The call for a revised nuclear strategy
Mary Kaszynski / The Hill
There may not be agreement on the size and shape of the future force, but there is growing consensus among the nation’s leaders that it’s time to bring U.S. nuclear strategy into the 21st century. This consensus includes two former commanders of U.S. Strategic Command.
Africa: Continent Losing Billions Through Multinationals
James Tasamba/The New Times in All Africa
A new report blames multinational corporations operating in Africa for the illicit transfer of approximately $1.5 trillion in revenues back to developed countries where such organizations are based.
US man admits to plot to support al-Shabab in Somalia
BBC News
Shaker Masri, a US citizen, has plead guilty to charges of providing material support to the Somali terrorist organization, al-Shabab. Masri was arrested in August 2010 while preparing to travel to Somalia.
Second India blackout in two days cuts power to 670 million
Frank Jack Daniel/Reuters
Grids supplying electricity to half of India’s 1.2 billion people collapsed on Tuesday, trapping coal miners, stranding train travellers and plunging hospitals into darkness in the second major blackout in as many days.
Drought strains U.S. oil production
CNN, Steve Hargreaves
With more than half of the nation enduring drought conditions, water has become increasingly precious for farmers and oilmen alike demonstrating the vulnerability of shale plays, a major component of the recent spike in U.S. oil and gas production, to water supply disruptions.
N. Korea says will build up nuclear arsenal against U.S.
Yonhap News Agency
North Korea vowed on Tuesday to further build up its nuclear capabilities, accusing the United States of attempting to topple its communist regime.
Pakistan, U.S. Sign NATO Convoy Deal
Agence France-Presse/Defense News
Pakistan on July 31 signed a deal with the United States governing arrangements for NATO convoys traveling to Afghanistan, seeking to draw a line under a seven-month border blockade.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
LOTS of tension brewing in the South China Sea
Prachi Naik
A small two-square-mile island in the South China Sea is finding itself at the center of an alarming multistate power struggle with tangible implications for American national security concerns.
Managing Expectations with Iran
Mary Kaszynski
Both the U.S. and Iran have successfully walked the line in the Gulf. That’s a good sign; it shows that both sides are making calculated signals of their intentions but carefully avoiding a conflict that neither side wants. But this is no time for complacency.
The End of the TFG: An Opportunity for Somalia and the U.S.
Ashley Boyle
As with any shift in political frameworks, the developing transition in Somalia presents challenges and opportunities for the US in its engagement with and operations in the nation. After more than two decades, Somalia may construct a central government capable of securing its territory and building the capacity to provide for and protect its citizens.
Big Oil Goes Big in Advanced Biofuels
Robert Gardner
“Recently, BP and Exxon Mobil have announced huge investments in developing advanced biofuels at the commercial level.”
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.
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