In this column, Julia E. Sweig assesses Colombian president Juan Santos's progress as he begins negotiations with the FARC and the potential political implications the negotiations have for the future.

Michael Scott Doran and Max Boot lay out five reasons for why the United States should intervene in Syria, arguing that President Obama is forgoing his "lead from behind" approach where it would benefit the United States the most.

Blake Clayton argues for greater transparency about the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve's capabilities to release oil to the market, particularly in light of profound recent changes in the North American oil landscape.

Ed Husain argues that while Muslims are rightly offended by the anti-Islam film, no government or population should respond by trying to stifle freedom of speech.

Ray Takeyh argues, "The United States will make genuine progress with Iran only when moderate leaders assume greater control of the state. An interim accord may provide time, but that time must be used to broaden the contours of Iran's political system."

Ed Husain argues that despite fervent protests in the Middle East, the U.S. should not forget that it still wields significant influence among Arab populations.

Obama acquitted himself well under terrible circumstances, but he must get to the bottom of the last week's five unresolved puzzles, from Libyan warnings to complicit guards, writes Leslie H. Gelb.

Watch out, Wall Street: former Fed chair Paul Volcker takes aim at greedy bankers, a weak financial system, and a flawed Ryan plan in an exclusive interview for Newsweek with Leslie H. Gelb.

Ed Husain considers how recent protests in the Middle East reflect the challenges facing Arab societies in the aftermath of decades of authoritarian leadership.

Steven A. Cook says the news may look grim, but the United States is poised to remain the dominant power in the Middle East.

Blake Clayton argues that energy officials should look to the 2011 International Energy Agency-coordinated Strategic Petroleum Reserve release for insight into when it makes sense to draw on national oil stockpiles.

Sheila A. Smith discusses how Japan's move to replace its ambassadors to the United States, China, and South Korea with three career officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to do as much with domestic politics as it does with tensions in the region.

Ed Husain calls on Muslim communities to respond constructively to the controversial film about the Prophet Mohammed that has led to protests in Egypt, Libya, and Yemen.

Isobel Coleman says the actions of Egypt's president Mohammed Morsi may help shape the outcome of the crisis in the region.

Ed Husain argues that the U.S. should counter the anti-American narrative behind protests in Egypt and Libya by building aid and trade relationships based on mutual interests.

Elliott Abrams says the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and attack on U.S. mission in Cairo raise troubling questions about leadership of these two countries.

Julia E. Sweig explores the contrast between the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions in diversity and culture.

Micah Zenko says John Brennan, chief adviser to President Obama on counterterrorism issues, has a unique and unprecedented role in shaping and implementing the president's vision for protecting the United States, its allies, and its interests from politically motivated violence.

Charles A. Kupchan says, unlike Mitt Romney, Barack Obama not only has a plan to strengthen American statecraft, he's got four years of achievements to show for his efforts.

Jerome A. Cohen and Yu-Jie Chen argue that legal safeguards remain inadequate for Taiwanese suspected of a crime on the mainland despite hopes of reform to allow greater security for detainees