Even if a U.S. assessment of North Korea's food situation echoes a UN report earlier this year that warned of shortages, debate rages about whether new food aid should be provided to a recalcitrant Pyongyang.

The Obama administration's efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have triggered a surge of analysis, sampled here, on what steps Israelis, Palestinians, and U.S. officials should pursue next.

Following the G8's tough stand on political repression, the weekend saw increased violence in Libya, Syria, and Yemen along with signals of regime weakening. Some experts say the U.S. should take a tougher line with Libya and Syria.

Bad weather and threatened crops in the United States highlight the continuing problem in food prices and place new attention on global food policy.

President Obama has embarked on a flurry of Mideast diplomacy amid mounting questions about the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and U.S. policy in the region.

Osama bin Laden's death has fueled renewed debate about U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, with some experts and lawmakers in Congress calling for a speedier pullout schedule and less funding.

Tensions appear to be growing between the United States and Pakistan, even as leaders of both countries continue to stress the value of their partnership in the aftermath of the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Revelations about Osama bin Laden's plans to attack targets in the United States raises questions about his role in al-Qaeda and the impact his death will have on the idea of global jihad.

This issue guide provides background and analysis on the foreign policy implications of the death of Osama bin Laden.

The killing of Osama bin Laden has led to both elation and anger in Muslim countries around the world, raising questions about what his death means for Arab democracy and stability in Pakistan.

The death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a U.S. operation in Pakistan marks a triumph for the United States, although the lasting impact on the U.S.-led "war on terror" is uncertain.

As some NATO countries move to send advisers to help Libyan rebels, debate remains unsettled on whether charting a path to greater military involvement or a negotiated political solution is the right approach.

This issue guide provides a range of background and analysis on Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.

Any outcome of the Libyan war will require boots on the ground, say analysts, urging the international community to focus on helping the country rebuild civil, political, and social institutions that serve Libyan national interests.

Violent protests in Afghanistan against a Florida pastor's Quran burning add another challenge to international security efforts and expose the difficulties in ending this ten-year war.

As the United States hands over airstrike control to NATO, the Obama administration faces congressional debate over who the rebels are, whether they're capable of governing, and whether or not to arm them.

As Japan struggles to control problems at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, it also must grapple with questions about nuclear power in the face of immediate and long-term energy needs.

Intervention in Libya has been justified by the "responsibility to protect" doctrine. But debate is growing over whether Libya meets the criteria, and the mission's success is challenged by lack of clarity on objectives.

The U.S. and European allies face increasing questions about the extent of their air bombardment of the Libyan regime's forces, as broader regional unrest, especially in Yemen, also poses troubles for policymakers.

Afghan security forces will start taking over some areas from NATO in July, but questions persist about the competence of those forces. Analysts say an effective transition requires emphasis on political reforms and anti-corruption measures.