Iran boosts imports with cheaper dollars
Reuters/Financial Times
To combat the effects of sanctions enacted against it, Iran will introduce a three-tiered exchange rate for the importing of different types of goods.
Rwanda: International Community Messed Up Congo, Says Kagame
Edwin Musoni and Sam Nkurunziza/The New Times in All Africa
Rwandan President Paul Kagame accuses Western countries and international organizations of causing the armed struggle in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame’s remarks com amidst allegations that Rwanda has been aiding militias operating in the trouble region.
Egypt’s Mursi names little-known water minister as PM
Reuters
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi has appointed water minister Hisham Kandil to the position of Prime Minister and charged him with forming a new government. The appointment is disappointing to investors who were hoping for the appointment of an economist.
Climate change’s costs hit the plate
Thomas Homer-Dixon/ The Globe and Mail
The summer’s drought has resulted in record corn prices. As such droughts become more and more common place, climate change could pose serious threats to global and national food security.
P5+1, Iran resume talks 2 weeks after last round
Herb Keinon / Jerusalem Post
Negotiations over Iranian nuclear program to be low level; Ashton to meet Jalili on “prospects for future political meeting.”
Top US Security Envoy Holds Talks in Beijing
Voice of America
The U.S. National Security Advisor is in Beijing to meet with China’s top leaders and to discuss military and security issues as well as the China’s position on the Syrian conflict and Iran.
NNSA in Russian nuclear accident response drill
Mark Rockwell / Government Security News
Representatives from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Emergency Operations participated in an emergency response exercise in Russia that involved the theoretical destruction of a nuclear reactor by an aircraft.
Turkey begins work on ICBM
Hurriyet Daily
The Turkish Armed Forces have begun working on a project to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), broadcaster NTV reported on its website today.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Military Leaders Call for Support of DoD’s Alternative Fuels Program
Nick Cunningham
A coalition of retired military personnel signed a public letter calling for support of efforts by the U.S. military to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The letter is running in today’s Wall Street Journal and it is addressed to the President, members of Congress, and the American public.
The Nuke Review: July 16 – July 22
Daniel Painter
U.K. Ministry of Defense warns about nuke safety. A Ministry of Defense report states that spending cuts and staff shortages are putting the safety of Britain’s nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines increasingly at risk.
Why the U.S. can’t walk away from Pakistan
Daniel Painter
Given the complicated and frustrating relationship the U.S. has with Pakistan, especially since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, there will likely be a strong impulse to move away from Pakistan as that war draws to conclusion. This reaction, however, would be wrong, as Pakistan remains extremely relevant in the U.S. strategic calculus.
Solar Industry’s Future Looks Bright
Nicholas Cunningham
While the shale gas revolution and the resurgence in U.S. oil production have garnered a lot of attention in the energy world in recent months, the solar industry has quietly made significant gains in bringing down costs.
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
