"Broadening its challenge to the United States, the Chinese government on Thursday announced an ambitious five-year plan for space exploration that would move China closer to becoming a major rival at a time when the American program is in retreat."

NYT: China Unveils Ambitious Plan to Explore Space.

The White House: Key Points of the President's Speech (4/13/2011) →

I appreciate the framework he has laid out, especially the tax reform section. It is obvious to anyone who spends more than 5 minutes thinking about it that, in order for the US to continue having a functioning government, we need to have a better tax system. I only wish he had gone further. But I imagine this was the least favorite part of the speech for his political advisors…

National Geographic Magazine: USA Surnames →

Another really cool infographic. It reveals the top 25 surnames in each state of the US. Pretty cool.

[via Map of the Week]

Flowing Data: $8.7b Iraq development funds unaccounted for. Of course, this does not necessarily mean all $8.7b was wasted. We just don’t know how it was used/misused. Well done, us.

The Nation: WikiLeaks in Baghdad →

Interesting article based on interviews with two American soldiers filmed in the Collateral Murder video released by WikiLeaks. Oddly enough, I find myself sympathizing with not just the Iraqi civilians but also the American soldiers. I don’t find it surprising that, after suffering repeated fatal IED attacks from a hostile populace, young soldiers lash out against what they perceive to be the enemy. They are not some sort of uber-rational superhumans; they are mostly just 18-22 year old males. Why do we place all the blame on them when the fault really lies with their superiors, who brought them into this war, and the enemy militias, who hide themselves (in rather cravenly fashion) amongst Iraqi civilians.

I still think going into Iraq was wrong. In fact, if all this discussion over the WikiLeaks leaks has brought out anything, it is that war should be avoided as much as possible, because once you get involved, you start doing things that you are bound to regret.

NYT: In Speech on Iraq, Obama Reaffirms Drawdown →

Seems we are slowly closing the book on Operation Iraqi Freedom (we even gave it a new name, Operation New Dawn). Of course, we still have 50,000 troops there providing support for American civilians until the end of 2011.

On a side note, the article has an interesting point on Afghanistan: “American intelligence believes [Al Qaeda[ has only about 100 members in Afghanistan”. Could it be that the majority of the Al Qaeda terrorist organization operate in Pakistan, currently our main ally in the region? Good for us.

NYT: Op-Ed - In Pakistan, Echoes of American Betrayal →

A couple of thoughts:

1. Much like we think Pakistan is betraying us to the Taliban in Afghanistan, Pakistan feels that the US (read: CIA) has constantly been throwing off their internal politics for its own means. This suggests both populations would feel better if they severed covert/military relations.
2. The author suggests that the majority of Pakistan’s population is tired of the “continuing deadly muddle” and just wants a “safer neighborhood,” which is being prevented by American money pumped into Pakistan’s army and ISI. Perhaps with less money being funneled into the country’s military and espionage services, the India-Pakistan conflict would also reach some sort of non-violent conclusion.

An interesting perspective on American involvement in the region, regardless of what one thinks of it.

NYT: Judge Blocks Parts of Arizona’s Immigration Law →

Federal District Court Judge, Susan Bolton, allowed the Arizona immigration law, SB 1070, to pass but

Judge Bolton took aim at the parts of the law that have generated the most controversy, issuing a preliminary injunction against sections that called for police officers to check a person’s immigration status while enforcing other laws and that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times.

This makes it semi-good news, I guess. Let’s see how this plays out in the 9th District Court, where it seems bound to end up.

NYT: Op-Ed - The Spy Who Came Out to the Suburbs →

A light-hearted account of the Russian spies caught in Montclair, NJ. It seems highly improbable that these “spies” actually accomplished anything. Odd.

Tim Howard’s hometown (North Brunswick Township, NJ) is proud of his accomplishments.

NYT: With Shift in Afghanistan, Talk Turns to Exit →

With General Petraeus taking over for McChrystal, questions about the withdrawal are coming up. President Obama is avoiding giving a timeline. Soldiers on the ground suggest that locals are unwilling to help because they feel that the Taliban will extract revenge when the soldiers leave.

Despite all this information, I cannot figure out the current reasons for our presence in Afghanistan. I need to think about this issue more. Till then, what do others think?

NYT: World Cup Ratings Certify a TV Winner →

Even though the US is out, the World Cup has seemingly succeeded in cementing itself in the American psyche. For instance, “on Saturday, the United States’ loss to Ghana was seen by 14.9 million on ABC — an American record for the tournament — and an additional 4.5 million on Univision.” That’s apparently as much as the average number of people who watched the six World Series games last year.

NYT: Pakistan Is Said to Pursue an Afghan Foothold →

Let me see if I have this right. One partner of the US in the War on Terror (Pakistan) is attempting to lure another partner of the US (Afghanistan under Karzai) into a working relationship with an enemy of the US (Haqqani/al Qaeda), who is also almost openly an asset of the first partner (Pakistan). We have great partners in our War on Terror… Seriously, does anyone else find this situation absurd? At the very least, we need to get out of our relationship with Karzai (and seriously reconsider our relationship with Pakistan). Neither of them are even close to being trustworthy partners right now.

"We can’t keep producing magic-goal moments"

Tim Howard, NYT: Americans Have No One to Blame but Themselves. I absolutely agree with this sentiment. It is stupid to imagine that we will be able to pull ourselves out of a deficit in every game.

NYT: Men With Balls - ‘The Art of the 2010 World Cup’ →

Probably the best part of the exhibition is the live feed of the World Cup being shown there. But still, more evidence that soccer/football is making an impact in the United States.