International News Coverage
ISIS, Terrorism, and Counterterrorism
West Widens Contacts with Syria’s Kurds but Suspicion Remains
Tom Perry / Reuters
The fight against Islamic State could at last win Syria’s Kurds the Western help they have sought, but they must first clarify their relationship to President Bashar al-Assad and reassure Turkey that they won’t cause trouble on its border.
Iraq ‘Clears’ IS from Key Dam Area after US Strikes
BBC
Iraqi government forces say they have cleared Islamic State (IS) militants from a wide area around the strategic Haditha dam, helped by US air strikes.
US to Intensify Bombing Campaign Against Isis in Iraq
Matthew Weaver / The Guardian
A month after Barack Obama launched aerial attacks against Islamic State militants in Iraq, the campaign has increased to more than 140 air strikes hitting an expanding range of locations.
Arab League Agrees to Combat Islamic State Group
Sinan Salaheddin and Sarah el Deeb
The Arab League agreed Monday to take urgent measures to combat extremists like the Islamic State group as one of its suicide bombers killed 16 people at a meeting of Sunni tribal fighters and security troops in Iraq.
Russia, Ukraine, and NATO
Ukrainian President Looks to Make Front-Line Visit as Fragile Cease-Fire Holds
Anthony Faiola and Michael Birnbaum / The Washington Post
Ukraine’s military said Monday that a fragile truce was holding in the east of the country as the country’s president planned a surprise visit to the front-line port city of Mariupol.
Climate Change
Cities Prepare for Climate Change without Saying So
John Flesher / Associated Press
With climate change still a political minefield across the nation despite the strong scientific consensus that it’s happening, some community leaders have hit upon a way of preparing for the potentially severe local consequences without triggering explosions of partisan warfare: Just change the subject.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
ASP’s Business Council for American Security member Dante Disparte Cited in africainvestor
Naman Jain
ASP’s Business Council for American Security (BCAS) member, Mr. Dante Disparte, was recently quoted in an article from the September – October 2014 edition of the africainvestor magazine. The article is written by Dr. Barbara Samuels and titled “Scoping out the Solutions.”
Confronting ISIL – What Next?
Fadi Elsalameen
During the NATO Summit in the United Kingdom last week, world leaders acknowledged the real and legitimate threat that ISIL (aka ISIS and IS) poses to the people of the Middle East and the whole world.
ASP’s Smith on CCTV America
Adin Dobkin
ASP’s Adjunct Senior Fellow, Douglas Smith, spoke regarding the Islamic State and it’s recent actions on CCTV America.
Project LIBERTY – Advanced Biofuels for National Security
Andrew Holland
Perhaps the most important part to note about Project LIBERTY is its transatlantic nature. As some have bemoaned the lack of strategic engagement between the United States and Europe over the last decade, businesses have bucked this trend through their continued to increase the direct investment across the Atlantic. This project is a partnership between the American firm POET, one of the world’s largest ethanol producers, and the Dutch firm Royal DSM, a biochemical and pharmaceutical company.
How the Export-Import Bank Can Advance the U.S. National Interest in Ukraine
Andrew Holland
This is a cross-post of an article originally published on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Blog. Written by the CEO of Holtec International, an American company trying to do business in Ukraine, this article shows how the Export-Import Bank can help American business and America’s national interest. This story touches on so many key goals of American policy: stopping nuclear proliferation, ensuring energy security, and building American competitiveness.
Upcoming Events
INVITE – Under Secretary Richard Stengel: American Public Diplomacy in 2014 and Beyond
September 16 @ 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
The United States faces many challenges abroad. In a time when the actions of foreign publics are changing political and security landscapes, the need for effective public diplomacy is becoming more urgent. Understanding this need, how should the U.S. best build relationships and influence with target audiences overseas? Join us to hear from Richard Stengel, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, as he discusses his plans for America’s public diplomacy.
INVITE – Industrial Competitiveness & Worker Leadership
September 17 @ 06:00 PM – 09:30 PM
In cooperation with the Harvard Business Club of Washington, DC, we are pleased to present a conversation with Fred Stahl on Worker Leadership. Worker Leadership is a new and innovative production system that creates jobs loaded with responsibility and authority—which workers love because they can be more productive. Managers are thrilled with the dramatic improvements in enterprise productivity, while shareholders love the higher profits. and unions are attracted to a new and vital role.
INVITE –Future of the Middle East and America’s Role
September 18 @ 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
The Middle East is currently brimming with violence – bringing into question the future of the region and the role of the United States. The panel of experts will discuss the possible outcomes of the present turbulence in the Middle East. They will also discuss what options the United States has, and if it should be engaged in the region in the first place.
What’s Next? Fostering the Next Generation of Energy Security Conference
September 30 @ 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The next steps in building a cleaner, more resilient energy system and economy will not be easy. The American Security Project intends to build on its years of research into energy security and climate policy by initiating a study into the next generation of energy policy. Join ASP and our panelists as we discuss the next generation of energy technology and climate policy.
ASP Conference: Africa – Promoting Investment and Extending America’s Security
October 2 @ 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
The half-day event will bring together expects from the public and private sector, as well as policy makers and members of the media to discuss the mutually beneficial impacts of US private investment on the African continent, opportunities for practical investment, and how to effectively manage the accompanying risk.
The post What We Are Reading … September 8, 2014 appeared first on American Security Project.
