A new report from the Congressional Research Service provides an extensive overview of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, and the choices that confront U.S. policy makers.
“The U.S. Government faces key strategic and operational decisions about its further engagement in the war in Afghanistan. These may include clarifying U.S. national interests in Afghanistan and the region; defining clear strategic objectives based on those interests; determining which diplomatic, economic, and military approaches to adopt, and what resources to commit to support those approaches; prioritizing ‘Afghanistan’ versus other national security imperatives; and helping marshal a coordinated application of international efforts.”
See “War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress” (pdf), January 23, 2009.
Other noteworthy new reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following (all pdf).
“Homeland Security Intelligence: Perceptions, Statutory Definitions, and Approaches,” updated January 14, 2009.
“Israel and Hamas: Conflict in Gaza (2008-2009),” January 15, 2009.
“Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Background and Current Developments,” updated January 28, 2009.
“The Special Inspector General (SIG) for the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP),” January 14, 2009.
“Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Set to Expire in 2009,” January 6, 2009.
Congress should establish a Modeling, Analysis, and Technical Talent for Energy Regulation Hub (MATTER Hub) within the Department of Energy (DOE).
Western states functionally manage trillions in global climate risk (permafrost, forest carbon, etc.) and can do so in ways that drive state economic development.
Implementation will not be easy. Several of the plan’s critical strategies challenge established utility business models.
AI’s high-stakes outputs directly shape American economic, industrial, and technological outcomes. They must not be accepted entirely on the basis of institutional faith rather than verifiable evidence.