What we are reading

Muslims get ready for Ramadan fast in summer heat

DIAA HADID / Associated Press

Muslims from Morocco to Afghanistan are steeling themselves for the toughest Ramadan in more than three decades. No food or drink, not even a sip of water, for 14 hours a day during the hottest time of the year

Other fuels called key to national security

Kevin Wang /  Medill News Service

Fearing that rising global oil demand and political turmoil in oil-rich regions could undermine U.S. national security, some retired military officers are urging America’s leaders to find alternative fuels to burn.

Rebels: $18.4 million paid for hostage release

AP

The Islamist rebel group that freed three European hostages in north Mali this week claimed Friday that they received a ransom of (EURO)15 million ($18.4 million) and the liberation of two imprisoned group members in exchange

Exclusive: Kim to reform North Korean economy after purge: source

Benjamin Kang Lim / Reuters

Impoverished North Korea is gearing up to experiment with agricultural and economic reforms after young leader Kim Jong-un and his powerful uncle purged the country’s top general for opposing change, a source with ties to both Pyongyang and Beijing said.

Kenya: Al Shabaab ‘Theaten to Hit During Ramadhan’

Bernard Momanyi of Capital FM (Nairobi)/All Africa

Following several recent attacks, police in Kenya are warning that Al Shabaab militants may be planning more strikes during the holy month of Ramadhan.

U.S. clinic: Egypt ex-spy chief died of rare disease

Reuters

Egypt’s former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman died from a rare disease affecting the heart and kidneys, according to the U.S. clinic where he was undergoing medical tests at the time.

Iran lawmaker: Support to close Strait of Hormuz

AP

A lawmaker says about half of the 290 members of Iran’s parliament are backing a bill favoring the closing of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, passageway for a fifth of the world’s oil.

Tunisia’s Ben Ali sentenced to life in jail

Al Jazeera

Former Tunisian President Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali has been sentenced in absentia to life in prison for “complicity in the murders of 43 protesters” during the uprising that toppled the Tunisian regime in 2011.

House votes to bar Pentagon deal with Russian firm

DONNA CASSATA / Associated Press

The House lashed out at Russia for its unwavering support for Syria, voting Thursday to stop the Pentagon from doing business with a Russian company that has armed Bashar Assad’s regime.

On Our Flashpoint Blog

Critical Seabed Minerals and the Law of the Sea Treaty: Implications for National Security and Economic Growth

Prachi Naik

By ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty there are significant and undeniable economic benefits to be had, not only in terms of job creation, but also in terms of enhancing American competitiveness and expanding U.S. commerce.

The China-Africa Nexus: Implications for U.S. Strategy

Ashley Boyle

It is easy to assert that China is attempting to use soft power in a regional power play to thwart US objectives in the continent. This interpretation does not take into account China’s strategic objectives in Africa, which are primarily energy-based and needs-driven rather than security- or rent-seeking in nature.

Laser Fusion Hits Milestone

Nicholas Cunningham

Two weeks ago, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a milestone on the journey to commercializing fusion energy. On July 5, NIF, which is housed within the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), used lasers to deliver a record amount of energy to its target.

Biofuels Power Carrier Strike Group during RIMPAC Exercises off Hawaii

Robert Gardner

Testing biofuels on the Nimitz’s carrier strike group is sure to be a milestone in Navy history. Running a carrier strike group on mostly alternative fuels is a powerful expression of the Navy’s alternative energy plans.

About the American Security Project: The American Security Project is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy and research organization dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of a range of national security issues, promoting debate about the appropriate use of American power, and cultivating strategic responses to 21st century challenges.

For more information, visit www.americansecurityproject.org. info@americansecurityproject.org

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