2016

commentary

What Erdogan and Khomeini Have in Common

The analogy between Islamist Iran and a possibly soon-to-be Islamist Turkey is not perfect. But there are striking similarities between the state of affairs in Turkey today and the 1979 revolution in Iran that established the Islamic Republic.

Alireza Nader

commentary

Back to Work: Middle-Skill Jobs in the STEM Economy

The STEM economy will grow by 17 percent through 2018, with expected job vacancies totaling 2.4 million. Middle-skill STEM jobs—such as computer support specialists, web developers, and engineering technicians—are in the highest demand.

Gabriella C. Gonzalez, Robert Bozick

commentary

Evolving 21st-Century Workplace and the American Workforce: Trends and Policy Responses

Three trends have important implications for the future of work: a shifting demography toward older workers, more women, and more diversity; continuing technological change that will increase the demand for skilled workers; and increased globalization.

Lynn A. Karoly, Krishna B. Kumar

commentary

Demystifying the Islamic State

To counter the threat posed by the Islamic State group, it is crucial to understand what the terrorist organization is and what it is not. Attributing all jihadist violence to a ruthless gang headquartered in Raqqa exaggerates the power of the group and plays into their propaganda and recruiting efforts.

Andrew Liepman, Colin P. Clarke

commentary

President Obama's Controversial Legacy as Counterterrorism-in-Chief

There were no attacks like 9/11 during Obama's eight years in office. But there were plenty of terrorist adversaries. While he will be judged in part for his domestic achievements, Obama's counterterrorism choices are a major part of his legacy.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

commentary

A Persistent and Resilient Adversary: Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

The history of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula catalogues every dimension of frustration in combatting terrorism. But is it possible that the United States and its Gulf allies are finally getting the measure of AQAP?

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

commentary

Labor Day Blog Series: American Worker

To celebrate Labor Day, the American Worker series of commentaries offers research, reflections, and policy insights on a variety of topics that affect American workers.

Krishna B. Kumar, Robert Bozick, et al.

commentary

Promises and Pitfalls of Cannabis Taxes

Setting the cannabis tax should not be considered a one-time event. Smart jurisdictions will revise their decisions over time to incorporate new data about taxes, testing, and the cannabis plant itself — without being influenced by those seeking to maximize profits.

Beau Kilmer @BeauKilmer

essay

Personalized Learning: The Latest Buzz in Classroom Instruction

Students in personalized learning classrooms made greater gains in math and reading than their peers in other schools. But there are barriers to fully personalized learning, including rigid state standards and time demands on teachers.

commentary

New Nutrition Labels Will Do Little to Bring Quality to American Diet

Although good intentions led to the new nutrition labels, it is unlikely that they will improve the quality of the American diet. The label changes have not been tested in a real-world setting with the various factors that influence what people buy.

Deborah A. Cohen

commentary

European and American Efforts to Tackle AMR: Great Minds Think Alike (Almost Always)

The U.S. and the EU are committed to tackling antimicrobial resistance. Their efforts share objectives around key areas for improvement, such as the stewardship of existing antimicrobials, surveillance of their use, and development of new antimicrobials.

Jirka Taylor, Elta Smith

essay

Transgender Troops: Fit to Serve

The Pentagon's decision to open the ranks to transgender service members was informed by months of RAND research into the costs and numbers involved.

commentary

Who's Funding Mental Health Research Worldwide?

The size and diversity of mental health research is significant, but it remains a loosely defined field in which funders tend not to spell out what counts as mental health. An outline of the current state of mental health research funding worldwide helps to address the huge challenges of mental illness.

Steven Wooding, Alexandra Pollitt

commentary

ISIS vs. Al Qaida: Battle of the Terrorist Brands

Rather than thinking of defeating terrorists solely in traditional military terms, it might make sense to think of bankrupting them. It might help to consider the factors that cause luxury brands to lose their luster or big box retailers to fail.

Colin P. Clarke, Steven Metz

commentary

Principals in Small Districts Receive Far Less 'Instructional Leadership' Support, Survey Shows

Until recently, little was known about how much support principals in the United States receive to be effective “instructional leaders.” A national survey shows that mentors and supervisors do provide feedback focused on principals' role in teaching and learning, but the amount varies.

Julia H. Kaufman @juliahkaufman