Experts forecast the five most consequential trends in 2012, following a year in which the global economy struggled amid high unemployment and mounting debt crises.

As the U.S. military formally ends operations in Iraq, four top expert voices in the debate on the war differ over whether it merited the cost in blood, treasure, and U.S. credibility.

Four experts weigh in on the role of free trade in driving U.S. economic growth and competitiveness amid high U.S. unemployment and a faltering global economic recovery.

Post-Qaddafi Libya will face difficulties with rebel infighting, the anger of Qaddafi loyalists, and more, but the long-time dictator's death also creates an opening for a more peaceful country. CFR's Richard Haass, Ed Husain, and Ray Takeyh weigh Libya's prospects.

As the Internet continues to evolve as a medium for social and economic exchange, four experts suggest ways for the United States to improve its cyber competitiveness in the global marketplace.

How should the United States reform its K-12 education system to retain global competitiveness? Four experts say reforms revolve around teachers.

Which policies have worked and which ones need work ten years after the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. history? CFR experts examine ten issues that have preoccupied U.S. planners.

Can the United States improve its energy security in a clean, affordable, and efficient way? Five experts offer solutions to the daunting energy challenges facing the United States.

Did President Obama's troop drawdown plan for Afghanistan undercut the campaign against the Taliban or was it too limited to meet U.S. goals? CFR President Richard N. Haass and Senior Fellow Max Boot offer differing takes on the new battlefield deployment.

U.S. drone strikes and "kill/capture" missions against al-Qaeda operatives, particularly in Pakistan and Yemen, have gained new attention and notoriety this spring. Four experts debate the legality and efficacy of the controversial counterterrorism strategy.

Rising unemployment and the threat of a Moody's downgrade have highlighted the lagging economic recovery. While innovation is key to increasing U.S. global competitiveness, economists are divided over how to achieve this. Here, four experts debate policy options.

President Obama's Mideast speech included more assertive language in support of self-determination and a detailed outline of terms for an Israeli-Palestinian settlement. CFR's Elliott Abrams, Robert Danin, and Steven A. Cook assess the impact of the speech.

Osama bin Laden's death has raised pointed questions over the legitimacy of Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts and the viability of its relationship with the United States. Four experts discuss whether, and on what terms, the United States should continue aiding Pakistan.

What are the implications for U.S. global competitiveness of running large budget deficits, and what should be done to reign in the fiscal shortfall? Five experts provide their take on the risks and recommend solutions.

Osama bin Laden's death is a real and symbolic blow to al-Qaeda, and its stature in the Middle East is already diminished by the pro-democracy movements in the region, but the group remains lethal. Seven CFR experts discuss.

How can the United States improve its aging infrastructure to maintain its global economic competitiveness? Four experts offer their suggestions and discuss the implications of inaction.

As the United States works to rebound from the economic downturn and improve global competitiveness, the debate over immigration reform intensifies. Six experts weigh in on how to reform the U.S. immigration system to improve economic performance.

The White House's proposed budget for FY2012 tries to balance spending cuts with investment to boost competitiveness. CFR experts examine how well it handles deficit reduction, defense, foreign aid, and spurring innovation.

Four experts weigh in on whether the 2010 healthcare reform law helps U.S. business competitiveness globally.

Four experts examine the biggest challenge to ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals traded globally.