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.

Eurozone Rescue's Moment of Truth

Author: Christopher Alessi

Political divisions continue to hamper a comprehensive solution to the eurozone sovereign debt crisis. EU leaders are caught between market forces urging greater European fiscal integration and strong nationalist sentiments warning against a loss of political sovereignty.

See more in EU, Economics, Financial Crises

Challenges Ahead for Libya

Author: Christopher Alessi

While Qaddafi's death is a victory for Libya's interim government and its international backers, analysts caution that the country's new leaders will have to resolve factional disputes and establish a functioning civil society ahead of democratic elections.

See more in Libya, Political Movements

The Effort to Isolate Iran

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

As Washington ratchets up pressure on Tehran in the wake of an alleged terror plot, focus has shifted to finding new levers for halting Iran's controversial nuclear program and casting it as an international pariah.

See more in Iran, Proliferation

Joint Challenges for U.S.-South Korea Alliance

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

As Presidents Lee and Obama reaffirm the relationship and celebrate congressional approval of a long-pending free trade deal, they must also focus on difficult challenges ahead with North Korea and China's rise, say experts.

See more in South Korea, Trade

A Political Turning Point for Egypt?

Author: Deborah Jerome

The weekend's military crackdown on Coptic Christian demonstrations in Cairo underscores Egypt's sectarian problems, the entrenched power of the military, and the weakness of the country's economy.

See more in Egypt, Religion and Politics

Ten Years of Afghan War

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

After a decade of fighting, U.S. goals remain unclear in Afghanistan. With the 2014 deadline to end the combat mission, experts remain divided on hopes for a political settlement, and stress political and governance reforms.

See more in Afghanistan, Wars and Warfare

Iran and the Arab Uprisings

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

The upheaval in Arab states presents opportunities and pitfalls for Iran in the Mideast. The best way for Washington to counter a possible Iranian rise, say some experts, is to cultivate relationships with Arab publics.

See more in Iran, Political Movements

Author: Toni Johnson

Legislative battles in Washington over once pro-forma actions on debt and transport infrastructure have raised deep concerns over the government's ability to enact sustained job-building and economic-recovery programs--and undergird U.S. competitiveness.

See more in United States, Congress

Managing a Greek Default

Author: Christopher Alessi

Despite a German parliamentary vote to boost the eurozone's bailout mechanism, Greek sovereign debt levels appear unsustainable and a default may be inevitable. Most economists think the question now is how to make the process orderly.

See more in Greece, Financial Crises

Showdown on Palestinian Statehood

Author: Deborah Jerome

Palestinians' UN bid for statehood recognition has both perils and benefits for the languishing Mideast peace process, experts say. It could escalate regional tensions, but it has added urgency to reopening negotiations.

See more in Palestinian Authority, UN, Diplomacy

Rethinking U.S. Policy Toward Iran

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

A growing power struggle in Tehran adds new concerns for deterring Iran's nuclear ambitions. Analysts' recommendations for the U.S. range from engaging in direct talks to increasing pressure on the regime and trying to erode the regime's popular base.

See more in Iran, Proliferation

Issue Guide: Non-Communicable Diseases

Author: Toni Johnson

Why is the UN convening a summit-level meeting on illnesses like cancer and diabetes? This CFR guide looks at how these non-communicable diseases have amplified the burdens on developing states and the global threat they pose.

See more in Global Health