Weekly Round Up March 16 - 20, 2009

SUSTAINABLE SECURITY

Sustainable Security in Afghanistan

The Center for American Progress recently sponsored a simulation exercise to apply its Sustainable Security principles of reforming foreign assistance to balance defense, diplomacy, and development to the growing crisis in Afghanistan. A report and event from Reuben Brigety detailed the findings of the simulation, while a video takes you inside the activities. Brigety also testified in Congress about striking the right balance with the Defense Department's role in foreign assistance.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Swift and Responsible Recovery

It's been a month since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law, and now it's time to make sure the money is spent quickly yet responsibly, wrote Will Straw and Julie Baewer. Their infographic showed just how quickly that spending will happen. Meanwhile, the economy continues to freefall, as Christian Weller outlined in his monthly economic snapshot, and government spending is the only thing that can turn it around.

WAR IN IRAQ

Lessons from Six Years in Iraq

Thursday, March 19, marked the sixth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Lawrence Korb, Sean Duggan, and Laura Conley reflected on the war's consequences both at home and abroad, concluding that the fragile peace now in place may not have been worth the high price paid to achieve it. Katie White and Steve Bowden also detailed a responsible path to leave Iraq, as troops start exiting.

HOUSING

Next Steps for Containing the Foreclosure Crisis

The Obama administration's recently implemented Making Home Affordable program sets clear guidelines for mortgage service companies to modify mortgages to help homeowners. In a report and congressional testimony, Andrew Jakabovics recommended setting clear benchmarks to measure progress for the program. A CAP event this week also identified possible next steps to contain the foreclosure crisis and create a mortgage financing system that works.