Some new reports from the Congressional Research Service obtained by Secrecy News that have not been made readily available to the public include the following (all pdf).
“Tsunami Detection and Warnings for the United States,” May 28, 2008.
“Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer,” May 20, 2008.
“Nanotechnology and U.S. Competitiveness: Issues and Options,” May 15, 2008.
“The Army’s M-4 Carbine: Background and Issues for Congress,” May 30, 2008.
“Tuberculosis: International Efforts and Issues for Congress,” updated May 1, 2008.
“Russia’s Economic Performance and Policies and Their Implications for the United States,” May 30, 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.