Asia Program Meetings

Mead: Timing of Troop Withdrawal from Iraq Looms Large in Blair, Bush Meeting

Walter Russell Mead interviewed by Bernard Gwertzman

Walter Russell Mead, CFR's senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy, says that when British Prime Minister Tony Blair meets with President Bush on Thursday, the timing of allied troop withdrawals will probably loom large in the conversation. "I wouldn't be surprised if we started to hear some things, slightly better news, about the chance for troop withdrawals to begin at some point," says Mead, an expert on U.S. foreign policy.

See more in Iran, Iraq, Proliferation

Assad Bruised but Resilient

Assad Bruised but Resilient

Last year, the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad looked ready to topple after it was linked to the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. But as international attention shifts to crises in Iran and Iraq, Assad seems to have dodged a bullet.

See more in Syria, Democracy and Human Rights

Hamas Fights Chaos, Cash Crunch

Hamas Fights Chaos, Cash Crunch

Gunmen loyal to Hamas clash with Fatah militia members, highlighting the strains between the Palestinian parties. One month after Hamas leaders took office, their refusal to renounce violence and recognize Israel has caused the Palestinian Authority severe difficulties: The PA is effectively broke, aid pledges from Arab nations will not cover the budget shortfall, and chaos is spreading.

See more in Palestinian Authority, Economics

WashPost: Going Nuclear: A Green Makes the Case

Author: Patrick Moore

Patrick Moore, who helped found Greenpeace in the 1970's, makes the argument that nuclear energy is the only large-scale, cost-effective energy source that can reduce greenhouse emissions while satisfying a demand for power. Moore has changed his views since the 1970's when nucelar energy was synonymous with "nuclear holocaust." Moore compares different sources of energy to come to his conclusion.

See more in United States, Energy/Environment

Haass: 'Diplomatic Package' to Halt Iranian Nuclear Development Should Include Incentives but Also Military Threat

Richard N. Haass interviewed by Bernard Gwertzman

Richard N. Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, recommends a three-part diplomatic package for resolving the Iran crisis. It should include carrots, such as economic benefits and limited security guarantees, Haass says, as well as a clear threat of sanctions or military force if Iran fails to halt nuclear development.

See more in Iran, Proliferation

A Defining Moment for U.S.-China Trade Policy (audio)

Speaker: Max Baucus
Presider: J. Stapleton Roy

Watch Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and former U.S. Ambassador to China J. Stapleton Roy discuss U.S.-Chinese trade relations in light of Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to the United States.

See more in China, Trade