by Kingston Reif BACKGROUND On November 26, 2007, President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki signed a non-binding “Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship with Iraq.” Included in the draft declaration were “security assurances and commitments to the Republic of Iraq to deter foreign aggression” and promises to defend […]
Amid Promising Signs in Iraq, DC Battles Loom
by Travis Sharp Published on Iraq Slogger on February 14, 2008 In the early months of 2008, the Washington debate over what to do next in Iraq has revolved around two important issues: post-“surge” troop levels and a long-term security pact between the United States and Iraq. Both issues have significant political implications, especially […]
As Substitute for Diplomacy, $20 Billion Saudi Arms Deal Falls Short
by Katie Mounts by Travis Sharp The sale of high-tech Joint Direct Attack Munitions weaponry to Saudi Arabia, unveiled in January 2008 as part of a larger $20 billion U.S. weapons package headed to the Middle East, is yet another example of the United States substituting arms sales for vigorous international diplomacy. Maybe this should […]
Highlights of Congressional Action on National Security in 2007
by Kingston Reif Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) Program (Click here for more) Administration Request: $88.8 million for the Department of Energy; $30 million for the Department of Defense Final Action: $0 for the Department of Energy; $15 million for the Department of Defense Reprocessing Nuclear Waste (Click here for more) Administration Request: $405 million Final […]
‘Appalling Gap’ in Homeland Security Raises Concerns
The war in Iraq and Afghanistan has already cost the United States upward of $700 billion – but we can’t afford the war in more ways than just monetary value. A recent report issued by the congressionally-mandated Commission on the National Guard and Reserves concluded that there is an “appalling gap” in our readiness to […]
