Topic: U.S Council on Foreign Relations

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3 priorities for Pakistan's new government

After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
Briefing
Colombia - FARC peace talks: 4 things you need to know

Colombia has ample experience holding peace talks – though over the past 50 years, it’s seen little peace. But in early September, President Juan Manuel Santos announced peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Here are four things you need to know about the landmark peace process.
Brazil's President Rousseff meets with Obama: 5 topics for talks

As the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere, Brazil and the US have a lot of shared interests, but there are still areas of contention. Here are 5 possible topics on today's presidential agenda:
Where will bin Laden 'mother lode of intelligence' lead?
Five countries where the GOP victory could make a difference

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Risks to US in gambit to keep the Middle East peace talks alive

The Obama administration's plan to clear the hurdle of new Israeli settlements is a risky leap, analysts say. Whether Middle East peace talks continue would hang on a 90-day window.
Why world leaders smacked down Obama at G20 summit

G20 leaders made it clear at this week's summit that they were not afraid to stand up to President Obama and US global economic policy. Were they motivated by midterm election results?
After 'shellacking,' can foreign policy be a bright spot for Obama?

The foreign policy front, including the issues of trade and arms control, could present opportunities for Obama to boost his standing with the US electorate. But pitfalls and challenges also loom.
Five countries where the GOP victory could make a difference

Foreign policy is typically the executive branch’s domain because that is the branch that decides who the US negotiates with and what gets offered in those negotiations. However, Tuesday’s Republican victory, particularly the GOP takeover of the House and leadership of some key committees, has the ability to affect the US's dialogue, and in some cases policy, on a few key US relationships with other countries.
Yemen packages: Is Al Qaeda focusing on small-scale attacks?

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was behind the failed Christmas Day bomb attempt last year. US authorities believe the terrorist group is focusing on small-scale attacks against the West.
Eyeing Iran, US details $60 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia

Israel is unlikely to object to the arms sale of up to 84 new F-15s and 1,000 'bunker-buster bombs' to Saudi Arabia that analysts say is meant to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East.
Want to know how the war in Afghanistan is going? Watch Kandahar.

Progress on firming up security in Afghanistan depends on how US and Afghan troops secure Kandahar province – the nucleus of Taliban resistance.
Why climate change isn't much of a campaign issue

When an economy is in the tank, it’s a lot tougher to sell what may be expensive environmental solutions whose benefits aren't seen for decades to people worried about their job today.
Is US giving up too much to keep Middle East peace talks going?

Some Middle East experts are questioning the Obama administration’s approach, saying that the juicy carrots the US is offering may not get it where it wants to go.
How arms deals are shaping the Mideast

A record U.S. arms deal with Saudi Arabia is part of an effort to put pressure on Iran, partly by strengthening alliances with oil-rich neighbors also concerned by Iran's rise.
Hillary Clinton: A quiet brand of statecraft

Hillary Clinton has been loyal to President Obama, her one-time rival. Now she's seeking to redefine U.S. foreign policy for a new century, even as the latest mideast peace talks test her skills as a negotiator.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: A man who favors cheap windbreakers, sensible shoes, and 9/11 conspiracy theories

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who spoke at the UN today, has been called a 'ranting loon.' But the real Ahmadinejad is far more complex.
Hillary Clinton winds up Mideast trip: no deal, some hope

Hillary Clinton, in Jordan, expresses confidence in Abbas and Netanyahu, but analysts warn of risks to US if talks falter. Israel is still resisting pressure to extend moratorium on settlement construction.
Why $60 billion in US arms to Saudi Arabia isn't causing an outcry

Israel doesn't oppose a US arms deal that would send advanced aircraft to Saudi Arabia, which is increasingly seen as essential to containing Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Hillary Clinton headed to Egypt for continuing Middle East talks

Hillary Clinton is traveling to Egypt Monday as Israelis and Palestinians prepare to resume talks over a two-state solution at a Red Sea resort.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf: The battle is not Muslim vs. nonMuslim

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the Muslim leader behind the planned Islamic center and mosque near ground zero, discusses plans for Park51, underlying causes of Muslim terrorism, and the real battle between moderates and extremists.
Fidel Castro says he was misinterpreted on Cuban economy

Fidel Castro said he was not misquoted by Jeffrey Goldberg, a national correspondent for The Atlantic magazine, but in fact he meant 'exactly the opposite.'
Mexico denies Hillary Clinton's 'insurgency' comparison

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s comparison of the Mexico drug war to an 'insurgency' comes as the US is deciding if it will increase assistance to Mexico to combat the drug trade.
Hillary Clinton on America's future: US retains role as world leader

The US will continue to lead the 21st-century world, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday in a foreign policy speech. But American preeminence will rely more on partnerships and less on economic and military might, she said.
New Afghanistan war drawdown strategy? Move troops, don't withdraw them.

Pentagon officials have long talked of the July 2011 Afghanistan war drawdown date as being a soft deadline. Now, a NATO official suggests troops might simply be shifted around the country.
3 Reasons Israel won't bomb Iran

A long article in the latest Atlantic argues there's a strong chance Israel will unilaterally attack Iran next summer over its nuclear program. While there are strong arguments for an attack, here are three reasons why it won't happen.
Repercussions of an Israeli attack on Iran

An Atlantic article argues there's a high chance of an Israeli attack on Iran next summer. What might happen next if they did?
Ahmadinejad assassination attempt: Why a new leader wouldn't change Iran much

Iran downplayed early reports of an assassination attempt on populist President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad this morning, saying a firecracker exploded near his convoy. Would an Iran without Ahmadinejad be much different?
US sanctions on North Korea need China's support

China's cooperation with new US sanctions on North Korea is 'critical' to their efficacy, US special adviser for nonproliferation Robert Einhorn said Monday in Seoul.
China energy use surpasses US. Who didn't see that coming?

China passed the United States as the world's No. 1 energy consumer. China denies it. But followers of China energy use are not surprised by the International Energy Agency's announcement.