With Independence Day this week, the Truman National Security Project has selected the top 40 national security moments of the past four years. See “Related Posts” (to the right) for the other 30!
20. Kerry Convinces Karzai to Fight Corruption
(August 20th, 2010)
Senator Kerry convinces the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, to support anti-corruption watchdogs -- a crucial step towards of a stable Afghanistan.
19. Advance funding for Veterans
(October 22nd, 2009)
Obama signs Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, giving Virginia the ability to budget for veterans affairs and benefits in advance, which improves veterans' access to healthcare.
18. Obama announces new immigration policy
(June 15th, 2012)
Obama protects the American Dream for the children of illegal immigrants by announcing that those who meet certain requirements will not be deported. Millions of immigrants are able to pursue educational and employment opportunities.
17. Arrest of number two in Afghan Taliban
(February 17th, 2010)
Obama confirms that in a joint operation with Pakistan, the CIA arrested Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the No. 2 in command of the Afghan Taliban.
16. Obama ends Don't Ask Don't Tell
(July 22nd, 2011)
Obama announces that now is the time to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, moving America's military towards equality, regardless of sexual orientation.
15. Joint CIA/Pakistiani operation takes out top Taliban leaders
(February 19th, 2010)
American and Pakistani agents arrest two Taliban leaders as they try to seek refuge in Pakistan. This follows the recent capture of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a top Taliban military commander.
14. Iran sanctions show major impact
(June 28th, 2012)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces that over the past year, Iran's crude oil exports have dropped by roughly 1 million barrels per day, "which in real terms means almost $8 billion in lost revenues every quarter."
13. U.S. military kills three key al-Qaeda leaders in one day — including al-Alwaki
(October 1st, 2011)
Key al-Qaeda figure Anwar al-Awlaki and 2 others killed in drone strike conducted by US military. Al-Awlaki was a leader of al-Qaeda and planned numerous attacks against the U.S.
12. The White House takes on cyber warfare and security
(February 2nd, 2009)
President Obama addresses the nation's cyber weaknesses and orders a top-down review to adapt national security policy to counter the growing threat.
11. America negotiates the release of Chinese activist and advances human rights
(May 19th, 2012)
After being jailed and tortured, activist Chen Guancheng fled to the American Embassy "pleading for shelter." Amidst criticism from conservatives, Obama's administration negotiated his release, and today Guancheng arrived safely in New York.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT MADE THE TOP TEN NATIONAL SECURITY MOMENTS
Daniel Gaynor is Truman's Digital Strategist and the Editor-in-Chief of The Truman Doctrine.
