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…

Al Jazeera America arrives on the U.S. cable TV scene in a bid to win goodwill and market share through an increasingly rare news-heavy format, says expert William Youmans.

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

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…

With food prices at historic levels, unrest is mounting around the world, particularly in import-dependent regions such as the Middle East. CFR’s Laurie Garrett says to meet demand going forward, cou…

U.S. concerns over India’s nuclear liability law are likely to come up during President Obama’s trip to India, but expert Ashley Tellis says the trip is unlikely to yield alterations that allow a lev…

Washington’s new sanctions against North Korea, focusing on international financial institutions and banking systems, are likely to have more impact than trade sanctions, says North Korea economic ex…

A top national security expert, Robert E. Hunter, says it’s time for the United States to offer Iran security guarantees to win concessions on its nuclear program.

The latest report by the U.S. inspector general for Iraq’s reconstruction says work continues to be hobbled by security concerns, poor oversight and corruption. Stuart Bowen Jr. tells cfr.org that in…