What We’re Reading Now
Jun 23, 2011
AFGHANISTAN
Obama announces plan to bring home 33,000 ‘surge’ troops from Afghanistan
Scott Wilson, Washington Post- June 23, 2011
President Obama charted a middle course Wednesday for ending the U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, outlining a departure plan that will remove troops faster than his commanders had requested but more slowly than many of his political allies would like.
Drawing Down, With a Vigilant Eye on Pakistan
David E. Sanger, New York Times- June 23, 2011
Hours after the Sept. 11 attacks, Pakistan’s leaders were given an ultimatum by the Bush administration: Because the looming war in Afghanistan could not be won without Pakistan’s help, Islamabad would have to choose between continuing its alliance with the Taliban or joining forces with the United States.
PAKISTAN
The radicalization of Pakistan’s military
Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post- June 22, 2011
Whatever their strength, American troops will not determine success in Afghanistan. Nor will the newly formed Afghan National Army. As U.S. forces are gradually withdrawn over the next three years, it is Pakistan’s 600,000-strong army that will become the dominant military force in the region and will try to shape its future.
What We're Reading Now
Jun 17, 2011
IRAN
Medvedev calld for Iranian cooperation in nuclear dispute
Global Security Newswire- June 16, 2011
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called on his Iranian opposite to offer better cooperation in the years-old dispute over the Middle Eastern state's contested nuclear program.
Iran launches second satellite into orbit, claims state TV
Julian Borger, Guardian- June 16, 2011
Western officials say Rasad-1 could be used to high-resolution maps, but the move prompts concern over Iranian nuclear ambitions.
NORTH KOREA
Is it time to give up on the Six-Party Talks?
Evan Ramstad, Wall Street Journal- June 14, 2011
There’s been a fascinating discussion happening in Seoul this week over the future of nuclear energy, weapons and technology on the Korean Peninsula. The three-day Asan Plenum on the nuclear future turned especially provocative Tuesday morning when some prominent American participants said it’s time to give up on the diplomatic process called the six-party talks.
PAKISTAN
Pentagon says US must salvage relations with Pakistan to protect nukes, regional security
Associated Press- June 16, 2011
The U.S. must keep working to salvage its relationship with Pakistan in order to preserve security in the region and protect against potential proliferation of that country’s nuclear weapons, top Pentagon leaders said Thursday.