A planned satellite launch by North Korea has suspended U.S. food aid. CFR’s Scott Snyder says that Pyongyang is grappling with whether to choose international legitimacy or domestic political consol…

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…

The transition of security responsibilities to Afghan forces within four years will require a significant increase in international training efforts, but NATO’s Jack Kem says coalition forces are mak…

An official at the U.S. Government Accountability Office says Iraq will retain a healthy budget surplus in spite of falling oil prices. He also notes that auditors’ access to Iraq’s finances could be…

Steve Radelet, an expert on African developmental issues, considers the long-term impact of President Bush’s policies toward Africa.