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 […]
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request – Ballistic Missile Defense
by Christopher Hellman and Travis Sharp Ballistic missile defense continues to receive more funding than any other weapons system in the annual Pentagon budget. Background: As part of its Fiscal Year 2002 budget request, the Defense Department announced a major restructuring of the Ballistic Missile Defense Office (BMDO). Funding for a range of programs within BMDO […]
The FY 2009 Pentagon (DOD) Defense Budget Spending Request
by Christopher Hellman and Travis Sharp FY 2009 PENTAGON SPENDING REQUEST RESOURCES HIGHLIGHTS “Top Line” Funding – The Bush administration is requesting $515.4 billion for the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on October 1, 2008. This is $35.9 billion or 7.5 percent more than current levels, or an inflation-adjusted (“real”) increase of […]
