CFR.org - Interviews

Obama's Summit in Russia: Which Side 'Blinks' First?

Stephen Sestanovich and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:31:40 -0400

CFR's top Russia expert, Stephen Sestanovich, says there is a potential for some hard bargaining to take place over arms control at the July 6-8 summit of U.S. and Russian leaders.

Iraq at Crossroads Amid U.S. Disengagement

Kenneth M. Pollack and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:08:40 -0400

As U.S. combat forces begin to withdraw from Iraq's cities, expert Kenneth M. Pollack says he remains "very concerned" about the political situation in Iraq. He stresses the need for the "continued attention" of the United States to bring about a stable Iraq.

After the Iranian Uprising

Greg Bruno — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:59:20 -0400

Violence and unrest following Iran's contested presidential vote on June 12 have raised new questions about the regime's long-term stability and prospects for U.S.-Iran rapprochement. Four experts address the current state of affairs and policy options for Washington.

Despite Crackdown, U.S. Must Deal with Iranian Regime

Richard N. Haass and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:43:09 -0400

CFR President Richard N. Haass says in the aftermath of the Iranian regime's crackdown on post-election protesters, the Obama administration will need to revive efforts to negotiate an end to Tehran's nuclear program.

Reform and Women's Rights Movements Intertwined in Iran

Isobel Coleman and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:33:50 -0400

Following the 2009 disputed Iran presidential election, CFR's Isobel Coleman, a leading expert on women's issues, says that if Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory stands, "you'll see a much more restricted Iran." This will "fall heavily on women, but it won't stop them," she says.

Iran's Clash of 'Titans' May Not Resolve Itself Soon

Farideh Farhi and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:36:06 -0400

Farideh Farhi, an Iran expert, says powerful forces are arrayed on both sides of Iran's electoral dispute and that a resounding victory by either side is unlikely.

Parsing Iran's 'Momentous' Internal Drama

Karim Sadjadpour and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:40:58 -0400

Following massive protests over Iran's presidential election results, Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran expert, says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have to sacrifice President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to save himself.

Strengthening South Korean Ties

Scott A. Snyder and Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:21:31 -0400

Washington has reassured Seoul of continued U.S. support for South Korean security, but CFR's Scott Snyder says some aspects of South Korean policy toward North Korea and the United States could become divisive in South Korean domestic politics.

'Crisis of Legitimacy' in Iran

Arang Keshavarzian and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:53:53 -0400

Arang Keshavarzian, an expert on Iranian politics at New York University, says the decision by the Iranian leadership to peremptorily announce President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election victory has alienated many Iranians and will greatly complicate U.S. plans to engage the Iranian government.

Netanyahu Speech Aimed to Ease U.S. Relations, Unlikely to Assuage Palestinians

Aaron David Miller and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:18:32 -0400

Aaron David Miller, a former senior U.S. negotiator in the Mideast, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closely watched speech on June 14 "was less about pursuing Arab-Israeli peace and much more about pursuing the U.S.-Israeli relationship."

U.S. Should React Cautiously to Iran's 'Stolen Election'

Gary G. Sick and Bernard Gwertzman — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:01:29 -0400

Gary G. Sick, an expert on Iranian affairs, says the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad amounted to an internal coup. The prospect of U.S. talks with Iran is now "infinitely more complicated," he says.

Iranian Presidents Have a Critical Role in Policymaking

Mohsen M. Milani and Greg Bruno — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:16:16 -0400

Expert Mohsen Milani says Iran's June 12 presidential elections are likely to be consequential for Iranian policy. Presidents are subordinate to the Supreme Leader, but still wield considerable power, he says.

Prime Minister Says Kenyan Politics ‘Are Not Ethnic’

Raila Odinga and Stephanie Hanson — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:15:33 -0400

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga says he is committed to carrying through political reforms despite lagging progress and concerns the country is devolving deeper into ethnic-based politics.

Uncertain Times After Lebanon's Vote

Mohamad Bazzi and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:18:15 -0400

Following the Lebanon's parliamentary elections, CFR's Mohamad Bazzi says a crucial question for the new government is whether it can operate without allowing Hezbollah and its allies to retain their veto power in the cabinet.

Beyond Cairo: Translating 'Important' Obama Message into Policies

Edward P. Djerejian and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:14:46 -0400

Veteran Mideast diplomat Edward P. Djerejian sees President Obama's speech to the Muslim world as a "powerful public diplomacy statement." But the task now, he says, will be crafting the policies that help undercut terrorism and extremism.

Obama's Message to Muslims Resonates, But Challenges Await

Steven A. Cook and Robert McMahon — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:29:01 -0400

CFR Mideast expert Steven A. Cook says President Obama's Cairo speech effectively addressed issues at the core of U.S.-Muslim tensions. But sustaining a constructive dialogue will be a challenge, he says.

Tiananmen Square and Two Chinas

Jayshree Bajoria — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:07:29 -0400

On the twentieth anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown, six experts reflect on the country's trajectory since then. Many note China's breathtaking economic growth as well as mounting strains caused by a lack of political reforms.

Prospects for Political Change in China

Nicholas D. Kristof and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:52:27 -0400

Reflecting on the twentieth anniversary of the Chinese government crackdown on pro-reform protests in Tiananmen Square, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof says China is likely to evolve toward more political freedom, following Asian models such as South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, or Indonesia.

Obama in Mideast: A Focus on Arab Peace Plan and Reform

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:19:57 -0400

CFR Middle East expert Steven A. Cook says President Obama's trip to Saudi Arabia and Egypt will attempt to bring new energy to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and is likely to deliver a message on democracy in the Muslim world.

The North Korean Puzzle

Robert McMahon and Jayshree Bajoria — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:55:11 -0400

North Korea's nuclear test raises new concerns about its nuclear capabilities, regime succession, and the limits of both international pressure and engagement. Four experts address the policy options available to influence Pyongyang.

The Consequences of a Hezbollah-Led Opposition Victory in Lebanon's Elections

Michael Young and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:24:08 -0400

Michael Young, opinion editor for Beirut's Daily Star, says the Obama administration has indicated it does not favor a victory for the Hezbollah-led opposition in the 2009 parliamentary elections. Should they win, Lebanon would likely lose economic support from the United States and key Arab states in the region.

The Foreign Policy Factor in Iran's Presidential Race

Farideh Farhi and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:53:50 -0400

Farideh Farhi, a prominent expert on Iranian politics, says Iran's presidential race highlights very clear differences on how Iran's foreign policy should be conducted and the debate has major implications for U.S.-Iran relations.

A Nuclear Test for the Obama Administration

Sheila A. Smith and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:47:46 -0400

CFR's Northeast Asia expert Sheila A. Smith says it is imperative for the United States to make it clear that it will not accept a nuclear North Korea. The UN's nonproliferation regime is also facing a moment of truth, she says.

Sober Assessments and Missed Opportunities on Guantanamo

John B. Bellinger III and Greg Bruno — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:50:23 -0400

CFR's John B. Bellinger III, who served as legal adviser to the former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, says while President Obama has emphasized an approach to closing Guantanamo "that's deeply grounded in American values," he has left the door open to continued criticism.

Iranian Missile Test Politically Motivated

Thomas W. Lippman and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:57:22 -0400

Thomas W. Lippman, an expert on Gulf security, says the latest Iranian missile test won't have any military impact, because it is just an incremental step forward. But he says the timing of the announcement, made at a campaign stop by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was not accidental.

Derivatives Plan a Watershed, but Risks Loom

Gillian Tett and Lee Hudson Teslik — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:44:22 -0400

Gillian Tett of the Financial Times assesses the new U.S. plan for regulating derivatives markets and says regulators must balance the need to create transparency against the risk of stifling financial innovation.

Core Differences Remain After Netanyahu-Obama Meeting

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:14:50 -0400

CFR Middle East expert Steven A. Cook says President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu wanted to project "a friendly partnership" in their White House meeting, but remain divided on a two-state solution and how to confront Iran.

Syria Looking for Improved Relations with Obama Administration

Joshua Landis and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:31:03 -0400

Syria expert Joshua Landis says both the Syrian government and the Obama administration are looking to improve relations, but the renewal of sanctions by the United States, designating the country as a rogue state, may prove an obstacle.

Netanyahu-Obama Meeting: Don't Expect Confrontation

Martin S. Indyk and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:05:02 -0400

Martin Indyk, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, says it's unlikely that the first meeting between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lead to sharp disagreements but notes Netanyahu may have trouble reconciling calls for a two-state solution with opposition from his political base.

Pakistan's Humanitarian Crisis

Michael Young and Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:51:29 -0400

Pakistan's aggressive military campaign against the Taliban in the country's northwest has left over a million people displaced. Michael Young, Pakistan representative for the International Rescue Committee, says displaced populations themselves could become a source of unrest for an already fragile state.