January 2018

commentary

The United States and Pakistan: Best Frenemies Forever?

A realistic approach to dealing with Pakistan does not mean selling out Afghanistan or taking a loss on the substantial U.S. investment in the region. Rather, it is necessary for giving Afghanistan a better shot at a more stable future than the current approach is likely to produce.

Laurel E. Miller

commentary

Evidence-Based Treatments May Be Casualties of War on Drugs

U.S. schools and community organizations face a difficult battle to keep kids safe and drug-free. They need tools to help them choose programs that will work best for youth. The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices is such a tool, but its future is uncertain.

Matthew Chinman, Joie D. Acosta

commentary

Unrest in Iran: An Opportunity for Democratic Change

As the unrest that began in Iran on Dec. 28 begins to wane following a crackdown, it is difficult to assess what may come next. But this is not the first time Iranians have come out on the streets to protest and challenge authoritarian rule, nor will it be the last; the Iranian people have a long history of seeking a democratic political order.

Richard C. Baffa

commentary

Iran's Efforts to Create Instability Abroad Have Led to Protests at Home

Iran has spent billions of dollars in its quest to be a regional leader, but its main achievement has been to spark instability across a wide swath of the Middle East. Ordinary Iranians are struggling and protesters are urging a retreat from costly foreign fights and more aid at home.

Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh

commentary

Nothing New from North Korea

Kim Jong Un's recent proposal for talks with South Korea is by no means unprecedented. And while the overture could somewhat ease tensions in the region, there is no reason to believe that Kim is ready to give up his nuclear arsenal.

James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

commentary

Learning How to Measure Social and Emotional Learning

Educators and policymakers are increasingly focusing on non-academic competencies, known as social and emotional learning. To support growth in these areas, teachers need assessments that can help them understand how well students are learning these skills, and what instructional approaches work best.

Brian M. Stecher, Laura S. Hamilton

commentary

Building Understanding of the Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry

Employers looking to address mental health problems among staff must recognize the causes and understand mental health challenges within the organization. Construction workers could face greater risk than workers in other sectors, but awareness of support and help remains low.

Michael Whitmore, Joscelyne Shaw

commentary

How the Pentagon Should Deter Cyber Attacks

Foreign hackers are not afraid to launch attacks on the United States in cyberspace that they would not dare risk in a real theater of war. As cyber aggression gets worse and more brazen, the U.S. must figure out how to deter foreign actors in cyberspace as effectively as it does in nuclear and conventional warfare.

Christopher Paul, Rand Waltzman

commentary

Disneyland's Next Rival? The Theme Park in Your Living Room

Cheap and capable technologies available to everyone allow entrepreneurs and gamers to compete with the large multinational firms that develop and deliver entertainment. In 2018 we will see the arrival of micro amusement parks with technology-based rides.

William Welser IV

commentary

For the UK's Post-Brexit Economy, No Deal Is the Worst Deal

Brexit negotiations around trade are likely to be complicated for the UK and EU, particularly as a common position between all the parties could be difficult to achieve. Trying to avoid the worst-case economic option of 'no deal' is likely to be at the top of the agendas for both the UK and EU as trade talks begin.

Charles P. Ries @charles_ries, Marco Hafner

commentary

Is the EU Drugs Strategy Helping to Curb the Harm Caused by Drugs?

The EU Drugs Strategy takes a balanced approach to reduce drug demand, supply, and harm. All EU member states have a national drugs strategy, and most are aligned with the EU's. Having a coordinated voice on drug policy is valuable but is the strategy working?

Emma Disley, Kristy Kruithof

essay

What Life Under ISIS Looked Like from Space

Satellite images show how ISIS attempted to govern in Iraq and Syria, the economic damage the group left behind, and what it will take to rebuild.

commentary

Not All Russian Oligarchs Are Alike

The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury must report to Congress the main “oligarchs” in Russia, judged by their closeness to the “regime” and net worth. This broad approach, not aimed at specific wrongdoers, poses several risks.

William Courtney @courtneywmh

commentary

Fake Voices Will Become Worryingly Accurate

New technology can convincingly fake the human voice and create security nightmares. Considering the widespread distrust of the media, institutions, and expert gatekeepers, audio fakery could start wars.

William Welser IV

commentary

Why the Iranian Uprising Won't Die

The Iran uprising of 2017 is the biggest challenge Iran's theocracy has ever faced. And now, Iranians are no longer contained by the wall of fear created by the Islamic Republic.

Alireza Nader