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Defense and Security

The World Next Week: Congress’s Recess, Syrian Violence, Hiroshima Anniversary, and NASA’s Mars Mission

<p>Darkness sets in over the U.S. Capitol building. (Jonathan Ernst/courtesy Reuters)</p>
Darkness sets in over the U.S. Capitol building. (Jonathan Ernst/courtesy Reuters)

By experts and staff

Published
  • James M. LindsayCFR Expert
    Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy

The World Next Week podcast is up. Bob McMahon and I discussed where things stand in Washington as Congress recesses for the summer; the continued violence in Syria; the 67th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing; and the upcoming Mars landing of NASA’s rover, Curiosity.

[audio: https://www.cfr.org/content/publications/media/editorial/2012/20120802_T…]

The highlights:

For more on the topics we discussed in the podcast check out:

U.S. Congress Rises for Summer Recess. Politico concludes that Congress is set to punt on spending and tax cuts. The Washington Post flags five things to watch for in Congress this week. The Post also reports on the deal to avert government shutdown and on the Senate’s consideration of comprehensive cyber security legislation. AP discusses House and Senate support for new sanctions on Iran.

Violence Continues in Syria. The Chicago Tribune writes that France will outline options for UN strategies in Syria as it chairs the UN Security Council for the month. The Washington Post reports that Kofi Annan’s legacy may be bruised by the failed negotiations with Syria. The Christian Science Monitor reports that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad commemorates the 67th anniversary of the Syrian army as they engage opposition forces in Aleppo. Alon Ben-Meir shares his thoughts on U.S.-Russia relations amidst the Syrian crisis. CNN shares Assad’s message to the Syrian armed forces.

The 67th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima. The Japan Times reports that Hiroshima is set to grade nations on disarmament initiatives. Time reflects on the U.S.-Israel-Iran stalemate. The New York Times analyzes intensifying talks between the United States and Israel on Iran options. Stewart Patrick discusses Iran, the bomb, and U.S. public opinion.

NASA’s Curiosity Mission to Mars. The Washington Post reports that NASA’s newest rover will land on Mars on Sunday. Time shares ten amazing tools aboard the Curiosity rover. The Wall Street Journal discusses that NASA’s cooperation with foreign space programs. USA Today shows educational video about Curiosity rover’s entry, descent, and landing onto Mars. The Global Times reports that China and India have signed a space agreement allowing for a Chinese space antenna in Patagonia.