United States - Carnegie Endowment

Grading Obama

Dmitri Trenin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0800

On the anniversary of President Obama’s election, relations with Russia have become a bright spot among the president’s ambitious foreign policy efforts, while other central international goals remain unachieved.

Missile Defense Could Be the Silver Bullet

Dmitri Trenin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0800

U.S. plans to build a global missile defense system have caused consternation in Moscow, where a potential U.S. first-strike capability is still viewed as the most serious external military threat to Russia.

Five Alternatives that Make More Sense than Offshore Oil

Whitney Leonard — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0800

Offshore oil reserves are too small to significantly impact world oil prices or U.S. reliance on foreign oil. Alternatives to offshore drilling exist and could maximize long-term environmental, economic, and security gains.

Why We Don't Need To Resume Nuclear Testing: A Reply to Senator Jon Kyl's "Why We Need to Test Nuclear Weapons"

Daryl G. Kimball — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0800

Critics of the CTBT, such as Senator Jon Kyl, rely on old and misleading arguments to argue for the resumption of nuclear testing to maintain the reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. But today there is no technical or military reason to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing. The Senate's reconsideration of the CTBT should be based on an honest and up-to-date analysis of the facts.

Iran: Can Obama Play Hardball?

Robert Kagan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

To effectively end Iran's nuclear program, Obama should abandon diplomatic ideals of engagement and instead immediately begin imposing new sanctions.

Getting Lost in Afghanistan

Gilles Dorronsoro — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Former U.S. marine and foreign service officer Matthew Hoh's letter of resignation raises a number of important questions about the value of a continued American combat presence in Afghanistan.

The United States and India 3.0: Cave! Hic Dragones

Ashley J. Tellis — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The United States and India must agree on three vital security issues to ensure that their relations continue to deepen: terrorism, Kashmir, and the balance of power in Asia.

“Fixing Broken Windows”: Security Sector Reform in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen

Yezid Sayigh — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

The bulk of development aid in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen has consisted of military training and equipment, which does nothing to ensure that security forces answer to legitimate civilian leaders.

End State: Is California Finished?

John Judis — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

California faces a tattered educational system and deep racial divides in income and occupation. It requires a far-sighted government that can transcend faction and interest.

Revitalizing Democracy Assistance: The Challenge of USAID

Thomas Carothers — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0700

USAID—the largest source of U.S. democracy assistance—needs to adapt if it is to adequately meet the challenges of the new landscape of democratic stagnation in the world.