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.

Following allegations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against opposition fighters, which President Obama declared a "red line," 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.

Short Description: The automatic cuts in U.S. federal government spending, known as the "sequester," will negatively impact the U.S. economy in the short run and will not solve the long-term challenge of putting the United States on a sustainable budget path, says CFR's Robert Kahn.

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.

A leaked government document has recharged the controversy over the use of lethal force against U.S. citizens. CFR's Matthew C. Waxman highlights three legal considerations.

As renewed bipartisan efforts to reform U.S. immigration policy get under way, CFR's Edward Alden gives three reasons why the time for reform may finally be at hand.

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 Paul Stares highlights three of the top conflict prevention priorities for 2013.

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

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has taken extensive new powers for himself. CFR's Ed Husain highlights three underlying issues at the core of Egypt's power struggle.

As China unveils a new top leadership, CFR's Elizabeth Economy highlights three challenges the new Politburo Standing Committee faces.

As the recovery from hurricane Sandy gets under way, CFR's Michael A. Levi highlights three policy takeaways from the storm.

The EU's Nobel Peace Prize selection comes as the bloc struggles to resolve its debt crisis. Nevertheless, the EU represents one of the great peacemaking accomplishments of the modern era.

Following Turkey's decision to authorize military action against Syria, CFR's Steven Cook highlights three reasons why tensions are unlikely to escalate to war.

CFR's James M. Lindsay reflects on the signing of the Munich Agreement on September 30, 1938 and how the United States can apply the lesson learned to potential threats in the world today.