ASP: In case you missed it…
20 Feburary 2013
Russia Meteor Blast Was Largest Detected by Nuclear Monitoring System
Leonard David, Space
A far-flung system of detectors that make up a Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty network made its largest ever detection when a meteor exploded over Russia’s Ural mountains last week.
Iran nuke unlikely to start Mideast arms race – U.S. report
Angus McDowall, Reuters
Fears that an Iranian nuclear weapon might trigger an atomic arms race across the Middle East are overplayed, a U.S. security think tank said on Tuesday, arguing that countries like Saudi Arabia face big disincentives against getting the bomb.
Abe to Ask Obama for Shale Exports as Japan’s Gas Bill Soars
Tsuyoshi Inajima, Bloomberg
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will ask U.S. President Barack Obama to allow shale gas exports as the world’s third-largest economy grapples with soaring energy costs after 2011’s nuclear disaster closed reactors.
China to introduce carbon tax: official
Hou Qiang, Xinhua
China will proactively introduce a set of new taxation policies designed to preserve the environment, including a tax on carbon dioxide emissions, according to a senior official with the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Pentagon Notifies Civilian Employees of Impending Furloughs Barring Budget Deal
Ernesto Londono, The Washington Post
The Defense Department officially notified its 800,000 civilian employees on Wednesday that they are likely to be placed on periods of unpaid leave as the Pentagon scrambles to find $46 billion in congressionally mandated budget cuts that appear all but certain to kick in next week.
Loose nukes? Got a solution? Contact the State Department
Jill Dougherty, CNN
Have an idea about how to prevent “loose nukes” from falling into the hands of terrorists? The State Department wants to hear from you.
ASP Published Today
Fact Sheet: What is Energy Independence?
Justin Yarros
For the United States, oil dependence represents a serious national security threat. While the United States is drilling more oil than ever, consumers are not seeing lower prices at the pump. Still, the notion of “energy independence” has persisted in American political discourse, leading some to believe that the U.S. can solve its energy problems by producing more oil.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Agricultural Industry Must Adapt to Rapid Climate Change
Danielle Parillo
According to a report released by the USDA this month, climate change is predicted to deeply affect this key industry and American national security if we do not find new ways to adapt.
Lockheed Martin Outlines Plans for Nuclear Fusion Reactor
Theodore MacDonald
Lockheed Martin caused quite a stir in the nuclear energy industry as it announced plans to begin work on a nuclear fusion reactor.
This Week in Public Diplomacy Feb 18
Lívia Pontes Fialho
A round-up of the news related to public diplomacy.
Nuke Review February 12-20
Brian Kastner
A round-up of the news related to nuclear security.
Events
Event Review: Iran’s Nuclear Program: Is a Peaceful Solution Possible?
Magnus Newth
On February 19th the Brookings Institution held a discussion titled “Iran’s Nuclear Program: Is a Peaceful Solution Possible?” Former Ambassador Thomas Pickering, founder of The Iran Project and Brookings Senior Fellow Kenneth Pollack made up the panel, while Tamara Cofman Wittes, the director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy provided opening remarks and moderated the discussion.
Upcoming Event: NASA’s Public Diplomacy – Improving Relations on Earth by Exploring Space
America has long been admired for its scientific accomplishments, and science diplomacy offers a prime opportunity to build trust relationships with the people of other nations.
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
