February 16, 2005
IraqThis publication is now archived. What is the status of the administration’s Iraq debt-reduction plan?Presidential envoy James A. Baker III, a former U.S. secretary of state, visited Japan and China …
February 2, 2005
IraqThis publication is now archived. How much financial aid for Iraq was pledged at the October 23-24 Madrid donor conference?About $33 billion in grants and loans, almost two-thirds of it from the Unit…
October 28, 2005
IraqThis publication is now archived. What is the controversy over the U.N. Oil-for-Food Program?The UN Security Council started the Oil-for-Food program in 1996 to allow Iraq to sell enough oil to pay f…
January 10, 2006
RussiaThis publication is now archived. IntroductionBeneath the Baltic Sea, a pipeline is being built between Russia and Germany. Slated for completion by 2010, the 744-mile Northern European Pipeline is a…
February 21, 2006
MexicoAs U.S. public opinion increasingly favors stronger immigration controls, the Senate considers a bill that would impose harsh penalties on illegal immigrants. The U.S.-Mexican relationship has suffer…
May 11, 2006
International OrganizationsThe largest humanitarian program in UN history was also victimized by the organization’s worst corruption scandal. The oil-for-food case has triggered moves toward reform at the UN but the shockwaves…
June 18, 2006
AustraliaAustralia is assuming a more prominent role in Pacific Rim security affairs, increasingly deploying forces to troubled states in the region in an attempt to stabilize them. While its moves are welcom…
August 14, 2006
United StatesIn a recent world tour—stops included Belarus, Russia, and Iran—Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez attempted to expand his influence beyond Latin America and capitalize on the leverage afforded by his …
August 22, 2006
LebanonMultiethnic armies like the Lebanese, Iraqi, and Afghan national forces face enormous challenges as they attempt to become viable forces. Historically, successes in unifying a military force often ha…
May 18, 2007
IraqPublic disapproval of the Iraq war is starting to create fissures among Republicans and posing challenges for Democrats seeking to balance national security and political gains .