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Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:41:00 GMT
With rising concern about the nation’s anemic job numbers, infrastructure has emerged as a centerpiece of a number of proposed “jobs bills.” Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes point out that infrastructure is not necessarily a cure-all and outline the federal leadership and strategies necessary for successful investment in the way we move goods, people and power.
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Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:39:00 GMT
The issue of strategic nuclear arms reductions now tops the U.S.-Russia agenda, particularly as the countries strive to conclude a new nuclear arms agreement to replace the Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty, which expires on December 5. On November 24, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings will host Ambassador Mamedov for a conversation on the experiences and lessons learned from U.S.-Russian arms control efforts in the 1990s.
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Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:49:00 GMT
The economy is showing some bright spots, but rising unemployment, weak consumer spending and the housing market continue to be concerns. Robert Litan examines the state of the economy and offers insights into job creation and entrepreneurship, the possibility of a “double dip” recession and higher capital requirements for lending institutions.
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Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:00 GMT
In reaction to news of brazen corruption in Afghanistan and the release of the new Corruption Perceptions Index, Daniel Kaufmann asks tough questions about the relationship between aid and corruption and suggests improvements in how development aid effectiveness is reviewed.
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Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:41:00 GMT
On a recent weeklong visit to Afghanistan sponsored by the U.S. military, Michael O'Hanlon met with Afghan and U.S. officials whose assessments partially countered the current general outlook on the country's status and future. O'Hanlon's visit left him with guarded optimism about U.S. prospects for creating a safe and stable Afghanistan.
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Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:44:00 GMT
The housing market, thought to finally be stabilizing, took a surprising tumble with new-home starts dropping 10.6% in October from the previous month. Ted Gayer writes that those expecting the recently extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit to improve this situation are likely to be disappointed, and that the credit may be unintentionally weakening the rental market.
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Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:47:00 GMT
The decision to prosecute alleged 9/11 master-mind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators in a civil trial in the Southern District of New York sparks debate on how to best try terrorism suspects. Benjamin Wittes offers his views on the significance of trying terror detainees in the U.S. civilian judicial system.