Weekly Round Up: October 19 – October 23

National Security

New Tools for Old Traumas

Steady increases in technological sophistication over the past 10 to 20 years have helped millions of people come a bit closer to realizing social and economic rights, and these technological advances are also having a major impact on the struggle for civil and political rights. This week Sarah K. Drier and William F. Schulz released a report on using 21st century technologies to combat human rights atrocities.

John Prendergast offered an expert and activist view on the Obama administration’s new Sudan policy in an “Ask the Expert” video.

In his third report from Iraq, Lawrence J. Korb talked with an outspoken advisor to Commanding General Ray Odierno and with Wounded Warriors. In addition, Caroline Wadhams, Colin Cookman, and Peter Juul discussed that the international community should continue to demand strong governance in Afghanistan as the country heads into another round of voting.

Domestic

Don’t Leave It to the States

This week David Balto and Stephanie Gross explained why leaving health insurance oversight to state regulators is a dangerous idea. Also, a report from Scot J. Paltrow showed how currently secret health insurance claims denial rates could tell consumers a lot about their insurance company. Elizabeth Edwards, CAP Action Senior Fellow, testified before the Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts on the causes and consequences of medical bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, Ruy Teixeira explained that the public still favors health care reform and a public option. And Gebe Martinez noted that Senator David Vitter (R-LA) is trying to use the census to further an anti-immigration agenda.

Energy and Environment

The Changing Climate in India

Andrew Light, Julian L. Wong, and Sabina Dewan wrote that India brings hope that developed and developing nations will be able to reach an agreement on carbon emissions reductions.

A panel explored the challenges of clean transportation in developed and developing economies at a CAP event, and this week’s “Easy Being Green” featured an interactive that explains why wetlands are a vital part of our ecosystem and the importance of keeping them healthy.