Ray Takeyh, CFR’s top Iranian expert, draws mixed policy messages from the latest National Intelligence Estimate on Iran.

This week, the curtain rises on a fresh round of United Nations negotiations in Bali. More than 180 countries are trying to create a new international climate change agreement. In his new monthly Newsweek column, David Victor argues that without the cooperation of China - now the world's largest emitter of warming gases - the talks may be irrelevent and even harmful to the fight on global warming. China must realize its own interest in real efforts to control emissions.

Work begins on the future of global climate change policy with the world’s largest nations divided on key issues, including the U.S. resistance to mandatory emissions caps.

George Perkovich, a leading expert on Iranian nuclear issues, says the latest IAEA report only underscores the importance of increasing efforts to resolve the nuclear enrichment dispute diplomatically.

Robert Schrire, head of the political science department at the University of Cape Town, discusses South Africa's foreign policy under President Thabo Mbeki.

South African President Thabo Mbeki has pursued an ambitious foreign policy agenda. But many remain disappointed with South Africa’s unwillingness to challenge the status quo in African trouble spots.

Jan Eliasson, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy for Darfur, says any new political agreement on Darfur must reflect the realities on the ground.

An interactive map examining conflict zones on the African continent.

International attention is riveted on bringing Darfur’s rebel groups to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, peace in Sudan’s south appears increasingly fragile.

An increasingly chaotic political situation in Darfur may require a more inclusive round of negotiations than currently envisioned.

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing the largest urban growth in the world, but most development efforts continue to target rural communities.

Following a turbulent week of rhetoric over Iran, the UN Security Council agreed to delay action on further sanctions until November.

A gathering of the world’s top greenhouse-gas emitters provides President Bush an opportunity to recast his administration’s approach to climate change, but skepticism remains high.

Iran expert Gary G. Sick says Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad probably regards his visit to the United Nations as “successful” because it allowed him to get his views out to a wide audience.

Despite a strong economy and political reforms, Taiwan continues to struggle for international recognition.

In a break from past UN speeches, President Bush emphasized poverty and multilateralism in his address to the General Assembly. Iran's president, meanwhile, declared the nuclear issue closed.