CFR.org - Interviews

A Cautionary Note on Iran

Matthew Fuhrmann and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:02:06 -0400

Though a new IAEA report adds to concerns about Iran's nuclear program and U.S. opposition to the program is warranted, there's no clear proof that the country is pursuing weapons or would act belligerently if it succeeded, says CFR's Matthew Fuhrmann.

The Folly of Holding Afghan Elections

Candace Rondeaux and Greg Bruno — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:04:37 -0400

Parliamentary elections in Afghanistan next month will be seen as a test of long-term stability. But analyst Candace Rondeaux says pre-election violence and corrupt candidates will undermine the vote's legitimacy.

Questionable Timing on Mideast Talks

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:57:16 -0400

Severe political constraints on Israeli and Palestinian leaders cloud the prospects for progress in direct talks due to start later this week, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.

Anxious Iraqis Look at Uncertain Future

Jane Arraf and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:06:40 -0400

Iraqis worry that political stalemate, widespread corruption, and weak domestic security forces will plague their country if the U.S. pulls out completely next year, says veteran journalist Jane Arraf.

Torrent of Challenges for U.S. in Pakistan

Daniel Markey and Jayshree Bajoria — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:44:30 -0400

Pakistan's floods spell setbacks for the U.S. fight against extremism and its war effort in Afghanistan, says CFR's Daniel Markey. He says beyond humanitarian aid relief, Washington must focus on boosting Pakistan's economy through greater trade opportunities.

Long Road Ahead for Afghan Security Forces

Jack Kem and Greg Bruno — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:33:52 -0400

The transition of security responsibilities to Afghan forces within four years will require a significant increase in international training efforts, but NATO's Jack Kem says coalition forces are making progress in overhauling security institutions.

Conflicting Objectives for U.S. in Afghanistan

Col. Gian P. Gentile and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:11:10 -0400

President Obama's political objectives for Afghanistan are limited and feasible, says military historian Gian Gentile, but the military's counterinsurgency strategy and "maximalist approach of nation-building" could take a generation to achieve.

A Weakened but Resourceful Iran

Hossein G. Askari and Greg Bruno — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:51:27 -0400

Sanctions have weakened Iran, but expert Hossein G. Askari says the country's leaders continue to muddle through, in part because of popular support for uranium enrichment--the cause of mounting global pressure.

Defusing Lebanon's Powder Keg

Mohamad Bazzi and Deborah Jerome — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:10:34 -0400

Lebanon faces new sectarian violence, and tensions along its border with Israel threaten to boil over. CFR's Mohamad Bazzi says to help avert conflict, Washington must eventually engage with the most powerful force in Lebanon: Hezbollah.

Why Sanctions Can Hurt North Korea

Marcus Noland and Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:47:53 -0400

Washington's new sanctions against North Korea, focusing on international financial institutions and banking systems, are likely to have more impact than trade sanctions, says North Korea economic expert Marcus Noland.

Behind Iraq's Long Political Indecision

Reidar Visser and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:12:06 -0400

Iraq's two leading parties will probably not pull together a coalition government until September, says Iraq expert Reidar Visser, and Washington has failed to push along the political process.

Time to Talk to the Taliban?

Matt Waldman and Greg Bruno — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:51:39 -0400

Despite a spiral of violence in Afghanistan, the United States must reorient its security-first strategy and consider immediate talks with Taliban and other militant fighters, says independent analyst Matt Waldman.

U.S.-UK: A Difficult Duet in Afghanistan

Charles A. Kupchan and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:25:43 -0400

U.S. President Obama and British Prime Minister Cameron share the predicament of leading an unpopular war in Afghanistan at a time of swelling debt, says CFR's Charles Kupchan, who adds that the economic crisis has linked Britain and the continent more closely.

Obama's Foreign Policy Performance

Richard N. Haass and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:16:51 -0400

Although the Obama administration's dealings with Moscow and Beijing have been handled adroitly, its management of the war in Afghanistan and threats in the Middle East have been less successful, says CFR President Richard Haass.

Turkey's Cooling Ties with U.S., Israel

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:03:40 -0400

Turkey's rise as a regional and economic power with its own set of interests, along with anger toward Israel about the Gaza flotilla incident, explains much of the chilling in Turkey's relationships with Israel and the United States, says CFR's Steven Cook.

Merkel's Sinking Support

William Drozdiak and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:17:14 -0400

German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces dwindling support because of "dithering" on the euro crisis and Germans' opposition to having troops in Afghanistan, says Germany expert William Drozdiak.

U.S. Trouble with START and Other Treaties

John B. Bellinger III and Toni Johnson — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:19:30 -0400

CFR's John Bellinger expects the U.S. Senate to approve the START nuclear arms treaty with Russia this year and urges says the Obama administration to more actively pursue other treaties, including the Law of the Sea.

The Limits of New Iran Sanctions

Meghan L. O'Sullivan and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:59:28 -0400

The latest round of UN and U.S. sanctions on Iran are unlikely to push Iran to negotiations, says sanctions expert Meghan O'Sullivan, which means the U.S. and its allies will need to look at options including military force, among others.

Intensifying China-Pakistan Ties

Andrew Small and Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:21:16 -0400

Summit-level meetings between Pakistani and Chinese leaders this week and a new civilian nuclear power deal underscore intensifying relations between these allies, though China is also signaling growing concerns about Pakistan's stability, says expert Andrew Small.

'Critical' Moment for Obama, Netanyahu

Robert Danin and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:44:53 -0400

The latest meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama is crucial in coordinating how to avert a September breakdown in the Mideast peace process, says CFR's Robert Danin.

Law of Sea Implications for Gulf Spill

Caitlyn Antrim and Toni Johnson — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:39:07 -0400

In the wake of the Gulf spill, the United States should craft regional pacts with its neighbors to address pollution and liability issues arising from ever deeper oil and gas exploration, says expert Caitlyn Antrim.

A Chilling Response to Gulf Oil Spill

Jack Coleman and Toni Johnson — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:24:16 -0400

The Obama administration has overreacted to the Gulf oil spill by suspending most new offshore drilling and moving to expand liabilities for future accidents, with implications for U.S. energy security, says Jack Coleman, an energy industry official and legal expert.

Pakistan's Gambit in Afghanistan

Daniel Markey and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:34:09 -0400

Pakistan's latest moves to exert influence in Afghanistan, including possible brokering of talks with militant Taliban allies, could pose difficulties for U.S. stabilization efforts, says CFR's Daniel Markey.

Russia's Courtship of Silicon Valley

Stephen Sestanovich and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:35:35 -0400

CFR's Stephen Sestanovich says Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's meetings in Silicon Valley represent the most interesting development of his U.S. trip, which culminates with a Washington summit where a host of issues will be discussed, including the new START treaty.

Shared Goals for Pakistan's Militants

General David H. Petraeus, Greg Bruno and Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:09:10 -0400

In this exclusive interview with CFR.org in May 2010, Gen. David H. Petraeus discusses the Times Square bombing plot, militants based in Pakistan, and how the looming offensive in Kandahar will unfold.

Delicate Balance for U.S. in Kyrgyzstan

Michele E. Commercio and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:35:40 -0400

The displacement of Kyrgyzstan's Uzbeks raises problems of legitimacy for Sunday's constitutional referendum, as well as concerns about the U.S.-leased airbase at Manas, says Kyrgyzstan expert Michele Commercio.

China's Calculated Move on Yuan

Steven Dunaway — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:07:18 -0400

By ending the yuan's peg to the U.S. dollar, China will deflect pressure over its currency policy at the upcoming G20 meeting. But tensions will persist over the pace of reform, says CFR's Steven Dunaway.

Fear and Uncertainty in Afghanistan

Stephen Biddle and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:54:34 -0400

While senior military officials are urging support for Afghanistan operations, Afghans are fearful about the Kandahar offensive and uncertain about U.S. plans to start withdrawing troops in July 2011, says CFR's Stephen Biddle.

Containment Policy for a Nuclear Iran?

Karim Sadjadpour and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:16:59 -0400

Sanctions may slow Iran's nuclear drive but won't halt it, says Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour, who calls for shifting to a containment policy that helps "expedite political transformation."

Need For 'Robust' Tack on North Korea

Charles L. "Jack" Pritchard and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:08:05 -0400

The Obama administration should mount a more vigorous effort to address North Korea's nuclear weapons program, says Charles L. (Jack) Pritchard, co-chairman of a new CFR Independent Task Force report.