News + Media

	In the News September 6, 2018 North Korea turns 70: all eyes on missile displays at upcoming military parade Benjamin Haas The Guardian Vipin Narang said that for Sunday’s procession “the most provocative move would be for Kim to parade new nuclear capable systems that we have not seen before. The signal in this case would be: ‘not only did I say I’m not unilaterally disarming, but I’ve even got some new toys in the works.’” But he added it was unlikely Kim would want to be so aggressive while their talks with the US continue.
	Analysis + Opinion September 5, 2018 An agenda for Japanese military reform Eric Heginbotham, Richard SamuelsEast Asia Forum Quarterly Japan’s military planners face a number of major challenges on the near horizon, write Eric Heginbotham and Richard Samuels in their essay in East Asia Forum Quarterly. A potential conflict on the Korean peninsula, skirmishes in the East China Sea, debilitating cyberattacks, and the forced repatriation of Taiwan by Beijing.
	In the News September 5, 2018 South Korean officials and Kim Jong Un; Pompeo in Pakistan WBUR Here & Now A South Korean presidential delegation met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and conveyed a personal letter from South Korean President Moon Jae-in. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Pakistan at a time when relations have sunk to a new low. Jim Walsh speaks about these and other issues.
	In the News September 5, 2018 North Korea's Kim sets denuclearization time line, prompting thanks from Trump Hyonhee Shin, Susan HeaveyReuters “Kim Jong Un of North Korea proclaims ‘unwavering faith in President Trump.’ Thank you to Chairman Kim. We will get it done together!” Trump wrote. “Kim just owns Trump. He knows his mark,” said Vipin Narang, in a message on Twitter.
	News Release September 4, 2018 Journalist Una Hajdari joins CIS as the 2018 IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellow The Kosovo journalist will use her time as the Elizabeth Neuffer fellow to highlight the issues that affect the everyday lives of people in the Balkans and in Eastern Europe. “Oftentimes, outlets focus on the ‘big geopolitical narratives’ ... and neglect the stories that don’t necessarily fit into this polarized perspective.”
	In the News August 30, 2018 Trump is blaming China for North Korea impasse, but real fault may lie closer to home Simon DenyerThe Washingon Post Vipin Narang quoted on North Korea, “This was exactly the risk of Trump freelancing in Singapore: making promises to Kim Jong Un (and earlier Kim Yong Chol) that the Administration could not and would not deliver on. Things may quickly heat back up, and this one is squarely on Trump.”
	Analysis + Opinion August 29, 2018 The Trump administration’s new ‘Iran Action Group’ won’t work Nicholas MillerThe Washingon Post The "Iran Action Group" announcement signaled again that the Trump administration intends to act more aggressively against Iran. So how likely is it that this pressure campaign will change Iranian behavior? MIT SSP affiliate Nicholas Miller says it won’t work.
	News@E40 August 28, 2018 MIT team digitizes Machu Picchu Eduardo Rivera \| Lily KeyesMIT News A laboratory team from the MIT Department of Architecture, led by Professor Takehiko Nagakura and PhD student Paloma Gonzales, has been working on the MISTI Global Seed Fund Machu Picchu Design Heritage project since 2016. "We believe that…the digitalization of architectural monuments is key to the preservation of the cultural heritage of humanity.”
	In the News August 24, 2018 Donald Trump sorrowfully cancels another North Korea meeting Uri FriedmanThe Atlantic Vipin Narang comments on the canceled North Korea meeting in The Atlantic, “I’m much more skeptical this time because last time Kim wanted the summit just as badly,” Narang observed on Friday. “This time he’s in a much stronger position.”
	Analysis + Opinion August 19, 2018 The GSDF is taking to the waves, but should it? Mina PollmannThe Diplomat, The Japan Times The approximately 2,100-member unit is based in southwest Japan and specializes in operations involving AAV-7 amphibious vehicles, MV-22 Ospreys and Chinook helicopters.