American Security Project

Can a New Prime Minister break Iraq’s months-long political stalemate? New Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate Ali al-Zaidi has received support from President Trump, but challenges remain regarding disarmament of Iranian-backed militias. A new piece by Nick Pomper breaks down bilateral engagements between Washington and Baghdad and proposes a diplomatic path forward.

Can a New Prime Minister break Iraq’s months-long political stalemate? The new Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate has received support from President Trump, but challenges remain regarding disarmament of Iranian-backed militias.

Though the military accomplishments of Operation are incredibly impressive, the vagueness and lack of strategic planning are likely to lead to an epic fail. Our troops deserve the clarity of purpose based on accurate intelligence and a clear mission with definitive and achievable goals. ASP CEO Matthew Wallin takes a look at a number of issues with regards to this war.

Unclear Justifications and Objectives Risk Operation Epic Fury Becoming an Epic Fail Without realistic, fully gamed out planning for what happens after Epic Fury’s inconsistent objectives are potentially achieved, we may be witness to one of America’s most epic fails. The servicemembers we ask to do this deserve better from our leadership.

As we head into the weekend, our CEO offers some thoughts on the possibility of war with Iran:

The U.S. is Unprepared for a Significant War with Iran The current force posture around the country indicates that the U.S. is not positioned for a long-term war with Iran.

Building Defense Capacity Through Partnership, Not Control 🛡️🇺🇸

President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at limiting investor returns at major defense contractors has sparked renewed debate over how best to strengthen U.S. weapons and munitions production. While accelerating defense production is an important national security objective, heavy handed government intervention risks weakening the very foundations that make long term capacity and innovation possible.

In this new analysis, Lt Gen Norman R. Seip, USAF (Ret.) explains why collaboration, not coercion, has driven recent progress across the defense industrial base. From major investments in missile production to expanded manufacturing capacity, industry responses have been enabled by clear requirements, stable contracts, and strong public private partnerships.

Investor confidence plays a critical role in ensuring defense companies can raise the capital needed to surge production during crises. Policies that deter investment may ultimately slow production and undermine military readiness rather than improve it.

The most effective path forward is partnership. Multi year contracts, streamlined acquisition processes, and predictable expectations allow industry to invest, innovate, and deliver for America’s warfighters.

Read the full piece here 👉 https://www.americansecurityproject.org/building-defense-capacity-through-partnership-not-control/

Building Defense Capacity Through Partnership, Not Control Executive Order 14372 forces large defense contractors to reduce investor returns if deemed "underperforming." A better approach would recognize the aerospace and defense industry as a strategic partner.

Today, the American Security Project, alongside the Obesity Care Advocacy Network and more than 70 organizations and national security leaders, sent an open letter to the Department of War calling for urgent, evidence based action to address military obesity.

Rising rates of overweight and obesity among U.S. service members directly threaten military readiness, manpower, and long term force resilience. This is not a personal health issue alone. It is a national security challenge that demands serious policy attention.

The letter outlines clear, medically sound recommendations, including prevention and early intervention, access to proven obesity treatments, expanded research, education on unsafe weight loss practices, and restored TRICARE coverage for effective obesity medications. Treating obesity as the chronic disease it is remains essential to maintaining a strong and ready force.

America’s warfighters deserve access to the care they need to remain healthy during service and beyond. We urge defense leaders, policymakers, and the public to read the letter and support immediate action.

Read the full open letter here:
https://www.americansecurityproject.org/open-letter-strategies-to-counter-military-obesity/

An Open Letter to the Department of War: Safe and Effective Strategies to Counter Military Obesity In this open letter to the Department of War, the American Security Project, the Obesity Care Advocacy Network, and over 70 signatories share a set of evidence-based policy recommendations for safe, effective strategies to counter military obesity and strengthen force readiness and resilience.