CFR.org - Backgrounders

Pakistan's New Generation of Terrorists

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:03:24 -0400

Pakistan has emerged as a terrorist sanctuary for some of the world's most violent groups, including al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and homegrown militants, that threaten the stability of Pakistan as well as the region.

Iran's Ballistic Missile Program

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:49:30 -0400

Despite concerns over Iran's nuclear program, the Obama administration has assessed that Tehran is years from a developing a long-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon. But past Iranian secrecy and testing bombast have led some experts to remain skeptical of Tehran's capabilities and ambitions.

Pakistan's Education System and Links to Extremism

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:28:07 -0400

Pakistan's poor public education system has been exploited by extremist groups and slowed the country's development. Analysts say education reform is an essential element in stabilizing the country.

Understanding Myanmar

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:14:09 -0400

Myanmar's people continue to struggle for freedom despite having achieved independence from colonial rule almost six decades ago.

The Lengthening List of Iran Sanctions

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:17:12 -0400

Decades of economic and diplomatic sanctions have failed to substantively alter the actions of the Iranian regime, especially regarding its nuclear program. But experts say they remain an important tool to isolate and pressure Iran.

Twenty Agendas at G-20, Part II

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:10:02 -0400

Leaders attending the Group of 20 summit in Pittsburgh will seek to forge agreements to buoy a global economic recovery and repair financial imbalances that contributed to the recession.

The Role of the UN General Assembly

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:01:31 -0400

At the 2009 UN General Assembly, the world's deliberative body opens its sixty-fourth annual session. UN reform, the international financial situation, disarmament, and diseases will likely loom large.

National Missile Defense: A Status Report

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:40:24 -0400

The United States has pursued missile defense technologies for six decades, with mixed results. Changes under the Obama administration, including adjustments to planned defenses in Europe, could portend a new direction.

Missile Defense Technology

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:40:02 -0400

The United States has been developing missile defense technologies since the beginning of the Cold War, first with nuclear-tipped interceptors and later with conventional "hit-to-kill" missiles, weapons intended to destroy enemy warheads in flight.

Iran's Nuclear Program

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:35:43 -0400

Iran's nuclear program is believed to have steadily progressed, despite sharply increased concerns over its intentions and sanctions over its lack of transparency.

The African Union

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0400

The African Union succeeded the old Organization for African Unity (OAU) in 2002. Since then, the new institution has struggled to reform governing bodies inherited from the OAU while shouldering challenging new peacekeeping missions.

Shining Path, Tupac Amaru (Peru, leftists)

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

An overview of Peruvian terrorist groups, Shining Path and Tupac Amaru.

The Rise of Political Opposition in Japan

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:23:19 -0400

Opposition victory in Japan's 2009 parliamentary election served as a watershed moment in the country's electoral politics. Analysts say political change in Tokyo could result in a possible shift in its close relationship with the United States, especially in security matters.

Mercosur: South America's Fractious Trade Bloc

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:15:44 -0400

A profile of South America's largest trade bloc.

China-Pakistan Relations

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As the United States and India move toward cementing their warmest relationship ever, India's rival, Pakistan, is broadening its ties with its own powerful ally: China.

FARC, ELN: Colombia's Left-Wing Guerrillas

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) are Colombia's two predominant rebel groups. While both have been depleted in recent years, they remain destabilizing forces.

India-Afghanistan Relations

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:59:58 -0400

India's growing economic and political influence in Afghanistan has angered Pakistan, the traditional power there, and has experts worried that Afghanistan could become another battleground in the long-standing rivalry between South Asia's two giants.

China-Taiwan Relations

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Taiwan, whose leaders continue to talk about independence, remains a focal point of Chinese military modernization.

The World Health Organization

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:31:30 -0400

The World Health Organization has gained prominence for its success in battling diseases such as polio and malaria, but is challenged by an unwieldy mission and strained resources in a landscape of competing organizations.

Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:36:08 -0400

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa lose billions of dollars each year through corruption, say analysts. Local and international efforts to reform governance have been inconsistent.

The Media Landscape in Iran

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:18:18 -0400

The crisis following Iran's presidential vote cast a new light on the country's hotly contested media space. A crackdown has limited independent reporting but other sources remain as channels for dissent.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) or L'Organisation Al-Qaïda au Maghreb Islamique (Formerly Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat or Groupe Salafiste pour la Prédication et le Combat)

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:04:24 -0400

A profile of an Algerian terrorist group that has aligned itself with al-Qaeda and is going global.

Brazil on the International Stage

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:31:40 -0400

Brazil's economic dynamism has given it a stronger voice on global trade and energy issues. Experts say Washington can advance its regional interests more effectively through a more sophisticated relationship with Brazil.

The China-North Korea Relationship

Council on Foreign Relations — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

China remains Pyongyang's biggest trade partner and arguably has most leverage on Kim Jong-Il's regime. But the relationship is a difficult one, experts say.

Lessons in Universal Health Insurance Models

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:10:38 -0400

As the United States looks to reform its health care system and expand access to the uninsured, countries that have moved toward universal health care may offer lessons.

Kashmir Militant Extremists

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A profile of militant extremist groups in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Uighurs and China's Xinjiang Region

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:53:39 -0400

As China transforms the economy, politics, and demographics of Xinjiang, Uighurs accuse China of engaging in imperialism.

Reassessing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment

Council on Foreign Relations — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:33:01 -0400

Experts say graduating Russia from Cold War-era legislation linked to emigration and trade would be a step toward warming relations with Moscow.

The Six-Party Talks on North Korea's Nuclear Program

Council on Foreign Relations — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:26:08 -0400

The Six-Party Talks serve as a forum about North Korea's nuclear weapons program, but the negotiations have been riddled by Pyongyang's belligerence and the differing priorities of the participating nations.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards

Council on Foreign Relations — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:01:30 -0400

In the aftermath of the June 2009 presidential election, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has become major to the regime's power projection. Some analysts have seen the guard's hand in a creeping militarization of Iran's domestic policy.