Weekly Monitor

At the beginning of each week, Security Assistance Monitor sends out a newsletter highlighting the top U.S. security assistance news and reports of the week, recent government statements, legislation, and reports, and key analysis from our website. We also highlight new or interesting U.S. security assistance data trends from our databases or other sources.
You can subscribe to these newsletters or read past Weekly Monitors by clicking on the dates below. 

 

September 21, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at reports that U.S. officials may be liable for war crimes for continuing to provide arms to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. The data fact illustrates the arms that were sold to Saudi Arabia and the UAE through an emergency declaration in 2019. 

 

 

September 14, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at reports that U.S. firearms sales have spiked during the pandemic, coinciding with regulatory changes that transfered oversight of a number of USML Category I items from the State Department to the Department of Commerce. The data fact illustrates the geographic breakdown of 2019 firearms recipients that would not have been notified to congress under new guidelines.  

 

 

September 8, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at the Trump Administration's decision to lift and arms embargo on Cyprus amidst tensions with Turkey. The data fact illustrates arms sales to Turkey and Greece respectively. 

 

 

August 24, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at reports that the Trump Administration is considering selling the UAE advanced F-35 fighter jets in the wake of Abu Dhabi's diplomatic agreement with Israel. The data fact illustrates the countries producing or procuring F-35 fighter jets. 

 

 

August 17, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at the release of a State Department Inspector General report on the agency's use of an emergency declaration to bypass congressional opposition and sell arms to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The data fact illustrates the arms sales proposed for Saudi Arabia and th UAE in the 2019 emergency arms sales declaration. 

 

 

August 10, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at reports that the Trump Administration is looking to deepen ties with India through arms sales, as Dehli eyes a rising China. The data fact illustrates the top 5 U.S. arms sales recipients in South and Central Asia between FY2008 and FY2017. 

 

 

August 3, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks a new primer from the Council on Foreign Relations on the conflict in Yemen that cites data from SAM. The data fact illustrates U.S. security sector assistance to Yemen since FY2000. 

 

 

 

July 27, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at the U.S. decision ot relax the rules that have long constrained the sale of U.S. armed drones. The data fact illustrates the top 10 recipients of Chinese made armed drones

 

July 20, 2020

This week's monitor features the latest report from the SAM, examining lessons learned from a 9 years of U.S. security assistance to Tunisia. The data fact shows the growth in U.S. security assistance to Tunisia between FY2000 and FY2019. 

 

July 13, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks the UK's annoucment that it will resume arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The data fact looks at the top 5 U.S. arms sales offer recipients between 2016 and 2018. 

 

June 29, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at reports that the Trump Administration is considering ending pre-notification of arms sales to congress. The data fact illusrates traditional congressional oversight process for U.S. arms sales as well as the President's recent use of an emergency authority to bypass notification. 

 

June 22, 2020

This week's monitor feature looks at China's decision to join the International Arms Trade Treaty just months after President Trump announced the U.S. would be rescinding it's signature. The data fact illusrates the global share of major arms exports by the 10 largest exporters from 2015-2019. 

 

June 15, 2020

This week's montior features a new opinion piece from Diana Ohlbaum and Rachel Stohl looking at the need to re-orient the arms sales process to favor Congressional control. The data fact illusrates the breakdown of arms sales made to Saudi Arabia and the UAE during an emergency declaration made by President Trump in the summer of 2019. 

 

June 8, 2020

This week's montior features a new Issue Brief from SAM examining how new regulations changes would have shielded past firearms sales from Congressional scrutiny. The data fact illusrates the breakdown of 2019 firearm notification recipients. 

 

June 1, 2020

This week's montior features reports that the Trump Administration is pursuing new controversial arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The data fact illusrates how the President used an emergency authority to avoid congressional notification of controversial arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 

 

May 26, 2020

This week's montior features the Security Assistance Monitor's latest report on trends in U.S. arms sales, examining the year-on-year changes since 2018 as well as major changes in U.S. arms export recipients, markets, and weapon categories. The data fact illusrates the regional breakdown of U.S. arms sales recipients in 2019 and 2018. 

 

May 18, 2020

This week's montior features a long form piece from the New York Times noting how the Trump administrations conceptions of arms sales have impacted peace and conflict across the globe, most especially in Yemen. The data fact illusrates the types of arms and armaments Cairo has purchased from Washington in recent years. 

 

May 11, 2020

This week's montior features a new report from CIP and the Project on Middle East Democracy that looks at the challenges and shortcomings of the U.S. military aid relationship with Egypt. The data fact illusrates the types of arms and armaments Cairo has purchased from Washington in recent years. 

 

May 4, 2020

This week's montior features new Issue Brief from SAM looking at the implications of a new sale of attack helicopters to the Philippiens despite the Duterte government's rampant human rights abuses. The data fact the categories of defense articles and services authorized for export to the Philippines in 2019. 

 

 

April 27, 2020

This week's montior features new research from SIPRI which found 2019 found the highest year on year increas in global military expenditure in more than a decade. The data fact shows the country distribution of militayr expenditure for the top 15 spenders. 

 

 

April 20, 2020

This week's feature provides a prime on how to navigate SAM's security aid and arms sales databases, particualry how to extract analysis from our large datasest. The data fact provides a snapshot of SAM's dashboard layout, for both security aid and arms sales. 

 

 

April 13, 2020

This week's feature focuses on a new Resource Page published by all of CIP providing a colection or articles, government statements, and analysis on the role of the military in the coronavirus response. The data fact is borrowed from the New York Times and shows the daily increase in COVID-19 cases each day since the end of February. 

 

 

April 6, 2020

This week's feature looks at President Trump's decision to deploy additional military assets to Latin America and the Pacific, citing concerns that drug cartels may use the pandamonium of the coronavirus to aid their operaitons. The datafact looks at the State Department's International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Assistance to Latin America.    

 

 

March 30, 2020

In this Special Edition of the Weekly Monitor, the entire Center for International Policy team has produced an overview of the role the U.S. military can and cannot play in the Covid-19 response.  The Special Edition summarizes the special considerations of using the Armed Forces to respond to a domestic health crisis.   

 

 

March 2, 2020

This week's newsletter feature looks at the historic annoucnment of a nascent peace agreement between the Afhgan Taliban and the United States. The data fact offers a timeline of key events matched with military aid to Kabul since FY2001.   

 

 

February 24, 2020

This week's newsletter features a new Issue Brief by SAM examining U.S. military aid to Afghanistan in the context of a possible peace deal slated to be signed by the U.S. and the Taliban by the end of February. The data fact shows how the 5 top U.S. security aid recipients since FY2001.   

 

 

February 18, 2020

This week's newsletter features examines the FY2021 White House budget request for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (ASFF). The data fact shows how the four main funding programs in the ASFF have changed between FY2019 and the FY2021 request.   

 

 

February 10, 2020

This week's newsletter features an opinion piece by SAM's Elias Yousif, taking a critical look at the impact of General Qassim Soleimani's assasination on U.S. interests in the MENA region. The data fact shows the most significant recipient units of U.S. military training in Iraq in FY2018.   

 

 

February 3, 2020

This week's newsletter features new data and details on U.S. foreing military training for FY2018. The data fact shows the top 5 training courses provided to foreing security personnel in FY2018.   

 

January 27, 2020

This week's newsletter features new analysis from the U.S. foreing military training report, including exclusive analysis of the thematic categories of training the U.S. is providing abroad. The data fact shows the top 5 categories of foreign military training in FY2018.   

 

January 21, 2020

This week's newsletter feature highlights a new report from Transparency International Defense and Security on how U.S. arms control reform is exacerbating global corruption risks. The data fact shows the total value of security assistance to Iraq between FY 2009 and FY2019.   

 

December 9, 2019

This week's newsletter feature examines the resumption of $105 million in security aid to Lebanon after an un-explained White House hold. The data fact shows the top 5 recipients of the Department of Defense's conslidated trian and equip program in the Middle East and North Africa.   

 

November 12, 2019

This week's newsletter features an Issue Brief on the Trump Administration's reported decision to suspend $105M in seucirty aid to Lebanon. The data fact shows the top 5 recipients of the Department of Defense's conslidated trian and equip program.   

 

November 4, 2019

This week's newsletter features the latest in the Security Assistance in Focus series, profiling section 333 assistance to Tunisia's Tier 1 Counterterrorism Company. The data fact shows the substantial growth in U.S. security assistance to Tunisia since FY2000.   

 

October 28, 2019

This week's newsletter features a new analysis from SAM that visualizes the yearly distribution of U.S. security asssitance by region since FY2000. The data fact shows those top recipients by 4 year groupings.   

 

October 21, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights the latest updates to the SAM database, including Authorization details for commercial arms sales for FY18, and Delivery totals. The data fact shows the top 5 delivery locations for U.S. arms sales in FY18.   

 

October 14, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights the U.S. armaments that have flowed to both sides of the frontlines in Turkey's incursion into Northeastern Syria. The data fact shows details of the weapons supplied to Vetted Syrian Opposition groups who are now fighting Turkey.   

 

October 7, 2019

This week's newsletter feature examines India's growing defense ties with the U.S. as well as it's continued military relationship with Moscow. The data fact shows the top 5 receipients of U.S. arms sales in South and Central Asia.   

 

 

September 30, 2019

This week's newsletter feature examines U.S. security aid to Ukraine, which has become a central focus of a House impeachment inquiry into President Trump. The data fact shows how U.S. security asssistance to Urkaine has increades dramatically since FY2014.   

 

 

September 23, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights a recent opinion piece by SAM's Elias Yousif which argues that recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities claimed by Houthi rebles but blamed, by many, on Iran should usher a greater U.S. effort to end the civil war in Yemen. The data fact shows a snapshot of U.S. arms sales related to the Army's Patriot Missile System since FY2016.   

 

 

September 16, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights a recent opinion piece by Nate Smith of Amensty International and SAM's Elias Yousif on how public distrust of US arms sales may help progress new regulation. The data gives a snapshot of firearms export notifications in FY2018.   

 

 

September 9, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights a recent study by the Stimson Center on the incentives the arms industry has for maitaining the U.S. as a signatory to the Arms Trad Treaty. The data gives a snapshot of the top commerical arms sales recipients for 2018. 

 

September 3, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights the latest Security Assistance in Focus on U.S. military aid to Ukraine in FY2019. The data gives a snapshot of that assistance, as well as military aid to Ukraine since FY2005.   

 

 

August 26, 2019

This week's newsletter feature highlights a new report by the Cost of War Project that suggests clandestine U.S. support to Afghan militias could prove to be an ill-understood prospect to ongoing peace efforts. The data fact shows the top U.S. security assistance programs over the past decade, with the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund as the largest recipient.   

 

 

August 19, 2019

This week's newsletter features a new work by SAM intern Betsenat Gebrewald examining U.S. efforts to leverage security assistance to contain the growing power of rivals China and Russia. The data fact illustrates how those assistance packages aim to hem in China and Russia in their near abroads.   

 

 

August 12, 2019

This week's newsletter feature focuses on exclusive new updates to the SAM database on direct commercial arms sales for 2019. The data fact illustrates the top 10 international customers for commercial sales in 2019.  

 

 

August 5, 2019

This week's newsletter features the latest in our Security Assistance in Focus series, highlighting Department of Defense Train and Equip assistance to Lebanon's 4th Land Border Regiment. The data fact includes new SAM data on the U.S. governments training of foreing security forces in FY16 and FY17.  

 

 

July 29, 2019

This week's newsletter features the latest in our Security Assistance in Focus series, highlighting Department of Defense Train and Equip assistance to Azerbaijan in FY18 & FY19. The data fact illustrates the ups and downs in security assistance to Baku since FY2001.  

 

 

July 22, 2019

This week's newsletter features a new piece by SAM Director, Christina Arabia, on the lack of transparency in the arms trade and security assistance sectors that make public scrutiny and analysis incresingly difficult. The data fact illustrates the dramatic rise in U.S. security asssistance since FY2001.  

 

 

July 15, 2019

This week's newsletter feature focuses on a July 10th Senate hearing on the President's emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE which bypassed congressional reveiw processes. The data fact illustrates the traditional arms sales process, and how the President's emergency declaration sidesteps Congressional oversight.  

 

 

July 8, 2019

This week's newsletter feature focuses on U.S. security assistance to Egypt six years after a coup ousted the democratically elected government from power. The data fact shows the largest cumulative recipients of Foreign Military Financing since FY2013, with Egypt being the second largest beneficiary during that period.  

 

 

July 1, 2019

This week's newsletter features the second in our newest fact sheet series - Security Assistance in Focus - where we profile U.S. security assistance to Burkina Faso's Counter Terrorism Company. The date fact shows the distribution of U.S. security asssitance to West Africa where, in FY2018, Burkina Faso was the largest recipient.  

 

 

 

June 24, 2019

This week's newsletter features our newest fact sheet series - Security Assistance in Focus - where we profile U.S. security assistance to a specific country. The firs in our series looks at the Lebanese Mukafaha Intervention Section, otherwiuse known as the Counter-Sabotage Regiment. The data fact illustrates the scale of U.S. security assistance to Lebanon since FY2005.  

 

 

June 17, 2019

This week's newsletter features an anaylsis of last week's heated Congressional hearing on the President's decision to bypass the Congressional reveiw process to sell arms to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The data fact illustrates the step by step process for Foreing Military Sales, and how the President's emergency declaration impacts that system.  

 

 

June 10, 2019

This week's newsletter features new information on President Trump's proposed emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including infographics. The data fact breaks down the volume and nature of the proposed sales.  

 

 

June 3, 2019

This week's feature examines the recent U.S. decision to re-engage with a controversial Indonesian special forces unit accused of human rights abuses. The data fact illustrates the distrubition of security assistance to countries in South East Asia, incudling Indonesia.  

 

 

May 28, 2019

This week's feature examines the President's recent decision to bypass Congressonal opposition and its oversight role in the arms trade to sell weapons to Gulf nations who cotnintue to conduct hostilities in Yemen. The data fact illustrates the types of weapons the U.S. government has notified it itends to provide to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.  

 

 

May 20, 2019

This week, we feature SAM's new infographic which chronicles the history the U.S.-Pakistan security assistance relationship since 2001, and our data fact visualizes the ups and downs of the scale of security aid the U.S. has provided to Pakistan over that period.  

 

 

May 13, 2019

This week's feature examines the findings of the Congressionally mandated Syria Study Group, which included recommendations to end the U.S. withdrawal and continue train and equip programs. Our data fact shows the weapons that have been provided to vetted Syrian opposition forces through the Defense Department's  train and equip program since FY2018.  

 

 

May 6, 2019

This week's feature analyzes President Trump's decision to revoke the U.S. government's signature of the UN brokered Arms Trade Treaty. Our data fact shows the top recipients of train and equip programing, which aims to build partner capacity of allied defense forces.  

 

 

April 29, 2019

This week's feature examines a new CSIS report on the status of government reform efforts to the security assistance sector. Our data fact shows the top recipients of section 333 security assistance programming, which aims to build partner capacity of allied defense forces.  

 

 

April 22, 2019

This week's feature examines President Trump's decision to veto a Congressional resolution that would have ended U.S. support to the Saudi led coalition fighitng in Yemen. Our data fact shows the types of weapons that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are receiving from the United States, weapons that could make their way to the frontlines of Yemens civil war. 

 

April 15, 2019

This week's feature examines a growing chorus of congressional criticism of Egypt's authoritarian behavior, which could manifest itself in opposition to the $1.3 billion military aid package the U.S. provides to the country each year. Our data fact illustrates the scale of security assistance provided by the State Department to Egypt each year, which is second it volume only to Israel.

 

April 8, 2019

This week we feature a new Security Assitance Monitor report on Trends in Major U.S. Arms Sales, which discusses important shifts in the U.S. export of defense articles. Our data fact illustrates the number of arms sales that involve licensing deals for U.S. weapons systems to be manufactured abroad, which could reduce the impact of the arms trade on the U.S. job market.

April 1, 2019

This week's feature summarizes the recent hearing on the Trump Administration's proposed changes to the firearms export rules. Our data fact breaks down the Defense Department's train and equip program supporting Djibouti's Rapid Intervention Batallion.

 

March 25, 2019

This week's feature is about the upcoming House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on proposed changes to rules governing weapons exports that could reduce transparency and congressional oversight over the international arms trade. Our data fact shows the 2018 arms sales notifications for governments with questionable human rights records that are acquiring the very weapons that the proposed rule changes would cover, including military-style small arms.

 

March 18, 2019

This week's feature is a SAM analysis of some of the major changes to security assistance programming proposed in President Trump's FY 2020 budget. Our data fact displays the substantial cuts slated to hit the State Department's International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement aid program, which could see budget reductions across all it's geographic and thematic lines of effort.

 

March 11, 2019

This week's feature is a recent press conference hosted by the Forum on the Arms Trade with two Representatives of Congress, multiple arms control experts, and various media organizations to discuss concerns and efforts related to the Trump Administration's proposed firearms export rule change. SAM is cited and quoted in multiple articles regarding the risks associated with the proposed firearms rule. SAM's data is also used in an article about U.S. military training to an elite unit in Cameroon and in a report possibly implicating U.S. weapons in civilian deaths in Yemen. Our data fact displays the total amount of U.S. firearms exports by region in 2018 and 2017.

 

 

March 4, 2019

This week we feature is a Government Accountability Office report that found that the State Department does not know if its security assistance programs in the Caribbean are working because there is no established way to assess overall progress. SAM's report on the key challenges fo U.S. oversight in the Trump Administration's proposed firearms export changes is cited in two articles that detail Senator Menendez's recent action to block the proposed changes. Our data fact displays the Defense Department's spending between fiscal years 2010-19 on three major programs: the Afghan Security Forces Fund and the train and equip funds for Iraq and Syria.

 

February 25, 2019

This week we feature an analysis that maps out the global reach of U.S. counterterrorism operations in 2017-2018. Our data fact displays the Defense Department's planned counterterrorism assistance through its main train and equip program to build the capacity of foreign militaries.

 

 

February 19, 2019

This week we feature an op-ed by CIP's William Hartung that delves into the negative impact that Trump's new gun export rule could have on fueling the global arms trade and putting weapons into the wrong hands. SAM's fact sheet on U.S. proposed firearms exports in 2018 was cited in Hartung's op-ed. Our data fact displays the top three country recipients of U.S. firearms and ammunition exports in 2018 - Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.

 

 

February 11, 2019

This week we feature a report by CIP's William Hartung that documents the role of U.S. arms and military training to the United Arab Emirates in fueling that nation's actions in the war in Yemen and beyond. SAM Director Christina Arabia is quoted and SAM's data is cited extensively in a piece on the United States' recent decision to cut military aid to Cameroon. Our data fact displays details of each proposed U.S. arms sale to the United Arab Emirates in 2018.

 

February 5, 2019

This week we feature a report by CIVIC that suggests a better way to understand the unique risks of multinational coalition operations and offers suggestions to help coalitions better prevent and respond to civilian casualties. Our data fact displays the countries recieving counter-illicit drug trafficking assistance in Africa and the Western Hemisphere through DoD's Section 333 Building Partner Capacity program for fiscal year 2019.

 

January 28, 2019

This week we feature an article from Al-Monitor detailing a provision in both Senate and House spending bills that would cut Saudi Arabia off from a key U.S. military training program. Our data fact compares U.S. arms sales, both Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), notified to Congress for Saudi Arabia in 2017 and 2018.

 

January 22, 2019

This week we feature an issue brief that identifies critical areas for the new U.S. Congress to consider to fully utilize their oversight powers to ensure that the U.S. arms trade is more responsible. Our data fact compiles the total amount of arms sales notifications for countries in the Middle East and North Africa in 2018 and ranks them from highest to lowest.

 

 

January 14, 2019

SAM's Weekly Monitor is back this week featuring newly obtained data on DoD's main train and equip program and U.S. arms sales notifications in 2018. Our data fact displays the countries receiving counterterrorism aid through DoD's Section 333 Building Partner Capacity program in fiscal year 2019.

 
 

November 12, 2018

This week we feature an article highlighting recently reported increases in U.S. arms sales and recent changes in the Trump Administration's arms export policy. Our data fact looks at the top 20 recipient countries of U.S. arms sales notifications in 2018.

 

November 5, 2018

This week we feature the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction's latest audit revealing that the Defense Department has not assessed, monitored, or evaluated advising efforts within the Afghan Ministries of Defense and Interior. SAM's security aid data to Nigeria is cited in this report on protecting civilians in U.S. partnered operations. Our data fact looks at the U.S. arms manufacturers and subsidiaries that were contracted to fulfill foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia in 2017 and 2018.

 

October 22, 2018

This week we feature SAM Director Colby Goodman's prepared remarks from a recent Hill briefing on impications for national security and human rights from the Trump Administration's guns exports plan. Colby Goodman was quoted in an article explaining SOCOM's plan to reengineer and produce Soviet-style weapons in the United States. Our data fact looks at total U.S. arms sales deliveries to Saudi Arabia from fiscal years 2008-2017 and shows the drastic spike in deliveries in fiscal year 2017.

 

October 15, 2018

This week we feature an article that discusses moves in Congress to cut off U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and examines some of the sales that have already been approved by Congress. Our data fact looks at U.S. foreign military sales deliveries in fiscal years 2013-2017 and shows the drastic spike in deliveries in fiscal year 2017.

 

October 8, 2018

Our feature this week is a recent blog by our CIP colleague Ben Freeman on Saudi lobbying efforts to keep U.S. weapons and military support flowing into the country. SAM's security aid data is cited in this piece to examine total U.S. military aid to Saudi Arabia over the years. Our data fact is a list of total U.S. arms sales notifications to Congress in the first three quarters of calendar years 2018 for Saudi Arabia.

 

October 1, 2018

Our feature this week is our recently updated U.S. Arms Sales Notifications in 2018 fact sheet. SAM's security aid data is cited to explain security developments in Cameroon as well as corruption issues in Guatemala. Our data fact is a comparison of total U.S. arms sales notifications to Congress in the first three quarters of calendar years 2016-18.

 

September 24, 2018

Our feature this week is a Wall Street Journal article revealing that Secretary of State Pompeo plans to continue U.S. military support for the Saudi-coalition in Yemen in order to save future U.S. weapons sales. SAM's new corruption report is cited and two other articles use SAM's security aid data to explain security developments in Cameroon and Tunisia. Our data fact lists U.S. congressional notifications for firearms exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2017-18.

 

September 17, 2018

Our feature this week is SAM's new report, "Corruption in the Defense Sector: Identifying Key Risks to U.S. Counterterrorism Aid." SAM's new corruption report is cited and summariezed in a Defense News article and a blog from the Homeland Security Digital Library. Our data fact is also from our new report and highlights total U.S. counterterrorism aid by country for fiscal years 2017-19.

 

August 6, 2018

This week we feature an upcoming event on the Trump Administration's new Conventional Arms Transfer Policy and Unmanned Aerial Systems export policy. SAM director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article on provisions in this year's NDAA concerning senstive weapons sales to the Middle East. Our data fact shows the top 20 country recipients of U.S. arms sales notifications so far in 2018.

 

July 30, 2018

This week we feature an article that summarizes a recent settlement between the U.S. government and the founder of Defense Distributed, which will allow the company to post 3-D firearms blueprints online for unlimited international distribution. SAM's security assistance data is utilized in a piece that highlights the dangers emanating from fraud, waste, and abuse in U.S. security sector assistance. Our data fact breaks down total U.S. arms sales notifications from January to June of 2018 by weapons category.

 

July 23, 2018

This week's feature is a new fact sheet analyzing U.S. arms sales notifications in the first half of 2018. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an investigative piece about a possible loophole in the Trump Administration's new arms export policy that could make it easier for the U.S. to sell weapons to governments that kill civilians. Our data fact comes from our new data presented in our fact sheet on U.S. arms sales notifications comparing the total dollar amount of notifications from 2016-2018.

 

July 16, 2018

This week we feature an article highlighting significant changes in the Trump Administration's national defense strategy that will re-focus resources from counterterrorism in Africa to countering threats posed by Russia and ChinaSAM's data is sourced in multiple articles including two about the Trump Administration's proposed firearms export rule changes and one about U.S. major weapons sales to NATO allies. Our data fact this week highights countries that received the most counterterrorism aid through the Defense Department's Section 1206/333 programs in fiscal years 2015-18.

 

July 10, 2018

This week we feature SAM's written concerns submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding its proposed rule to transfer certain firearms, guns, ammunition, and related parts from State's oversight to its own controls. SAM's data is sourced in a recent report analyzing Defense Department security cooperation programs with Spain on Trans-Atlantic counter-narcotics efforts. Our data fact this week shows total congressional notifications for proposed U.S. commercial firearms exports this year through May of 2018.

 

July 2, 2018

This week we feature a new SIGAR report by that uncovers significant failures by the U.S. government to implement counternarcotic strategies in Afghanistan. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted and our data is cited in an article about a recent bill introduced in Congress that would boost funding for the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. Our data fact portrays total U.S. spending through the Afghan Security Forces Fund (ASFF) in the last decade (fiscal years 2009-2018).

 

June 25, 2018

This week we feature a new report by POMED that details the repercussions from President Trump's second foreign affairs budget on democracy, governancem and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa. SAM's security assistance database on Honduras is sourced in a piece examining the plight of Central American migrant children, including at the hands of U.S.-funded authorities in Honduras and Mexico. Our data fact portrays total U.S. security sector assistance worldwide skyrocketing since fiscal year 2001.

 

June 18, 2018

This week we feature a new book on U.S. counterterrorism partnerships by Stephen Tankel, which extensively cites SAM's data. SAM's arms sales database is sourced in a piece proposing a new framework for the approval process of U.S. arms sales and SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article analyzing failures in DoD's train and equip program. Our data fact depicts total Defense and State Department counterterrorism aid annually.

 

June 11, 2018

This week we feature new data on DoD's counter-weapons of mass destruction assistance to 21 countries in fiscal year 2018. SAM's recent arms sales trend report and firearms exports notifications fact sheet are both cited in a piece by Arms Control Association. Our data fact presents the top 10 recipients of DoD's counter-WMD assistance in fiscal year 2018.


 

June 4, 2018

This week we feature a recent GAO report that reveals that the Defense Department is struggling to improve the capability of foreign security forces to combat terrorist groups. SAM's security aid database is cited in a new Transparency International report about corruption in Nigeria. Our data fact shows the Defense Department's counterterrorism aid through it's Section 1206/333 program between fiscal years 2015-2019.

 

May 29, 2018

This week we feature a panel discussion led by SAM Director Colby Goodman on assessing risks in U.S. arms transfers from the Forum on the Arms Trade Annual Conference, "Taking Aim: A Closer Look at the Global Arms Trade." This panel discussion was cited in Defense One's Global Business Brief and SAM was cited in another about the risks associated with the Trump Administration's proposal to deregulating U.S. firearms exports. Our data fact shows the decrease in the State Department's counterterrorism aid under the Trump Administration and shows the distribution of State's counterterrorism aid going to foreign militaries, foreign law enforcement, and civil society groups.

 

May 21, 2018

This week we feature SAM's new fact sheet on trends in U.S. counterterrorism spending, which includes never before seen Defense Department data on their Sections 1206/333 train and equip programs. SAM is cited in an article about U.S. and U.K. support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article about reduced oversight on U.S. firearms exports. Our data fact presents a map depicting countries that received the most counterterrorism aid through the Defense Department's Section 1206/333 programs.

 

May 15, 2018

This week's we feature a Stimson Center event on U.S. counterterrorism spending since 9/11, in which SAM will also release our new fact sheet on trends in U.S. counterterrorism spending. SAM's database is cited in a law review about President Trump's recent conventional arms transfer policy. Our data fact lists country level details on recipients of U.S. proposed firearms exports in 2017.

 

April 30, 2018

This week's feature analyzes recently obtained data on the Defense Department's counter-drug assistance in fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Our data fact displays a heat map highlighting the countries that received assistance from the Defense Department's drug interdiction and counter-drug programs in FY16 and FY17.

 

April 23, 2018

This week's feature breaks down the Trump Administration's newly issued conventional arms transfer policy. SAM's recent arms sales trend report was cited in Bill Hartung's interview with Democracy Now and SAM Director Colby Goodman was quoted in an article discussing the transfer of oversight of U.S. arms exports from the State to Commerce Department. Our data fact displays the number of times that President Trump and President Obama stated key terms throughout the text of their respective conventional arms transfer policies.

 

April 16, 2018

This week we feature a Transparency International report on the Egyptian military's abuse of power. SAM's security assistance data was used in an article on the Trump Administration's decision to freeze aid to Libya. Our data fact displays the total amount of U.S. security assistance to Egypt between fiscal years 2012 and 2018.

 

April 9, 2018

This week we feature videos from a recent event co-hosted by SAM and the Forum on the Arms Trade that brought together experts to discuss the intersection between jobs, security, and human rights in U.S. arms exports. SAM's new arms sales trend report and databases were sourced in a few articles analyzing actions by the Trump Administration and U.S. arms exports and U.S. security aid. Our data fact displays the top 10 U.S. arms sales recipients in 2018.

 

April 2, 2018

This week we feature an upcoming event co-hosted by SAM and the Forum on the Arms Trade that will explore how to strike a balance between jobs, security, and human rights in U.S. arms exports. SAM's new arms sales trend report was sourced in an article discussing U.S. motivations behind arms exports and SAM director Colby Goodman was quoted in an article about lax U.S. arms controls. Our data fact displays the total amount of U.S. arms sales offers involving foriegn manufacturing in 2017.

 

March 26, 2018

This week we feature a Cato Institute report analyzing the role of U.S. arms sales in foreign policy. SAM's new arms sales trend report will be the center of a panel discussion on striking a balance between jobs, security, and human rights in U.S. arms export policy. Our data fact displays the total amount of U.S. foreign military sales waivers issued by the Defense Department between fiscal years 2012-2017.

 
 
 

March 19, 2018

This week we feature SAM's timeline of U.S. security cooperation with Iraq. SAM's new arms sales trend report is discussed and SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in two articles that focus on U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia that have been used in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Our data fact displays U.S. arms sales notification for Saudi Arabia by weapons category in 2017.

 

March 12, 2018

This week we feature a new SAM report comparing U.S. arms sales notifications under the Obama and Trump Administrations and highlighting the major U.S. arms sales trends in 2017. SAM's new report and U.S. arms sales database are utilized in an Al-Monitor article to highlight U.S. arms sales that are fueling the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Our data fact displays a comparison of the total dollar amount of U.S. arms sales in 2016 and 2017 divided by weapons category.

 

March 5, 2018

This week we feature a report by the Government Accountability Office analyzing the Defense Department's process for waiving certain costs in the Foreign Military Sales Program. SAM's U.S. security aid database is utilized in a Newsweek article to highlight U.S. spending on foreign military financing. Our data fact presents the top recipient countries of U.S. Foreign Military Sales authorizations between FY2012 and FY2019.

 

February 26, 2018

This week our feature analyzes the major increases and decreases in the Defense Department's budget proposal for U.S. foreign security aid in FY2019. SAM's U.S. security aid database is cited in an article that aims to place the historically high levels of Pentagon funding in perspective. Our data fact presents increases for several U.S. security aid programs in the Pentagon's budget request for FY2019.

 

February 20, 2018

This week our feature is a new CSIS study that analyzes current mechanisms for oversight and accountability in U.S. security sector assistance and provides recommendations for improvement through a holistic framework. SAM's U.S. security aid database is cited in an article about U.S. and Russian aid to Lebanon. Our data fact presents the top 10 U.S. security aid recipient countries based on combined totals from FY2008-FY2017.

 

February 12, 2018

This week our feature is a new SAM blog post analyzing the State Department's recent "Foreign Military Training Report." The analysis reveals that there was a substantial increase in foreign military trainees from FY 2015 to FY 2016. Our data fact shows changes in the top 5 countries that received U.S. foreign military training in FY2014-2017.

 

 

January 29, 2018

This week SAM features a new blog post that examines U.S. security aid to Indonesia as Secretary of Defense Mattis considers lifting Leahy Law restrictions on an elite Indonesian counterterror unit. Our data fact presents U.S. security assistance to Indonesia in fiscal years 2007-2017.

 

January 22, 2018

This week SAM features Human Rights Watch's annual World Report to highlight security force abuses in countries where the U.S. remains a key source of military aid. A Washington Post article that was largely based on SAM's database was used in an apiece discussing the complex goals behind U.S. foreign aid. Our data fact draws from the Human Rights Watch report to show the amount of U.S. military aid for select countries where security forces continue to commit human rights abuses and unlawful killings of civilians.

 

January 16, 2018

This week SAM features a joint report by the Stimson Center and the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) on modifying U.S. arms sales to reduce civilian harm. SAM's Colby Goodman was quoted in an article on the transfer of responsibility for firearms exports from the State Department to Commerce. SAM's security assistance data was also sourced in articles on U.S. military aid to Tajikistan and Jordan as well as an article discussing how well U.S. weapons manufacturers will fare in 2018. Our data fact presents the top 20 U.S. arms sales notification recipients in 2017.

 

January 8, 2018

This week SAM features an event and joint report launch by the Stimson Center and the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) on modifying U.S. arms sales to reduce civilian harm. SAM's Seth Binder was quoted in an article on U.S. counterterrorism aid in the Middle East and SAM's security assistance data is used in two articles regarding U.S. security aid to Pakistan and Honduras. Our data fact uses a map to show the number of countries that the U.S. authorized arms sales to in FY 2016.

 

December 18, 2017

This week SAM features a new book by the Center for Complex Operations on Defense Institution Building (DIB). Our data fact presents the amount of U.S. support for DIB in FY 2015 through three key initiatives: the Wales Initiative, the Defense Institution Reform Initiative, and the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies.

 

December 11, 2017

This week SAM features an Al-Monitor article detailing the Pentagon's plans for providing the Lebanese Armed Forces with attack helicopters. SAM's security assistance data is used in an investigative piece on specific U.S.-trained military units in Honduras that have allegedly been deployed against election protestors. Our data fact presents the amount of U.S. security assistance to Lebanon from FY2013 to FY2017.

 

December 4, 2017

This week SAM features a report from the Center for American Progress on the future of U.S.-Jordanian bilateral counterterrorism cooperation. SAM's U.S. security assistance data is used to provide a breakdown of U.S. programs that provide funding to strengthen Jordan's ability to confront both internal and external threats. Our data fact presents the amount of U.S. security assistance to Jordan from FY2014 to FY2018.

 

November 21, 2017

This week SAM features an article highlighting the Trump Administration's decision to rescind a plan that allowed the importation of elephant hunt trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia. Our data fact presents the amount of U.S. assistance for combating wildlife trafficking in sub-Saharan Africa in FY2017.

 

November 13, 2017

This week SAM features new U.S. arms delivery data for FY2016. SAM's arms sales notification data is cited in an article that examines President Trump's remarks concerning Japan's future purchases of U.S. weaponry. Our data fact displays the increase in U.S. arms deliveries from FY2012 to FY2016.

 

November 6, 2017

This week SAM features a Congressional Research Service report highlighting key issues for Congress to address regarding U.S. military engagement in Niger and the Sahel. SAM Director Colby Goodman weighs in on the implications of transferring oversight for military equipment exports to the commerce department, specifically the export of high-tech night vision gear. Our data fact displays U.S. security assistance to each of the G5 Sahel countries between FY2013 and FY2017.

 

October 30, 2017

This week SAM features a GRIP report highlighting halted arms sales from Balkan countries to the Middle East as well as the upcoming SAM event on tackling corruption in the global arms trade that will be co-hosted by Forum on the Arms Trade and the World Peace Foundation. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article on the increase in U.S. military training to Africa and the need for risk assessments for U.S. military operations on the continent. Our data fact presents the rejected arms sales from the Balkans to Saudi Arabia between 2011-2015.

 

October 23, 2017

This week SAM features an upcoming event on tackling corruption in the global arms trade that will be co-hosted by SAM, Forum on the Arms Trade, and the World Peace Foundation. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article on the Trump Administration's weapon push and easing of arms export regulations. Our data fact highlights the top 20 U.S. arms sales recipient countries so far under the Trump Administration.

 

October 16, 2017

This week's feature is a RAND report that identifies signposts and metrics for future U.S. ground interventions based on past and present examples. Our data fact highlights the top 10 U.S. proposed arms sales in 2017 thus far by recipient country.

 

October 9, 2017

This week's feature is SAM's infographic analyzing the spike in U.S. proposed arms sales under the Trump Administration. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in two articles discussing the dangers of giving the Commerce Department oversight of firearms exports. Our data fact breaks down U.S. proposed arms sales for 2017 by region.

 

October 2, 2017

This week's feature is an article by SAM Director Colby Goodman and Stimson Center's Rachel Stohl highlighting the dangers of giving the Commerce Department oversight of firearms exports. SAM's factsheet comparing U.S. arms sales notifications under the Trump and Obama administrations is referenced in two articles looking at the increase in U.S. global arms sales. SAM's foreign military trainee data is also referenced in a report and a blog on U.S. assistance fueling the UAE's war in Yemen. Our data fact presents U.S. firearms sales notifications from January through July 2017.

 

September 25, 2017

This week's feature is a SAM factsheet comparing U.S. arms sales notifications under the Trump and Obama administrations. SAM is referenced in an article on the need for both State and Defense Departments to improve accountability in foreign aid resources. SAM Program Manager Seth Binder uses SAM's data in an article on U.S. policy in Iraq. Our data fact looks at the Trump administrations record arms sales notifications for both foreign military sales and direct commercial sales in 2017 compared to the Obama administration's arms sales notifications during the same time period in 2016.

 

September 18, 2017

This week feature is a report from a recent Defense Trade Advisory Group meeting on planned changes to U.S. arms export controls including efforts to move oversight of some firearms and ammunition exports from the State Department to the Commerce Department. Our data fact looks at four recent major arms sales notifications to Bahrain totaling over $3.9B.

 

September 11, 2017

This week feature is a report arguing that the Trump administration should not walk away from a decade of U.S. involvement in Lebanon's armed forces and counterterrorism institutions, which remain on the front line of the campaign against the Islamic State. SAM was mentioned in an article as a "helpful resource" on military spending and an article using SAM's security assistance data is sourced in an essay analyzing U.S. counterterrorism policy. Our data fact presents the significant cutback in U.S. security assistance to Lebanon in the fiscal year 2018 proposed budget in comparison to the annual security assistance since fiscal year 2010. 

 

August 28, 2017

This week feature is a Government Accountability Office report analyzing areas where the Defense Department has both succeeded and failed in regards to reaching performance metrics that track the rate that Foreign Military Sales (FMS) are processed. In light of the U.S. withholding security aid to Egypt, our data fact looks at the amount of U.S. security aid vs. the amount of economic aid to Egypt since fiscal year 2008 until 2017.

 

August 21, 2017

This week feature is a Government Accountability Office report reviewing inefficiencies within the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. SAM's blog is cited in an article examining how the UAE used economic development money to promote U.S. arms sales to the Gulf States and in another article on allegations of abuses at a counterterrorism base in Cameroon. Our data fact presents the top 10 countries for FMS notifications in 2017.

 

August 14, 2017

This week feature is a Government Accountability Office report reviewing weapons systems and equipment funded by both the Defense and State Department for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces between fiscal years 2002-2016. SAM's data is cited in an article examining successes and failures in U.S. foreign military training programs. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article on private military contractor Erik Prince's proposal for Afghanistan. Our data fact looks at U.S. spending on Afghan security through four major programs during fiscal years 2012 to 2016. 

 

August 7, 2017

This week feature is a Human Rights First report calling on the U.S. to suspend military aid to Egypt over human rights abuses. Our data fact looks total U.S. security aid to Egypt in fiscal years 2007 to 2017. 

 

July 31, 2017

This week feature is a report by the Defense Department's Office of Inspector General on U.S. counterterrorism aid. A SAM factsheet on U.S. military and police aid programs is referenced in an article that discusses the risks of transferring military capabilities to nonstate armed groups. Our data fact looks at the Defense Department's allocations for its Section 1206 Train and Equip Authority between fiscal years 2006 to 2015. 

 

July 24, 2017

This week feature is a report by the House Appropriations Committee including more details on their spending bill for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for fiscal year 2018. SAM's data on U.S. security aid programs is referenced in an article on weapons transfers helping African countries battle militant groups. Our data fact compares funding levels for Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Pakistan under the Foreign Military Financing program as proposed by the House Appropriations Committee and the Trump Administration in relation to average yearly funding.

 

July 17, 2017

This week feature is the House Appropriations Committee's spending bill for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for fiscal year 2018. A SAM factsheet on U.S. military and police aid programs is referenced in an article that discusses the risks of transferring military capabilities to nonstate armed groups.

 

 

July 10, 2017

This week features a report by Transparency International that states that international security assistance to Ukraine is not always used effectively and calls for improved regulation, oversight, and transparency. Our data fact presents major changes in U.S. security aid to Ukraine from fiscal year 2017 to 2018.

 

July 5, 2017

This week features an article by SAM highlighting the fallacies surrounding the defense industry and the global arms trade. SAM's data on U.S. foreign military training is referenced in an article arguing that the billions of dollars spent on military training in Africa would be better spent on development and humanitarian relief. Our data fact compares U.S. security aid and economic aid to the African continent between fiscal years 2014 - 2018.

 

June 26, 2017

This week features a Defense Department report on current and future strategy for enhancing security and stability in Afghanistan. SAM's data on arms sales and security assistance to Pakistan is used in an article that examines attempts by Congress to downgrade Pakistan's status as a major U.S. ally. Our data fact shows how much the U.S. has spent through the Defense Department's Afghanistan Security Forces Fund since 2011. 

 

June 19, 2017

This week features a SAM blog post on Saudi-funded U.S. lobbying firms that are working to manipulate the Kingdom's image in the U.S. Our data fact shows total U.S. arms sales notifications, authorizations, and deliveries to Saudi Arabia between fiscal years 2013 to 2015. 

 

June 12, 2017

This week features a Congressional Research Service background report on Saudi Arabia and U.S. relations. A SAM blog post is cited in an article about corruption in Paraguay. Our data fact shows total U.S. arms sales authorizations to Qatar between 2010 and 2015. 

 

 

June 5, 2017

This week features a collection of resources compiled by Forum on the Arms Trade related to the Trump's $110 B arms deal with Saudi Arabia. SAM Program Manager Seth Binder is quoted in an article about the Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund's (CTEF) assistance for Iraq's Counter Terrorism Service. Our data fact shows the top 5 weapons supplied to Iraqi Security Forces through the FY18 Overseas Contingency Operations Request for CTEF. 

 

May 22, 2017

This week features SAM's fact sheet on U.S. proposed arms sales under the Trump administration and provides details on the recent U.S.-Saudi arms deal. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article on U.S. military engagement in Africa and our data is used in a report on U.S. assistance to Colombia. Our data fact presents the top 5 recipients of U.S. proposed arms sales under the Trump administration.

 

May 15, 2017

This week features RAND's recent report analyzing the Army's regionally alligned forces that aim to improve security cooperation efforts around the world. In light of Turkish President Erogan's upcoming meeting with Trump, our data fact breaks down the most recent figures on U.S. arms sales delivered to Turkey in FY 2015.

 

May 8, 2017

This week features SAM's recent trend report on U.S. foreign military training in FY 2015. Our data is used in an article on the increase in U.S. foreign military trainees in the Middle East and North Africa and in another article on U.S. foreign aid in East Africa. Our data fact highlights findings from our recent report on the top five recipients on U.S. foriegn military training in FY 2015.

 

 

May 1, 2017

This week we feature the Forum on the Arms Trade's "First 100 Days" blog series. Our data is used in an article on the increasing number of Defense Department-funded security aid programs and in another article on how U.S. foreign aid cuts may weaken efforts to combat organized crime and insecurity in Latin America. Our data fact presents U.S. training to Saudi Arabia through Foreign Military Sales between FY 2011 to FY 2015. 

 

April 24, 2017

This week's featured report assesses the threat the Islamic State poses to the United States adn examines possible strategies to counter the group. Our data fact presents U.S. security and economic aid in FY 2017 to countries where the Islamic State has controlled territory: Iraq, Syria, Libya, Nigeria, Eqypt, and Afghanistan.

 

April 17, 2017

This week's featured report addresses the Trump Administration's decision to launch missile strikes in Syria without congressional approval and reviews U.S. proposed security assistance to Syrians and the Syrian Opposition. SAM's data is used in an article on common "myths" about U.S. foreign aid. Our data fact presents U.S. arms deliveries to Nigeria between fiscal years 2012 and 2015.

 

April 10, 2017

This week features a recent project by the World Peace Foundation that includes a book and interactive website that aims to debunk the myths sustaining the global arms trade. Our data fact highlights U.S. Commerce Department exports to China for various crime control equipment in 2016. 

 

April 3, 2017

This week features a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) inventory of State and Defense Department security cooperation and assistance efforts in order to identify possible overlaps. Our data fact highlights the findings from the GAO inventory. SAM's data is used in an article discussing an increase in special forces trainings in Central Asia conducted by the United States.

 

March 27, 2017

This week features a brief overview of U.S. security cooperation activities aimed to increase the Iraqi Security Forces' capability. Our data fact presents select Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan between 2010 and 2016.

 

March 20, 2017

This week features a quick overview of security assistance budget cuts and proposals in the White House budget request for 2018. SAM's data is referenced in an article arguing that budget cuts should come from military aid instead of domestic programs. Our data fact presents an interactive map with the top recipients of U.S. Foreign Military Financing in 2017.

March 13, 2017

This week features a blog by SAM Program and Research Associate Christina Arabia on the State Departments notifications to Congress for commercial firearms sales in 2015 and 2016. Our data fact presents the total dollar amount of the State Department's commercial firearms divided by region.

March 6, 2017

This week features an article by SAM Director Colby Goodman on a new Commerce Department program that has led to a major increase in U.S. arms sales deliveries. SAM is quoted in an article on the U.S.' redoubled efforts to train and equip the Iraqi Military. Our data fact presents the top countries receiving arms sales under the Commerce Department's 600 series program.

February 27, 2017

This week SAM features SIPRI's new arms trade data and annual factsheet. SAM Director Colby Goodman is quoted in an article on the dramatic increase of U.S. arms sales to Mexico in the past five years. Our data fact highlights details about U.S. arms sales to Russia authorized by the Commerce Department. Our data fact presents total arms sales authorizations and deliveries to Mexico for 2013-2015.

 

February 21, 2017

This week SAM features a report analyzing U.S. government efforts to implement the Leahy Law. Our data is used in an article arguing that security assistance is ill suited for winning wars. Our data fact highlights details about U.S. arms sales to Russia authorized by the Commerce Department. 

 

February 13, 2017

This week SAM features good practices and lessons learned from ombuds institutions for the armed forces. Our data is referenced in an article about U.S. security aid to Kenya. Our data fact provides new details about arms sales in a breakdown on U.S. proposed arms sales to Saudi Arabia since October 2016.

 

February 6, 2017

This week SAM features key resources for police sector reform in complex environments. Our data is referenced in an article examining Western arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Our data fact examines the number of foreign soldiers that could be impacted by President Trump's immigration ban

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 30,2017

This week SAM Director, Colby Goodman's research on the use of arms brokers in U.S. arms deals is highlighted in CNBC's American Greed episode on "The Real War Dogs." SAM's data on U.S. foreign military aid is used in two articles. Our data fact breaks down how much the U.S. plans to provide to certain UN peacekeeping operations around the world in FY 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 23, 2017

This week SAM's analysis is featured in an investigative piece that exposes foreign security personnel accused of criminal or human rights abuses after receiving training in the United States. SAM's data is used in an article examining arms sales under Obama and a blog discussing U.S. security aid programs.

 

January 17, 2017

This week features a new report that describes the failures in U.S. security sector assistance and offers recommendations for the incomin administration. SAM is quoted and our data is used in article about new requirements in the National Defense Authorization Act and in an article about U.S. security aid to Palestine. Our data fact reinforces the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction's (SIGAR) High-Risk List report's determination that a high percentage of U.S.-provided fuel is stolen.

 

December 12, 2016

This week features the congressional budget resolution which contains apropriations for U.S. security aid to the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Eurasia, but not Latin America, through several programs. Our data fact identifies the increase in aid for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund and looks at how much has been received since 2002.

 

December 5, 2016

This week features SAM's breakdown of the Defense Bill and identifies key military aid issues in Fiscal Year 2017. SAM's data on military aid and arms sales is used in an article on U.S. security assistance to Tajikistan. Our data fact highlights the amount of military equipment  exported to Turkey through the Commerce Department's 600 Series Program.

 

November 21, 2016

This week features an article by SAM Program Manager Seth Binder on Trump and security assistance. SAM is quoted and our data on military aid is used in an article on arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Our data fact states that the U.S. government approved companies to export "implements of torture" and other crime control equipment to war-torn Syria in 2015.