A planned satellite launch by North Korea has suspended U.S. food aid. CFR's Scott Snyder says that Pyongyang is grappling with whether to choose international legitimacy or domestic political consolidation.

Heads of fifty nations are discussing how to improve safeguards for nuclear weapons and materials. CFR's Michael Levi says these summits serve as reminders of the dangers beyond the North Korean and Iranian nuclear programs.

The government of the brittle, one-party state remains dug in against a determined but fractured opposition. Expert Joshua Landis discusses the fault lines in the Syria uprising.

The killing of Afghan civilians and the Taliban's suspension of peace talks have complicated the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. CFR's Stephen Biddle discusses U.S. choices.

Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran top the agenda during British Prime Minister David Cameron's visit to Washington this week. CFR's Charles Kupchan notes an alignment of views on those issues but growing concern over London's aloofness from Europe.

The 2012 U.S. presidential election is a low priority for Brazilians, says Matias Spektor. He says that Brazil does have a stake in the economic recovery of the United States, but many Brazilians think the policies in the United States being put forth won't work.

Vladimir Putin's reelection as president raises concerns over domestic reforms and relations with Washington. Russia's future will be determined by Putin's handling of opponents and whether opposition forces can build a viable political force, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Parliamentary elections have bolstered the position of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, says expert Gary Sick. He lays out options for Washington to deal with Tehran over its nuclear program amid growing concern in the United States and Israel.

North Korea's agreement to freeze nuclear activities and allow in inspectors, while stirring hopes, echoes past deals that have failed to initiate a sustained denuclearization program, says expert Mark E. Manyin.

Iran's March 2 parliamentary elections will shed light on the power struggle among conservative forces, says expert Farideh Farhi, adding that the political environment in Tehran and Washington makes nuclear negotiations unlikely.

Mexico's economy and tourism industry are growing despite an escalation in drug violence in recent years, says CFR's Shannon O'Neil as she discusses its implications for U.S.-Mexico relations, immigration, and U.S. economic growth.

As the United Nations faces increasing pressure to end violence in Syria and resolve tensions with Iran over its nuclear program, former senior U.S. official William H. Luers discusses challenges in UN diplomacy and prospects for intervention.

A year after President Hosni Mubarak's ouster from power, U.S.-Egypt relations are under threat as Cairo presses charges against U.S. nongovernmental pro-democracy workers. CFR's Steven A. Cook discusses the implications this has for U.S. aid to Egypt.

Europeans are closely watching the U.S. presidential campaign despite their ongoing economic troubles because the United States remains the number one power in the world, says German expert Josef Joffe.

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.

A UN Security Council resolution calling for Syria's President Assad to step down faces stiff Russian opposition. Expert Andrew Tabler examines Russia's motives, Syria's internal fissures, and the prospects for ongoing violence.

The United States continues to pursue peace talks with Afghanistan's Taliban as a means to secure stability. Bruce Riedel discusses the challenges faced by the administration, including its ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

This week's meeting between U.S., South Korean, and Japanese officials signaled an opening for North Korea to rejoin the suspended talks on its nuclear program. CFR's Scott Snyder discusses the talks and says it's unlikely the dialogue will resume soon.

Syria's regime appears increasingly isolated and erratic in response to civil unrest, posing a challenge to the Arab League to prevent a spread of conflict, says CFR's Robert M. Danin.

With Islamists apparently gaining the most seats in Egypt's parliament, CFR's Steven Cook spells out challenges in the transition process, including the writing of a new constitution.