Russia unmoved by US missile defense plan change

AP

A top Russian diplomat says the United States’ cancellation of a critical part of its European missile defense system plan doesn’t mollify Moscow’s opposition.

Missile plan changes may provide opening for talks

Desmond Butler/AP 

By adding 14 interceptors to a missile defense system based in Alaska and California, the U.S. is abandoning a critical part of a European system strongly opposed by Russia. Yet the decision also could provide a potential opening for new arms control talks.

US to beef up missile defense against NKorea

Robert Burns/AP

The Pentagon announced Friday it will spend $1 billion to add 14 interceptors to an Alaska-based missile defense system, responding to what it called faster-than-anticipated North Korean progress on nuclear weapons and missiles.

How the U.S. tries to save ancient treasures around the globe

Owen Jarus, LiveScience

The use of taxpayer dollars to conserve historic sites has created controversy among some groups.

Many questions, few answers await Obama on Mideast visit

Crispian Balmer/Reuters

President Barack Obama is due to make his first official visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories this week, looking to improve ties after sometimes rocky relations with both sides during his first term in office.

Cyprus deal shock sends shares tumbling, gold up

Marc Jones/Reuters

The surprise decision by euro zone leaders to part-fund a bailout of Cyprus by taxing bank deposits sent shockwaves through financial markets on Monday, with shares and the bonds of struggling euro zone governments tumbling.

Wall Street falls as banks slide on European worries

Angela Moon/Reuters

Stocks fell on Monday as a divisive bailout plan for Cyprus knocked bank stocks lower on the view that the plan’s tax on bank deposits could spread and threaten stability in the euro zone.

Wildfires rage in Colorado as fears grow over continued drought

The Guardian

Two wind-driven wildfires erupted in northern Colorado on Friday, prompting the evacuation of about 50 residents and signaling an early start to the wildfire season in the parched Rocky Mountain west.

Extreme weather is disrupting 49% of UK businesses

Dominic Jeff / Scotsman.com

Extreme weather is increasingly hampering firms with almost half of all businesses reporting disruption due to inclement conditions compared to just 15 per cent a decade ago.

Pentagon weapons-maker finds method for cheap, clean water

David Alexander/Reuters

A defense contractor better known for building jet fighters and lethal missiles says it has found a way to slash the amount of energy needed to remove salt from seawater, potentially making it vastly cheaper to produce clean water at a time when scarcity has become a global security issue.

On Our Flashpoint Blog

 

Game Changer for Japan and Climate Change: Methane hydrate

Chris Ajemian

A new energy source could significantly reduce Japan’s energy insecurity but also drastically worsen global warming

President Calls for Funds for Advanced Vehicle Technology

Nicholas Cunningham

Today, March 15, President Obama made a speech at the Argonne National Laboratory to promote an Energy Security Trust, which would use $2 billion collected from oil and gas production and allocate to clean fuels research.

A view from the top – Hagel sworn in

BGen Stephen A. Cheney USMC (Ret.)

Yesterday I was with around 300 invited VIP guests at the Pentagon and watched with admiration and pride as Chuck Hagel was ceremonially sworn in.

America’s Long-Term Test: Fusion Power

August Cole

The country is at a moment when long-term thinking is needed more than ever, not the month-to-month mindset that Washington currently lives by.