Topic: Georgetown University

Why Bahrain is unlikely to turn into an Iran-Saudi battleground

The intervention of Saudi forces has escalated tensions between Bahrain's protesters and the country's Sunni rulers, leaving at least one dead and drawing criticism from Iran.

Peter King hearings: Are American Muslims the problem or the solution?

A hearing chaired by Rep. Peter King to investigate radicalization within the American Muslim community touches on an important topic, terrorism experts say. But they question the tone.

Opinion: Tiananmen 2.0? Freedom is coming to China – one way or another.

China's fierce crackdown of sporadic protests in recent weeks shows that Communist leaders there are watching the Arab uprisings with great anxiety. China would be wise to stay ahead of events by rolling out political reforms.

How the Raymond Davis case could strain US-Pakistan ties even further

The gulf in how the US and Pakistan view the murder case against CIA operative Raymond Davis has the potential to make the diplomatic spat get even uglier.

Swiss freeze Qaddafi assets: How dictators stash their cash 101

Switzerland froze the assets of Libya strongman Muammar Qaddafi and 26 other people from his entourage, less than two weeks after freezing assets belonging to Egypt's Hosni Mubarak.

How dictators stash their cash 101: Egypt, Libya not alone in losing assets

Switzerland says it has returned more than $1.5 billion over the past 20 years, but money laundering continues on a grand scale. 'It's like untying the Gordian knot,' says a former Department of Justice official.

Mubarak's legacy – and his downfall: A stale stability

Unlike his iconic predecessors Anwar Sadat and Gamal Abdel Nasser, who left clear imprints on Egypt, Hosni Mubarak will probably be remembered more for unfulfilled expectations.

Can US economy thrive as China rises?

The US economy retains top status, but Beijing's economic engine is shrewdly built – and set to propel China forward fast.

Value added tax: Senate weighs a tax reform Reagan once shunned

As president, Ronald Reagan, was 'not enthused' by the idea of a value added tax (VAT) in America. But at a Senate hearing this week, tax reform experts pushed for it.

Does everyone need a college degree? Maybe not, says Harvard study.

America's educational system is 'badly broken,' failing students who may not want – or need – a college degree, argues a new report from Harvard's Graduate School of Education.

A statistical look at the state of the Union

How retirement is being reinvented worldwide

People are working longer – out of necessity and choice – as the world undergoes one of the biggest demographic shifts in history.

Opinion: What Obama should tell China's President Hu: No, you can't

Because of economic interests, Western governments have too long given China a pass on a litany of egregious global and domestic abuses. But increasing Chinese aggression can no longer be ignored. When President Hu arrives next Tuesday, Obama must draw a line in the sand.

Aftermath of Arizona shooting: More guns in more hands?

Despite gun control efforts in Congress in the wake of the Arizona shooting, it's unlikely that America will see more gun control laws. In fact, the opposite may happen, at least in Arizona.

Opinion: Arizona's Sheriff Dupnik and the 'vitriol' debate: Do words matter that much?

Yes, they do. Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik is being criticized for his comments linking Saturday's shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others to antigovernment vitriol. But he's right: The words we use carry great power to shape how we respond to others.

Opinion: President Obama: Call your own Nobel summit, and send China a message

Jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiabao will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this Friday in absentia. As a Nobel laureate himself, President Obama must take a clear stand on China's human rights abuses. On Friday, he should host a 'freedom summit' with other Nobel laureates.

'Don't ask, don't tell': Can military handle a repeal of gay ban?

Repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' could have serious implications for some parts of the military. But critics of the law say the Pentagon is ready to embrace gays openly.

WikiLeaks fallout reveals more cracks in Afghan war strategy

The continued political survival of US Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry suggests the doubts he expressed about the war strategy have deepened in American government circles.

As US seeks Iran nuclear deal, Iranian traders load up on Cheerios, Heinz ketchup

The sanctions aimed at pushing Tehran to accept an Iran nuclear deal have kept Iranian traders in Dubai on their toes. But they say it's US businesses that are most affected.

Home sales rise in September, but a housing glut and concerns remain

Home sales are still below the rate of a year ago, as is the median price. Concerns persist that foreclosures and the slow economy threaten even lower values.

What another $2 billion in US military aid means for Pakistan

Despite recent tensions between Islamabad and Washington, Pakistan is set to receive another $2 billion in US military assistance over the next five years.

What Pakistan wants: US aid

Flow of US aid and presence of its troops serve Pakistan's long-range aim of thwarting its archenemy, India.

West Bank dispute: Palestinian leader gives peace talks one-week reprieve

One day after Israeli moratorium on settlements expires, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delays his decision on whether to quit the US-backed Middle East peace talks for one week.

Muhammad Musri, an unusual imam, brokers Quran-burning debate

Imam Muhammad Musri is comfortable brokering interfaith dialogue, but in his bid to stop Florida pastor Terry Jones from burning Qurans on Saturday, he has waded into a controversy with global repercussions.

South Korea sanctions Iran – under US pressure

South Korea said Wednesday it will blacklist 102 Iranian firms and 24 people in response to US pressure to sanction Iran over its nuclear program.