RAND's world is a scary place

RAND, the original Cold War think tank, thrives no matter which party is in the White House or controls Congress. A gleaming new headquarters is under construction to replace its Pentagon-like maze on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica (Chez Jay is the unofficial staff drinking spot). Along with secret strategic scenarios for the government, RAND also studies health, education and other social issues. In the July-August issue of The Atlantic, RAND experts declare ten global situations that need more attention, among them a growing alliance between Iran and India, a shortage of U.S. aircraft carriers, the Hindu-Muslim divide and nukes that can knock out U.S. satellites:

Within the next five years not only Russia and China but also Pakistan, North Korea, and even Iran may acquire the ability to carry out a nuclear attack against satellites.