Russia says seeking nuclear talks with Iran by end-Jan
Steve Gutterman / Reuters
Russia said on Thursday it is trying to firm up plans for a new round of talks this month between global powers and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspects is aimed at developing a nuclear weapons capability.
Banks Seek U.S. Help on Iran Cyberattacks
Siobhan Gorman and Danny Yadron / The Wall Street Journal
Major U.S. banks are pressing for government action to block or squelch what Washington officials say is an intensifying Iranian campaign of cyberattacks against American financial institutions.
Why has climate legislation failed? An interview with Theda Skocpol.
Brad Plumer / The Washington Post
On the campaign trail in 2008, Barack Obama often said his top two priorities were climate change and health care. By the end of his first term, however, only health care legislation had been signed into law. The effort to pass a climate bill was a total bust.
François Hollande: invest in renewable energy to avert ‘catastrophe’
Adam Vaughan / The Guardian
The world is headed for an environmental “catastrophe” if countries do not invest in renewable energy, François Hollande warned on Tuesday.
Algerian Raid Casts Long Shadow Over Energy Appeal
Christopher Coats / Forbes Magazine
Following months of state efforts to calm the nerves of investors and appeal to foreign firms ready to help bring shale excavation to Algeria, the country’s energy sector took a hit this week when militants took control of a BP-held gas field.
Europe Clean-Energy Funding Beats U.S. on Wind Expansion
Louise Downing / Bloomberg
Europe’s development bank arranged the most loans for clean-energy projects last year, pushing ahead of the U.S. government as it financed some of the world’s biggest offshore wind farms.
Obama’s Climate Challenge
Jeff Goodell / Rolling Stone
As America wakes up to the dangers ahead, the president has a historic opportunity to take bold action on global warming.
ASP Published Today
Former U.S. Commander Warns of Iran Attack Risks
AFP
A former US military commander warned Wednesday that a potential US strike against Iran would take weeks and probably only set back the country’s nuclear program by several years.
ASP Upcoming Events
Understanding the Strategic & Legal Context of Drone Strikes
Join us for a fact-based discussion with leading experts on counterterrorism about how we can better understand the effects of America’s drone campaign. This event will launch ASP’s latest paper on drone policy and doctrine, as part of a continuing project.
The event will take place:
Thursday, January 24, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
1100 New York Ave, NW Washington DC
Suite 710W – Conference Room E
Please RSVP by Monday, January 21 to events@americansecurityproject.org
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Iran Military Option – Event Review
Brian Kastner
A panel of distinguished military leaders joined ASP for a discussion of the costs and consequences of military action against Iran. ASP CEO BGen. Stephen Cheney (USMC, ret.), Admiral William Fallon (USN, ret.), and LtGen. Frank Kearney (USA, ret.) explored the strategic and tactical aspects of the military option, the expected costs and effects of a strike, and the role of military versus diplomatic and economic efforts.
Top brass fighting to keep military’s edge amid budget uncertainty
August Cole
Firing a shot across Congress’ bow in the fight for the future of the U.S. military, the nation’s highest ranking military leaders warned this week that across-the-board budget cuts will put the armed forces warfighting capabilities in serious danger.
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
