In The News

What I've Learned

Kofi A. Annan December 13, 2006
Global security does not rest in one nation seeking supremacy over all others, notes Kofi A. Annan, who ends his term as UN secretary general. Rhetoric alone cannot resolve global problems as immense and far-reaching as nuclear proliferation to global warming, and cohesive action from multiple nations is necessary. Likewise, poverty anywhere threatens the stability of nations around the globe. “...

Washington’s Iraq Dilemma: Why Engaging Iran Is a Good Idea

George Perkovich December 12, 2006
Many states throughout the Middle East have authoritarian leaders, disgruntled citizens, troubled economies – and governments as tenuous as houses made of cards. The report from the Iraq Study Group warns that the war in Iraq could widen into a regional conflict and encourages US policymakers to change tactics by initiating direct engagement with Iran and Syria to gain their cooperation in...

Iraq Panel Calls Conditions “Grave and Deteriorating”

William Branigin December 6, 2006
Iraq is in a “dire” state, and immediate diplomacy is essential for preventing the national conflict from expanding into a regional one, spreading chaos throughout the Middle East. The Iraq Study Group released a long-awaited report today with 79 recommendations and few surprises. The report, approved unanimously by the bipartisan committee, recommends a “diplomatic offensive” involving every...

Will Guns Fall Silent in South Asia?

Paula R. Newberg December 5, 2006
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s recent announcement that Pakistan is willing to give up its claim to Kashmir under certain conditions has rekindled hopes for a settlement. It also underlines the need for finding peace in Kashmir if South Asia is to break out of the grip of misery. Violent conflict changes the basic equations of governance, and sustained violence makes it all the more...

Without International Support, Lebanon May Go Under

Nizar Abdel-Kader December 4, 2006
Dissatisfied with a secular government approved by the West, Hezbollah wants to control the government of Lebanon by having veto power over any decision – and calls such a process a “unity government.” Such demands, combined with thousands taking to the streets of Beirut in protest, sudden resignations of ministers and assassinations, can only lead to political instability and chaos. Some...

Iraqi Civil War Shrinks US Options

Trudy Rubin December 4, 2006
Any plan for an organized exit of US troops from Iraq depends on the government having some semblance of control over the streets and oil fields. With a sharp rise in sectarian violence, the US military trains Iraqi factions to fight one another in civil war – a tremendous waste of time and resources. Journalist Trudy Rubin notes that it’s amazing how long it took for civil war to break out...

New Winds Blowing Across the Mid-East

Gideon Samet November 29, 2006
Muslims who resort to violence often cite the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians as a major source for their anger. Nations relying on traditional military force in the Middle East in recent years have only seen their power diminished rather than enhanced. Weariness about violence, conflict and instability may force the players to try diplomacy. Unfortunately, a long chain reaction of...