RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon, November 14, 2008, The Wall Street Journal
The war in Afghanistan is not going well, but that does not mean the U.S. should give up. Michael O'Hanlon argues it is imperative that the U.S. help the Afghanistan government recruit, vet, train, and equip 300,000 to 400,000 new Afghan troops. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon, November 11, 2008, The Washington Times
As U.S. armed forces continue their heroic operations around the globe, worries have intensified about sustaining adequate defense funding in the future. Michael O'Hanlon agues that a 4 percent gross domestic product floor for defense spending is unnecessary, because needs will fluctuate and there should not be a law preventing lower spending in the future if the geopolitical environment allows. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon, November 04, 2008, The Washington Times
Michael O'Hanlon argues the success of the surge in Iraq depends on our ability to maintain the gains made thus far. However, the unwillingness of Iraqi leaders to accept a new Status of Forces Agreement jeopardizes hard-fought security improvements and endangers prospects of political reconciliation. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Vanda Felbab-Brown, October 28, 2008, The Brookings Institution
Violence in Afghanistan has increased dramatically and now paralyzes much of the country. Vanda Felbab-Brown explores the current options for dealing with the growing crisis and makes recommendations for creating sustainable security. Read More
PAST EVENT
Friday, October 24, 2008
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Washington, DC
The 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted Gen. Victor E. Renuart, commander of the North American Aerospace Command and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), for a discussion of the impact of today's security challenges on the mission and structure of NORTHCOM. Read More
PAST EVENT
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Washington, DC
On October 22, the 21st Century Defense Initiative held a lunch and discussion with Nelson Ford, undersecretary of the Army. He offered his perspective on the challenges of resourcing the current mission of his service and how the Army’s current structure and size affects the U.S. ability to meet future security needs. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon and Ann Gildroy, October 22, 2008, USA Today
Michael O'Hanlon and Ann Gildroy believe an exit strategy from Iraq should incorporate the thinking of both presidential candidates. They argue the next president will need to keep pressure on the Iraqis to make compromises, but also that U.S. strategy requires patience and resolve as well as a stabilizing troop presence in the near term. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Daniel Benjamin, October 2008, The Brookings Institution
Terrorism is a real and urgent threat to the U.S. and its interests; a threat that could become far more dangerous if terrorists acquire nuclear or biological weapons. Daniel Benjamin explores the drawbacks of using military force in combating terrorism and elaborates on the need for a positive agenda for the Muslim world -- one that deepens U.S. engagement in Muslim nations as they seek to modernize. Read More
PAST EVENT
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Washington, DC
The Brookings Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World was pleased to host Ahmed Rashid, journalist and best-selling author of Descent Into Chaos. A correspondent for both the Far Eastern Economic Review and the Daily Telegraph and author of Taliban and Jihad, Rashid argued that Afghanistan presents a greater security risk to the international community than the Middle East. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon and Andrew Shearer, October 03, 2008, The Washington Times
With renewed international focus on Afghanistan, Michael O'Hanlon and Andrew Shearer assess the continually worsening situation in the country. O'Hanlon and Shearer believe there is no "silver bullet" strategy for Afghanistan, but they contend that progress can best be accomplished by focusing on four main fronts for positive developments. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Peter W. Singer, September 2008, Política Exterior
Peter Singer dissects issued involving private military contractors in Iraq. (Spanish) Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Stephen P. Cohen, September 2008, Pakistan Policy Working Group
The bilateral Pakistan Policy Working Group, of which Brookings Senior Fellow Stephen Cohen is a member, issued a new report on the U.S.-Pakistan relationship moving forward. The report recommends commissioning a new National Intelligence Estimate upon which to base U.S. policy. It also advocates greater economic aid, public diplomacy, market access and assistance with counterinsurgency, assuming Pakistan can deliver results against extremism in the tribal areas and adequately oversee its intelligence services. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Vanda Felbab-Brown, September 10, 2008, Federal News Radio
Vanda Felbab-Brown joined Federal News Radio to discuss the use of private military contractors in Afganistan. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Peter W. Singer, August 2008, The Brookings Institution
Peter Singer analyzes the history of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy which allows gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve in the U.S. military as long as they stay quiet about their sexuality. Singer argues a world shaped by reality television has created a new generation of troops more open to allowing homosexuals in the military, and that during this difficult time for recruiting and retaining talent, the military should embrace those willing to serve. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Daniel L. Byman, August 11, 2008, Slate
Daniel Byman assesses the "bloody successes" of al-Qaeda, from their inception through the present day. Byman argues that much of the credit should go to Osama Bin Laden for his leaderhip skills and also to the group's ability to transform itself to fit changing political and security environments. Read More