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3192. The Exaggerated Threat of American Muslim "Homegrown" Terrorism
- Author:
- Risa Brooks
- Publication Date:
- 12-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
- Abstract:
- In recent years, public officials in the United States and terrorism analysts here and abroad have warned of an increasing threat of Muslim homegrown terrorist attacks. The terrorist attacks in Madrid in 2004 and in London in 2005 perpetrated by European homegrown terrorists have contributed to these concerns, as has the surge in terrorist-related arrests in the United States in 2009 and 2010. Among these are the high-profile arrests of Maj. Nidal Hasan, who engaged Securityin a deadly shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, in November 2009, and Faisal Shahzad, who attempted to bomb Times Square in May 2010. A closer look at the evidence, however, reveals that the threat of American Muslims engaging in lethal attacks in the United States has been frequently overstated.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, Islam, Counterinsurgency, and Sectarianism
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, and London
3193. Nuclear Policy Gridlock in Japan
- Author:
- Jacques E.C. Hymans
- Publication Date:
- 11-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
- Abstract:
- Prior to the Japanese earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of March 11, 2011, international observers frequently posed the question of whether Japan might convert its large stockpile of plutonium into nuclear weapons. Since March 11, their main question has shifted to whether Japan will decide to exit from the nuclear energy field altogether.
- Topic:
- Security, Energy Policy, Natural Disasters, and Nuclear Power
- Political Geography:
- Japan and Israel
3194. Transforming U.S. Energy Innovation
- Author:
- Matthew Bunn, Charles Jones, Venkatesh Narayanamurti, Ruud Kempener, Laura Diaz Anadon, Gabriel Chan, Melissa Chan, Audrey Lee, and Nathaniel Logar
- Publication Date:
- 11-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
- Abstract:
- The United States needs a revolution in energy technology innovation to meet the profound economic, environmental, and national security challenges that energy poses in the 21st century. If the U.S. government does not act now to improve the conditions for innovation in energy, even in times of budget stringency, it risks losing leadership in one of the key global industries of the future, and the world risks being unable to safely mitigate climate change and to reduce vulnerability to disruptions and conflicts—both domestic and international. Waiting is not an option.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, Climate Change, and Energy Policy
- Political Geography:
- United States
3195. Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly: Current Politics and Next Steps
- Author:
- Duncan Pickard
- Publication Date:
- 11-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University
- Abstract:
- The paper is intended for all policy analysts interested in Tunisia, but it could be especially helpful for members of the NCA and the legal advisory committee, chaired by Yadh Ben Achour, that was recently established to advise the NCA on constitutional law and drafting procedure. The National Constituent Assembly of Tunisia (NCA) will act as the constitutional convention and transitional legislature of Tunisia and was elected on 23 October 2011.1 Decree No. 582, released on 20 May 2011, extends a one-year mandate to the NCA to write a new constitution for the republic. This commitment was also reflected in a September 18 agreement signed by Tunisia's largest political parties. Drawing from recent cases and academic literature, this paper explores key procedural questions that will confront the NCA in its first month in office.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Politics, and Treaties and Agreements
- Political Geography:
- Arabia, North Africa, and Tunisia
3196. Toward Greater Pragmatism? China\'s Approach to Innovation and Standardization
- Author:
- Dieter Ernst
- Publication Date:
- 08-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC)
- Abstract:
- China\'s innovation policy and its perceived threat to American innovation and competitiveness is a hot topic in U.S.-China economic relations. The role of standardization, together with intellectual property rights and government procurement, are at the center of this conflict. Fundamental differences in their levels of development and economic institutions lead to quite different approaches to standards and innovation policy by the two countries. China\'s strategy of pursuing indigenous innovation based on local standards faces internal challenges in trying to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders with conflicting interests, as well as external pressures to adopt international standards. Enhanced cooperation on standards and innovation policies should be possible, once the United States and China accept that, while their economic and innovation systems are different, they are deeply interdependent. Both sides would benefit, creating new Chinese markets for American firms and easing technology licensing restrictions for Chinese firms.
- Topic:
- Economics, International Trade and Finance, Science and Technology, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- United States, China, America, Asia, and North America
3197. Extending the U.S. Military Role in Iraq
- Author:
- Ramzy Mardini and Marisa Cochrane Sullivan
- Publication Date:
- 05-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Institute for the Study of War
- Abstract:
- The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), signed in 2008 by outgoing President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, requires the U.S. military to completely withdraw from Iraq no later than December 31, 2011. However, Iraq is failing to maintain internal security, continues to experience serious external defense deficiencies, and has unresolved political disagreements that could threaten stability. The national security interests of the United States and Iraq require extending the SOFA and retaining a smaller but still substantial U.S. military footprint in Iraq. The U.S. has signaled its willingness to extend its presence if requested by Iraq. Although Iraq's leaders increasingly recognize the necessity of extending the Status of Forces Agreement to permit U.S. military involvement beyond 2011, political obstacles have precluded them from initiating a domestic debate on extending the SOFA. As a result, it is necessary for the United States to take on a proactive and leading role when engaging with Iraq's leaders, and to communicate the importance and value of a new security agreement.
- Topic:
- Security, International Cooperation, and Armed Struggle
- Political Geography:
- United States and Iraq
3198. Elections in Egypt: Analysis of the 2011 Parliamentary Electoral System
- Publication Date:
- 11-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- International Foundation for Electoral Systems
- Abstract:
- The uprisings that unfolded in countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa during the first half of 2011 triggered a wave of electoral reforms and proposals for reform. In Egypt, one of the most pressing and controversial questions has been how to elect a new parliament that, as part of its charge, will select a body to draft a new constitution. How to elect representative assemblies is one of the fundamental questions of democracy. The resulting choice is greatly consequential in the transition from a despotic regime to a democratic system. The real challenge of election system design is producing an assembly that represents societal diversity, supports the important policy decisions made by legitimate governments, and provides a check on the exercise of executive authority.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Democratization, Politics, and Political Activism
3199. Eurasian Energy: Hot and Cold
- Author:
- Bokyo Nitzov
- Publication Date:
- 01-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- Central Eurasia brings together both the best and the worst of energy policies. It is a major petroleum-producing region that now is poised for further growth. Unreformed, vertically integrated national monopolies operate alongside large Western energy companies and leading government-owned and private companies based elsewhere in the developing world. Some Caspian governments all but exclude foreign investment in the energy sector, particularly in hydrocarbons, while others are open to it. Energy markets are restricted and uncompetitive.
- Political Geography:
- Eurasia
3200. U.S. European Command and NATO'S Strategic Concept: Post-Afghanistan and Beyond
- Author:
- Harlan Ullman
- Publication Date:
- 07-2011
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Atlantic Council
- Abstract:
- Regardless of how the conflict in Afghanistan (along with NATO's role, presence, and draw down) is resolved, one consequence will be to increase the importance of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) both in Europe and for the entire transatlantic community. Whether Operation Enduring Freedom and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) produce a stunning victory in which Afghanistan emerges as a stable state under the rule of law with a viable government or a rocky withdrawal in the midst of continuing violence with no clear solution in sight, NATO nations will have long tired of that war. Fortunately, the Lisbon Summit with a 2014 end date has eased domestic political pressures over Afghanistan. However, that relief is by no means permanent.
- Topic:
- Defense Policy, Economics, International Cooperation, Military Strategy, and Reform
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan, United States, and Europe