Al-Shabab's deadly Westgate Mall siege in Nairobi is unlikely to alter Kenya's foreign policy, but the incident could encourage tighter U.S.-Kenya relations and reinforce Washington's engagement with the broader region, says CFR's Jendayi Frazer.

The implementation of the U.S.-Russia agreement to disarm Syria of its chemical weapons will face challenges, and the deal could "easily unravel" as a result of the ongoing civil war, says CFR's Paul B. Stares.

U.S.-Russian disagreement over how to respond to the conflict in Syria is spurring further deterioration in the relationship between Moscow and Washington, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Any external military intervention in Syria in response to government use of chemical weapons will require persuasive arguments to prove legitimacy, says CFR's Matthew Waxman.

Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians have relaunched, ensuring major new challenges for both parties and the United States, says CFR's Robert Danin.

With a slowing economy, China's continued growth will largely depend on Beijing's policy decisions, says CFR's Robert Kahn.

The Egyptian military's seizure of power has prompted support from some wealthy Gulf states, criticism from Turkey, and caution from the United States, notes CFR's Steven Cook.

CFR Senior Fellow for Global Health Laurie Garrett explains the conundrum of dual-use research of concern (DURC), in which the same experiments that allow scientists to understand pandemics can also create dangerous pathogens. Combined with advances in synthetic biology and increasingly affordable technologies, there is the possibility for a true biology revolution.

Egyptian protestors' return to the streets signals the public's discontent with President Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood's authoritarian tendencies and economic mismanagement, says CFR's Isobel Coleman.

The protests in Turkey are unlike those in Egypt and the Arab world, but they can only be defused by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, says CFR's Steven Cook.

As former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif looks poised to win nationwide elections, CFR's Daniel Markey highlights the vote's significance for Pakistan's democracy and foreign relations.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States will hold the Syrian government accountable for the use of chemical weapons on civilians. CFR's Matthew C. Waxman highlights three sets of considerations for U.S. intervention in the country's ongoing civil war.

Cyprus's last-minute bailout deal highlights the vulnerabilities in the island nation's financial system, as well as the flaws in the eurozone's ability to effectively respond to banking crises, says CFR's Robert E. Rubin.

Israel's new coalition government is widely divided on prospects for peace with the Palestinians, but the coalition is likely to last longer than many expect, says CFR's Robert M. Danin.

North Korea's third successful nuclear test has been widely condemned by the international community. CFR's Paul Stares highlights three things to know about the test and its implications for nuclear nonproliferation.

Despite its booming economy, Mexico continues to struggle with alarmingly high levels of violence linked to drugs and organized crime. This video primer examines the crisis and explores policy options for Mexico and the United States.

Arch Puddington presents Freedom House's "Freedom in the World 2013" report, followed by a discussion between Tamara Wittes and Larry Diamond. They discuss the text of the report, as well as the differences between democratic indicators within nations, regional trends, and the normative importance of the "Arab Spring."

As French forces intervene in Mali to curtail rebel forces in the country's northern region, CFR's John Campbell highlights three things to know about Mali and the escalating conflict.

A brutal New Delhi gang rape has triggered outrage across India. CFR's Isobel Coleman highlights three things to know about the case, and discusses the larger issue of violence against women in the country.

CFR's Peter Orszag highlights the potential opportunities and limitations of a fiscal cliff deal.