Noteworthy new and updated reports from the Congressional Research Service that have not been made readily available to the public include the following (all pdf).
“Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests,” August 13, 2008.
“Stability in Russia’s Chechnya and Other Regions of the North Caucasus: Recent Developments,” August 12, 2008.
“Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests,” updated July 28, 2008.
“Enemy Combatant Detainees: Habeas Corpus Challenges in Federal Court,” updated July 29, 2008.
“Journalists’ Privilege: Overview of the Law and Legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses,” updated July 29, 2008.
“U.S.-China Counterterrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy,” updated August 6, 2008.
“National Security Strategy: Legislative Mandates, Execution to Date, and Considerations for Congress,” updated July 28, 2008.
“Nanotechnology and Environmental, Health, and Safety: Issues for Consideration,” August 6, 2008.
“Nuclear Cooperation with Other Countries: A Primer,” August 12, 2008.
Satellite imagery of RAF Lakenheath reveals new construction of a security perimeter around ten protective aircraft shelters in the designated nuclear area, the latest measure in a series of upgrades as the base prepares for the ability to store U.S. nuclear weapons.
It will take consistent leadership and action to navigate the complex dangers in the region and to avoid what many analysts considered to be an increasingly possible outcome, a nuclear conflict in East Asia.
Getting into a shutdown is the easy part, getting out is much harder. Both sides will be looking to pin responsibility on each other, and the court of public opinion will have a major role to play as to who has the most leverage for getting us out.
How the United States responds to China’s nuclear buildup will shape the global nuclear balance for the rest of the century.