Civilian Casualties and ROE in Afghanistan
Check out blog alumna Erin “Charlie” Simpson mixing it up with Brian Katulis, Jake Shapiro, and Sarah Holewinski (of CIVIC) at the New America Foundation. Shapiro’s thesis is really interesting and important: reducing civilian casualties actually reduces U.S. troop casualties as well. So the supposed trade-off involved between strict ROE and risking U.S. casualties isn’t a trade-off at all once you bother to look at the data. (I met with LSE’s Radha Iyengar before she left for Afghanistan and am excited to see her already kicking some analytical ass.)
Afghanistan War: How USAID Loses Hearts And Minds
On paper, the multipronged project revitalized a backward Afghan province, weaning it off poppy cultivation and winning Afghan hearts and minds.
However, a Monitor investigation reveals that even in spite of a few modest gains, the Afghans here were left angered over project failures, secrecy, and wasted funds.
Mexico Hopes $270 Million In Social Spending Will Help End Juarez Drug Violence
“We have to repair the social fabric here,” said Abelardo Escobar, a cabinet member sent by Mexican President Felipe Calderón with a new rescue package for Juarez, a $270 million surge in social spending.
The money is paying for schools, hospital renovations, student breakfasts, a youth orchestra, anti-violence training and drug treatment centers. There are funds to promote physical fitness, build eco-friendly houses and support free concerts — 160 projects in all.
Christopher R. Albon is a political science Ph.D. specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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