Topic: Rand Corporation

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Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
Beyond Obamacare: 5 opinions on health care reform

Health care reform remains a contentious issue in the United States. The Supreme Court will decide this year on President Obama's health care law, known as Obamacare. Meanwhile, Americans spend a higher percentage of GDP on health care than other advanced nations, for care that many argue isn't as good. Here writers explore five key aspects of US health care reform.

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Focus
NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?

A war-weary US faces off with wary NATO allies in Chicago about money and support for Afghanistan after US combat troops withdraw in 2014. Don't expect any "Mission Accomplished" speeches.
Afghanistan security for less? How low can NATO go?

As NATO leaders convene for the weekend summit in Chicago, one pressing issue is whether, and how much, the post-NATO-withdrawal Afghan security forces can be pared down to save money.
Terrorism & Security
Philippines feels the economic cost of standing up to China

The South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines is beginning to take its toll on the Philippine economy, which is heavily dependent on Chinese demand for its exports.
The PTA arrives in Mexico's schools

Parent-teacher associations are the face of the US public school system, but it is only recently that parents are starting to penetrate the hallways of Mexico's schools.
Ayatollah Khamenei gives Iran nuclear talks unprecedented legitimacy

Iran's supreme leader appears much more involved in current nuclear negotiations, meaning that any deal struck will not face resistance back in Iran. But he's also likely to press for a harder line.
Osama bin Laden raid documents available online today

Documents recovered from Osama bin Laden's Pakistan compound will show bin Laden's strategy for overthrowing Afghanistan.
Pentagon signals 'acute' problems in Afghanistan, even as US cuts forces (+video)

The presence of Al Qaeda and Taliban safe havens in Pakistan remains unresolved – and may be beyond the capacity of the US military to fix, a new report to Congress concludes.
Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever

On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
Leaning on US, Philippines boldly pushes back on China in sea dispute

The Philippines, a normally quiet claimant in South China Sea disputes, is mounting unusually bold resistance against China as it edges in on Manila’s maritime interests.
Russia protests are overblown by West. Putin is here to stay.

Mesmerized by Moscow protests, Western observers predict President-elect Vladimir Putin’s demise. But the politically active middle class is small and limited. US policy must be based on a realistic analysis of Putin’s support, not unfounded assessments that he's on his last legs.
Beyond Obamacare: 5 opinions on health care reform

Health care reform remains a contentious issue in the United States. The Supreme Court will decide this year on President Obama's health care law, known as Obamacare. Meanwhile, Americans spend a higher percentage of GDP on health care than other advanced nations, for care that many argue isn't as good. Here writers explore five key aspects of US health care reform.
Sgt. Robert Bales: Defense team begins building case on PTSD

In the killing of 16 Afghan villagers, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales' defense team may build their case on post traumatic stress disorder. Though PTSD can be connected to aberrant and violent behavior, it's a hard case to make in court.
A cold-war chill? US-Russia relations falter over Libya and Syria.

Stormy days lie ahead for US-Russia relations, many say. Progress on issues like missile defense and NATO-Russia relations could suffer serious setbacks if the Syria and Iran crises deteriorate further.
On the road, Iran's Khamenei sets stage for a less democratic future

During a nine-day provincial tour, Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei pushed for voter participation in upcoming elections, but also suggested that a directly elected president might become a thing of the past.
Used-car salesman as Iran proxy? Why assassination plot doesn't add up for experts.

The US has blamed the specialist Qods Force in an Iran assassination plot. But those who track the group say the plot doesn't reflect the careful planning, efficiency, and strategy the Qods Force is known for.
Post oil: Pentagon "Green Hawks" see energy security in biofuel (VIDEO)

"Green Hawks" at Pentagon see energy security in biofuel alternatives for a post-oil world.
NATO in Libya: why the alliance is staying

NATO ministers decide to continue the mission in Libya amid concerns that Muammar Qaddafi is still at large and the new leadership council needs continuing help with security.
Next big obstacle for Obama's Affordable Care Act? It's not just the Supreme Court.

The success of the new health care law depends on enrolling 30 million people in insurance plans. If officials don't clarify and simplify that enrollment process, the law will amount to a significant waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
The Daily Reckoning
The real cause of economic stagnation

In today's changing economy, it's no longer true that you get out what you put in
How NATO could find itself protecting Qaddafi loyalists in Libya

NATO's mandate in Libya is to protect civilians, and with rebels now promising to attack cities loyal to Qaddafi, the alliance could be called on to protect civilians there. It is one complication that has NATO pressing for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Iranian group's big-money push to get off US terrorist list

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: A roster of influential former US officials is speaking at rallies in support of removing the MEK, an Iranian opposition group with a violent anti-American history, from the US terrorist list. A decision is expected within weeks.
How will the Kabul raid affect a peace deal? [VIDEO]

Neither Afghan nor American observers expect the Kabul attack on the InterContinental Hotel to shut down the peace process.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Three options weighed by the White House

How many US troops are coming home from Afghanistan this year? On the eve of Obama's speech on his promised July start to the drawdown of American forces, here are three scenarios.
As troop drawdown nears, is NATO surge working in Afghanistan?

As Obama's promise of a troop drawdown nears, the US military says the surge of tens of thousands of NATO reinforcements that began last year has won some and lost some against the Taliban but needs more time to succeed.
US losing its technological edge? No!

There's plenty of room for improvement. But contrary to the rhetoric, the US has plenty of technical workers and American students have not slipped in science, math over the past 15 years, studies show.