Topic: Paul Pillar

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

What happens next in Libya? America's five greatest concerns.

The push toward a post-Qaddafi regime in Libya is raising questions in Washington about how far a US commitment extends to ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy. With an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape that transition.

All Content

9/11 lessons not learned: three failed reforms

Most of the 9/11 commission's recommendations have been implemented, but three reforms, in particular, have failed to fully take shape since 2001.
What happens next in Libya? America's five greatest concerns.

The push toward a post-Qaddafi regime in Libya is raising questions in Washington about how far a US commitment extends to ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy. With an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape that transition.
Terrorism & Security
US was prepared for a fight with Pakistan during bin Laden raid

President Obama authorized US troops to fight Pakistani forces if they interfered during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, highlighting the poor state of the US-Pakistan relationship.
Bin Laden hideout a command center? Pakistanis have doubts.

Bin Laden hideout: theories that Osama bin Laden was commanding terrorist activities throughout the world from his hideout in Pakistan have Pakistanis saying 'no way.'
After bin Laden raid, might US-Pakistan cooperation get better?

The US launched a drone strike into Pakistan Friday. Some see that as bolstering the argument that the US will be able to use the bin Laden raid as leverage to get more cooperation out of Pakistan.
Why an accurate US account of the bin Laden attack is so important

The fumbled recountings of the attack on the bin Laden compound undermine the operation itself and the credibility of the US government, analysts say. It also helped to fuel conspiracy theories.
Realistically, can intelligence analysts stop a terror attack?

Intelligence analysts must go through a sea of data in efforts to prevent another terror attack.
Why more airport security doesn't stop terrorist attacks

Airport security measures change in response to every plot, and the Christmas Day terrorist attack is no different. But use of screening technologies hasn't kept up with new terrorist methods.
Iran nuclear program: Clock is ticking as uranium collects

It's amassing low-enriched uranium at the rate of 2.75 kilograms per day – enough to give Iran nuclear program enough feedstock for two bombs by February, by one estimate.
Will Taliban attacks in Pakistan sway Obama's war decision?

The spate of attacks by the Taliban in Pakistan is likely to factor into President Obama's ongoing review of Afghanistan policy. The attacks highlight the regional nature of the Taliban insurgency.
Afghanistan: Why Obama is rethinking 'war of necessity'

Waning American support for the war and allegations of fraud in the Afghan elections have turned a policy review into a fervent debate about the Afghanistan conflict within the Obama administration.