Magical thinking in America’s Afghanistan

Joshua Foust/ The Hill

As the war in Afghanistan moves into its final stages, there are a growing number of news stories about the fraud and waste of the war in Afghanistan. Most of these focus on the wastefulness of aid spending, primarily through USAID. The focus on USAID is misleading, however.

Five lessons we should have learned in Afghanistan

Joshua Foust/ PBS

As the war in Afghanistan reaches its 2014 transition, when the major combat mission ends and U.S. troops take on a more sedate training role, we should take the chance to look back on what lessons we’ve learned there.

U.S. missing out on Arctic land grab

Steve Hargreaves/ CNNMoney

There’s an international race to divvy up the Arctic Ocean’s oil and mineral bounty, but the United States could lose out on a big chunk of it because it hasn’t signed a United Nations treaty governing the area.

Fusion lab makes record-shattering laser shot

MSNBC

The new record for the highest-power laser shot paves the way for the lab’s efforts to create sustainable fusion energy, similar to what takes place in the fiery heart of stars.

Afghanistan, Pakistan to resume talks on Afghan peace

Mirwais Harooni/ Reuters

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on Thursday to resume regular talks on Afghanistan’s peace process, with the new Pakistani prime minister promising to help arrange meetings between Afghan and Taliban representatives.

Syria conflict: West ‘appalled’ by Russia China UN veto

BBC

Russia and China have vetoed a UN Security Council resolution proposing further sanctions on Syria, prompting an angry Western response.

China pledges $20bn in credit for Africa at summit

BBC

China has pledged $20bn (£12.8bn) in credit for Africa over the next three years, in a push for closer ties and increased trade

Egypt’s daunting economy

Ty McCormick, Adeel Malik/ Foreign Policy

The ability of the Muslim Brotherhood to pry ultimate authority away from the

generals will depend less on the ins and outs of the front page political jousting than on how well they manage Egypt’s economic recovery.

On Our Flashpoint Blog

 

Critical Seabed Minerals and the Law of the Sea Treaty: Implications for National Security and Economic Growth

Prachi Naik

By ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty there are significant and undeniable economic benefits to be had, not only in terms of job creation, but also in terms of enhancing American competitiveness and expanding U.S. commerce.

The China-Africa Nexus: Implications for U.S. Strategy

Ashley Boyle

It is easy to assert that China is attempting to use soft power in a regional power play to thwart US objectives in the continent. This interpretation does not take into account China’s strategic objectives in Africa, which are primarily energy-based and needs-driven rather than security- or rent-seeking in nature.

Laser Fusion Hits Milestone

Nicholas Cunningham

Two weeks ago, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a milestone on the journey to commercializing fusion energy. On July 5, NIF, which is housed within the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), used lasers to deliver a record amount of energy to its target.

Biofuels Power Carrier Strike Group during RIMPAC Exercises off Hawaii

Robert Gardner

Testing biofuels on the Nimitz’s carrier strike group is sure to be a milestone in Navy history. Running a carrier strike group on mostly alternative fuels is a powerful expression of the Navy’s alternative energy plans.

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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