Recent Policy Analysis
Analysis of House May 2008 Iraq-Afghanistan Supplemental War Funding Package
May 15, 2008
If the new $168.4 billion Iraq war funding supplemental is enacted into law, Congress will have approved approximately $864 billion in DOD, State/USAID, and VA funding for the Global War on Terror (GWOT) since 2001. This would cement Iraq and Afghanistan's place as the second costliest conflict in U.S. history.
Nuclear Terrorism is a Likely Event
May 12, 2008
In this opinion editorial published in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Senior Military Fellow Lt. Gen. Robert Gard argues that our government is not taking the necessary steps to prevent nuclear terrorism, even though it is one of the gravest threats to U.S. security. "It is incredible that our government is failing to accord the highest priority to taking the actions necessary to prevent terrorists from carrying out their threat to detonate a nuclear weapon on the territory of the United States, which would forever change our way of life," writes Gard.
Guantanamo Has Given Us a Bad Name
May 12, 2008
In redefining the laws of war, the United States has overridden long-established international human rights law enshrined in United Nations detainment policies.
Nuclear Fuel Recycling: More Trouble Than It's Worth
Apr 30, 2008
Although a dozen years have elapsed since any new nuclear power reactor has come online in the U.S., there are now stirrings of a nuclear renaissance. The incentives are certainly in place. What more could the moribund nuclear power industry possibly want?Just one thing: a place to ship its used reactor fuel, writes Center board member Frank von Hippel in this recent commentary.
Time for a Diplomatic Surge with Iran
Apr 30, 2008
In the wake of congressional hearings featuring Gen. David Petraeus and Amb. Ryan Crocker, it seems clear that Washington has focused its attention on a new nemesis: Iran. However, instead of demonizing Iran, the United States should focus on a diplomatic surge that includes direct, comprehensive, and unconditional talks not only on Iraq, but also on the range of outstanding issues between the two countries.
Center Applauds Request from Nine Senators to Cut Nuclear Reprocessing Funding
Apr 28, 2008
The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation commended nine senators who urged funding cuts last week to the Department of Energy's efforts to both resume nuclear spent fuel reprocessing in the United States and to reuse nuclear weapons-usable material in domestic and foreign power reactors pursuant to the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.
Arms Control in 2009: An Early Look at the 111th Congress
Apr 25, 2008
With the nation's eyes focused squarely on the presidential candidates, little attention has been paid to the growing list of influential members of Congress who plan to retire at the end of this year. These retirements will have important implications when it comes to arms control.
American-Iranian Relations: A Code of Conduct and Guide for Action
Apr 22, 2008
This short document outlines the principles that should govern U.S. policy toward Iran in the months ahead.
An Exercise in Futility: State Department 'Democracy Promotion' Funding for Iran
Apr 22, 2008
The State Department says the purpose of its so-called "democracy promotion" fund in Iran is to support programs that assist those inside Iran who desire basic civil liberties. On the surface this seems like a noble goal. However, the program is universally rejected by its intended recipients in Iran because it has undermined their work for democracy and reform.
Iraq War Senate Appropriations Hearing: Nussle's Nonsense Distorts the Record
Apr 17, 2008
On April 16, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing on Iraq war funding with Office of Management and Budget Director Jim Nussle. Senators had every right to be upset: Nussle's testimony was riddled with misleading half-truths and outright inaccuracies.
Tying U.S. Defense Spending to GDP: Bad Logic, Bad Policy
Apr 15, 2008
Intelligent defense planning relies on requirements, tradeoffs, and a thorough evaluation of risk – not GDP – to determine need. Defense spending should remain subject to budgetary survival of the fittest.
Fiscal Year 2009 Federal Funding for Bioweapons Prevention and Defense
Apr 15, 2008
The Administration proposes $6.83 billion in regular funding on bioweapons prevention and defense activities in FY2009. This is an increase of approximately $345 million (5.3%) over the amount appropriated by Congress for FY2008.
Potential U.S. Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) Fact Sheet
Apr 15, 2008
Ratification by the United States of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) requires 67 votes in favor in the Senate. On October 13, 1999, the Senate failed to ratify the CTBT in a vote of 51-48. This was the first security-related treaty in 80 years that the Senate did not ratify.
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) Fact Sheet
Apr 15, 2008
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions. It was opened for signature on September 24, 1996, when it was signed by 71 States, including the five nuclear-weapon States. There are currently 178 Signatories.
Key Themes and Highlights from April 2008 Petraeus-Crocker Hearings
Apr 9, 2008
Analysts at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation watched every minute of all four Petraeus-Crocker hearings on April 8 and 9. We sat through over 15 hours of live testimony. We also live blogged events as they were happening on the Iraq Insider blog. Here's what we think was most important.
Ten Questions for General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker
Apr 4, 2008
On April 8 and 9, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker will testify before Congress about the progress of U.S. military operations in Iraq. Here are ten tough questions members of Congress need to ask.
On 25th Anniversary of "Star Wars," Cheney's Missile Defense Claims Don't Add Up
Apr 3, 2008
On March 11, 2008, Vice President Dick Cheney reiterated five Bush administration talking points about the need for missile defense. Not surprisingly, the evidence supporting Cheney's assertions is remarkably thin at best, nonexistent at worst.
Lieutenant General Robert Gard Sets the Record Straight on the Surge
Apr 2, 2008
In a conference call with national reporters on April 1, Lieutenant General Robert Gard set the record straight on the surge. "Iraq is more bitterly divided along ethnic, sectarian, and factional lines than it was before the surge began," concluded Gard, who serves as the Senior Military Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Read the full transcript of Gard's remarks here.
Why the U.S.–India Nuclear Accord is a Bad Deal
Mar 31, 2008
The US–Indian relationship should be based on shared economic goals and democratic values rather than on a flawed nuclear deal. In creating a dangerous double standard, the deal will ultimately work to perpetuate the nuclear dangers America ought to be seeking to reduce.
Star Wars Turns 25 Years Old, but Effective and Capable Missile Defense Still Elusive
Mar 26, 2008
In this new analysis, Lt. Gen. Robert Gard (USA, ret.) and John Isaacs explain how 25 years and $120 billion dollars after President Ronald Reagan unveiled "Star Wars," U.S. national missile defense is still not effective or capable.
The Expanding Range of Biowarfare Threats
Mar 19, 2008
In this analysis, Alan Pearson participates in a roundtable discussion, hosted by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, about the impact of scientific advances at the intersection of chemistry and biology and ways to discourage their application for the development of new substances designed to incapacitate or kill.
Why Missile Defense Upsets Russia
Mar 18, 2008
Russia may see U.S. missile defense efforts in Europe as the threatening tip of the iceberg. The initiative may be directed at Iran, but that is not the only country it could affect in the long run.
Downing a Sick Satellite, or Upping the Arms Race?
Mar 7, 2008
Did the United States use a failed satellite as cover for target practice to develop high-tech space weapons? Maybe Star Wars isn't just for the big screen after all.
History, Design, and Prospects for Improving Pakistan's Nuclear Personnel Reliability Program (PRP)
Mar 5, 2008
Pakistan's nuclear weapons program has generated a huge amount of international concern based on the country's political instability and burgeoning Islamic radicalism. The risk to international security posed by Pakistan's nuclear weapons depends in no small part on the quality of the country's Personnel Reliability Programs.
Problems with Using the Supplemental Budget Process to Fund Ongoing Military Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
Mar 5, 2008
Six and a half years after the United States initiated the so-called "Global War on Terror" (GWOT) by invading Afghanistan, the continued use of emergency supplemental budgeting to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is undermining America's ability to plan responsibly for present and future threats.
U.S. Arms Sales Agreements with the Middle East, 1999-2006
Mar 4, 2008
The United States is far and away the leader in arms sales agreements with the Middle East. This analysis shows why.
U.S. Arms Sales Agreements Worldwide, 1999-2006
Mar 3, 2008
The United States is far and away the leader in worldwide arms sales agreements. This analysis shows why.
An Early Look Ahead: What to Expect from Clinton, McCain, and Obama on National Security
Feb 29, 2008
In this comprehensive analysis, Executive Director John Isaacs compares and contrasts the three remaining presidential candidates' positions on Iraq, Iran, nuclear weapons, missile defense, and much more.
Tying Defense Spending to GDP is Not the Answer
Feb 26, 2008
Tying U.S. defense spending to gross domestic product (GDP) is an inappropriate way to measure our national commitment to security. This letter to the editor outlines some of the basic flaws in the "defense spending as a percentage of GDP" argument.
U.S. Spending on Iraq and Afghanistan by Month, Week, Day, Hour, Minute, & Second
Feb 25, 2008
This chart shows how the United States spends $12.3 billion per month in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request - Global Military Spending
Feb 22, 2008
The U.S. military budget is the world's largest, and it continues to grow.
2008-2009 U.S. Defense Spending Highest Since WWII, Tops Vietnam and Korea
Feb 20, 2008
This graph compares U.S. defense spending in 2008 and 2009 to previous historical highs during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Reagan-era buildup. All figures are in 2008 dollars.
Taking "The Shot": Problems With Using Missile Defense to Strike a U.S. Satellite
Feb 20, 2008
Below is an in-depth look at all the problems with the Bush administration's decision to use the Sea-Based Midcourse Missile Defense system (SMD) to strike a U.S. spy satellite that lost power shortly after launch last year. The Navy is calling the operation "The Shot."
U.S. Defense Spending, 2001-2009
Feb 20, 2008
This graph shows the growth in U.S. defense spending from 2001 to 2009.
Why Congress Should Press the Case for No Permanent Presence in Iraq
Feb 15, 2008
The administration's entire "body language" leans toward a long-term presence in Iraq. Any agreement that the U.S. and Iraq sign this year will make it more difficult for the next President to disentangle the United States from the mess in Iraq.
Amid Promising Signs in Iraq, DC Battles Loom
Feb 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 in the middle of a closely contested election year.
Budget Dumps Iraq War in Next Administration's Lap
Feb 6, 2008
By adopting a piecemeal approach to the 2009 Iraq war budget, President Bush is thumbing his nose not just at Democrats but at Republicans as well. There is only one explanation for this move: Bush has decided to play serious hardball with the war budget in an attempt to dump responsibility for Iraq in the next president's lap.
As Substitute for Diplomacy, $20 Billion Saudi Arms Deal Falls Short
Feb 6, 2008
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.
Iran Policy in the FY 2009 International Affairs Budget Request
Feb 4, 2008
On February 4, the U.S. Department of State posted a Summary and Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2009 International Affairs budget request (also known as Function 150). The summary reveals details regarding Iran-related funding.
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request - Discretionary
Feb 4, 2008
A comparison of the defense share of the annual discretionary budget to all other programs.
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Feb 4, 2008
Funding requests for Predator, Global Hawk, Shadow, and other Pentagon UAV programs.
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request - Ballistic Missile Defense
Feb 4, 2008
Spending request for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and other missile defense programs.
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request - Weapons
Feb 4, 2008
Funding requests, per unit costs, and total program costs for the Pentagon's major weapons programs.
The FY 2009 Pentagon Spending Request - Topline
Feb 4, 2008
Breakdowns of the FY 2009 request by spending function and service.
The FY 2009 Pentagon (DOD) Defense Budget Spending Request
Feb 4, 2008
On February 4, the Bush Administration submitted its request for $515.4 billion for the Department of Defense in Fiscal Year 2009, which begins on October 1, 2008. This is $35.9 billion more than current levels, an inflation-adjusted increase of 5.4 percent. The new request also includes $70 billion in funding for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Click here to read Christopher Hellman and Travis Sharp's breakdown of the new Pentagon budget request.
'Appalling Gap' in Homeland Security Raises Concerns
Feb 1, 2008
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 defend ourselves against a catastrophic event within our borders.
Highlights of Congressional Action on National Security in 2007
Feb 1, 2008
This compilation briefly summarizes Congressional action on key national security issues in 2007, including funding for Reliable Replacement Warhead, nuclear nonproliferation, missile defense, Iran, the Department of Defense, and ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Archive of Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental War Funding Analyses
Feb 1, 2008
An archive of previous Center analyses on Iraq and Afghanistan supplemental war funding.
Historical Costs of Previous U.S. Wars
Feb 1, 2008
An overview of U.S. spending on historical wars adjusted for inflation.
Total Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental War Funding To Date
Feb 1, 2008
A summary of Iraq and Afghanistan war funding to date.
A Permanent Presence? Dangers of a Long-Term U.S. Security Commitment to Iraq
Jan 29, 2008
This new Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation fact sheet explains the dangers of a long-term U.S. security commitment to Iraq.
Keeping Troops in Iraq through 2018 Pushes War Cost Over One Trillion Dollars
Jan 16, 2008
When asked on January 11 if the U.S. presence in Iraq would continue for another ten years, President Bush responded "It could easily be that. Absolutely." What Bush didn't mention was that keeping 55,000 U.S. troops in Iraq through 2018 will push the aggregate cost for the war over one trillion dollars.
Do We Still Need the Big Guns?
Jan 16, 2008
Many commentators have glorified Gen. David H. Petraeus's counterinsurgency manual as the second coming of George Kennan's famous "X" article. This effusive praise is largely a consequence of our need to derive a political narrative from the fog of war.
As Substitute for Diplomacy, $20 Billion U.S. Arms Deal Falls Short
Jan 14, 2008
On January 14, 2008 the Bush administration initiated the formal 30-day notification process for the proposed sale of 900 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) to Saudi Arabia. The sale of this JDAM technology, part of a larger $20 billion arms deal first announced in July 2007, is aimed squarely at U.S. efforts to contain Iran. In this new report by Travis Sharp and Katie Mounts, learn how the United States continues to use deadly technologies as the currency of friendship with foreign nations.
Documents on the Department of Homeland Security 2006 Bioterrorism Risk Assessment
Jan 11, 2008
Titles, descriptions, and links to documents on the Department of Homeland Security 2006 Bioterrorism Risk Assessment.
Background on Bioterrorism Risk Assessment
Jan 11, 2008
Historically, bioterrorism threat and risk assessments have emphasized vulnerabilities, consequences, and technology-centric approaches which focus on low-probability high-consequence worst-case scenarios.
Casting a Wider Net for Countermeasure R&D Funding Decisions
Jan 11, 2008
Senior Science Fellow Lynn Klotz calls for public debate of policy determinations that he says privilege funding and resources for biodefense over that for naturally occurring infectious diseases and a potential influenza pandemic.
Our $70 Billion Lump of Coal
Jan 11, 2008
Just before leaving town for the holiday break, Congress approved an additional $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, bringing the total amount they've appropriated since 2001 to $700 billion. This astronomical sum surpasses the cost of the whole Vietnam War ($670 billion) in inflation-adjusted dollars.
YouTube Video: The Cost of War in Iraq and Afghanistan
Jan 7, 2008
A new Center video presents the costs of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan in U.S. taxpayers' dollars, U.S. lives, and the lives Iraqi civilians.
Congress and Iran: 2007 Review and 2008 Outlook
Jan 4, 2008
Congress devoted much attention to Iran in 2007, but by and large, it focused its efforts on hyping the threat from Iran. Growing concern over a potential conflict, however, led many members to introduce resolutions that would reinforce Congressional war-making authority.
U.S. Needs to Get Tough with Pakistan
Jan 3, 2008
Pakistan's record under Musharraf is one of broken promises while tolerating acts harmful to U.S. interests. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto, weeks after a U.S.-brokered deal for her return to Pakistan, underscores the bankruptcy of the current approach.
My Friend Died. Now Her Country May Not Make It.
Dec 30, 2007
Benazir Bhutto did not survive her last campaign to restore democracy to her country. After her murder, Pakistan may not survive, either.
Year in Review: Congress and National Security in 2007
Dec 28, 2007
Congress's failure to end the disastrous Iraq War in 2007 masked a series of less visible but nonetheless important triumphs on national security issues.
Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Highlights From FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill (S. 2764)
Dec 21, 2007
The FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill made significant contributions to effective nuclear non-proliferation.
Analysis of FY2008 "Bridge" War Funding Supplemental (Attached to Omnibus Appropriations Bill S. 2764): Cost of Wars Now $700 Billion, Surpasses Vietnam War
Dec 20, 2007
Congress just approved $70 billion in "bridge" funding for ongoing U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The total cost for these wars now totals $700 billion, becoming the second costliest conflict in American history after only World War II.
Scientists Working Group Chair Addresses Biological Weapons Convention Meeting
Dec 19, 2007
National implementation of the BTWC requires that States Parties implement Article I prohibiting the production, development, acquisition, stockpiling or retention of biological agents and toxins of types and in quantities that have no prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes in their territory or under their control. NGOs have a role to play.
Oversight, Sectarianism Mar Iraqi Security Forces Development
Dec 13, 2007
Two new reports raise further questions about the long-term sustainability of security progress in Iraq. The inability of the Iraqi Security Forces to function without support from the United States raises serious concerns about Iraq's future sovereignty.
Analysis of Conference Agreement on the FY2008 Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 1585/S. 1547)
Dec 12, 2007
The House and Senate conferees completed their work on H.R. 1585, the FY'08 Defense Authorization bill, on December 6. The bill includes $506.9 billion for the Department of Defense. The full House is expected to take up consideration of the legislation on Wednesday, December 12.
Biosecurity: Risks, Responses, and Responsibilities
Dec 12, 2007
Information for Instructors
Dec 12, 2007
Divestment: The Wrong Answer for Dealing with Iran
Dec 12, 2007
This resource outlines some of the main reasons why divestment is not an effective long-term U.S. strategy for dealing with Iran's nuclear program.
Iran Policy in the FY2008 Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 1585) Conference Agreement
Dec 11, 2007
On December 6, 2007, House and Senate conferees agreed on the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization bill. Some important Iran policy language was included in the conference report.
Diplomacy with Iran: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Dec 4, 2007
Don't be diverted by the Bush administration and the Iran hawks who are now on the defensive with their "neck-snapping spin." Responses from Congress and around the world indicate that direct U.S. diplomacy with Iran is an idea whose time has come.
New Intelligence Estimate on Iran Shows Options Beyond 'War Versus Capitulation'
Dec 4, 2007
With the right mixture of diplomatic tools, the National Intelligence Estimate presents an opportunity to break the deadlock for resolving the challenge of Iran's nuclear program without reducing ourselves to the false choice of war or capitulation.
For U.S. Missile Defense, Heavily Scripted Success Does Not Equal Security
Dec 3, 2007
The recent MDA intercept of a missile lacking even foreseeable countermeasures should be seen for what it is: an agenda-ridden operation to boost support for a program that has done little to improve our security.
When the Deterrent Becomes a Threat
Nov 30, 2007
The University of California manages Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a facility leading the development of the so-called Reliable Replacement Warhead. Students and faculty at the University of California have a unique role to play in actively questioning this misguided U.S. nuclear weapons policy.
War Is Peace, Sanctions Are Diplomacy
Nov 23, 2007
In this comprehensive analysis, Iran expert Carah Ong explains how sanctions against Iran are punitive measures, not serious diplomacy, and how the Bush administration has never undertaken a sustained diplomatic initiative aimed either at inducing Iran to cease enriching uranium or at soothing broader US-Iranian tensions. The Bush administration's persistent refusal to take military options "off the table," combined with its intensified rhetoric against Iran, has made sanctions palatable to allies but not alleviated the political disputes that keep the US and Iran on a collision course.
Eight Senators Call For Reduced Nuclear Reprocessing Funding
Nov 21, 2007
The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation commended eight Senators for urging funding cuts to the Department of Energy (DOE)'s efforts to resume nuclear spent fuel reprocessing.
Incapacitating Chemical Weapons and the Chemical Weapons Convention
Nov 19, 2007
Growing government interest in exploiting advances in the life sciences to develop chemical incapacitants for use in hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and urban warfare threatens to introduce a new category of chemical weapons.
America Spending More on Security Than Most Know
Nov 16, 2007
When it comes to what American taxpayers really spend on national security, $463 billion is really just the tip of the iceberg.
Analysis of FY2008 "Bridge" War Funding Supplemental (Senate Version, S. 2340) and Administration Supplemental Requests
Nov 14, 2007
On November 13, Senate lawmakers released a $70 billion "bridge" or temporary funding bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Analysis of FY2008 “Bridge” War Funding Supplemental (House Version, H.R. 4156) and Administration Supplemental Requests
Nov 13, 2007
On November 8, lawmakers released a $50 billion "bridge" or temporary funding bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also contains Iraq policy language.
Analysis of Conference Agreement on the FY2008 Defense Appropriatons Bill (H.R. 3222)
Nov 8, 2007
Conferees completed their markup of the FY2008 Defense Appropriations bill on November 6. The bill includes $459.3 billion for the Department of Defense. The full House may begin consideration of the conference agreement November 8, and the Senate is expected to take it up the following week.
Bush Administration Should Halt Nuclear Development
Nov 5, 2007
The University of California manages Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a facility leading the development of the so-called Reliable Replacement Warhead or RRW.
Ad Campaign on Iran
Oct 25, 2007
In its ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about vital national security issues, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation has launched an ad campaign, both online and in print, to raise awareness about the dangers of a U.S. military attack on Iran.
CBO Says $1.765 Trillion to $2.365 Trillion for Iraq and Afghanistan by 2017
Oct 24, 2007
If one includes debt service costs in long-term U.S. deployment scenarios, the total cost for U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan will reach between $1.765 trillion and $2.365 trillion by 2017.
Make Walls, Not War
Oct 23, 2007
In a surge of realism, the Senate has voted 75-23 to acknowledge that Iraq has broken up and cannot be put back together.
White House War Funding Request Highlights Skyrocketing Pentagon Spending
Oct 23, 2007
Yesterday, the Bush Administration announced that it needs an additional $42 billion to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan this year.
Scientists Working Group on Biological and Chemical Weapons
Oct 17, 2007
Our Scientists Working Group has been working for years to gain sensible controls over biological and chemical weapons.
Terrorists, Trafficking, and WMD Still the Greatest Danger
Oct 17, 2007
Debate about the intersection of terrorism and illicit nuclear materials is often bleak and holds a disconcerting outlook for international security.
Germs, Viruses, and Secrets: The Silent Proliferation of Bio-Laboratories in the United States
Oct 4, 2007
Over the last six years, the Federal government has dramatically increased US research and development activity and infrastructure focused on biological weapons agents.
Analysis of Senate Appropriations Committee Action on the FY2008 Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3222)
Oct 2, 2007
The Senate Appropriations Committee completed its markup of the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill on September 12.
U.S. Security Spending: How Much Do We Really Spend?
Oct 1, 2007
When you look at total spending related to the military, the Pentagon's official annual budget represents only a portion of the complete picture.
Safeguarding Synthetics
Oct 1, 2007
The damage that might be wrought by some "biohackers" would be much more difficult to deal with than that caused by their computer hacker brethren.
Threats and Capacities
Oct 1, 2007
What is security? What makes us - as individuals, communities or nations - insecure?
Cross Your Fingers: V-22 Ospreys Off to Iraq
Sep 28, 2007
On September 17, a Marine Corps aviation squadron of 10 MV-22 Ospreys sailed for Iraq onboard the USS Wasp, a small Navy amphibious assault ship.
The Next Korea? Estimated Cost of a Long-Term U.S. Presence in Iraq
Sep 28, 2007
Fifty years after the Korean War, 30,000 U.S. troops are still stationed along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). President George W. Bush and other senior administration officials have cited Korea as a model for how the United States should shape its long-term presence in Iraq.