Can natural gas really deliver American energy independence?
Matt Vasilogambros / National Journal
Many lawmakers agree on the potential of natural gas, but are divided on how to incentivize markets and consumers to use the energy source.
Russia: Chance for progress on Iran nuclear issue must be seized
Steve Gutterman / Reuters
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said world powers should move towards sanction reduction in response to “constructive moves” by Iran. President-elect Hassan Rohani recently suggested amenability towards a thaw in relations between Iran and the global community.
Obama in Berlin calls for US-Russia nuclear weapons cuts
BBC
Speaking today in Berlin, President Obama called for reduction of nuclear arsenals by the U.S. and Russia, in an effort to “move beyond Cold War nuclear postures.”
Afghan President Karzai to boycott talks with Taliban
BBC
Days after both the Taliban and the U.S. agreed to talks, President Karzai said he will stay away from talks until the process was “Afghan-led”.
Bloomberg proposes $20 Billion NYC flood plan after Sandy
Henry Goldman / Bloomberg
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy last fall, Mayor Bloomberg has called for increased protection against flooding, including flood barriers, bulkheads and dune systems.
Iranian actions speak louder than election
Michael Singh / Washington Post
While there is room for optimism following the election of Hassan Rohani, true intentions of the president-elect are still uncertain.
Has the shale gas boom already ended?
Kurt Cobb / Oilprice.com
Natural gas has enjoyed considerable popularity in the last few years as many claim it will lead to U.S. energy independence but domestic natural gas production has been flat since January 2012.
Brazilian politicians struggle with how to respond to another night of protests
Jonathan Watts / The Guardian
An estimated 50,000 have gathered in São Paulo to continue demonstrations. Originally in protest of a bus fare hike, protesters are now criticizing a wide array of issues, including police brutality, corruption and inequality.
ASP Recently in the News
ASP Statement on President Obama’s Brandenburg Gate Speech
BGen Stephen A. Cheney USMC (Ret.)
The American Security project supports President Obama’s call for reductions of nuclear arsenals. The Department of Defense and Joint Chiefs of staff, along with many military members support a one-third reduction of the U.S. arsenal.
ASP Board Member Christine Todd Whitman featured in The Daily Rundown
ASP senior board member and former Governor of New Jersey Christine Todd Whitman was featured on last Friday’s The Daily Rundown to discuss the threats of climate change.
ASP Board Member Adm. Fallon quoted on Syrian conflict
American Security Project Board Member Admiral William Fallon (US Navy Ret.) was recently quoted by Lara Jakes of the Associated Press in an article detailing the debate regarding the implementation of a no-fly-zone in Syria. Competing arguments as to the applicability of the lessons learned in Iraq with regards to the viability of a no-fly-zone are presented throughout. Admiral Fallon does not foresee the implementation of a such a tactic, citing fears of possible greater escalation than that of the United States’ best interest.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
Sonenshine: “Policy without People is Policy Flying Blind”
Katrina Trost, Christian Mull
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Tara Sonenshine spoke on Bottom Line Diplomacy: Why Public Diplomacy Matters at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She called for an increase in international relationships and the diplomatic engagement of youth.
ASP Podcast – Energy Security and Global Oil Production
Andrew Holland, Paul Hamill
Andrew Holland discusses the latest reports from the Energy Information Agency and the International Energy Agency on global energy production.
The Myth of the Imminent Oil Drop
Rory Johnston
Some pundits are predicting a precipitous drop in oil prices, but this is unlikely due to current trends which point to a rising cost per marginal barrel.
Christian Mull
Exchange programs are questioned, human terrain teams learn while in operation, and soft power remains difficult to wield.
SSBN (X): Ohio Ballistic Missile Nuclear Submarine Replacement Program, a Question of Numbers.
Chris Smith
Recently, several observers have noted that the Navy’s Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels raises the prospect that the Navy will be unable to afford the 12 ballistic missile submarines that it intends to build to replace the Ohio class. On June 12, at the Peter Huessy Congressional Breakfast Series, General Kehler, commander of the U.S. Strategic command, made clear that this would not be the case.
The Straits Forum, Thawing China-Taiwan Relations?
Christian Mull
The Fifth Straits Forum opened in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian province on June 15 and will run until June 21. The goal of the forum is “to promise people-to-people exchanges across the Taiwan Strait amid deep-rooted distrust.” While China maintains an arsenal of nearly 1,600 missiles pointed directly at Taiwan, one must question if these talks are enough to breach the nearly six decades of hostilities that have existed between the two countries.
Upcoming Events
North Korean Nuclear, Missile, and Space Programs: Imagery Brief Policy with Joel Wit
Join us for a lunchtime discussion with Visiting Scholar and former State Department official Joel Wit as he describes current North Korean nuclear, missile, and space programs using imagery slides. Mr. Wit will give his views on the policy options for dealing with this difficult and dangerous nation. The discussion will take place on Tuesday, June 25th from 12:30-2:00 pm. RSVP by emailing events@americansecurityproject.org.
Redefining US Energy Security for the 21st Century- New York Energy Week
With the United States in the midst of an oil and natural gas boom, long-held concerns about energy security are giving way to bold predictions of energy independence and diminishing concerns about climate change. These trends raise important questions for business leaders and policymakers alike. Please join us on Tuesday, June 25 from 4:15 until 5:30pm at 300 Madison Ave, New York, NY. as we explore them with some of the nation’s foremost national security experts. RSVP to events@theclimategroup.org.
