Topic: Center for Strategic and International Studies
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North Korea abandons armistice: 4 key questions answered
Tensions on the Korean peninsula are ratcheting up. The US has started its annual war games with South Korean forces, and North Korea has used that fact to declare that it is invalidating the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953. What really has North Korea upset, though, is the tough, new sanctions passed by the United Nations in response to the North's nuclear test last month.Here are the top four questions analysts are wrestling with on the heels of these developments.
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Afghanistan: 5 areas of concern after the US leaves
The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan will have profound, direct effects on the country's security, economy, and society. Here are five areas that are likely to see an impact.
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What's Ahmadinejad getting out of his Latin America tour?
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Latin America trip, a whirlwind four-nation tour that began in Venezuela on Jan. 8, is now taking him to the inauguration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. The trip is his fifth visit to the region since 2007 and has prompted alarm in some corners of the United States that Iran is using the region as a staging ground to attack US interests.However, many who study Iran’s relationship with Latin America, in particular Venezuela, say fear of an Iranian threat in the Americas is overblown, at least at this point. Here are four reasons why:
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Palestinian statehood: why Arabs have turned on Obama
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Five ways 9/11 has transformed the US military
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Can US Libya strategy survive the assassination of rebels' top general?
The assassination of Gen. Younis is a major challenge to the rebels – and to the strategy of the US and others who recognized the rebels as Libya's government and must stay the course.
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US-North Korea nuclear talks: Why return to the table now?
US and North Korean negotiators will meet in New York this week to discuss North Korea's nuclear program. The US wants to head off any provocative actions from the North.
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As US slowly withdraws from Afghanistan, regional neighbors should step up
A US and NATO withdrawal raises the stakes in Afghanistan for Pakistan, India, China, Russia, and Iran. It's time for these regional powers to join together in a conference on Afghanistan, based on common concerns and shared interests.
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In South Africa, Michelle Obama helps rebuild trust and wows the young women
Many South Africans dislike what they see as US unilateralism. Mrs. Obama's visit is an attempt to remind South Africans of shared history and common goals.
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Gates: NATO's retreat from combat assignments 'unacceptable'
Defense Secretary Robert Gates made the pronouncement in a speech Friday in Brussels, as part of a European tour before he retires at the end of this month.
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Chinese military leaders visit US. What do they want?
China suspended military ties with the Pentagon early last year, after the US made an arms sale to Taiwan. Now, eight Chinese generals will meet with their American counterparts.
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Why does Pakistan have world's fastest-growing nuclear program?
Pakistan is stockpiling weapons-grade nuclear material, and accelerating construction of a nuclear plant that can produce plutonium. What's behind the nuclear surge?
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What US cybersecurity needs: a few more good guys
In high-tech America, cybersecurity specialists trained for high-stakes fights with hackers are in short supply.
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The bin Laden effect: How the Al Qaeda leader changed America
In life, Osama bin Laden made a huge impact on the US, all in the name of preventing another 9/11. If he and Al Qaeda fueled antagonism between the US and the Muslim world, they also pushed America toward a better understanding of the Middle East.
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Tough US question for Pakistan: How did Osama bin Laden hide in plain sight?
The positive spin emanating from Pakistan and the US after Osama bin Laden's death barely masks the recent lack of cooperation and deep mistrust between the countries.
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Osama bin Laden dead: How the US found him
Years of 'persistent hard work' led US intelligence to a complex about 50 miles northeast of Islamabad, Pakistan, where a 40-minute US special forces strike left Osama bin Laden dead.
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Cyberespionage: US finds FBI agents in elite unit lack necessary skills
With US increasingly vulnerable to cyberespionage, a Justice Department report finds that many agents attached to the FBI's elite cyber unit lack the skills to investigate such cases.
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Why Obama agreed to unleash Predator drones on Qaddafi forces
President Obama has approved the use of Predator drones in Libya. The drones represent a 'unique' capability that NATO needed in an increasingly urban war, Pentagon officials say.
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Security lags cyberattack threats in critical industries, report finds
The world's water treatment plants, power grids, and other vital industries are seeing escalating cyberattacks, but are not ramping up security fast enough, says a new global report.
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US aid to Libyan rebels: How effective are nonlethal supplies?
As NATO allies send military advisers to Libyan rebels, Obama approves direct US aid in the form of nonlethal supplies. Will that be enough to prevent a humanitarian disaster?
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Spread of drone programs in Latin America sparks calls for code of conduct
At least nine Latin American nations are developing drone programs, raising calls for a code of conduct that will assuage concerns over potential misuse.
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Taiwan close to passing luxury tax in response to widening wealth gap
Taiwan's planned tax on everything from speculative real estate deals to yachts targets a politically volatile and growing wealth gap. Parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for early next year.
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Will Libya stalemate force US out of its back-seat role?
Pressure rises on the Obama administration to take action in Libya. Officials weigh the humanitarian costs of holding back against the economic and political costs of action.
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Libya coalition: a unity of purpose, a multitude of opinions
The coalition of nations working to enforce the Libya no-fly zone are finding it difficult to balance their different political, military, and social concerns for the future of Libya.
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Japan earthquake: Why the Asian nation will rebound from temblor and tsunami
The Japan earthquake and tsunami will take years to recover from. But few peoples are as resilient and socially cohesive as the Japanese.
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US Air Force chief: Libya no-fly zone would be too little, too late
Many experts agree with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, who told Congress Thursday that a no-fly zone in Libya 'would not be sufficient.' But there are other options short of putting troops on the ground, which President Obama has ruled out.
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Pentagon's quiet shift on Afghanistan war: Maybe safe havens aren't crucial
For years, the Pentagon has stressed the importance to the Afghanistan war of eradicating safe havens for the Taliban and other insurgents in Pakistan. Now, it's easing off those claims.
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Cyberwar timeline
Tracing the history of cyberespionage and cyberwarfare from the invention of the Internet up to the targeted attacks on US banks by an Islamic hacktivist group.
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Does shooting at Frankfurt Airport follow pattern of simpler attacks?
For months now, radical leaders have been urging followers to opt for simple shootings over complex attacks. The shooting Wednesday took place outside a busy terminal at Frankfurt Airport.
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What will US do with 15 Somali pirates after fatal hijacking?
In the past, the US has asked other nations, such as Kenya, to handle cases involving Somali pirates. But some expect a different strategy this time.
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