What we are readnig
U.S. Security Expands Presence at Foreign Airports
Michael S. Schmidt/New York Times
In an effort to further tighten security on inbound flights to the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security is expanding its presence in international airports, effectively expanding US borders far beyond the country’s shores.
EU agrees energy savings text, still needs to sign it
Barbara Lewis/Reuters
European Union negotiators agreed early on Thursday the text of a law designed to make governments and utilities improve energy efficiency and lower the bloc’s fuel bills.
Germany, Italy urge funding for missile program
Andrea Shalal-Esa/Reuters
German and Italian officials warned U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday that their plans to cut off funding for a ground-based NATO missile defense program built by Lockheed Martin Corp would endanger U.S. ties with their countries.
India and Pakistan up the nuclear ante
ARY News
India and Pakistan may be plagued by extreme poverty and lack of education but that does not stop the two nuclear-armed rivals from consciously splurging on nuclear weapons
Nuclear and Missile Threat from China
Maj Gen Sheru Thapliyal/Indian Defence Review
The PRC’s ongoing modernisation of its ballistic missiles and cruise missiles is made possible by technical advances in areas of engines, guidance and warheads. In many cases the PRC is also able to incorporate foreign technology, that it has either purchased, stolen, or obtained clandestinely.
Syrian town deserted, burnt after clashes
Khaled al-Hariri/Reuters
The Syrian town of Haffeh was smoldering and nearly deserted on Thursday after days of clashes between government forces and rebels, while activists reported more army assaults on pro-opposition areas across the country.
Egypt court dissolves Islamist-led parliament, escalating crisis between Brotherhood, army
Associated Press
Judges appointed by Hosni Mubarak dissolved the Islamist-dominated parliament Thursday and ruled that Mubarak’s former prime minister can stand in the presidential runoff this weekend — setting the stage for the military and remnants of the old regime to stay in power.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Panel Discussion: Need for a U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan
Zachary Miller
Yesterday, the American Security Project hosted a discussion on the legacies of U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Iraq. The discussion resulted in a productive dialogue on U.S. strategy, and how to shape foreign policy and national security in the future.
Mali and the burgeoning terror threat in North Africa
Ashley Boyle
The March 21st coup d’etat in Mali, a symbol of democracy in West Africa for twenty years, prompted a swift response from the international community. This response has been driven predominantly by concerns that the nation could become the newest hub of Islamist terrorism in northern Africa, where extremism is already rapidly proliferating.
Fueling the Future? Military’s Biofuels Program at Risk
Andrew Holland
Oil dependence presents significant strategic risks to the U.S. military. To mitigate those risks, some branches have begun ambitious programs to help develop and deploy alternative fuels. However, Congress has put these programs at risk in as they consider their FY13 budget authorization.
A Page out of the Insurgent Handbook
Matthew Wallin
This week, Jay Newton-Small authored a piece for Time on the communications tools and training that opposition forces in Syria are currently receiving from the United States. But in the end which is the more powerful tool—the rifle or the camera?
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
