direction.  It is common sense that you don't telegraph your next move, and you don't share your playbook with the opposition.

The same goes for national security.  That's why you don't tell the enemy when you plan to withdraw troops, and you definitely don't warn them as you prepare to attack.

The Obama administration, blaming Russia as being behind the hacking of Clinton's emails, has warned Russia that the U.S. is planning to begin a cyber war with Russia. While the Obama administration uses the word "covert" (how covert can it be when you telegraph your shot?), Vice President Joe Biden in an interview with NBC's Chuck Todd explained the administration has asked the CIA to draft plans for a "wide-ranging "clandestine" cyber operation designed to harass and "embarrass" the Kremlin leadership."

Do they have evidence that Russia is behind Assange's Wikileaks releases that we don't know about?  And if they do, why would they telegraph their offensive intentions against Russia on national television?

"Okay, guys, just to let you know, before I head fake to the left and then go right, I am going to pass the ball inside the key to my buddy in the red shirt.  Act surprised when we fake you out."

The media says the Obama administration is trying to intimidate foreign governments.  Intimidation is not accomplished by warning the other side of your intentions.  Intimidation occurs as a result of actions.

While we (and the Russians) have not been told the exact measures the CIA is considering, we are being told that the CIA has already begun opening cyber doors.

Vice President Joe Biden told "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd on Friday that "we're sending a message" to Putin and that "it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact."

There's no impact when the enemy knows you are coming, and buttons down everything in anticipation.

Either the Obama administration is full of idiots. . . or this is just another example of the Democrats being in collusion with the enemy.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary