Marina Ottaway was joined by Shibley Telhami, Nawaf Obaid, and Mamoun Fandy to discuss challenges in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Terrorism's deep roots in the Middle East, and the nationalities of those involved in the recent attacks, have drawn even greater attention to the region.
Prime Minister Sharon's analogy of George W. Bush's current policies to the abandonment of Czechoslovakia in 1938 is warped and ill-advised. But, the prime minister had a point. There exists a much more apt analogy which- not surprisingly- does go back to 1938-39. It is not Chamberlain and the Nazis, but the British and the publication of the pro-Arab 1939 White Paper on Palestine.
Anatol Lieven reflects on the changes evident in Pakistan after an absence of ten years.
Russia's transition from authoritarianism is far from complete, however as preoccupied as Washington is with its new campaign against terrorism, inattention to the fragility of Russian democracy would be a huge mistake -- and one that could have serious negative consequences for American security.
If the U.S-Russian relationship stabilizes and an agreement is reached on missile defenses, Russia’s nuclear arsenal could dip as low as 1,000 weapons by 2010, allowing the U.S. to pursue deep cuts. It is unlikely, however, that Washington’s current position on missile defenses, the ABM Treaty, or negotiated arms control will create the environment needed for these reductions to materialize.
Afghanistan's terrain presents many challenges for military operations. Political action will be a crucial complement to any military campaign.
In its war in Afghanistan the US may gain some limited short-term tactical advantages while losing the long-term support of key Muslim states.