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Somalia’s Perpetual War

May 9, 2008

As the humanitarian crisis in Somalia deepens, experts see bleak prospects for reconciliation talks between the transitional government and the Islamist opposition.

The Horn of Africa

An interactive map that examines the conflict zone of the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s Fragile Gov't

Somalia’s transitional federal government is hobbled by the same clan-based divisions that bedeviled its predecessors.

- A look ahead at next week's news.
Online Debate
- CFR's Max Boot and Steven Simon debate: Has the Surge Put Iraq on the Path to Success?
Essential Documents
Capital Interview
- Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, Afghanistan finance minister
Multimedia
Gwertzman Asks Experts
Recent Backgrounders
Daily Press Reviews
Quick Links
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Lebanon Erupts

Podcast: CFR’s Mohamad Bazzi describes the scene in Beirut, where Hezbollah forces seized parts of the city following clashes with pro-government groups.

Myanmar in Crisis

Myanmar’s disaster is compounded by its government, which appears to be restricting aid for political reasons.

A War of Words with Iran

The war of words between Washington and Tehran has heightened tensions in Iraq, and raised the prospects of a standoff.

China and the Olympics

Mitt Romney says China should take “symbolic action” to let the world know it is willing to listen to concerns about its human rights record.

A Fight over Energy

Mounting gas prices have made energy a top presidential campaign issue. But prospects appear dim for any comprehensive policy reforms from Washington.

Still a Dangerous Border

Terrorist attacks in Afghanistan from safe havens across the border in Pakistan increase amid Islamabad's efforts to strike peace with militants.

Hamas and Mideast Peace

Online Debate: Two Mideast experts weigh the merits of isolating or engaging the terrorist group.

The Syrian Nuclear Puzzle

Washington’s disclosure of an Israeli air strike on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor has raised questions about Syrian and U.S. motives.
Crisis Guide: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

James Goldgeier and Derek Chollet Discuss Their New Book America Between the Wars: From 11/9 to 9/11

C. Ford Runge and Benjamin Senauer in FA: How Biofuels Could Starve the Poor

Michael Green and Derek Mitchell Outline a New Approach to Burma in FA
May/June 2008
- Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times calls "Beyond Darfur" by Andrew Natsios, an important article in the latest issue of Foreign Affairs.
Experts in the News

Iraq (5/8): Mohamad Bazzi urges the U.S. and Iraqi governments not to exclude Muqtada al-Sadr from the political process, in The National.

Campaign 2008 (5/5): It would be a travesty if Obama’s campaign gets knocked off course because of his former preacher, writes Sebastian Mallaby in the Washington Post.

Iraq War (5/3): Max Boot argues that the increase in casualties could be a sign that tough combat is under way that will lead to the enemy’s defeat, in the Wall Street Journal.

U.S. Economy (5/2): Amity Shlaes criticizes Hillary Clinton’s plan to implement a windfall oil tax, on Bloomberg.com.

Food Crisis (5/1): Gene Sperling warns that one of the casualties of the food crisis will be the schooling of the world’s poorest children, on Bloomberg.com.

Three-Front War (4/30): Michael Gerson argues that a decent outcome in Iraq would be considerably devalued if counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan stall, in the Washington Post.

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