Analysis Brief

Analytical briefs written by CFR.org's staff on issues of the day with links to the news, analysis, commentary, and primary source materials that put the facts in context.

Rescue or Risk for Greece?

Author: Christopher Alessi

Greece appears to have averted imminent default, but its recovery prospects remain clouded by the severity of its planned austerity measures and the impact cutbacks have already had on its stricken economy.

See more in Greece, EU, Financial Crises

Securing U.S. Cyberspace

Author: Jonathan Masters

Most critical information systems in the United States are operated by the private sector and remain vulnerable to cyber attacks. Newly proposed legislation would require businesses to meet minimum standards of protection, but has raised concerns about regulatory overreach.

See more in United States, Cybersecurity

The Iran Diplomacy Puzzle

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

Iran says it's ready to negotiate on its contentious nuclear program, but questions abound over Tehran's domestic politics and what confidence-building measures the West and Iran can agree upon.

See more in Iran, International Peace and Security

Does the Greek Deal Go Far Enough?

Author: Christopher Alessi

Even as Greek leaders agree to new austerity measures, the IMF is calling on Greece's official creditors to take losses on its bond holdings. Analysts and policymakers increasingly question the wisdom of EU-mandated austerity measures at the expense of growth.

See more in Greece, Financial Crises

Syria's Deepening Crisis

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

Amid increasing fears of a civil war in Syria following the failure of the UN Security Council resolution, analysts remain divided over the question of intervention and how best to address the crisis.

See more in Syria, International Peace and Security

Author: Toni Johnson

As GOP candidates vie for Florida, analysts say immigration remains a major issue for the presidential contest, but whether comprehensive reform can be achieved in the current political climate is unclear.

See more in United States, U.S. Election 2012

Eurozone Fears Permeate Davos

Author: Christopher Alessi

Political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos are focused on the ongoing eurozone sovereign debt crisis, with some cautioning that Germany is not doing enough to resolve the crisis and facilitate growth.

See more in Western Europe, Financial Crises

Can Sanctions Bring Iran to the Table?

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

The EU's oil embargo is part of a larger Western effort to pressure Iran to reengage over its disputed nuclear program, but some debate the merits of intensified diplomacy with the regime in Tehran.

See more in Iran, Sanctions, Proliferation

Averting a Disorderly Greek Default

Author: Christopher Alessi

Policymakers and market actors are increasingly concerned about a disorderly Greek default, while many analysts question the wisdom of Germany's strict austerity approach to the escalating eurozone sovereign debt crisis.

See more in Greece, Financial Crises

Is Peace With the Taliban Possible?

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

A potential Taliban office in Qatar has raised hopes for a negotiated end to the Afghan war. But numerous challenges remain even as a new controversy over U.S. troop behavior threatens to derail talks.

See more in Afghanistan, Peacemaking

The Iran Deterrence Debate

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

The latest revelations over Iran's uranium enrichment activities have triggered debate over a slew of policy options from more sanctions to preventive strikes.

See more in Iran, Proliferation

Eurozone Doubts for Banks

Author: Christopher Alessi

Another eurozone mini-summit is underway today but investors continue to doubt EU leaders' ability to address the sovereign debt crisis, even as banks face a liquidity crunch.

See more in EU, Financial Crises