The biggest threat to America's security and prosperity comes not from abroad but from within, writes CFR President Haass in this provocative 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.

A description of 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.

Five experts address the controversy over the proposed Islamic center near the 9/11 attack site in New York, the foreign policy implications, and how the issue should be resolved.

Richard N. Haass discusses the lessons to be taken from the history of U.S. military involvement in Iraq--and their implications for how to move forward in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Richard N. Haass says the war in Afghanistan is not succeeding, and the time has come to scale back U.S. objectives and sharply reduce U.S. involvement on the ground.

Although the Obama administration's dealings with Moscow and Beijing have been handled adroitly, its management of the war in Afghanistan and threats in the Middle East have been less successful, says CFR President Richard Haass.

President Obama was wise to replace General Stanley McChrystal as Afghan commander, but he should now mount a thorough review of the costly and uncertain nation-building policy in Afghanistan, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass says the United States can send a message to North Korea by signing the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

The UN Security Council will maintain pressure on Iran to cease its uranium enrichment program if it moves forward with sanctions, but that won't likely change Tehran's course, writes CFR's Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass says that while the United States remains the world's most powerful single country, it requires worldwide partners in order to expand and maintain international peace and security.

Richard N. Haass says, "Even before it began, Europe's moment as a major world power in the twenty-first century looks to be over."

This module features teaching notes by CFR President Richard N. Haass, author of War of Necessity, War of Choice: A Memoir of Two Iraq Wars, along with other resources to supplement the text. In this CFR Book, Dr. Haass contrasts the decisions that shaped the conduct of two wars between the United States and Iraq, and writes an authoritative, personal account of how U.S. foreign policy is made. The preface to the paperback edition assesses not only Iraq but also the war in Afghanistan and a potential conflict with Iran.

While the time isn't ripe for an Obama administration peace plan, the White House should try to reignite proximity talks and possibly work to develop terms of reference and a structure for future final status talks, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass warns, "The danger of exaggerating the benefits of solving the Palestinian conflict is that doing so runs the risk of distorting American foreign policy."

The U.S. Defense secretary's memo is a reminder that the White House needs more effective policies to counter Iran's nuclear progress, says CFR President Richard Haass.

Rather than voicing its impatience, the U.S. should see Afghan President Karzai's outbursts over the past few weeks as symptomatic of domestic political pressures, says CFR President Richard N. Haass, and should consider limiting its ambitions in Afghanistan as well as deemphasizing the importance of a presidency that is likely to remain weak for some time.

To ensure global stability, Richard N. Haass warns, "... we should be careful not to learn the wrong lesson and rule out helping weak states."

Richard N. Haass states that the West must make clear its support for protesters in Iran.

CFR President Richard N. Haass says the Obama administration should align its Iran policy with what Iranians themselves are calling for--economic reorientation and basic political reform that protects rights.

President Barack Obama's first State of the Union address focused heavily, as expected, on domestic economic recovery and reasserting U.S. competitiveness. Six CFR experts noted different aspects of the challenges facing Obama.

Domestic economic problems will dominate President Obama's State of the Union address. In foreign policy, Iran will dominate administration concerns, says CFR President Richard Haass, who advocates supporting Iran's political opposition.

Richard N. Haass says the current opportunity for outsiders to promote regime change within Iran should not be missed.