Bold Alligator 2012: The USN-USMC Team Shapes the Future (Updated)

01/13/2012
01/13/2012 by Robbin Laird The USN-USMC team is building forces for the future : as the largest amphibious exercise since the 1990s will take place starting this month in Norfolk, Va, it will include not only US forces but French, Dutch and British forces as well. The USN-USMC team is…

The Long Reach of Aegis

01/12/2012
01/12/2012 by Robbin Laird Combining Aegis with the new Joint Strike Fighter will enhance coverage and lead to a global honeycomb of defensive capabilities…. Aegis capabilities are essential for power projection against missiles and other threats, especially in light of the current instability and uncertainty emanating from areas such as…

Pakistan-US Relations: 2012

01/10/2012
01/10/2012 by Richard Weitz 2012 will prove challenging for the US-Pakistani relationship.  And this relationship will have a core relationship to the Afghan end game and the evolution of security relationships in the region. Dealing with the blow ups at the end of 2011 will be important. The Unites States…

The Frozen in Time 4

01/10/2012
01/10/2011 by Ed Timerplake In a recent personal attack on Dr. Carafano of the Heritage Foundation, Thomas Christie, Pierre Sprey, Chuck Spinney and Winslow Wheeler wander out of the Platonic cave to argue once again against new aircraft. [caption id="attachment_32160" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Frozen in Time 4 Can't Make the…

The Japanese F-35 Decision: A Building Block in A New Pacific Strategy

01/08/2012
01/08/2012 - by Robbin Laird The F-35 will be a cornerstone of Japanese defense.  The Japanese know something about technology.  As a leader in technology worldwide, the Japanese decision validates the cutting edge role of the F-35. The F-35 is the first aircraft in history which can see 360 degrees…

Saudi Arms Deal Fortifies US Regional Security Ties

01/08/2012
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="150" caption=" "][/caption] By Dr. Richard Weitz 01/08/2011 - The U.S. Government’s Conventional Arms Transfer Policy requires that major sales advance U.S. national interests, are consistent with the recipient country’s legitimate security needs, and support U.S. regional security objectives. The sales to Saudi Arabia are widely supported…

China and the North Korean Succession

01/07/2012
By Dr. Richard Weitz 01/07/2011 - The international community has looked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to influence the North Korean succession process in ways that help end the protracted dispute over Pyongyang’s nuclear program and other threatening behavior. The PRC is North Korea’s most important foreign diplomatic,…

Turkey Orders Its First F-35s: Another Brick Falls Into Place (Updated)

01/06/2012
01/06/2012 by Robbin Laird Turkey yesterday ordered its first two production F-35s.  Allies and partners continue to show support for the plane, while Inside the Beltway continues to miss the point.  The plane is an essential element for 21st century combat operations and capabilities.  Allies in Asia and the Middle…