Topic: U.S Council on Foreign Relations

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Opinion 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.

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Energy Voices Canada boosts advertising budget for tar sands, Keystone XL

Canada has increased their expenditure on advertising for tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline from $9 million in 2012, to $16.5 million in 2013, Peixe writes. The advertising campaign is targeted at Obama administration officials, hoping to sway their opinion on Keystone XL.
Opinion 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.
Terrorism & Security A flurry of diplomacy over Syria, but will it amount to progress?

There is concern over a Russian missile shipment to the Assad regime, but cautious optimism persists in some Western capitals over a planned international conference on Syria.
Africa Monitor In fight against insurgents, Nigerian Army cracks down on civilians

Observers say that Nigeria's security forces are rounding up large numbers of young men under dubious claims they are insurgents. Many are never seen again.
Terrorism & Security Attack in Nigeria underscores strength of Islamist militant group

A deadly and well-coordinated attack by Boko Haram on a military compound and prison in northern Nigeria this week follows 'unprecedented' April attack that killed some 200 people.
The Walt Disney Company pulls out of Bangladesh: Will that make workers safer?

The Walt Disney Company pulls out of five developing countries – including Bangladesh, site of a devastating building collapse of a garment factory – telling licensees of Disney-brand items of its decision to phase out production there. Critics say pulling out is not the best response.
Explosion at French Embassy in Libya highlights security challenges (+video)

The explosion wounded two French guards in what appeared to be the first major terrorist attack on a diplomatic compound in Tripoli since the ouster of Col. Muammar Qaddafi.
Briefing North Korean war talk: hot air or serious threat?

Pyongyang has cut the last military hotline to the South and says it's ready to target US bases in Hawaii, Guam, and South Korea. So why is there no sign the North is really girding for war?
Hugo Chavez era ends: Will US-Venezuela relations improve?

Hugo Chavez passing may intensify the US dialogue with Venezuela on several key issues, including counterterrorism and energy. But many expect healing to take time.
Focus Can Kenya's March election avoid killings, catastrophe, of last national vote?

Kenya prized its strategic and symbolic importance as one of Africa's leading democracies. But bloody post-election riots in 2007 has the world now watching.
Cover Story Egypt's unfinished revolution

Can the government of President Mohamed Morsi survive – and what do its struggles portend for a region where other Islamist political movements are on the rise?
Can drone strikes target US citizens? Critics say rules are vague.

Criticism of the leaked Justice Department document – which allows for drone strikes against top level terrorists who are US citizens – is piling up from both the right and left, with critics charging that its language is too permissive.
Opinion A better way to keep Islamists at bay in Mali

France says it will withdraw from Mali once an African peacekeeping force is in place. To keep Islamists at bay, the US is considering increasing its military presence in the region. A better approach is to focus on fixing the governance issues that fuel radicalism to begin with.
N.Y. Times hacked: How large is China's campaign to control, intimidate?

The list of media outlets infiltrated by Chinese cyberspies doesn't end with The New York Times or Wall St. Journal, cybersecurity experts say. Anyone reporting on China is a potential target.
Hillary Clinton departs State: What's her legacy as top US diplomat? (+video)

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton steps down Friday. Her supporters say she has reenergized America’s working relationships with allies and partners, while some critics ask what her defining accomplishments are.
South Korea catches up to North Korea on the space race

South Korea has successfully sent a satellite into space from its own soil, joining an exclusive club of 12 others.
Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

Max Boot's entertaining history teaches valuable lessons, but sometimes draws shaky conclusions.
Focus Which world hot spots will clamor for Obama's attention?

Obama is unequivocal about his intent to refocus on US domestic issues during his second term. But the world is not likely to cooperate. Here are seven foreign-policy challenges already bearing down on him.
Europe's big powers unify to push against Israel settlement plans (+video)

Observers are struck by the degree to which the UK, France, and others in Europe have acted together to criticize Israel's plans to expand settlements.
North Korea rocket preparations: Could it be a bluff?

There are questions about whether North Korean scientists have corrected whatever caused the embarrassing crackup of its last rocket shortly after liftoff in April, and whether Pyongyang is willing to risk another failure — along with UN condemnation and more sanctions.
Will outgoing President Calderón be remembered for more than Mexico's violence? (+video)

Calderón's legacy will likely include Mexico's heavy drug war death toll. But he made positive strides on the economic front with average annual inflation at historic lows.
Why Egyptian protesters rally against Morsi (+video)

Protesters took to the streets in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday, voicing their concerns about President Mohamed Morsi's expanding powers. Hundreds have been injured in what is the biggest protest the country has seen since Morsi took office five months ago.
Decoder Wire Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rushing to Middle East. Why now? (+video)

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been dispatched for Israel just as reports of a potential cease-fire are growing. The two are probably not unrelated.
Key test for Egypt's Morsi as Gaza conflict intensifies (+video)

Since taking office in June, Egypt's Islamist President Morsi has upheld Egypt's peace treaty with Israel and strictly controlled border crossings. Could the Gaza conflict change his calculus?
Opinion In shifting sands of Middle East, who will lead? (+ video)

Leadership in the Middle East is up for grabs as the Syrian war intensifies, the Arab Spring changes regional power dynamics, and Israel's airstrikes and Hamas rockets again roil Gaza. Last year, Turkey was the assumed role model for the region. But it has fallen down on the job.