Hidden History: America’s Secret Drone War in Africa
David Axe/Danger Room for Wired
Based on various media reports, semi-official statements, and UN commentary, the American public can begin to “vaguely” understand the US’ use of drones in Africa.
Mali’s Traore ‘re-appoints’ prime minister
Al Jazeera
Mali’s interim president, Dioncounda Traore, has again named Cheick Modibo Diarra the prime minister and given him three days to form a unity government.
Africa’s pirates have demands – and letterhead, too
Ben Berkowitz/Reuters
Piracy cost the global economy $7 billion in 2011 alone and produced $160 million in ransoms paid to pirates. It turns out that Somali pirates are increasingly organized in their operations, even producing their own letterhead for ransom letters.
Green on blue’ killings sapping morale in Afghanistan
Massoud Hossaini/Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The International Security Assistance Force says personal disputes may be a reason for the increase in attacks.
What Are The Most Important Things To Know/Understand About Nuclear Energy?
Andy Lemke/Forbes
Well, nuclear energy is complex compared to other types of energy. With coal for instance, you simply truck it to a facility, burn it, and use the steam to drive turbines and generate electricity. Not so with nuclear energy – it is far more multifaceted and not quite as accessible.
Taiwan Seeking Fewer F-16s From U.S.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/Defense News
Taiwan plans to slash the number of advanced fighter jets it has been seeking from the U.S. from 66 to 24, apparently due to budget constraints, reports said Aug. 13.
Egypt president sweeps out army rulers
Edmund Blair/Reuters
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi has driven back the biggest challenge to civilian rule by dismissing top generals and tearing up their legal attempt to curb his power in a bold bid to end 60 years of military leadership.
ASP Report Published This Week:
Counteracting Chinese Hegemony in the South China Sea
Matthew Baker
The piece looks at China’s increased demands for energy and the impact it is have on geopolitics in the South China Sea.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Still a Need for Hard Power
Matthew Wallin
This past week, Bruce Stokes and Richard Wike wrote an op-ed discussing the results of Pew’s recent polling of America’s stature in certain parts of the world. Their title, “World to America: We want soft, not hard power” draws immediate questions.
Competition Between Gas and Coal Changing Energy Landscape
Nicholas Cunningham
For decades, coal has been king: a low-cost approach of generating baseload electricity using a fuel source that is abundant across the United States. However, times are changing…and quickly.
U.S.C. Title 10, Chapter 20, and the Militarization of Humanitarian Aid
Ashley Boyle
Understanding Title 10 and the debate on the militarization of aid is fundamental to the US’ ability to develop an approach that blends the planning and logistics abilities of its Armed Forces with the skills and knowledge of aid workers.
Is Space-Based Solar Power realistic?
Nicholas Cunningham
A new article in Strategic Studies Quarterly makes the case for space-based solar power – energy that could be beamed to anywhere on Earth. But is it realistic?
Senator Lugar on Securing Syria’s Chemical Weapons
Mary Kaszynski
As events unfold, the U.S. and allies are eying Syria’s chemical and biological weapons stockpile with concern. Syria insists that the weapons are secure and that they “will never be used unless Syria is
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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