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Building a Strong Progressive National Security and Countering Conservative Spin


Iraq

Elections Signal New Phase in U.S. – Iraq Relations

Report 12 March 2010
This past weekend, Iraqis went to the polls for the first parliamentary elections since 2005. Though results are still taking shape, there are reasons for cautious optimism about the elections themselves. Turnout was strong, particularly among Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish minorities, and though violence did occur, it did not derail the enterprise. Now, the country moves into the more critical government formation period, which experts predict will be characterized by intense jockeying by Iraqi politicians. Though the possible consequences of this stressful maneuvering are a concern, Iraqis and the U.S. have both prepared for it. This is why General Ray Odierno, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said that U.S. drawdown plans remain “on track.”
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Terrorism & National Security

A Progressive Counterterrorism Approach Keeps America Safe

Report 11 March 2010
Yesterday, a number of senior counterterrorism officials and experts testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on U.S. efforts to combat extremism.  Daniel Benjamin, the State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism, stated that the "primary goal of countering violent extremism is to stop those most at risk of radicalization from becoming terrorists."  National security experts agree that a strategic and farsighted counterterrorism policy takes the fight to terrorists globally and gets results through military, intelligence and law-enforcement means. 
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Diplomacy

Israeli-Palestinian Peace, Not Settlements, Is Essential to American Interests in the Middle East

Report 10 March 2010
Yesterday's announcement by Israel to continue expanding settlements in East Jerusalem has demonstrated fragility of the situation there, which has direct implications for American national security interests in the region. America's national security interests are deeply intertwined in the Middle East.  American national security leaders and experts agree that as long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict persists, the U.S. will lack the credibility it needs to ensure that its vital security interests in the region are achieved.  This is why the Obama administration, as well as multiple predecessor Administrations from both parties, have made resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a core foreign policy priority.    
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