As opposition and pro-regime forces stepped up battles in Libya, international pressure mounted on leader Muammar al-Qaddafi. Analysts raised doubts about Libya's leadership prospects should Qaddafi depart.

An effort led by Western nations against Libya's Muammar al-Qaddafi has resulted in UN sanctions and more, while protests across the Arab world show no signs of abating.

Congress passed a short-term extension for three surveillance provisions of the Patriot Act to allow for more debate, which CFR's Matthew Waxman says will likely focus on tightening restrictions and oversight.

Al-Jazeera has been instrumental in covering protests in the Arab world. The Washington bureau chief for al-Jazeera Arabic, Abderrahim Foukara, suggests Western perceptions of the channel are adapting to its pervasive influence in the Arab and Muslim world.

Violent acts by homegrown militant extremists in the U.S. have declined, but "lone wolf" attacks are on the rise. The post-9/11 legal and political landscape poses new challenges to law enforcement authorities seeking to prevent such attacks.

The latest review of the Afghan strategy puts U.S. troop drawdown on track for July, but experts say President Obama has to balance assuring partners in the region of U.S. commitment to the war with increasing calls for withdrawal from some Democrats.