CFR.org - Daily Analysis

A Shaky Iraq's Sovereign Step

Greg Bruno — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:38:48 -0400

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities was a relatively easy benchmark to meet, analysts say. Many are unsure whether the country can withstand a complete U.S. pullout in less than two years.

Treading Carefully on Iran

Greg Bruno and Robert McMahon — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:10:49 -0400

A day after U.S. President Barack Obama harshly condemned Iran's leadership for post-election violence, some analysts believe the United States will have no choice but to scale back promised overtures to the Iranian regime

The Tehran Test

CFR.org Staff — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:59:24 -0400

The Iranian government's response to public uproar over the presidential polls is raising questions about its power base and stability. Experts say the turmoil poses tricky questions for U.S. policymakers hoping to engage Iran's government.

Gauging Hezbollah After the Vote

CFR.org Staff — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:54:47 -0400

A pro-Western coalition appears to have defeated Hezbollah in Lebanon's parliamentary vote, but analysts say the group will likely continue to be a power broker in Lebanese politics.

The Reset Button On U.S.-Muslim Dialogue

CFR.org Staff — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:28:14 -0400

President Obama's address to Muslims in Cairo aimed to prepare the ground for new engagement with Muslims to get beyond tensions stirred by war, terrorism, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

China's Role in the World

Jayshree Bajoria — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:38:39 -0400

This Issue Guide offers in-depth resources on China's response to some critical domestic and international issues.

Geithner's Rebalancing Bid

Lee Hudson Teslik — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:14:33 -0400

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called for a global rebalancing and sought to reassure China, the largest holder of U.S. debt, about the health of the dollar. Experts say this shift is needed but some Chinese remain skeptical about the U.S. currency.

Issue Guide: Western Europe and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:35:42 -0400

A compilation of resources on how the global financial crisis has been felt in Western Europe.

Issue Guide: The United States and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:29:01 -0400

A compilation of resources on how the financial crisis has affected the United States.

Issue Guide: South Asia and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:18:28 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on South Asia.

Issue Guide: Russia and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:10:46 -0400

A compilation of resources on how the global financial crisis has affected Russia.

Issue Guide: The Middle East and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:59:32 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on the Middle East.

Issue Guide: Latin America and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:50:20 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on Latin America.

Issue Guide: Japan and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:40:47 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on Japan.

Issue Guide: International Institutions and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:28:43 -0400

A compilation of resources on the global financial crisis and international institutions.

Issue Guide: China and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:21:46 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on China.

Issue Guide: Britain and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:15:04 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on Britain.

Issue Guide: Africa and the Global Financial Crisis

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:05:13 -0400

A compilation of resources on the impact of the global financial crisis on Africa.

Political Battles Over Guantanamo

Greg Bruno — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:31:52 -0400

President Obama has reinforced his call to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, saying its flaws have weakened national security. But his plans for transferring detainees remain unclear and political battles loom.

Flu Economics

Lee Hudson Teslik — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:30:26 -0400

Swine flu has already shaken markets. While the scope of the current outbreak remains unknown, experts say a severe pandemic could drive productivity losses, dampen trade, and lower product demand at a time of preexisting economic frailty.

New Perils in Iraq

Greg Bruno — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:05:42 -0400

A new wave of sectarian violence has broken out in Iraq as the United States shifts its military and strategic focus to Afghanistan. Analysts warn new tensions could complicate withdrawal plans.

A New Kind of Aid for Pakistan

Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:23:04 -0400

President Obama's strategy calls for increased development assistance to Pakistan. But implementation may face serious challenges amid deteriorating security conditions in Pakistan and lack of institutional capacity in Washington.

Breaking the Stalemate in Afghanistan

Greg Bruno — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:50:46 -0400

The evolving strategy in Afghanistan includes seventeen thousand more U.S. troops and plans to outbid the Taliban for the loyalty of their tribal allies on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistani border. But Gen. David McKiernan, commander of the effort, says no plan defined in purely military terms can succeed.

The Dangers of 'Deglobalization'

Jayshree Bajoria — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:12 -0400

Migrants suffer as countries around the world adopt protectionist measures to respond to the global downturn. This could trigger economic and social instability in poorer countries, while adversely affecting rich economies in the long-term.

Tibet's Tense Anniversary

Jayshree Bajoria — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:03:33 -0400

Fifty years after a failed revolt against Chinese rule, many Tibetans continue to push for greater freedoms. But their claims are plagued by mistrust, and hope for resolving the conflict seems remote as ever.

A Costly Exit from Iraq

Greg Bruno — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:45:33 -0500

President Obama says ending the war in Iraq will require a new definition of victory, and experts add that the United States should expect no peace dividend in its budget anytime soon.

After Indictment, Sudan Holds Its Breath

Stephanie Hanson — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for abuses committed in Darfur. The historic move augurs further upheaval for troubled Sudan.

The Meaning of Nationalization

Lee Hudson Teslik — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:29:57 -0500

The debate over whether two giant U.S. banks should be "nationalized" has stoked new debate over when, and how, the government should intervene in financial markets.

Overhauling Homeland Security

Greg Bruno — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:29:18 -0500

The Obama administration has initiated sweeping reviews of homeland security policies set up after 9/11. But any plans for far-reaching changes to the apparatus that oversees domestic security could face congressional pushback.

The Obama Template

Lee Hudson Teslik — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:25:49 -0500

Barack Obama's address to Congress outlined plans to revive the American economy, restore U.S. leadership abroad, and tackle long-term problems. Economists say Obama will walk a fine line balancing the need for swift action with the risk of expanding U.S. budgetary obligations.