Making The US-Philippine Alliance Count
Though the United States does not say so officially, the reinvestment in its alliance with the Philippines is at least in part because of that country’s potential role in a conflict over Taiwan. The Philippines’ northernmost island is less than 100 miles from Taiwan, providing access points to preposition supplies and provide military support. Given a dearth of other regional options for forward-basing U.S. forces or equipment, U.S. policymakers would be eager to lock Manila into a favorable arrangement now.
However, this is far from assured. Politics on both sides of the alliance is too unpredictable for any access arrangement to be a lock. Even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s own statements reveal considerable ambiguity about Manila’s willingness to align with U.S. strategic goals.
~ READ MORE HERE (War On The Rocks) ~
Preparing the Nation for Space Weather Events
“Space Weather” refers to effects on the space environment that arise from emissions from the sun, including solar flares, solar energetic particles, and coronal mass ejections. Space weather is a natural hazard that can significantly affect critical infrastructure essential to the economy, social wellbeing, and national security, such as electrical power, water supply, health care, and transportation.
The Preparing the Nation for Space Weather Events independent study course provides a greater understanding of space weather events, the potential impacts from those events; and the roles of the Federal Government as well as the local and jurisdictional Emergency Manager in preparing for and mitigating impacts of such events.
~ READ MORE HERE (FEMA) ~
China Overtakes Russia as Dominant Power in Central Asia
China recently hosted a summit of the leaders of Central Asia's former Soviet Republics in Xi'an, China, the site of the start of the ancient Silk Road. The symbolism attached to Xi'an as the site for the 18-20 May gathering underscores China's intent to remind Central Asian leaders that Chinese civilization's relationship with the region predates ties to Russia by centuries. It also might demonstrate China's resolve to replace Russia as Eurasia's hegemon. China, in fact, did not even invite Russia to the conference.
~ READ MORE HERE (Gatestone Institute) ~
A More Coherent Refugee Policy
The United States cannot host tens of millions of people in need, and selecting some of them and not others will always be perceived as unfair and biased—even as the refugee program itself invites massive fraud. Before the U.S. launches a brand new “Uniting for Sudan” or “Brotherhood for Mali” initiative to admit hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Africa, it is high time to end ad hoc and unsustainable practices and turn towards more durable solutions.
~ READ MORE HERE (The American Conservative) ~ |
