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Exploring Symmetries in Life and Practice

Tom Barnett Article in Defense News

This article discusses a new approach to nation-building called Development-in-a-Box. The idea is to provide emerging market countries with the infrastructure they need to connect to the global economy. This would be done by creating a standardized package of services like transportation, telecoms, and banking.

More on Somalia

This article discusses the worsening situation in Somalia. After a U.S.-backed Ethiopian intervention failed to establish a stable government, radical Islamists, particularly al-Shabab, are gaining control. The country is plagued by violence, a humanitarian crisis, and mass displacement. The international community is struggling to find a solution, and President-elect Obama's leadership is crucial to prevent further deterioration.

The Return of the Pirates

Somali piracy disrupts trade routes. In this article, we explore labeling (Somail pirates) terrorists to share prosecution or rebuilding Somalia to tackle the root cause. Both solutions face hurdles, and the focus now is on military action, but a long-term fix needs to address Somalia's issues.

Politics in the Middle East

In this article, we examine the upcoming year in the Middle East through the lens of Ahmet Davutoglu, a Turkish foreign policy strategist. Davutoglu predicts a series of elections will have a domino effect, impacting regional stability. Critical elections in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, and Iran are analyzed, along with Turkey's shift in foreign policy.

Irregular Warfare gets an Upgrade

In this article, we discuss a new Pentagon policy prioritizing "irregular warfare" - battling insurgents and terrorists - alongside traditional combat. The shift is driven by recent conflicts and aims to prepare for future ones. The policy emphasizes training local forces, international cooperation, and special operations. Resources will be directed towards these areas.

Global Trends 2025

The National Intelligence Council's "Global Trends 2025" report predicts a future with resource scarcity, nuclear proliferation, and regional instability. It emphasizes potential dangers but acknowledges they're not inevitable. The report aims to stimulate strategic thinking for a more positive future.