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E-mail: gbruno@cfr.org
October 15, 2009
Backgrounder
Despite concerns over Iran's nuclear program, the Obama administration has assessed that Tehran is years from a developing a long-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon. But past Iranian secrecy and testing bombast have led some experts to remain skeptical of Tehran's capabilities and ambitions.
See more in Iran, Weapons of Mass Destruction
September 23, 2009
Backgrounder
Decades of economic and diplomatic sanctions have failed to substantively alter the actions of the Iranian regime, especially regarding its nuclear program. But experts say they remain an important tool to isolate and pressure Iran.
See more in Iran, Proliferation
Updated: September 17, 2009
Backgrounder
The United States has pursued missile defense technologies for six decades, with mixed results. Changes under the Obama administration, including adjustments to planned defenses in Europe, could portend a new direction.
See more in United States, Defense Strategy
Updated: September 17, 2009
Backgrounder
The United States has been developing missile defense technologies since the beginning of the Cold War, first with nuclear-tipped interceptors and later with conventional "hit-to-kill" missiles, weapons intended to destroy enemy warheads in flight.
See more in United States, Defense Technology
Updated: September 29, 2009
Backgrounder
Iran's nuclear program is believed to have steadily progressed, despite sharply increased concerns over its intentions and sanctions over its lack of transparency.
See more in Iran, Proliferation
July 22, 2009
Backgrounder
The crisis following Iran's presidential vote cast a new light on the country's hotly contested media space. A crackdown has limited independent reporting but other sources remain as channels for dissent.
See more in Iran, Media and Foreign Policy
Updated: June 22, 2009
Backgrounder
In the aftermath of the June 2009 presidential election, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has become major to the regime's power projection. Some analysts have seen the guard's hand in a creeping militarization of Iran's domestic policy.
See more in Iran, Economics, State Sponsors of Terrorism
Updated: June 17, 2009
Backgrounder
Iran's Supreme Leader remains the regime's ultimate authority but controversy surrounding the country's June 12 presidential election has raised new questions about the role and power of the head of state.
May 26, 2009
Backgrounder
International actors are redoubling efforts to restore Afghanistan's agriculture sector and weaken the massive opium trade that helps fund the Taliban. But competing strategies and corruption could stall reforms.
See more in Afghanistan, Nation Building
May 11, 2009
Backgrounder
President Obama has made "strategic communications" an essential part of his move to boost the military and nation-building effort in Afghanistan. But experts say countering Taliban messaging will take technology, speed, and demonstrated success in providing security.
See more in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Public Diplomacy
April 16, 2009
Backgrounder
The growth and continued improvement of Afghanistan's domestic security forces is seen as key to an eventual U.S. exit, but some analysts caution that progress, already slow, will remain strained.
See more in Afghanistan, International Organizations
Updated: April 8, 2009
Backgrounder
As the Obama administration finalizes its first defense budget, analysts say near-term growth will be followed by lean spending amid the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
See more in United States, Defense Policy & Budget
February 12, 2009
Backgrounder
President Obama has called for closing the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay. But he faces tough choices on where to send inmates and how to prosecute the most serious terrorist suspects.
See more in United States, International Law, Terrorism and the Law
Updated: March 30, 2009
Backgrounder
U.S. and Western military officials are calling on Iran to help stabilize Afghanistan, but historic tensions and allegations of arming militants raise doubts about Tehran's intent.
See more in Afghanistan, Iran, Defense/Homeland Security
Updated: February 5, 2009
Backgrounder
Iraq's provincial elections provide signals about the maturity of the country's political system, as well as highlight new power brokers in the provinces.
See more in Iraq, Democracy and Human Rights, Elections
January 9, 2009
Backgrounder
The Sunni awakening movement and the Sons of Iraq security forces it inspired helped restore peace. Iraq's long-term stability could hinge on keeping the movement satiated, experts say.
See more in Iraq
December 11, 2008
Backgrounder
U.S. experts say any new approach to bringing stability to Afghanistan must be regional in scope. Saudi Arabia, with historic ties to the Taliban and Afghan Pashtuns, could hold a principle seat at the table.
See more in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia
November 20, 2008
Backgrounder
Terrorist attacks and an emergent Russia are posing new challenges to Turkey's energy strategy, but some analysts warn it could be Western Europe that gets squeezed.
See more in Turkey, Energy/Environment, Energy, Energy Security
Updated: December 4, 2008
Backgrounder
President-elect Barack Obama made many promises on defense spending and strategy during his two-year run for the White House. But analysts say economic constraints and political pressure could make implementation difficult.
See more in United States, Defense/Homeland Security, Defense Policy & Budget
Updated: December 23, 2008
Backgrounder
Iraqi lawmakers approved new ground rules for the U.S. troop presence, including a U.S. withdrawal by 2011. But questions about the accords' legal longevity remain.
See more in United States, Iraq, Defense/Homeland Security
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