An interesting reflection on the link between the foiled bomb packages from Yemen and the International Affairs Budget from our friend, Michael Kraft:

“International cooperation is key in fighting international terrorism – this has been a theme of U.S. government counterterrorism statements and talking for decades. This concept was underscored by the thwarting two weeks ago of a terrorist plot to ship two bomb-laden packages to the United States, with the apparent intention of blowing them up over an American city or upon delivery to Jewish institutions in Chicago. (The plot prompted the US government today to impose a ban on cargo shipments from Yemen.)  Yet, future international cooperation could be undermined if the post-election political climate in Washington results in budget cuts for foreign aid programs that help strengthen friendly countries and international cooperation.”

You can read Kraft’s entire blog here.