New Details on Disclosure Regarding North Korea
Eric Schmitt / the New York Times
The nation’s top intelligence official said Thursday that a one-paragraph assessment about North Korea’s ability to arm a nuclear missile was mistakenly declassified by the Pentagon’s intelligence agency, an inadvertent disclosure that revealed competing views on te country within the United States’ spy agencies.
Why I’m Done Talking About Energy Security
Andrew Holland / Energy Trend Insider
ASP’s Senior Fellow on Energy and Climate policy discusses the devolution of the term ‘energy security’ into an ambiguous buzzword and calls for pundits to be specific about the real energy issues they are concerned about.
Kerry warns Congress against Iran sanctions
Julian Pecquet / the Hill
Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday warned Congress against forcing the Obama administration’s hand in dealing with Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program.
Gorbachev sees global failure to address eco-risks
John Heilprin / Associated Press
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Thursday painted a dim picture of the world’s environmental progress, two decades after he founded the environmental group Green Cross International.
Hamid Karzai seeks to curb CIA operations in Afghanistan
Emma Graham-Harrison / the Guardian
President Hamid Karzai is determined to curb CIA operations in Afghanistan after the death of a US agent and 10 Afghan children in a battle he believes was fought by an illegal militia working for he US spy agency
Lifeline to “climate refugees”?
IRIN
The international community has steadfastly dodged the issue of recognition and protection for “climate refugees”- people forced to relocate to another country as a result of the risks and hazards of a changing climate. Now, the first global initiative to address humanitarian options is underway.
Pakistan’s Musharraf Lashes Out After Arrest
Associated Press / NPR
Former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf criticized allegations against him as “politically motivated” Friday, following his arrest in a case involving his decision to fire senior judges while in power.
President: Mali Will Be Ready for July Vote
Baba Ahmed / Associated Press
Mali’s interim president on Friday sought to reassure international partners that the country fighting a war with radical Islamic fighters will be ready to hold democratic elections by July as promised.
ASP Recently Published
Perspective – The Defense Industrial Base
August Cole
The Defense industrial base is tied to American competiveness in the 21st Century. For that reason, leaders in the private and public sector must take steps to thrive during a drawn out period of changing expectations while also remaining committed to keeping the country strong through innovation, long-term investment and disciplined management.
Read our latest collection of our writings in this edition of American Security Quarterly – with a special lead of American Competitiveness.
Flashpoint Blog
Wind Turbines Installed in Record Numbers During 2012
Theodore MacDonald
The most recent report published by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) shows that wind power grew 28% in the United Sates since 2011.
Lockheed Martin Announces Plans to Build Ocean Thermal Pilot Plant
Nicholas Cunningham
Lockheed Martin recently made headlines with its interest in ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), a little known energy technology that could provide clean base load power.
Read about #China, #VirtualDiplomacy, #Gastrdiplomacy, #AmericanCorners and more!
Kerry and Corker on North Korea
Magnus Newth
Sen. Corker recently published a critical op-ed on China’s lack of help on NK. Follows Sec. Kerry’s visit to the region and subsequent lull in rhetoric.
Michael Porter: American competitiveness is a foreign policy issue
August Cole
While American competitiveness is often framed in terms of productivity and the ability of business to succeed against increasingly capable global competitors, Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter says there are also big implications for diplomats and others setting the U.S. agenda abroad.
U.S. and China Release Joint Statement on Climate Change
Justin Yarros
On April 13th, the United States and China released a joint statement which highlighted the need for large-scale action on climate change. The joint statement is a call for the two countries to strengthen existing agreements and promote economic development powered by green technology.
