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ANALYSIS BRIEF
Analytical briefs written by CFR.org's staff on issues of the day with links to the news, analysis, commentary, and primary source materials that put the facts in context.
March 31, 2011
As Japan struggles to control problems at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, it also must grapple with questions about nuclear power in the face of immediate and long-term energy needs.
Updated: March 28, 2011
This issue guide provides a range of background and analysis on Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.
Updated: March 28, 2011
This issue guide provides a range of background and analysis on the protests in the Middle East and North Africa.
See more in North Africa, Egypt, Democracy and Human Rights
March 24, 2011
Intervention in Libya has been justified by the "responsibility to protect" doctrine. But debate is growing over whether Libya meets the criteria, and the mission's success is challenged by lack of clarity on objectives.
See more in Libya, Global Governance
March 23, 2011
The U.S. and European allies face increasing questions about the extent of their air bombardment of the Libyan regime's forces, as broader regional unrest, especially in Yemen, also poses troubles for policymakers.
See more in Libya, Wars and Warfare
March 22, 2011
Afghan security forces will start taking over some areas from NATO in July, but questions persist about the competence of those forces. Analysts say an effective transition requires emphasis on political reforms and anti-corruption measures.
See more in Afghanistan, Sovereignty
March 17, 2011
With the nuclear incident at the Fukushima power plant unabated, Japanese officials have come under fire for failing to control the crisis as concern about radiation grows.
Updated: March 14, 2011
An unfolding nuclear crisis in the aftermath of Japan's earthquake and tsunami is raising questions over safety of nuclear power, and could bring expansion of nuclear power projects globally under pressure.
See more in Japan, Energy/Environment
March 9, 2011
Widening Mideast political unrest, which could soon involve Saudi Arabia, continues to shake oil markets and has policymakers scrambling to quell markets and shield the global economic recovery.
See more in Middle East, Economics, Energy/Environment
March 8, 2011
As troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi stepped up attacks on rebel forces, the United States and NATO moved ahead with discussions of a no-fly zone, though the debate is far from settled.
See more in Libya, Democracy and Human Rights, Political Movements
Gayle Lemmon tells the remarkable story of a young entrepreneur whose business created jobs and hope for women in her Kabul, Afghanistan, neighborhood during the Taliban years.
Adam Segal offers a contrarian analysis of how the United States can succeed in the technological race with Asia.
A penetrating look at American wars over the last century by Gideon Rose, editor of Foreign Affairs.
David A. Shirk analyzes the drug war in Mexico and argues that the United States should help Mexico address its pressing crime and corruption problems.
This Task Force report assesses U.S. objectives, strategy, and policy options in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It supports a long-term partnership with Pakistan, calls for a new approach to Afghan political reform, reconciliation, and regional diplomacy, and says that a more limited U.S. mission in Afghanistan would be warranted if the present strategy does not show signs of progress.
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