This Council Special Report argues that Afghanistan is still far from stability and that the United States should take the lead in ensuring full funding and implementation of the Afghanistan Compact, and develop a coherent strategy toward the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship. This report is also available in Spanish.

Craig Cohen reports on US government performance and prospects in stabilizing nations emerging from conflict.

Nesreen Barwari, head of Iraq’s Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works, discusses the development of Iraq’s infrastructure and services at the federal and local levels.

This article, a National Magazine Award nominee for excellence in reporting, describes the struggle to restore Iraq's electrical system, even though billions of dollars have been pumped into trying to do so.

To succeed in reconstructing Iraq, the United States and its allies will need to pursue a strategy over the next twelve months that: recognizes the unique challenges in different parts of the country; consolidates gains in those areas where things are going well; and wins hearts and minds even as it decisively confronts spoilers.