September 2018

Afghanistan

commentary
The Risks of Permanent War
Why is America in Afghanistan? What interests justify its sacrifices? How will the war end? If the United States finds it hard to answer such questions after nearly two decades, the coming years are unlikely to provide clarity. If a campaign has no end, it can have no objective. If it has no objective, it cannot be won.
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Sep 28, 2018
Just Security
Ali Wyne

The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)

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Why We Should Measure the Economic Impact of Terrorism in the Middle East
Though physical impacts of terrorism in the Middle East should be the main focus of counterterrorism efforts, financial impacts should not be ignored. Officials could help mitigate devastating economic effects by identifying and protecting essential regional revenue streams like tourism and oil.
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Sep 24, 2018
Georgetown Security Studies Review
Antonia Ward
Older Adults

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How AVs Could Provide Independence for Older Drivers
Giving up driving has been linked to depression and isolation in older adults, as well as early entry into nursing home facilities. Autonomous vehicles could help improve the well-being of older adults by allowing them to maintain independence while still giving up their car keys.
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Sep 21, 2018
Axios
Laura Fraade-Blanar
International Economic Relations

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The Implications of U.S.-China Trade Tensions for Japan
Washington and Beijing seem prepared to begin decoupling from one another economically, which puts Tokyo in a difficult position. Japan may have to devise new strategies not only for sustaining its growth, but also for insulating itself from the impact of deteriorating relations between the United States and China.
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Sep 18, 2018
Kyodo News
Ali Wyne
Nuclear Deterrence

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Can U.S. Pressure Lead to a New Iran Nuclear Deal?
It could be a mistake for the United States to assume that more pressure will bring Iran closer to ending or reducing its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. When it comes to measures aimed at Iran's nuclear program, more pressure could worsen nuclear risks and further drive a wedge between the United States and its European allies.
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Sep 18, 2018
Foreign Policy
Ariane M. Tabatabai, Eric Brewer
Environmental Pollution

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Ammonia – Why the Big Stink?
Ammonia pollution harms human health and reduces the richness and diversity of the environment. As new policy frameworks are implemented in the UK, there is an opportunity to support farmers to make the changes necessary to reduce ammonia pollution.
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Sep 18, 2018
The Royal Society
Sarah Giles, Hadeel Tabaqchali, et al.
Standards-Based Education Reform

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Louisiana's Education System Is Evolving: Here's What Parents Need to Know
Louisiana has taken big steps to improve its education policies and the education of the state's children, from birth to grade 12. Parents can help their children benefit from the reforms by being informed about the changes and knowing how to take advantage of new resources.
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Sep 12, 2018
The Advocate
Julia H. Kaufman @juliahkaufman, Jill S. Cannon, et al.
Joint Operations

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Huge Military Drills Show Both the Limits and the Durability of China-Russia Ties
The appearance of military cooperation between China and Russia masks deep strategic distrust and suspicion. But despite these real limitations, strong incentives and a lack of alternatives provide a sturdy foundation for a continued strategic partnership going forward.
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Sep 11, 2018
World Politics Review
Timothy R. Heath
commentary
Reforming Security Assistance: Why the State Department Can't Lead from Behind
The reforms in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act are driving the Department of Defense to improve security cooperation planning. Similar reforms for the State Department could help leaders there more effectively communicate the value of security assistance and maintain their traditional leadership role.
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Sep 5, 2018
The Hill
Michael J. McNerney, Jennifer D. P. Moroney @jdpmoroney
Communication Technology

blog
The RAND Tablet: iPad Predecessor
In the 1960s RAND developed a 10-inch-square tablet. Users could draw shapes and text on it with a stylus, which a handwriting recognition program smoothed out and rendered on a monitor. The RAND Tablet paved the way for PalmPilots, Tablet PCs, and iPads.
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Sep 4, 2018