In China, the US faces its first real competitor in space-borne capabilities since the Soviet Union. Since the middle of the 20th century and continuing into the first decades of the 21st, the United States has possessed an unparalleled command of outer space. That command, in turn, has brought with it immeasurable national security benefits. Capabilities the US has come to take for granted... Continue Reading
Through public and private diplomacy, the US can help deescalate Sunni-Shia tensions. The Sunni-Shia split is threatening to swallow the Middle East. Although this divide is centuries-old and has been aggravated by decades of missed opportunities and spilled blood, the Obama administration has a number of options available to mitigate its impact. Given the experience of... Continue Reading
Through public and private diplomacy, the US can help deescalate Sunni-Shia tensions. Like many presidents nearing the midpoint of their second term before him, Barack Obama is now thinking of his legacy. In the first months of 2014, the US president seemed to have some momentum in several ambitious diplomatic efforts, with the Middle East a primary focus. Unfortunately, for the White... Continue Reading
