January 2017

Counterterrorism

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Is ISIS Breaking Apart?
The coalition tasked with countering ISIS has made progress, and ISIS is sure to break apart further over the next few years. Any splinter groups that result could differ from their parent organization, so counterterrorism strategies will need to adjust.
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Jan 31, 2017
Foreign Affairs
Charlie Winter, Colin P. Clarke

International Economic Relations

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Politics Across the Pond
Donald Trump and Theresa May can't actually get much done on U.S.-U.K. trade in the short term. Whatever Trump and May say or agree to during this visit will be for political effect. Any real bargaining on the economics will take place years in the future.
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Jan 31, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Charles P. Ries @charles_ries
Security Cooperation

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Hezbollah Is Winning the War in Syria
Most parties have been on the losing side of the war in Syria. Meanwhile, Lebanese terrorist militia Hezbollah has cemented its status as a regional power player. The group has gained fighting experience and benefited from a growing alliance with the Assad regime, Iran, and Russia.
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Jan 30, 2017
The National Interest
Colin P. Clarke, Chad C. Serena
Domestic Terrorism

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When Is a Terrorist Really a Terrorist?
Countering mass violence demands a distinction between attackers who are truly inspired by jihadism and those with lesser links. The latter includes people whose mental states and violent tendencies preexist their exposure to the ideology.
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Jan 27, 2017
The Hill
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Health and Wellness Promotion

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What 32 Million Tweets Tell Us About Health and the Twitterverse
Health-related posts and conversations on Twitter shed light on the public's views on obesity, exercise and fitness, safe sex, alcohol, and mental health. Will such discussion increase in communities where health and wellness programs are put in place?
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Jan 26, 2017
The Health Care Blog
Douglas Yeung @DouglasCYeung, Linnea Warren May @LinneaKWMay, et al.
Vaccination

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On Vaccines, Trump Should Rely on Science
Research has proven that vaccines are extremely safe and effective. The public health implications of questioning this are serious. America should take every opportunity to protect kids by vaccinating them against every vaccine-preventable disease.
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Jan 25, 2017
The Health Care Blog
Courtney A. Gidengil @c_gidengil, Laura J. Faherty @LauraFahertyMD
South Korea

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A Political Earthquake in Seoul and Its Repercussions for U.S. Policy
With new administrations in the U.S. and South Korea, it's time to find a middle ground and set up a new common policy toward North Korea. The pressures felt by both countries make the relationship all the more vital to the historical allies.
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Jan 25, 2017
The National Interest
Booseung Chang
Globalization

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China Stressed a Growing Interest in Global Trade and Governance at Davos
President Xi Jinping became the first Chinese leader to appear at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum last week. He gave a keynote speech that defended global trade and criticized protectionism. His speech reflected, in part, the reality that China has profited enormously from decades of globalization.
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Jan 24, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Timothy R. Heath
Mali

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What Mali Really Needs
Mali needs more international engagement, as well as serious pressure on the Malian state to strengthen its hold on the country. The key will be helping beyond just security force assistance and conventional economic development aid; Mali needs help governing.
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Jan 23, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Michael Shurkin
Cybercrime

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What Is the Adversary Likely to Do with the Clearance Records for 20 Million Americans?
The state actor that hacked the Office of Personnel Management could use the stolen information to further its domestic control against dissidents, enhance its foreign intelligence, and improve its position in the global military and economic order.
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Jan 20, 2017
Inside Sources
Sina Beaghley, Joshua Mendelsohn, et al.
China

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Taking Stock of the U.S. Rebalance and the Contest for Influence in Asia
Since 2011, the U.S. has carried out measures designed to bolster its influence in Asia, a region that is projected to play a central role in driving global economic growth. Despite steady progress, with increased diplomatic outreach to China and its neighbors, doubts about the U.S. pivot to Asia have persisted.
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Jan 19, 2017
World Politics Review
Timothy R. Heath
Data Analysis

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No Company Should Be Able to Keep You from Checking Your Government's Math
Data and computer models are becoming more and more important for making policy decisions on everything from prison sentences to tax bills. But citizens should be able to “check the math” on decisions that affect them.
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Jan 18, 2017
Inside Sources
Brian A. Jackson
Cannabis

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Trump's Marijuana Options
The new administration has at least six options for addressing marijuana. These are not mutually exclusive, and each comes with tradeoffs. All six are compatible with a federal approach that encourages discussions about prohibition and its alternatives.
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Jan 17, 2017
The Hill
Beau Kilmer @BeauKilmer
Domestic Terrorism

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The Wrong Terrorism Narrative
Solving the problem of homegrown terrorism in the U.S. requires understanding the true nature of the complex problem of violent extremism. With such knowledge, authorities and communities will be better able to develop strategies to prevent the next tragic terrorist killing.
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Jan 15, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
Henry H. Willis @HenryHWillis
commentary
Kelly as DHS Chief Should Focus on Improving Employee Morale
Building the morale of the Department of Homeland Security workforce should be a priority of the incoming leadership team. Strong communication with career employees, team building, and demonstrating respect for work that has already been done is needed.
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Jan 13, 2017
The Hill
Daniel M. Gerstein @Daniel_Gerstein
Russia

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Iran at Putin's Mercy
Russia and Iran have forged an unprecedented but fragile alliance in the Middle East. But there's no guarantee that Putin won't sell Iran out if he manages to forge better U.S. relations under Trump.
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Jan 12, 2017
The National Interest
Alireza Nader