In this compelling book, Richard N. Haass contrasts the decisions that shaped the conduct of two wars between the United States and Iraq involving the two presidents Bush and Saddam Hussein, and writes an authoritative, personal account of how U.S. foreign policy is made, what it should seek, and how it should be pursued.

In Restoring the Balance: A Middle East Strategy for the Next President, experts from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution propose a new, nonpartisan Middle East strategy drawing on the lessons of past failures to address both the short-term and long-term challenges to U.S. interests.

This is a book that describes an unprecedented moment in which the United States has a chance to bring about a world where most people are safe, free, and can enjoy a decent standard of living.

Richard N. Haass says today's college graduates will lead 21st century lives, and in an age of globalization, the world will matter to them as never before.

President Obama's speech in Afghanistan lacked a strong rationale for continuing a substantial U.S. commitment beyond 2014, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass says that seemingly different nations with elections and political transitions in the coming months possess common internal challenges–a loss of economic and physical autonomy, the diffusion of information technology, and slower growth against a backdrop of larger and older populations–that will make more difficult the task of generating global consensus on how to meet threats beyond borders.

Pyongyang's unsuccessful missile launch delays a new nuclear threat but raises disturbing prospects for violence on the Korean Peninsula, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass and Michael A. Levi say it is in the American interest to pursue a negotiated outcome to the current impasse with Iran because the main alternatives to diplomacy—war or the existence of an Iran with nuclear weapons—will be costly and risky.

The extraordinary risks posed by a nuclear-armed Iran require Washington and its partners to step up activity on economic sanctions and diplomacy, even while preparing military options, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass argues that Iran's nuclear program may be the most important international issue in 2012.

Richard N. Haass argues that as China's future becomes increasingly uncertain, it remains very much in the world's interest that China be integrated into global arrangements.

Richard N. Haass says many of the world's bad guys departed the scene this past year, but looking back, 2011 was a year of great transition—not of transformation.

Richard N. Haass assesses the lessons of the Iraq war, concluding that wars of choice will in the future be harder to wage.

Richard N. Haass argues that the United States should adopt a doctrine of Restoration as its guiding foreign policy framework, focusing on "restoring this country's strength and replenishing its economic, human, and physical resources."

Richard N. Haass argues that U.S. foreign policy had become preoccupied with the Middle East, but it is now correctly refocusing on East Asia and the Pacific.

Post-Qaddafi Libya will face difficulties with rebel infighting, the anger of Qaddafi loyalists, and more, but the long-time dictator's death also creates an opening for a more peaceful country. CFR's Richard Haass, Ed Husain, and Ray Takeyh weigh Libya's prospects.

The reported death of Muammar al-Qaddafi marks a dramatic end to his sway over Libya. Libyans now need considerable Western help in securing and rebuilding the country he leaves behind, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass says that the war in Afghanistan began ten years ago as a narrow, modest war of necessity but has evolved into a broad, ambitious war of choice.

Richard N. Haass argues,"Any [Palestinian] 'victory' at the UN would come with a heavy price tag."

Post-9/11, the United States failed to take advantage of a moment of unprecedented global power to reshape itself and now faces an array of economic threats, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass argues that 9/11 was a terrible tragedy by any measure, but it was not a historical turning point that heralded a new era of international relations in which terrorists with a global agenda prevailed, or in which such spectacular terrorist attacks became commonplace.

Richard N. Haass says international assistance, and most likely an international force, is likely to be needed for some time to restore and maintain order in Libya.

Richard N. Haass says a doctrine of restoration can strengthen the U.S. position abroad by focusing on nation building -- at home.