Center for Strategic Communication

Murkowski hopeful on passing Law of the Sea treaty

Dan Joling-AP

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she’s hopeful the Senate will use the lame duck session after the November election to approve the Law of the Sea treaty.

Laser fusion nears energy gains

Chris Edwards-newselectronics

Laser based fusion is nearing the point at which it delivers more energy than it consumes, according to one of the lead researchers working on the technology, although the target date will most likely slip from the September 2012 timeframe predicted at the start of the year.

Another Afghan police attack kills 2 U.S. troops

AP

A newly recruited Afghan village policeman opened fire on his American allies on Friday, killing two U.S. service members minutes after they handed him his official weapon in an inauguration ceremony. It was the latest in a disturbing string of attacks by Afghan security forces on the international troops training them.

Iraq Officials: More than 90 dead in Thursday’s attacks

Carol J. Williams

Iraqi officials said Friday that a blistering string of attacks across the country the previous day ultimately killed at least 93 people and wounded many more, as the extent of the violence grew clearer and mourners began to bury their dead.

Israeli threats about Iran-crying wolf or laying groundwork?

Alex Villarreal-LA Times  

They’re passing out gas masks in Jerusalem and testing a new text-messaging system for alerting Israelis to incoming rockets. The civil defense preparations follow a week of renewed warnings by Israeli officials that airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities may be imminent, despite U.S. misgivings, to thwart Tehran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear bomb-making capability.

Influential North Korean Meets With Chinese Leaders  

Choe Sang-Hun-New York Times

The uncle of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, met on Friday in Beijing with President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China, indicating his growing influence as a key adviser to the young Mr. Kim.

On Our Flashpoint Blog

Drought, Corn Production and Biofuels: Where does the Renewable Fuel standard Stand?

Catherine Foley

The extreme drought that has continued to ravage US corn and soybean crops this summer will cause a sharp drop in US feed grain supplies, which are projected to be 2.2 billion bushels lower in 2012/13, according to the latest forecasts from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Gas Prices Rising

Nicholas Cunningham

Gasoline prices are heading back up, and are expected to remain elevated throughout the rest of the year. This will make 2012 the most expensive year for gasoline ever.

Long-term National Energy Policy Still Needed

Nicholas Cunningham

Oil and gas production is up dramatically. But, we should not grow complacent. Long-term energy policy planning is needed.

Military Leaders Urge Caution on Iran

Mary Kaszynski

Amid growing talk of war, U.S. military leaders are pushing back against calls for military action against Iran.

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