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Research Spotlight

Defeating Hybrid Adversaries: Lessons from Israel in Lebanon and Gaza — Feb. 6, 2012

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When Israel fought Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, it discovered that it was ill prepared for the challenges posed by a "hybrid" adversary—irregular forces that possess sophisticated weapons and a modicum of training. According to a new PAF report, Israel's recent wars provide invaluable lessons for the U.S. military, which may be similarly unprepared for hybrid warfare after years of training for and conducting low-intensity operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Election Fears and Economic Woes Pose New Challenges for Iran's Leaders — Jan 3, 2012

The legitimacy of Iran's upcoming parliamentary elections and the impact of the West's sanctions on Iran's economy may undermine the authority of the current regime. Alireza Nader, a senior policy analyst at RAND, is quoted in a New York Times article.

PAF Annual Report Highlights Key Research Contributions in 2011 — Dec 30, 2011

Over the past year, Project AIR FORCE researchers have reported on such complex challenges as alternative fuels for military aircraft, terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan, and techniques for analyzing large amounts of visual data in real time. The 2011 PAF Annual Report outlines how these and many other PAF studies are helping the U.S. Air Force to plan, train, and operate more effectively.

History Shows Danger of Arbitrary Defense Cuts — Nov 23, 2011

As a result of the congressional super committee's inability to reach a debt-reduction agreement, the U.S. military faces automatic budget cuts of half a trillion dollars or more. Paula Thornhill, director of PAF's Strategy and Doctrine Program, examines the impact of similarly-determined cuts on Britain's military readiness prior to World War II.

Resources and Support Programs for Military Families — Nov 9, 2011

Before, during, and after deployment, military families face significant challenges. RAND has developed resources for these families—and also for those who assist and advocate for them—including research on recovery from psychological and cognitive injuries. In addition, a RAND survey of Air Force spouses identified ways to increase their participation in support programs.

RAND's Best-Selling Report in 2011 — Nov 9, 2011

A Project AIR FORCE (PAF) report by Martin Libicki—Cyberdeterrence and Cyberwar—was the most frequently sold RAND report in fiscal year 2011. Four of the top 10 most downloaded publications were also PAF analyses, addressing aircraft and weapon costs, Chinese air force capabilities, and Israeli air defense operations in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip as well as cyber security issues.

Natalie Crawford Receives Air Force Lifetime Achievement Award — Aug 11, 2011

Natalie Crawford, Senior Fellow at the RAND Corporation, will be presented with an Air Force Association (AFA) Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Aerospace Awards ceremony at the AFA's 2011 Air and Space Conference on September 19, 2011.

Latin American Cocaine Trade Persists Despite Gains Made by U.S. Efforts — Jun 15, 2011

Efforts by the United States to combat Latin American cocaine smugglers have disrupted drug supplies and captured key cartel leaders, but they have not significantly reduced the region's overall narcotics trade.