Council: Front and Center September 24

Sage Grouse Leads to Lame Duck

The news has been slow lately here in Washington, but there has been one area of great intrigue: the stalled National Defense Authorization bill in Congress. After the House and Senate each passed their own versions of
the bill, the two chambers came together to reconcile differences and form a
single bill. There was only one catch: A provision prohibiting listing the
greater sage grouse, a unique bird, from being included on the Endangered Species List. With no agreement on the provision, the passage of the bill will likely take place after the election during the “lame duck” congressional period. Click here to learn more about the current situation. 

Center Science Fellow Philip Coyle Discusses National Missile Defense

In an extensive interview, Center Science Fellow Philip Coyle discusses the troubled National Missile Defense program. As the Pentagon’s former director of operational test and evaluation, Mr. Coyle is seen as one of the world’s premier experts on the topic. Check out the interview here to learn more about national missile defense and to read Mr. Coyle’s insights about the program.

National Missile Defense Infographic

Speaking of National Missile Defense, the Center put together a handy graphic succinctly explaining the basic facts about the program. Take a look below and click here for a printable version.

Center Science Fellow Philip Coyle Quoted in LA Times on Deterrence and N. Korea

That wasn’t all for Mr. Coyle! The Center’s Science Fellow was also quoted in the Los Angeles Times discussing how deterrence is irrelevant if a rogue state gets ahold of nuclear weapons. The piece follows North Korea’s growing nuclear weapons development that continues to advance despite harsh international sanctions and tough talk. Click here to learn more about the issue and read Mr. Coyle’s quote. 

Center Board Member Colonel Richard Klass interviewed on One America News on Syrian War

After a United Nations (UN) convoy carrying add supplies for the starving Syrian city of Aleppo was hit by an airstrike, killing 20 humanitarian workers, the UN halted all further aid shipments. According to media reports, U.S. officials say that Russian planes dropped the bombs on the convoy, yet another twist in devastating conflict that has tragically taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Center Board Member Colonel Richard Klass discusses the rules of engagement in war and why civilian populations must be protected no matter the situation. Click here to watch the interview.