Push in Congress to ban biofuels in military has big long-term costs
Norman Seip / Christian Science Monitor
The US armed services is working hard to wean itself off of fossil fuels and foreign oil. Yet some in Congress, for short-term savings, want to ban them from purchasing biofuels.
How the Navy’s Incompetence Sank the ‘Green Fleet’
Noah Shachtman / Wired
In October of 2009, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus took the stage at a hotel ballroom in Virginia to announce the military’s most ambitious energy plan in decades: a break with the U.S. fleet’s strict dependence on oil.
Nuclear weapon safety hindered by cuts, says MoD report
Rob Edwards / The Guardian
The safety of Britain’s nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines is being increasingly jeopardized by spending cuts and staff shortages, according to a report from the Ministry of Defense.
The New Spice Route for Africa
Lieutenant Colonel David L. Corrick, USAFR / Army Sustainment
Commercial trucking has been used sporadically over the years by the Department of Defense (DOD) in East Africa without a comprehensive plan. However, because of short timelines and a lack of standardized processes for surface movement, airlift remains the predominant means of delivering supplies to units dispersed in the Horn of Africa.
Car bomb kills ex-minister in Somali capital
Al Jazeera
A car bomb exploded in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, killing a former trade and humanitarian affairs minister MP Mohamud Abdi Ibrahim. Al Shabab has since claimed responsibility for the attack.
Africa to Get Own Internet Domain
Capital FM (Nairobi) / All Africa
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has completed its evaluation of over 500 applications from African Registry Operators and will create a new top level domain for Africa: “dot Africa.”
On Our Flashpoint Blog
LOTS at Stake in Middle Eastern Waters
Prachi Naik
Exactly one week ago, in response to escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, the USS Ponce sailed into waters off the coast of Bahrain. Her arrival was a rebirth of sorts, marking the beginning of a new shift in US naval strategy.
Drought in America’s Corn Belt Worsens; Food Prices Likely to Rise
Catherine Foley
The US Corn Belt has been hit hard by drought over the past month, increasing corn prices and posing a major food security challenge.
Supply and Demand Behind the Burning of Flags
Matthew Wallin
Of the many ways in which foreign populations express their displeasure with America, few are as symbolically hurtful as burning the American flag.
The US Needs Domestic Access to Rare Earth Minerals
Lauren Haigler
The House recently passed legislation to streamline the federal mining permit process in hopes of opening up a domestic rare earth minerals market. It is seen as unlikely to be taken up by the Senate.
A Failure to Plan for Afghanistan’s Future
Joshua Foust
The story of Karz represents many of the lessons we need to learn about Afghanistan that the American Security Project is analyzing in a report to be released this week.
Shale Gas Regulation
Nicholas Cunningham
By now, it has become a widely accepted axiom that advances in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are “revolutionizing” the U.S. energy landscape. The critical question is how to do it in a responsible, safe, and environmentally benign manner.
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
