Egyptian army abruptly postpones “unity” talks
Tamim Elyan and Marwa Awad/Reuters
Contributing to a worsening political crisis, the Egyptian army postponed “unity” talks between the government and opposition, “minutes” after the opposition finally agreed to attend. The move comes as voting begins on a constitutional referendum.
Tweets gone wrong a concern at State Department
Elise Labott/CNN Security
The reaction so far to newly proposed State Department guidelines for staff members tweeting in their official capacity about certain subjects has been largely negative from the mainstream media. A look at competing arguments on the merits of instant, social diplomacy.
Syrian opposition meeting opens in Morocco
Al Jazeera
Over 100 delegates from Western and Middle Eastern governments are set to recognize the opposition coalitions as “the legitimate representative of the Syrian people” and call on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to “stand aside” to allow a political transition.
General Assistance: Why are civilian officials so much more secretive than the military?
Micah Zenko/Foreign Policy
A series of observations on the differences between civilian and military leaders in discussing national security and foreign policy issues openly. The author’s experience suggests that military officials are generally more cooperative based on their rise through the chain-of-command outside of Washington politics.
North Korea rocket launch condemned internationally
BBC News
A plethora of states and international bodies, including the U.S., China, and the United Nations, have spoken out in opposition of North Korea’s long-range rocket launch in violation of a UN resolution against ballistic missile testing.
U.S., Canada Expand Artic Cooperation, Military Training
Donna Miles/American Forces Press Service
The United States and Canada entered into two new agreements yesterday that expanded their security relationship by promoting closer cooperation in peacefully opening the Arctic and in expanding their bilateral military training and exercise program.
Russia Criticizes US for Recognizing Syrian Opposition
VOA News
Russia says it is surprised the United States has recognized a newly formed Syrian opposition coalition as the representative of the Syrian people. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday the move goes against efforts to establish a political transition in Syria.
The recovery: In search of “natural” velocity
The Economist
Since late 2010, growth in employment and nominal output has been strikingly, impressively, and disappointingly stable. Will the economy ever manage to do any better?
ASP Reports
Derek Bolton
In light of current developments, revisit ASP’s August 2012 fact sheet discussing the state of North Korea’s nuclear program. What are Pyongyang’s motivations to violate UN agreement and how might the international community respond in turn?
On Our Flashpoint Blog
U.S. to Begin Exporting Natural Gas?
Martin Bee
A recently released DOE report suggests U.S. to receive modest benefits from natural gas exports. The report may prove pivotal in whether or not the federal government approves new LNG export facilities.
