October 22, 2012
U.S. and Iran Deny Plan for Nuclear Talks
Brian Knowlton and Thomas Erdbrink / New York Times
The question of whether the United States should seek to engage Iran in one-on-one talks on its nuclear program joined the likely topics for Monday’s final presidential debate as supporters of President Obama and Mitt Romney jousted on Sunday over the issue.
China hints at move to strengthen Communist rule at party congress
Reuters
The Communist Party of China is reportedly discussing amendments to the party’s constitution in an effort to further strengthen one-party rule over the next five years.
Gunfights in Lebanon amid simmering tension
Al Jazeera
Three people were killed overnight in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, while troops clashed with armed men in Beirut on Monday. The simmering violence throughout Lebanon comes after the funeral for “anti-Syrian intelligence official Wissam al-Hassan.”
Putin Flexes Muscle in Big Test of Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal
Steve Gutterma / Reuters
President Vladimir Putin took a leading role in the latest tests of Russia’s strategic nuclear arsenal, the most comprehensive since the 1991 Soviet collapse, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
Canada blocks Petronas’ bid for Progress Energy
Associated Press
Canada has blocked the Malaysian state-owned oil firm Petronas’ US$5.2 billion (CA$5.17 billion) bid for gas producer Progress Energy Resources, saying the proposed investment would not provide a net benefit to Canada.
After Nuclear fission, India experiments with fusion
Cuckoo Paul / Forbes India
Countries, including India, are pooling resources to build a plant that runs on cleaner technology and abundant resources.
Why Obama-Romney Anti-China Rhetoric Will End (After the Election)
Liz Flora / Asia Society
In an interview with Asia Society, former US Institute of Peace president Richard H. Solomon states that when the time comes to make actual policy decisions, politicians do not live up to their inflammatory statements.
A Majority of Voters Want American to Stop Intervening Abroad So Much
Conor Friedersdorf / The Atlantic
Almost two-thirds of Democrats and a majority of Republicans agree that the United States should be less involved in Middle Eastern politics.
ASP In The News
Upcoming Event – The 2012 Climate Security Report Launch
Join us for a discussion on climate security, featuring flag officers from the U.S. military. The event will take place next Thursday, 1 November, from 8:30-10:00am at the American Security Project, 1100 New York Avenue, Suite 710 West.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Why Nuclear Fusion is Worthy of Further Research and Government Investment
Andrew Holland
Last week, I spent two days at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 2012 Fusion Energy Conference in San Diego. Fusion is a technology that holds great promise in meeting our energy needs. It merits further research and investment.
Avoiding Water Wars: Water Scarcity in South and Central Asia
Alexander Vagg
Water security in South and East Asia is a vital area of concern for American national security. Read about the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ report on this issue here.
Contingency planning for … what exactly?
William Chodkowski
A look back at Goldwater Nichols, 25 years after its implementation. How has the legislation streamlined the chains-of-command and what are its implications on military planning for future confrontations?
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
