Treaty

Micah Zenko examines the discrete military operations undertaken by the United States over the past twenty years to discern why they were used, if they achieved their objectives, and what determined their success or failure.

Steve Coll argues that Pakistan's political leaders have undermined the country's potential for success, and says coming to Pakistan's aid is a strategic and humanitarian necessity for the United States.

The Israeli and Palestinian leaders launched new Mideast talks with seriousness and without theatrics but face a looming deadline on settlements and a tight timeline for success, says CFR's Robert Danin.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org.

New tensions in the South China Sea are a growing test to China's relations with the United States and China's Southeast Asian neighbors, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.

Max Boot says a strategy that focuses on defeating the Taliban and reducing the corruption that allows them to thrive can produce victory in Afghanistan.

This piece from FT analyzes how the Pakistan floods have caused setbacks in Pakistan's economy and domestic and foreign policy.

In the gap between Washington's and Jerusalem's views of Iran lies the question: who, if anyone, will stop Iran before it goes nuclear, and how? As Washington and Jerusalem study each other intensely, here's an inside look at the strategic calculations on both sides--and at how, if things remain on the current course, an Israeli air strike will unfold.

Washington has for decades relied on limited military force to achieve political objectives abroad. In a new book, CFR's Micah Zenko argues these tactics, while politically popular, rarely achieve their aims.

President Obama's declaration on ending the U.S. combat mission in Iraq did not address crucial questions about America's military role in Iraq, as well as Afghanistan, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Leslie H. Gelb argues that Iraq and Afghanistan threaten to derail President Obama's greater goal of revitalizing the American economy.

Stephen Sestanovich comments on the "short war" within every long war fought by the United States.

Parliamentary elections in Afghanistan next month will be seen as a test of long-term stability. But analyst Candace Rondeaux says pre-election violence and corrupt candidates will undermine the vote's legitimacy.

An interactive slideshow detailing events since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Speech

In this Der Spiegel interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki comments on Iran's policy of stoning as punishment, the impact of sanctions, and the risk of a military attack on Iran.

Listen to CFR expert Robert Danin discuss the resumption of direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, the agenda for their September 2 meeting in Washington, and the likely implications of these talks in a media conference call.

In her recent Forbes article, Amity Shlaes discusses the underrated achievements of Calvin Coolidge and argues that those achievements suggest current government activism in America may prove counterproductive.

Noah Feldman explains why the draw-down of troops in Iraq is a beginning and not an end.