CFR.org - Interviews

A Third Option for Iran

Richard N. Haass and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:55:59 -0500

The extraordinary risks posed by a nuclear-armed Iran require Washington and its partners to step up activity on economic sanctions and diplomacy, even while preparing military options, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Security Council Showdown on Syria

Andrew Tabler and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:47:20 -0500

A UN Security Council resolution calling for Syria's President Assad to step down faces stiff Russian opposition. Expert Andrew Tabler examines Russia's motives, Syria's internal fissures, and the prospects for ongoing violence.

Taliban Talks, a Balancing Act

Bruce O. Riedel and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:25:55 -0500

The United States continues to pursue peace talks with Afghanistan's Taliban as a means to secure stability. Bruce Riedel discusses the challenges faced by the administration, including its ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

Examining Obama's Pipeline Decision

Michael A. Levi and Toni Johnson — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:41:43 -0500

The Keystone XL pipeline debate shows the pitfalls of politics intruding on energy policy, says CFR's Michael Levi. He reviews the pros and cons of the issue and proposes additional steps to bolster U.S. energy security.

Is North Korea Ready for Talks?

Scott A. Snyder and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:14:06 -0500

This week's meeting between U.S., South Korean, and Japanese officials signaled an opening for North Korea to rejoin the suspended talks on its nuclear program. CFR's Scott Snyder discusses the talks and says it's unlikely the dialogue will resume soon.

Bracing for Instability in Syria

Robert M. Danin and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:36:16 -0500

Syria's regime appears increasingly isolated and erratic in response to civil unrest, posing a challenge to the Arab League to prevent a spread of conflict, says CFR's Robert M. Danin.

Egypt's Revolution a Year Later

Steven A. Cook and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:13:21 -0500

With Islamists apparently gaining the most seats in Egypt's parliament, CFR's Steven Cook spells out challenges in the transition process, including the writing of a new constitution.

How Serious Are Iran's Threats?

Michael Elleman and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:09:37 -0500

Iran's threat to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz is intended to signal its deterrent capacity to the United States and bolster leadership at home amid biting economic sanctions, says expert Michael Elleman.

Kicking off the 2012 GOP Contest

James M. Lindsay and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:54:31 -0500

Looking ahead to the Iowa caucuses and upcoming primaries in January, CFR's James Lindsay says Republican candidates are taking aim at President Obama's foreign policies, yet it's unclear what they would do differently.

Potential 'Political Chaos' in Iraq

Ned Parker and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:33:34 -0500

As the last U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq this month, an emerging political battle among the country's top leaders has raised concerns over its stability. It underscores the difficult road ahead for the fragile democracy and potential for greater violence, says CFR's Ned Parker.

A Reform Agenda for Arab Economies

Manuela V. Ferro and Jonathan Masters — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:19:36 -0500

Arab states in the throes of political change must embrace economic policies that combat cronyism, spur private sector growth, and ensure safeguards for the poor, says the World Bank's Manuela Ferro.

Why Syria's Regime Is Doomed

Dennis Ross and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:57:48 -0500

The increasing resort to violence signals the likely fall of Syria's Bashar al-Assad and could trigger shifts in the regional balance of power away from Iran, says former senior U.S. Mideast adviser Dennis Ross.

North Korea's Uncertain Succession

Scott A. Snyder and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:53:06 -0500

Will Kim Jong-il's twenty-seven-year-old son assume power in a smooth transition or is a destabilizing succession struggle ahead for reclusive North Korea? CFR's Scott Snyder says the next few weeks will provide crucial signals.

Who Is Targeting Afghanistan's Shia?

Brian Fishman and Jayshree Bajoria — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:31:35 -0500

Attacks on Shia Muslims in Afghanistan claimed by a Pakistani militant group are a disturbing omen -- for sectarian ties and the prospects for a peace deal with insurgents, says counterterrorism expert Brian Fishman.

Why Russian Protests Matter

Stephen Sestanovich and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:06:55 -0500

The mass protests in Russia challenging the parliamentary vote reflect increasing hostility to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and have the potential to change Russian politics in a fundamental way, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Saudis' New Mideast Challenges

F. Gregory Gause III and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:34:46 -0500

With the upheavals in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia must grapple with a changing political landscape, including Salafis participating in elections, says F. Gregory Gause. At the same time, he says the country remains vested in curbing Iranian influence in Arab affairs.

A Political Deal for the Euro

Iain Begg and Christopher Alessi — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:04:41 -0500

An agreement by EU leaders to create a new fiscal union signals a political commitment to the future of the euro. Economist Iain Begg explains why it will not immediately solve the eurozone sovereign debt crisis.

Gauging Top Global Threats in 2012

Micah Zenko and Robert McMahon — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:33:21 -0500

The eurozone and Saudi Arabia are elevated threats in 2012 under CFR's new Preventive Priorities Survey, while Afghanistan and Sudan are reduced. CFR's Micah Zenko discusses.

Islamists and Egypt's Future

Ed Husain and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:41:31 -0500

The Islamists' lead in parliamentary polls has aroused some concerns over Egypt's democratic future. But the real threat, says CFR's Ed Husain, comes from those secular elites who prefer the former autocratic regime or military rule over elected Islamists.

Understanding Putin's Setback

Maria Lipman and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:47:24 -0500

The sharp drop in support for the ruling United Russia party in parliamentary elections reflects growing public discontent with Vladimir Putin's decision to seek the presidency again next year, says analyst Maria Lipman.

Tehran's Growing Tensions with the West

Robin Wright and Bernard Gwertzman — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:22:24 -0500

The attack on the UK embassy in Tehran was clearly endorsed by the regime and signals more troubles ahead on the effort to contain its nuclear program, says expert Robin Wright.

Pressuring a Defiant Syria

Mohamad Bazzi and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:27:37 -0500

Syria is faced with an increasing number of international sanctions for its bloody crackdown against protesters. CFR's Mohamad Bazzi says the crises facing the regime are unprecedented, but the regime doesn't appear to be giving in.

Egypt's Military-Rule Dilemma

Shibley Telhami and Bernard Gwertzman — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:40:55 -0500

With fresh political violence erupting ahead of elections, Shibley Telhami points to new polling data showing Egyptians are concerned the military is attempting to undo the gains of the revolution.

Walking the U.S. Budget Tightrope

Peter R. Orszag and Jonathan Masters — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:44:34 -0500

Despite the failure of a supercommittee deficit deal, budget expert Peter Orszag says there will still be opportunity for policies, such as more economic stimulus and cutting healthcare costs, to avert a U.S. fiscal crisis.

Restructuring Euro Debt and Latin Lessons

William R. Cline and Christopher Alessi — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:30:27 -0500

Greece's new prime minister is seeking crucial parliamentary support for an EU bailout package that will require restructuring its sovereign debt. Economist William Cline says Uruguay's 2003 default offers a constructive model.

Strengthening the U.S. Role in Asia

Evan A. Feigenbaum and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:49:45 -0500

President Obama's nine-day tour of Asia is focused on economic and security partnerships in the region that CFR's Evan Feigenbaum says represents efforts to strengthen longstanding U.S. ties to a region undergoing tremendous change.

Beyond the Palestinian Setback at the UN

Daniel Levy and Bernard Gwertzman — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:46:47 -0500

Palestinians are committed to a two-state solution despite losing a UN membership bid, says Mideast expert Daniel Levy, but moving forward requires addressing Israeli political entrenchment and a lack of Palestinian unity.

Strengthening Economic Ties with Asia

Simon Tay and Christopher Alessi — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:57:08 -0500

A multilateral free trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, dominated President Obama's agenda at the APEC summit in Hawaii. This is part of a U.S. effort to increase economic cooperation with Asia to boost exports and create jobs, says expert Simon Tay.

Impact of Russia's WTO Entry on U.S.

Stephen Sestanovich and Bernard Gwertzman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:01:04 -0500

Russia's accession to the WTO can boost U.S. exports to the country, but the U.S. Congress will have to graduate Russia from Cold War-era trade legislation, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

A Troubling Shift in Iran's Nuclear Program

Mark Hibbs and Bernard Gwertzman — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:29:16 -0500

The UN nuclear agency's latest report contains no "gotcha" disclosures about Iran's nuclear capability but creates a clear impression of a weapons program in the works, says expert Mark Hibbs.