Morning Briefing

U.S. intelligence agencies released a report (.pdf) on Thursday warning that "[d]rought, floods and a lack of fresh water may cause significant global instability and conflict in the coming decades, as developing countries scramble to meet demand from exploding populations while dealing with the effects of climate change," the Associated Press reports (Lee, 3/22). "The Intelligence Community Assessment report says the water challenges will increase regional tensions and distract countries from working with the U.S. on important issues," VOA News writes, noting, "The report's purpose was to assess the impact of global water issues on U.S. security interests over the next 30 years" (3/22).