The Perils of Diplomatic Disengagement
Ambassador Timothy Carney & Tara Maller / Foreign Policy
After the recent unrest at embassies in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Tunisia and the killing of U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, there may be mounting pressure in upcoming weeks or months to permanently shut down embassies or rupture diplomatic relations.
North Korea says it has missiles that can reach the United States
Holly Yan / CNN
North Korea said Tuesday its missiles can reach the U.S. mainland — days after South Korea announced a deal with the United States to extend its missile range. Some analysts however are questioning this claim.
Syria clashes intensify near Turkey border
Jonathon Burch / Reuters
NATO said on Tuesday it had drawn up plans to defend Turkey if necessary against any further spillover of violence from Syria’s border areas where rebels and government forces are fighting for control.
Yemeni Qaeda behead three men for spying on operations
Reuters
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula militants beheaded three men who had formerly cooperated with the organization. The men were accused of spying on AQAP operations and providing information to Yemeni and US intelligence.
Libya crisis: ICC considers Gaddafi hearing venue
BBC News – Africa
The International Criminal Court held its first hearing to discuss the venue where Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Muammar Gaddafi, will be tried for war crimes. Libya has asked to try Gaddafi in a domestic court; ICC involvement has not been ruled out.
Mexico navy claims Zetas cartel leader death
Al Jazeera
Heriberto “El Lazca” Lazcano, the leader of the Zetas cartel, has reportedly been killed in a firefight with Mexican naval forces; however, forensic tests are needed to confirm the identity of those killed. The Zetas cartel is among one of the most powerful and brutal cartels in Mexico.
Natural gas: Clouds fog hopes of global export boost
Guy Chazan / Financial Times
Japan’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are already at elevated levels. The country’s appetite for LNG increased sharply in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster. But the Japanese move comes at a time when demand for LNG – gas cooled in massive fridge-like plants to -162C and exported in tankers – is rising globally.
ASP Published Today
ASP releases report: Critical Nuclear Choices for the Next Administration
The American Security Project released a new report analyzing the nuclear threats that the next administration will face and presenting smart policy options to address those threats.
Fact Sheet – The National Security Need for Public Diplomacy
Matthew Wallin
Public diplomacy is a vital element of national security for the United States. Being mindful of the upcoming elections, voters should give thought to how America communicates its message abroad, understand that strengthening our public diplomacy is a non-partisan issue.
This fact sheet contains quotes about the national security need for public diplomacy from a bipartisan collection of current and historic figures.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Losing the Narrative
Joshua Foust
Drones are not a universal panacea to terrorism issues. But they can be effective – especially as part of a holistic campaign to undermine and displace violent extremist groups. That argument from effectiveness, however, is getting drowned out by the recent anti-drone reports and press coverage.
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
