Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The global economic crisis, the growing instability in Pakistan, and the Afghanistan War present several challenges to U.S. foreign policy in Asia.
China is likely to be both a partner and a contender in its relations with the United States, with the depth of its cooperation limited by the extent to which the two countries have overlapping national interests.
Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. ally among Arab nations, yet most Americans know little about its modern system of governance or its ruling monarchy. Under reformer King Abdullah, Saudi society is changing.
Russia and the United States are not likely to come to agreement on the best way to approach Iran’s nuclear ambitions any time soon. This issue is likely to be at the top of Secretary Clinton’s agenda during her time in Moscow.
While China’s military parade may provide a temporary boost of national pride, in the long term, it will be little more than a passing distraction from the intractable problems confronting the regime.
Iran's test-firing of a new, more advanced missile type with the capability to reach Israel, Europe or the Persian Gulf has increased tension over the Iranian nuclear program. The missile test will have a profound affect on the upcoming multilateral nuclear talks.
The Taliban should not be underestimated. They are an organized and coordinated enemy, and the United States must change its strategy if there is to be any hope of success.
The increasing instability in Yemen has raised concern in the international community. A failed Yemeni state could serve as a perfect safe haven for Al-Qaeda, particularly because Yemen does not possess the resources to combat these type of organizations.
Ingushetia’s corrupt officials and extreme Islamists may be behind a suicide bomb explosion at a police station in the capital of Nazran.
Russia will not agree to the kind of deep cuts in nuclear weapons envisioned by President Obama without a concrete deal on missile defense.