Defense
A bipartisan group of six senators announced Monday that they are trying to find a way to avoid sequestration in January. – Military Times
McCain, and Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) are teaming up Tuesday in Colorado for a town hall to talk about the danger of the defense cuts set to hit Jan. 2 through sequestration. – DEFCON Hill
A stock market downturn later this year might provide the kind of pressure both political parties need to avoid a so-called “fiscal cliff,” which includes $500 billion in cuts to planned Pentagon spending, says a key U.S. lawmaker. – Defense News
Josh Rogin reports: Every year, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the one bill that gets significant floor debate and legions of amendments before being passed, but this year could be different. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Armed Services ranking Republican John McCain (R-AZ) are fighting over the issue now. – The Cable
The War
Lawyers for three men who have been imprisoned by the United States military in Afghanistan without trial for nearly a decade are renewing their quest for hearings in American courts. They say new information has emerged that undermines an appeals court ruling against them two years ago. – New York Times
The European Court of Human Rights gave final approval on Monday for the extradition of one of Britain’s most radical Islamist clerics and four others to the United States, where they face terrorism charges. – Reuters
Michael Mukasey writes: It appears that the only course open now is for Congress to demand an unequivocal statement from the State Department and the White House that the U.S. will not transfer or release Abdel Rahman under any circumstances. Absent such assurance, it may be time for Congress to make clear that such a transfer or release could be considered the kind of gross betrayal of public trust that would justify removal from high office. – Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
Marisa Porges writes: The ongoing fight against Al Qaeda is not limited to Afghanistan and Pakistan; Qaeda affiliates and supporters operate actively in North Africa Yemen, and beyond. And if Mr. Qumu was indeed involved with the mission attack, it raises serious questions about what other countries do with captured terrorists who remain a threat. It also reminds us that America’s ability to effectively hold and interrogate those it captures in this fight is crucial. – New York Times
Foreign Aid
Our collective experiences prove that commitments to good governance, investments in people, and economic freedom — which includes the rule of law — are the very foundation of achieving prosperity and economic growth. World leaders recognize this and will continue the global conversation on this important issue when they meet this month at the United Nations General Assembly, where the rule of law will be the central theme. Our stance is clear: If your country is not committed to these principles, the Millennium Challenge Corporation will say no. – Foreign Policy
