The Taliban believes it will have the upper hand in potential negotiations with the Afghan government and its partner in Washington, but it remains unclear what the insurgent group’s goals are in any…

The UN General Assembly will likely address two "lightning rod" issues: ending the bloodshed in Syria and curbing Iran’s nuclear development, says CFR’s Stewart Patrick.

Reports that Pakistan-based militant groups may be moving to unite could help clarify U.S. talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan. But CFR’s Daniel Markey calls it a tricky game, complicated by unclea…

With his new executive order on Guantanamo, President Obama acknowledges that the controversial detention center will remain open for some time, says CFR’s Matthew Waxman, but provides improved prote…

There are clear indications of direct U.S. talks with the Taliban to end violence in Afghanistan, says expert Steve Coll. But the process is fraught with challenges posed by all parties to the confli…