Topic: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

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Iran nuclear talks: negotiators cite progress ahead of Baghdad meeting

Two days of UN-IAEA talks in Vienna signal some flexibility on both sides ahead of key nuclear meeting in Baghdad next week.
Backchannels
One year after Osama bin Laden's killing, Al Qaeda is in tatters

While his murderous ideology persists in pockets of the Middle East and beyond, Al Qaeda as it was understood after Sept. 11 has failed.
President Obama to mark anniversary of Bin Laden's death

He's responded forcefully to Republican claims that it is a "celebration", criticizing Romney for statements from the 2008 campaign.
Chavez vs. Capriles: Stark choice for Venezuela's independent voters

Some 36 percent of Venezuelan voters aren't aligned with a political party. But their votes could determine the outcome of this year's heated presidential election.
Cover Story
Iraq after the US: Will it survive? (video)

Iraqis harbor anger, deep concerns – and some optimism – as American troops withdraw after nearly nine years of war and occupation.
Latin American police get 'citizen friendly' to fight bad reputation

Latin American police, seen by many in the region as part of the problem rather than the solution to crime, are trying to boost their involvement in and response to their communities.
Global News Blog
Women's rights advocates gather to ensure they aren't sidelined in 'Arab Spring'

Leading women's rights activists from around the world convened in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss how to ensure they aren't excluded from the democratization sweeping the region.
US message in drone strikes: If Pakistan doesn't take on Taliban, we will

The drone attacks Monday targeted militants in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region. The Pakistani military has promised its own offensive in the region, but no such operation has been launched.
How much damage did ATF's ill-fated gun-running sting do to war on drugs?

Fast and Furious, the Mexico gun-running sting gone bad, may cost the ATF's acting chief his job. A larger concern is that it may undermine efforts to stop the flow of US guns south.
In pushing for ouster of US ambassador to Mexico, did Calderón shoot the messenger?

Instead of praise, Mexican President Felipe Calderón has come under criticism in the press and even from an ex-president over the resignation of the US ambassador.
Mexican trucks to ply US highways? Obama is ready to roll.

President Obama on Thursday laid out a plan to allow trucks from Mexico to carry goods into America. Concern about safety of Mexican trucks have nixed such transport for decades.
US-Mexico ties: Tensions simmer beneath Calderón's visit to White House

Ahead of today's visit, Mexican President Felipe Calderón said the US has not done its part to reduce arms trafficking and drug consumption, and lambasted US diplomats for leaked cables that called his security forces corrupt and uncoordinated.
Mexican drug gang Zetas suspected in US special agent killing

The Mexico drug gang known for its brutal tactics is the initial suspect in Tuesday's attack on two US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Group for centrist Democrats runs out of money. Does it matter?

The moderate Democratic Leadership Council suspends operations. Liberals rejoice, others say the DLC succeeded in moving the party to the middle.
Rep. Jane Harman resigns, thinning ranks of Democrats' Blue Dogs

The Blue Dogs, conservative-leaning Democrats, were hit hard in Election 2010. The resignation of Rep. Jane Harman now deprives them of an influential member.
As Egypt crisis continues, would US cut foreign aid? Unlikely.

Would the Obama administration cut the $1.5 billion in military and economic aid given Egypt every year? It’s been a mainstay of US policy ever since Egypt made peace with Israel in 1979.
Unlike Arizona shooting, violence against politicians rarely has Mexico mourning

Three Mexican mayors have been assassinated this year, but such killings draw little attention as they are increasingly common and many Mexicans believe slain politicians often have drug ties.
The winter of Kim Jong-il's discontent

As Kim Jong-il's struggles to hold onto a crumbling North Korea, the US and South Korea can expect more calculated provocations – even displays of nuclear power. But rather than appease Kim with diplomatic concessions, now is the time to exploit those weaknesses with smart sanctions.
Aasia Bibi blasphemy case a symbol of Pakistan's religious intolerance

The Pakistani government's handling of the case of Aasia Bibi, a Christian facing the death penalty for insulting the Quran, indicates a willingness to let extremists have their way.
After failure of direct Middle East talks, does Obama have a 'Plan B'?

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is delivering a speech Friday, days after the US pulled back its latest inducements to Israel to foster Middle East talks. Will her speech launch a new initiative?
Obama to meet GOP leaders: Should Democrats be worried?

President Obama will meet with GOP leaders from the House and Senate Tuesday for the first time since Election 2010. Some Democrats worry that he could be too willing to compromise.
Earmark ban: Why GOP freshmen might just be getting started

The size of the GOP freshman class in both the House and Senate means that Republican leadership will have to take it seriously. The earmark ban in the Senate, adopted by Republicans Tuesday, represents an early victory.
Global leadership: Brazil enters the power surge of women

Entering the ranks of global leadership, Brazil's President-elect Dilma Rousseff becomes the 18th woman head of state currently in power when she takes office in January.
As Prop 19 to legalize marijuana fails in California, Latin American leaders breathe relief

Current leaders of Mexico and Colombia were relieved that Prop 19 failed, but former leaders feel more free to express their support of relaxing drug laws.
John Boehner, would-be Speaker, pitches his roadmap to fix Congress

Rep. John Boehner, who would be first in line to become Speaker if Republicans retake the House in Election 2010, forwards his plan for how to curb spending and ease gridlock in Congress.