Osama bin Laden's killing by U.S. forces in Pakistan raises questions about the U.S. relationship with Pakistan and the war in Afghanistan. CFR Senior Fellows Stephen Biddle and Daniel Markey discuss the implications of bin Laden's death on U.S. policy and the continued challenges in the region.
While U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan won't be directly affected, bin Laden's death could result in an expedited draw-down schedule, leaving the country open to a Taliban takeover and leading to upheaval in Pakistan, says CFR's Stephen Biddle.
Micah Zenko argues that despite setbacks in training Afghan security forces, the White House should press ahead with its U.S. troop reductions in July 2011.
James M. Lindsay says the military trainers sent by Britain, France, and Italy to aid rebels will not do much to change the course of fighting in Libya.
Amy Belasco of the Congressional Research Service explains the estimated allocation for funds authorized by the enactment of the sixth FY2011 Continuing Resolution through March 18, 2011 and breaks down several cost components of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror.
The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
Two experts argue that despite myriad development strategies, only one can succeed in alleviating poverty in India: the overall growth of the country's economy. More