CFR.org - Interviews

Shifting Alliances in Iran

Farideh Farhi and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:32:16 -0400

After the disqualification of popular former president Rafsanjani, it's unclear which of the remaining, mostly conservative candidates will triumph in the June presidential election, says expert Farideh Farhi.

The Hard Road to Syrian Peace

Frederic Hof and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:10:09 -0400

The odds of a peaceful power transition emerging from another summit on the Syria crisis are poor, but the U.S.-Russian push for renewed diplomacy is still worthwhile, says expert Frederic C. Hof.

Doubts Over U.S.-Russia Push for Syria Peace

Stephen Sestanovich and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:57:51 -0400

New plans for another global summit on the Syrian crisis represent modest progress, but the real question is whether the Kremlin is willing to withdraw support for the Assad regime, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

The U.S.-Korea Embrace

Scott A. Snyder and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:32:05 -0400

In their first White House meeting on Tuesday, Presidents Obama and Park will likely seek to reassert the long-standing security and economic relationship between the United States and South Korea, says CFR's Scott Snyder.

Iraq's Worsening Situation

Bernard Gwertzman and Ned Parker — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:03:37 -0400

The political standoff between the Shiite government of Nuri al-Maliki and Sunni protestors is fueling growing instability in Iraq, which recorded its most violent month in five years, explains Iraq expert Ned Parker.

Portugal’s Austerity Malaise

Manuel Pinho and Christopher Alessi — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:39:35 -0400

Recent developments in Portugal provide yet another example of the growing political strength of anti-austerity forces in Europe.

Afghanistan's Looming Security Test

Stephen Biddle and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:52:14 -0400

Afghan forces are performing well so far amid the pullback of U.S. troops, but this summer's fighting season will offer proof of their capabilities, says CFR's Stephen Biddle.

Domestic Intelligence and the Boston Bombings

Richard A. Falkenrath and Jonathan Masters — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:10:31 -0400

The Boston Marathon bombings illustrate the stresses on domestic intelligence gathering and counterterrorism in a democratic system, says CFR's Richard Falkenrath.

Repairing U.S.-Russia Relations

Jack F. Matlock, Jr. and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:18:18 -0400

Moscow and Washington share a number of significant interests that require cooperation, despite heightened bilateral tensions over human rights issues, says former U.S ambassador Jack F. Matlock, Jr.

A New Containment Policy for Iran, North Korea

Robert S. Litwak and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:32:46 -0400

Rather than seeking regime overthrow in North Korea and Iran, Washington should pursue an updated version of Soviet-era containment policy, says expert Robert Litwak.

A New Push for Mideast Peace

Bernard Gwertzman and Martin S. Indyk — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:13:47 -0400

Secretary of State John Kerry is launching new Mideast shuttle diplomacy, but President Obama's commitment to brokering an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement remains to be seen, says expert Martin Indyk.

North Korea's Rhetorical Flurry

Bernard Gwertzman and Scott A. Snyder — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:13:08 -0400

Despite Pyongyang's aggressive public posturing in recent days, the greatest threat from North Korea will likely be a surprise guerilla-style provocation, says CFR Korea expert Scott Snyder.

Seeking Daylight on U.S. Drone Policy

John B. Bellinger III and Jonathan Masters — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:08:48 -0400

What is the Obama administration's legal justification for targeted killings? CFR national security expert John Bellinger explores this question as well as others with significant implications for U.S. counterterrorism.

Iran's New Year Challenges

Karim Sadjadpour and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:43:56 -0400

At the start of the Persian New Year, leaders in Iran are faced with a host of difficult political challenges, both foreign and domestic, says expert Karim Sadjadpour.

Economic Change on Mexico's Horizon

Shannon K. O'Neil and Brianna Lee — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:21:29 -0400

Mexico's new president is pushing through a sweeping package of economic reforms that could help the country emerge as a major economic player, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil.

Turkey's New Year Surprise

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:50:44 -0400

The success of a surprise cease-fire between Turkey and PKK insurgents hinges on Ankara granting the Kurds greater autonomy and whether the militant group disarms, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.

A Growth Strategy for Greece

George Papandreou and Christopher Alessi — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:11:20 -0400

The EU and IMF should loosen the austerity requirements of Greece's bailout package to allow the indebted country to implement needed growth-enhancing policies, says former prime minister George Papandreou.

The Meaning of Obama's Mideast Trip

Robert M. Danin and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:22:27 -0400

President Obama travels to Israel to deliver a message of reassurance on the alliance, but will be meeting a new government divided on the Palestinian peace process, says CFR's Robert Danin.

The Iraq Invasion Ten Years Later: A Wrong War

Richard N. Haass and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:23:28 -0400

The Bush administration's decision to wage war on Iraq in 2003 still looms large for its flaws and its damage to U.S. interests, says CFR President Richard Haass.

Syria's Continuing Civil War

Mona Yacoubian and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:23:59 -0500

The pitched battle for Syria's future could eventually pull the country apart and precipitate a seismic sectarian shift in the region, says Mideast expert Mona Yacoubian.

Shifting Tactics in Talks With Tehran

Daryl Kimball and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:31:10 -0500

World powers are now offering to ease sanctions on Iran if it agrees to halt its most sensitive nuclear activity. Expert Daryl Kimball urges a full diplomatic press to stop Iran from crossing the nuclear weapons line.

Why Transatlantic Trade Winds Are Blowing

Jeffrey J. Schott and Jeanne Park — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:42:08 -0500

U.S. and EU policymakers see multiple signs for a free-trade deal that could stimulate halting economies on both sides of the Atlantic and spur global talks, says expert Jeffrey Schott.

The Hezbollah Connection in Syria and Iran

Matthew Levitt and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:14:38 -0500

In recent years, the strategic alliance between Iran and Hezbollah has grown to the point where the Lebanese militant group's fealty to Tehran is paramount, a dynamic currently on display in Syria, says counterterrorism expert Matthew Levitt.

How to Gauge Spain's Scandal

Alfredo Pastor and Christopher Alessi — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:20:31 -0500

A corruption scandal engulfing the Spanish prime minister is unlikely to have repercussions for Spain's long-term economic outlook, says expert Alfred Pastor.

Papacy in Transition

James P. McCartin and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:01:27 -0500

The surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI has given rise to speculations that the next pontiff to lead the Catholic Church will hail from the developing world, says expert James P. McCartin.

Bringing Iran Back to the Negotiating Table

Bernard Gwertzman and Carla Anne Robbins — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:17:56 -0500

Iran's reluctance to negotiate over its controversial nuclear program makes a deal with international powers unlikely, says CFR's Carla Robbins.

Syria's Regime Change Challenge

Ed Husain and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:31:55 -0500

The Syrian opposition has realized that Assad likely cannot be toppled militarily, but must be pushed out through a negotiated solution, says CFR's Ed Husain.

North Korea’s Nuclear Needs

Victor D. Cha and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:12:15 -0500

Pyongyang appears determined to become a nuclear weapon state while still aiming to cultivate economic ties with the outside world, says expert Victor Cha.

Can Egypt Survive Its Latest Crisis?

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:00:34 -0500

Its economy is in terrible condition and state authority is apparently breaking down. It's time to contemplate an intervention by Egypt's military, says CFR's Steven Cook.

Political Pivot in Israel?

David Makovsky and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:51:35 -0500

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek to form a big-tent coalition that could signal a new inward focus at a time of increasing tumult in the Mideast, says expert David Makovsky.