In a recent article in Slate, Fred Kaplan summarizes readers’ ideas of how to improve America’s image in the world: Many readers [point out] the rudeness and paranoia on display at U.S. embassies and customs desks. Americans living in Europe say that some of their friends, even those who studied in American universities, refuse to…
Illegal Weapons Exports Highlight Need for Security Checks
The importance of effective Mantis security advisory opinions (SAOs) is highlighted by a recent story by the Associated Press concluding that illegal weapons export continues to be a serious problem for the United States:
GAO Report: Growing Visa Demand a Challenge for State Department
A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlights several challenges the State Department faces in keeping up with growing visa demand at consular posts in China. GAO, Border Security: Long-Term Strategy Needed to Keep Pace with Increasing Demand for Visas, GAO-07-847 (July 2007). INACCURATE ESTIMATES OF VISA APPOINTMENT WAIT TIMES One challenge is…