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Seven Questions: Russia’s Big Mistake
Think Russia is the big winner in Georgia? Think again: Regional expert and CIA veteran Paul A. Goble explains how Moscow has shot itself in the foot by recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia and why wealthy Russia’s nouveau riche might be the ones who pull the Kremlin back from the brink.

The Coming International Sporting Disasters
Following China’s lead, a handful of countries are hoping to dazzle the world by hosting major international sporting events in the next few years. But this is a colossal mistake: Big games are far more likely to highlight an emerging power’s weaknesses than showcase its strengths.

The World’s Most Powerful No.2s
Batman and Robin. Bush and Cheney. And now, perhaps, Obama and Biden? In this List, FP looks at how the most influential deputy leaders shape the world.

Photo Essay: Grudge Matches
Iran vs. the United States. Ethiopia vs. Eritrea. Russia vs. Georgia. Here’s a look at how some of the world’s fiercest national rivalries have played out at the Beijing Olympics.

Seven Questions: Bernard Lewis on the Two Biggest Myths About Islam
He is one of the world’s foremost scholars of Islam and the Middle East. Bernard Lewis shares his thoughts on Iraq, “Islamofascism,” the roots of terrorism, and the two biggest misperceptions about the Muslim faith.

Canceling Iraq’s Blank Check
Whether the next president is named McCain or Obama, he must make clear to Iraqi leaders that the era of unconditional support is over—or risk seeing the recent security gains evaporate faster than a snowflake in a Baghdad summer.

The List: The 10 Worst Chinese Laws
China may yet succeed in building a kinder, gentler autocracy, but its recent legal reforms fall far short of democratic ideals.

Photo Essay: An Instant History of the Georgian War
Historians and analysts will debate the causes of the recent fighting in the Caucasus for years. But one thing is already clear: It has been a tragic, costly week for Georgia and its people.

Seven Questions: Russia Plays 'Realpolitik with Bare Knuckles'
Eurasia Group expert Clifford Kupchan speaks to FP about the war in Georgia, Russian intentions in the Caucasus, oil markets, and what the West can do to pay Russia back.

Which Double Standard Bothers You the Most?

In his column for the September/October issue of Foreign Policy, Editor in Chief Moisés Naím calls for “an audit of America’s foreign-policy double standards.”

Here's where you come in.

The Top 5 Countries for Medical Travel
Experts project the international market for medical travel to explode in the coming years as more Americans and others, fed up with high costs and long wait times, seek everything from knee and hip replacements to bypass surgeries. Here’s a look at the five countries best poised to ride the wave.

Talking Sex and Power in the Catholic Church
What might drive a committed Roman Catholic bishop to resign his office after almost 25 years and denounce his church? In the case of Geoffrey Robinson of Sydney, it was the church’s meltdown during the recent sexual abuse scandals. In the September/October issue of FOREIGN POLICY, John Allen says Robinson’s recent book about his ordeal “will keep an important conversation alive.” Now, Robinson discusses his journey from consummate insider to persona non grata.

The FP Quiz: Spot the Fake Drug
Think you can tell fake medicines from the real ones? Test your anticounterfeiting skills with our interactive quiz.

Photo Essay: Inside the World of Kim Jong Il
He’s among the most enigmatic and feared leaders on the planet. The few facts that we do know about Kim Jong Il are shrouded in suspicion and misinformation. Which makes the account of his former teacher in the September/October issue of Foreign Policy all the more rare. Follow the story of the strange life and times of the North Korean dictator in this FP photo essay.

Ask the Author: David Frum

More Epiphanies: Francis Fukuyama

IT WAS PROBABLY FATED from a long time ago [that I’d be an academic], because my grandfather on my mother’s side and my father both were. It was just sort of a family tradition.

IN COLLEGE, I COULDN’T DECIDE ON A MAJOR. I spent half a year in France studying with Jacques Derrida and Roland Barthes and people of that ilk before I decided that it was all nonsense.

Missing Links: The Hypocrisy Audit
Double standards have always been a part of U.S. foreign policy. It’s time to figure out how many should no longer be tolerated.

Expert Sitings: Mark Frauenfelder
Mark Frauenfelder, a writer and illustrator living in Los Angeles, is the cofounder of BoingBoing.net, one the Internet’s most popular blogs.

The Terrorism Index 2008
Signs of progress in Iraq have left America’s top foreign-policy experts experiencing a rare sensation: optimism. But, according to the fourth Terrorism Index, the U.S. national security establishment is in sharp disagreement with the presidential candidates—and alarmed that its so-called allies may soon harbor its worst enemies.

The Kremlin’s Virtual Army
Shadowy hackers in Moscow and St. Petersburg? Old news. Get ready for the next generation of Russian cyberwarriors.

Nov 2005 National Strategy for Victory in Iraq
This document articulates the broad strategy the President set forth in 2003 and provides an update on our progress as well as the challenges remaining.

Report to Congress - Submitted pursuant to U.S. Policy in Iraq Act, Section 1227 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (PL 109-163)
The Department of State has released the first Presidential report to the United States Congress pursuant to the United States Policy in Iraq Act, section 1227 (c) of the National Defense Authorization Act, Section 1227 (c). The report covers current military, diplomatic, political, and economic measures that have been undertaken to successfully complete the mission in Iraq. The report offers an assessment of the current situation in Iraq--paralleling the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq released by the White House in November 2005--and outlines goals and measures on the political, economic, and security progress.

2005 State of the Union Address - President George W. Bush

Fiscal 2005 Department of Defense Budget Release

2004 State of the Union Address - President George W. Bush

Presidential Statement on U.S. Overseas Force Posture
The U.S. Government is initiating a major effort to consult with our friends, allies, and partners overseas on our ongoing review of the U.S. overseas force posture.

The National Security Strategy of the United States of America

U.S. National Strategy for Combating Terrorism

National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction

National Strategy for Homeland Security
Office of Homeland Security

National Security

Latest Statements by U.S. Officials
U.S. Department of State International Information Programs. Washington File. Available in Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.

Latest Policy Statements - U.S. Policy Texts in German (Amerika Dienst)

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Persons
September 16, 2004

Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Department of Defense
January 30, 2004

Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
Includes links to 2004 Trafficking in Persons Report; U.S. Government's International anti-Trafficking Programs; News Releases; Legislation; Reports, etc.

Hamas breaks Gaza school strike led by rival Fatah

The ruling Hamas movement replaced hundreds of striking teachers with its own supporters Wednesday, purging Gaza's schools of political rivals and deepening its control of this coastal territory.

Seventy-one would-be immigrants perish off Malta: survivors

VALLETTA (AFP) — Seventy would-be illegal African immigrants to Europe perished when their boat sank in the Mediterranean Sea, according to eight companions rescued Wednesday off Malta, officials said.

Russia: Afghan transport deal with NATO stands

A deal allowing NATO to supply its troops in Afghanistan using Russian territory is still valid despite Moscow's decision to freeze military cooperation over the Georgia crisis, Russia's top military envoy to the alliance said Wednesday.

Indonesian armed forces chief shrugs off ExxonMobil suit

JAKARTA (AFP) — Indonesia's armed forces chief dismissed Thursday a US federal court judge's ruling that ExxonMobil must face a lawsuit over alleged killings and torture by troops in Aceh province.

Computer virus goes into orbit

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — NASA confirmed on Wednesday that a computer virus sneaked aboard the International Space Station only to be tossed into quarantine on July 25 by security software.

Obama, McCain to speak at September 11 forum in New York

NEW YORK (AFP) — Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain will speak in New York City on September 11 at a non-partisan forum for public service, organizers said Wednesday.

North Korean woman arrested on spying charges

A North Korean woman accused of using "sex as a tool for her spy activity" and plotting to assassinate South Korean intelligence agents with poisoned needles has been arrested, prosecutors said Wednesday.

UN court charges ex-spokeswoman with revealing Milosevic secrets

THE HAGUE (AFP) — The UN war crimes court said Wednesday it has charged a former court spokeswoman with divulging confidential information over the trial of late Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

Analysis: McCain's Iran ad misleading

TITLE: "Tiny." LENGTH: 30 seconds. AIRING: In key states where McCain is on the air. SCRIPT: Announcer: "Iran.

Analysis: Democrats hit Bush to nick McCain

A two-headed creature is stalking the Democratic convention, getting kicked and pummeled at every turn.

Thailand: Political Turmoil and the Southern Insurgency

Despite its political woes, Thailand’s embattled government needs to give more attention to tackling the bloody insurgency in the Muslim-dominated Deep South. Facing serious challenges in Bangkok, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has left southern policy in the hands of the military. The government needs to take back control of that policy. There is little immediate prospect of a negotiated settlement with the insurgents. But there is much the government could do unilaterally in areas such as education, justice and development. It should also consider long-term political solutions including ways of granting some degree of self-rule in the Deep South.

"Et pendant ce temps, au Daghestan voisin... ",Alain Délétroz in le Temps
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"Tanzania must help end Zimbabwe’s military dictatorship", Francois Grignon in The East African
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Russia vs Georgia: The Fallout

The Russia-Georgia conflict has transformed the contemporary geopolitical world. The urgent need is to implement fully the 15-16 August ceasefire, and most significantly, to ensure that Russian troops return immediately to pre-7 August positions. Current rhetoric in Moscow and Western capitals is eerily reminiscent of the Cold War and will do nothing to resolve the crisis on the ground in Georgia or repair the damage done to European security. The West needs to address Russia’s behaviour not by isolating Moscow, but by engaging it in a way that is both hard-headed and conditional.

Burundi: Restarting Political Dialogue

Burundi’s political crisis is not solved and may yet jeopardise the country’s future stability. The current political impasse stems from the crisis within the ruling CNDD-FDD leadership and President Pierre Nkurunziza’s refusal to conclude a power-sharing agreement with the leaders of opposition parties. To avoid any violence in the run-up to the 2010 elections, it is essential that political consultations are carried out to choose the members of the Independent National Electoral Commission and begin revisions of the electoral code.

"Impasse for Zimbabwe", Gareth Evans in The Guardian
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Kyrgyzstan: A Deceptive Calm

President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has turned Kyrgyzstan in effect into a one-party state, but its surface calm could soon be shattered if he does not deal with its real problems of corruption and economic crisis before winter sets in. A further deterioration in living conditions could spark serious anger among a public already worn down by power cuts, the steady increase in fuel prices and the memory of the previous grim winter. If anger turns to violence, it risks being brutal, destructive and xenophobic - and the remnants of the discredited opposition may not be able to channel demonstrations into a more controllable form.

"Human Cost of Georgian Conflict", Magdalena Frichova on BBC World
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"هل نعلّق مفاوضات السلام حتى منتصف 2009؟" Ezzedine Choukri-Fishere in Al Hayat
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"Sierra Leone's Convalescence", Donald Steinberg in International Herald Tribune
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Ethiopia/Eritrea: "Unfinished Peace in the Horn of Africa",Daniela Kroslak in The Daily Star
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Georgia Conflict Alert: The Need for an Immediate End to Hostilities in South Ossetia
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Sierra Leone: "Government Has Real Chance to Boost Peace",François Grignon in allAfrica
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"طالبان تكسب معركة الدعاية" Joanna Nathan in Al-Quds Al-Arabi
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CrisisWatch N°60, 1 August 2008

Six actual or potential conflict situations around the world deteriorated in July 2008 and three improved. In Somalia, divisions between hardliners and moderates within the Islamist opposition threatened an already fragile peace deal. Afghanistan saw a deadly attack outside the Indian embassy that killed scores, while other bombings hit Indian cities and violence increased in Kashmir, with reported ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. The situation improved in Serbia, where former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was arrested and extradited to the ICTY.  In Colombia the rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and 14 others dealt a blow to FARC rebels. For August 2008 CrisisWatch identifies Zimbabwe and Sudan as Conflict Resolution Opportunities.

"وقف ملاحقة البشير ثمن مقبول لتحقيق السلام في دارفور؟"Nick Grono in Al Hayat
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Sierra Leone: A New Era of Reform?

Sierra Leone has made much progress since the civil war ended in 2002, but it must still defuse social and economic time bombs to solidify peace. The 2007 elections restored electoral legitimacy, but building a lasting post-war political settlement requires a genuinely national project. President Ernest Bai Koroma must build public confidence in his agenda at a time when donor support is gradually being cut. To improve accountability and fight corruption, he needs to do more than call for “attitudinal change” and a renewed “social contract”. With most people still desperately poor, the growing numbers of jobless, socially-alienated youth present a perennial security threat.

"Iraq's Kurds Have to Choose",Joost Hiltermann in The Globe and Mail
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"Iraq, Iran and the United States: Problems and Prospects ", Joost Hiltermann in openDemocracy
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"Kıbrıs’ta uzlaşmacı başkanlar dönemi", Hugh Pope in Star (Turkey)
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"المحكمة الجنائية الدولية والرئيس البشير" Nick Grono in Asharq Alawsat
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Crisis Group Board Members Condemn Arrest of Anwar Ibrahim
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"Peace in our time – or more Euro-squabbling?",Chris Patten in The Guardian
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Sudan: "Security Council Should Make President Meet Benchmarks", Nick Grono and Fabienne Hara in allAfrica.com
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Taliban Propaganda: Winning the War of Words?

The Karzai government and its international supporters must become much better at countering sophisticated Taliban propaganda if they are to defeat an insurgency that is driving a dangerous wedge between them and the Afghan people. The government and its allies must make greater efforts to address sources of alienation exploited in Taliban propaganda. The international community must provide the necessary support and pressure for improved performance, while also examining its own actions. Countries contributing international troops must improve communications with Afghans on the directions and activities of the international engagement, including doing more to avoid civilian casualties.

"Talking to the Taliban Is Foolish",Samina Ahmed in Financial Times
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Kolumbien: "Die Affäre Gontard Ist ein Ablenkungsmanöver”,Alain Deletroz in Neue Züricher Zeitung
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Serbia: "The Banality of Evil",James Lyon in Tribunal Update (IWPR)
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Venezuela: Political Reform or Regime Demise?

Hugo Chávez’s radical course and increasingly autocratic Bolivarian revolution are under growing pressure from former supporters alienated by government mismanagement, food shortages, inflation, public insecurity and corruption. There is mounting resistance to Chávez’s push to merge his coalition’s parties and concern about his foreign policy and further concentration of power. If he fails to compromise and govern more transparently and inclusively, November municipal and regional elections could repeat the dramatic political setback Chávez suffered when his sweeping constitutional reform was defeated in a referendum last December. Only by ending attempts to drastically alter the 1999 constitution is Chávez likely to return Venezuela to democratic stability.

"El verdadero desafío de Chávez",Markus Schultze-Kraft in El Tiempo (Colombia)
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"Eurohasiči válečných požárů jsou na suchu",Chris Patten in MF DNES (Czech Republic)
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"Konfliktløser. EU har meget at tilbyde",Chris Patten in Politiken (Denmark)
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"Reactia UE la Crize",Chris Patten in ZIUA (Romania)
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Uzbekistan: "The Ghost of Sanctions (Not Quite) Past",Andrew Stroehlein in European Voice
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Crisis Group Condemns Arrest of Anwar Ibrahim
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Ruling Palestine II: The West Bank Model?

Over the past year, the West Bank has witnessed real progress, but there is a natural ceiling against which, without changes in the overall political environment, the authorities in Ramallah inevitably will bump. There have been gains in the West Bank, particularly in re-establishing order. But Israel has not relaxed its security measures, nor has the economy seen much growth. Plus, the paralysed parliament and harsh tactics against Hamas sympathisers are inconsistent with good governance. Under current conditions, the West Bank can no more become a model than Gaza can be effectively governed.

The New Lebanese Equation: The Christians’ Central Role

With last week’s formation of a new government, the Lebanese crisis is entering a new phase focused on the 2009 parliamentary elections in which the Christian community will play a decisive role. In the context of intense Sunni/Shiite polarisation, the signing of the Doha agreement and the election of General Suleiman as president give the Christian community the ability to play the role of arbiter and put it in a position to advance community demands that have long been ignored. Barring a resurgence of violence, the Christian electorate will decide between the two major coalitions that have opposed each other since 2005.

Reforming Pakistan's Police

Major reforms to the dysfunctional Pakistani police force are urgently needed if the country’s newly-elected government is to ensure a secure state and efficient counter-terrorism measures. The current force is incapable of combating crime, upholding the law, or protecting citizens and the state against militant violence. A change in mindset and legislation is needed urgently, because the transition to democracy could falter if deteriorating security gives the military a new opportunity to intervene. The international community, particularly the U.S. and the European Union, should realise that helping the police and civilian intelligence agencies with training and technical assistance would pay counter-terrorism dividends.

"Frieden oder Freiheit", Joost Hiltermann in Le Monde Diplomatique
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Failed Responsibility: Iraqi Refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon

While the security situation in Iraq shows progress, Iraqi refugees remain stranded, jobless, deprived of essential services. Host countries and the wider international community must do more now and are ill prepared to cope with a new refugee crisis, should it occur. Up to five million Iraqis – nearly one in five – are believed to have fled homes, half of them across borders. Despite oil money, the Baghdad government has been conspicuously ungenerous toward citizens stranded abroad. The U.S., while contributing more than most Western countries, has admitted few refugees and provided far less assistance than needed.

"Medellín: Revival and Risk",Andrew Stroehlein in openDemocracy
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Indonesia: Implications of the Ahmadiyah Decree

An Indonesian government decree restricting activities of the Ahmadiyah sect demonstrates how hardline Islamic groups, which have little political support have been able to influence government policy. They have shown themselves more adept than other groups in developing strategies, building networks and lobbying officials to bring about change – everything that civil society is supposed to do in a democracy. The government has opened the door for such groups to press for greater state intervention to define orthodoxy and legislate morality, and the prospects for unrest have increased.

"Will Djibouti Do the Trick?", Daniela Kroslak in Today’s Zaman
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"Making Peace Matter: Toward a Concept of Inclusive Security",Donald Steinberg in G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit 2008
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"As FARC foram feridas, mas ainda não estão derrotadas", Andrew Stroehlein in Público
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"Colombia: Tocadas pero no hundidas", Juan Munévar and Andrew Stroehlein in El Mundo
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"اتفاقية السّلام في الصومال لن تفي بالغرض", Daniela Kroslak in Al Hayat
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Nepal’s Election: A Peaceful Revolution?

Nepal’s major parties should cooperate in a coalition government led by the Maoists, who won the April Constituent Assembly (CA) elections, to help the world’s newest republic avoid political instability. The International Crisis Group today released companion reports: Nepal’s Election: a Peaceful Revolution?, an extensive analysis of the 10 April vote, and Nepal’s New Political Landscape, which examines the major challenges remaining in a peace process that has made considerable progress but is still incomplete. The way in which political leaders cope with the election aftermath will determine whether the remarkable result delivers peace and change or further conflict.

Nepal’s New Political Landscape

Nepal’s major parties should cooperate in a coalition government led by the Maoists, who won the April Constituent Assembly (CA) elections, to help the world’s newest republic avoid political instability. The International Crisis Group today released companion reports: Nepal’s Election: a Peaceful Revolution?, an extensive analysis of the 10 April vote, and Nepal’s New Political Landscape, which examines the major challenges remaining in a peace process that has made considerable progress but is still incomplete. The way in which political leaders cope with the election aftermath will determine whether the remarkable result delivers peace and change or further conflict.

Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State

The international community must encourage reform tendencies in Guinea-Bissau to counter the risk of the West African country becoming a narco-state and political no-man’s land of interest to Maghreb criminal and terrorist networks. Despite 35 years of institutional incapacity, a chance exists for democratic reforms thanks to the signing of a Stability Pact by the three most important political parties. Fundamental changes are required to the way the country is run. Above all, army reform is needed to free the political system from military interference. Foreign partners must galvanise their efforts and seize what appears to be a genuine opportunity.

Just Foreign Policy News, August 27, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 27, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Peace Advocates Raise Voices in Denver Just Foreign Policy is in Denver with the CodePink blogging team, promoting efforts by peace advocates to get their message out during the DNC. Day 3 - “Audacious Hope: President Obama Will Respect the [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 26, 2008
Just Foreign Policy NewsAugust 26, 2008Support the Work of Just Foreign Policyhttp://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.htmlPeace Advocates Raise Voices in DenverJust Foreign Policy is in Denver with the CodePink blogging team, promoting efforts by peace advocates to get their message out during the DNC.Day 2 - CodePink: “Make Out, Not War”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-naiman/codepink-dnc-make-out-not_b_121533.htmlSummary:U.S./Top News1) Iraq’s Prime Minister demanded a complete U.S. [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 25, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 25, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Peace Advocates Raise Voices in Denver The editor of the Just Foreign Policy News is in Denver with the CodePink blogging team, documenting efforts by peace advocates to get their message out in Denver. Day 1 - CodePink: “This Should [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 22, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 22, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Host a “Just Foreign Policy” Screening of “Blood and Oil” The Media Education Foundation has made a documentary based on Michael Klare’s book about how efforts to control energy resources have shaped U.S. foreign policy. Host a screening in your [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 21, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 21, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Host a “Just Foreign Policy” Screening of “Blood and Oil” The Media Education Foundation has made a documentary based on Michael Klare’s book about how efforts to control energy resources have shaped U.S. foreign policy. They are distributing it through [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 20, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 20, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Just Foreign Policy 30 second video: A Deal with Iran Would Do More Than Offshore Driling to Lower Gas Prices Would you like to see an ad like this on TV? Leave us a comment pro or con on YouTube. [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 19, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 19, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Just Foreign Policy 30 second video: A Deal with Iran Would Do More Than Offshore Driling to Lower Gas Prices Would you like to see an ad like this on TV? Leave us a comment pro or con on YouTube. [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 18, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 18, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html Just Foreign Policy 30 second video: A Deal with Iran Would Do More Than Offshore Driling to Lower Gas Prices Would you like to see an ad like this on TV? Leave us a comment pro or con on YouTube. [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 15, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 15, 2008 Support the Work of Just Foreign Policy http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/donate.html A Deal with Iran Would Do More Than Offshore Driling to Lower Gas Prices Lifting sanctions on Iran would do much more than offshore drilling to reduce gas prices, and do it much faster. Send a Letter to the [...]

Just Foreign Policy News, August 14, 2008
Just Foreign Policy News August 14, 2008 Tell Congress: Say No to Chevron’s Bullying! Chevron is lobbying USTR to withhold trade preferences from Ecuador, to pressure Ecuador to interfere in a lawsuit by peasants seeking redress for toxic dumping in the Amazon. (See 3 below.) Rep. DeFazio is sending a letter to USTR, urging USTR [...]

Biden, Democrats prepared to attack McCain on foreign policy
On the third night of their national convention, the Democrats on Wednesday will turn their focus to a potential weak spot for Sen. Barack Obama: foreign policy.

Analysis: Biden gives Obama old-school cred
Sen. Barack Obama's choice of Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate raises the question of whether Obama can carry off his message of change with a seasoned Washington politician by his side.

Americans adopt new election priorities in Lebanon
American students studying Arabic at the American University of Beirut just learned the Arabic word for "economy."

Failing the Georgia Test
Russia's lightning invasion of its neighbor is proving that U.S. diplomacy is inflexible and campaign politics a distraction

Bush Warns Russia to Pull Back
President Bush on Monday demanded that Russia end a "dramatic and brutal escalation" of violence in Georgia, agree to an immediate cease-fire and accept international mediation to end the crisis in the former Soviet republic

President Bush Wraps Up Asia Trip
President Bush, increasingly distracted by Russia's harsh military crackdown in Georgia, took in one final golden Olympic moment then ended what was likely his last trip to Asia

Bush to walk diplomatic tightrope on Asia trip
President Bush left the White House on Monday for a weeklong tour of Asia that will be his ninth visit there as president. The trip will take him to South Korea, Thailand and China.

Obama takes campaign trail overseas
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is in Afghanistan on a multistop overseas trip for meetings with international leaders but with an eye on the U.S. presidential race back home.

Benevolent bureaucrat: Ban Ki-moon
Back in his native South Korea, the Korean Foreign Ministry nicknamed him "Ban-chusa," meaning "the Bureaucrat" or "the administrative clerk."

CNN exclusive: Obama on foreign policy
Sen. Barack Obama discussed his vision for the world in a wide-ranging foreign policy discussion with CNN's Fareed Zakaria.

UAE to cancel Iraq's $7 billion debt
Dubai has forgiven the nearly $7 billion Baghdad owes it, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced Sunday.

Iran ready to discuss EU's nuclear offer
Iran agreed Friday to enter into talks with the European Union about its nuclear program before the end of the month, Iranian state-run media said.

Iranian Leaders Offer Nuclear Hope
Despite hard-line rhetoric and rumors of war, key figures in the Tehran regime suggest a compromise may be afoot

China Bars Lawyers Meeting US Reps
Police blocked Chinese dissident lawyers from attending a meeting with two visiting U.S. lawmakers

UAE expected to be first Arab nation to restore full ties with Iraq
The United Arab Emirates is expected to soon name an ambassador to Iraq and could open an embassy in the war-ravaged nation, Iraqi officials said Thursday.

Obama-McCain flap a taste of what's ahead?
Sen. John McCain aides said Friday they've been itching for a fight with Sen. Barack Obama and are eager to engage in a discussion about foreign relations.

Bomber kills engineers, driver in Afghanistan
Two engineers from India and their Afghan driver were killed Saturday morning by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan's southwest Nimroz province, according to the provincial governor.

Allies key to McCain's foreign policy vision
Sen. John McCain emphasized the need to collaborate with democratic allies in a foreign policy speech Wednesday.

World watching to see which candidate will face foreign hurdles
The next U.S. president will face a world fraught with far more foreign policy challenges than President Bush did when he took office.

Clinton: I'm ready on foreign policy; Obama 'wavers'
Sen. Hillary Clinton took on both Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain over foreign policy Monday, saying she knows best how to use diplomacy and military strength.

White House hopefuls spar before New Hampshire
Front-running presidential candidates in both parties sniped at each other Saturday night as they debated three days before Tuesday's first primary.

Obama's Foreign-Policy Problem
He's been criticized for a lack of foreign policy experience. But should his multicultural background and early years spent abroad be dismissed so easily?

Kosovo defiant as U.N. talks fail
Kosovo will press ahead with plans for independence, a spokesman for the region's Albanian leaders said Monday as negotiators were due to confirm that talks to settle the future status of the Serbian province had failed.

Clinton, Obama exchanges get nasty
Just a couple of weeks ago, Sen. Hillary Clinton said she wasn't interested in attacking her opponents -- she was interested in "tackling the problems of America."

Iraq to take action against PKK
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki promised Saturday to smoke out Kurdish separatist rebels using Iraq as a base to launch attacks into neighboring Turkey.

Threat of more sanctions on Iran
Representatives of world powers Friday announced that unless a November report shows a "positive outcome" of talks with Iran about its uranium enrichment program, they will move ahead with plans for a resolution imposing additional sanctions on the country.

U.S. freezes assets, restricts travel of Myanmar junta
The United States imposed new sanctions on Myanmar's ruling junta Thursday as its Southeast Asian neighbors urged a peaceful resolution to growing political unrest in the country.

Obama's Foreign Policy Reset
His Cuba proposal shows that Obama's campaign knows its man stumbled on foreign policy and that he needs to start over

Can Arab Leaders Bring Peace?
The visit of Egyptian and Jordanian ministers to Israel offers hope. But Arab enthusiasm for peace talks may be fading

The Courage Primary
For this election, Joe Klein offers an agenda of five issues for judging just how serious the candidates are

Iran: U.S. causes Iraq violence
Iran's supreme leader on Tuesday said American policies in Iraq are the "main cause" of that country's violence and insecurity, and withdrawal of "foreign forces" is the first step to ending the country's discord, according to an Iranian news agency report.

CNN interview: French President Jacques Chirac
French President Jacques Chirac was interviewed by CNN's Jim Bittermann in Paris. Here is a transcript of the interview:

EU urges 'immediate cease-fire'
A European Union draft statement being discussed by EU foreign ministers Tuesday calls for "an immediate cease-fire" in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants, an EU official said.

The end of cowboy diplomacy
All the good feeling at the White House at President Bush's early birthday party on July 4 couldn't hide the fact that the president finds himself in a world of hurt.

Iran upbeat on nuke incentive plan
Iran's foreign minister has said there are "very positive points" in the incentives plan concerning Iran's nuclear program, but added that other points are unclear and "we have questions about them."

EU's Solana to present Iran with nuclear proposal
The European Union's foreign policy chief is set to meet with Iranian leaders in Tehran in an effort to end a standoff with the West over the nation's controversial nuclear program.

U.S. offers direct talks with Iran, with condition
The United States will join multilateral talks with Iran on its nuclear program once Iran suspends disputed nuclear activities, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday.

EU3 pushing incentives plan for Iran
Britain, France and Germany are cobbling together a United Nations incentives package to induce Iran to halt its nuclear program, a European diplomat said Tuesday.

Iran talks bring no breakthrough
Talks between Iran's top nuclear negotiator and key European foreign ministers ended Friday without a breakthrough on Tehran's nuclear ambitions, European officials said.

Iran threat to block inspections
Tehran is threatening to block inspections of its nuclear sites if a dispute over its atomic activity is sent to the U.N. Security Council.

U.S. backs Europe over nuclear Iran
Britain, France and Germany have called for the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog to refer Iran to the Security Council over the country's atomic ambitions.

U.N. vote demands Syria cooperation
The U.N. Security Council has voted unanimously in favor of a resolution demanding Syria cooperate with a U.N. investigation into the February assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri or face "further action."

Bird flu declared 'global threat'
European Union foreign ministers on Tuesday declared the spread of bird flu from Asia into Europe a "global threat" requiring international action.

EU Turkish entry talks postponed
Diplomats say the European Union has postponed a ceremony to mark the historic start of Turkey's membership talks, setting no new time.

EU 'on precipice' over Turkey
Britain said the European Union was on the "edge of a precipice" on Monday over terms for historic membership talks with Turkey.

Kim: I want nuclear-free peninsula
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has told a Chinese envoy he is committed to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula, as three nations huddle down to work out the plan for six-party talks later this month.

Straw hopes for Iran nuclear deal
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said he hopes nuclear talks between three European Union countries and Iran this week could make progress, and appealed to Iran to compromise.

Rice warns North Korea on nukes
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has issued a tough warning to North Korea that the United States is well able to defend itself and its allies against nuclear and missile threats.

EU delays Croatia talks over war suspect
The European Union will postpone entry talks with Croatia due to have started this week after a U.N. war crimes prosecutor said Zagreb had not done enough to arrest a top fugitive, diplomats said on Tuesday.

U.S. rejects North Korean demand for direct talks
The United States reaffirmed its opposition to two-way talks with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program after the communist state on Friday again demanded bilateral discussions.

Allies praise Bush's freedom call
As George W. Bush was sworn in for a second term as U.S. president, his closest political allies around the world moved to congratulate him.

Bush to meet EU, NATO leaders
U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to meet with NATO and European Union leaders in February in an effort to mend trans-Atlantic relations that have been strained by the war in Iraq, officials say.

Leaders to attend Arafat funeral
The following is a list of world leaders and representatives that CNN has confirmed will attend Yasser Arafat's funeral in Cairo, Egypt:

Kerry: N. Korea strike possible
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has refused to rule out a first strike on North Korea in an effort to halt its nuclear weapons program.

Powell in historic meet with Libya
For the first time in more than 25 years, a U.S. secretary of state has met with the Libyan foreign minister.

Sudan 'will fight foreign troops'
Sudan will retaliate against international troops if they are sent to intervene in the troubled Darfur region, Khartoum's foreign minister has said.

EU to push for sanctions on Sudan
European Union foreign ministers are to join the U.S. and push for United Nations sanctions against Sudan if its government does not move to end the bloodshed in the troubled Darfur region.

Bush outlines second term
Check out the links below to hot political stories around the country this morning.

Israeli adviser: Egypt proposing Mideast peace conference
Egypt is proposing a Mideast peace conference in October, according to Moshe Debi, an adviser to Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom.

Alleged deserter arrives in Japan
Alleged U.S. Army deserter Charles Jenkins has arrived in Japan, where he risks being turned over to American custody.

U.S. may delay Jenkins action
The United States may delay its request for Japan to hand over accused U.S. Army deserter Charles Jenkins, opening the way for him to seek medical treatment in Tokyo.

Former diplomats 'profoundly concerned'
As President George W. Bush defended the war on terror and his push to bring democracy to Iraq in a speech Wednesday, a group of former high level diplomats and military officials gathered in Washington to issue a statement condemning Bush's foreign policy.

Former diplomats call for Bush ouster
The Bush administration's foreign policy in Iraq and elsewhere has been a "disaster," and President Bush should not be re-elected, a group of former diplomats and military leaders say in a newly released statement.

Former officials to condemn Bush foreign policy
Several former presidential diplomatic and military officials have signed a statement condemning the Bush administration's foreign policy, saying that it has harmed national security, one of the document's signers said Sunday.

Iraqi deputy foreign minister assassinated
An Iraqi deputy foreign minister was gunned down in an ambush Saturday morning in front of his home in Baghdad, witnesses and government sources said.

Kerry tackles foreign policy
Check out the links below to hot political stories around the country this morning.

Minister defends TV hostage naming
Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini has defended his decision to appear on a live chat show and reveal the name of a hostage killed by Iraqi kidnappers before the man's family had been told.

Larger NATO facing 'new threats'
Seven eastern European countries have been welcomed into NATO as the military alliance said it was turning its attention to new challenges and threats.

Arab League weighs rescheduling summit
Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa is expected to tour Arab capitals in the days ahead to discuss plans for a summit in the wake of the cancellation of a meeting that was to begin Monday in Tunisia.

Egypt offers to host Arab summit
Egypt has offered to host the Arab League summit after the annual event was abruptly postponed just two days before the meeting was to start in Tunisia.

Terrorism: EU warns partners
European Union foreign ministers have warned partner countries their relations with the powerful EU bloc will suffer if they fail to cooperate in the fight against terrorism.

World outrage at Madrid attack
The deadly bombings on Madrid's rail network have drawn an outpouring of condolences from world leaders.

New Russian foreign minister named
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed U.N. envoy Sergey Lavrov to the post of foreign minister in a Cabinet reshuffle.

Carlos Watson: The political road ahead
With Sen. John Kerry having cinched the Democratic nomination with a definitive Super Tuesday showing, CNN political anlayst Carlos Watson offers some thoughts on the process to date and where the candidates go from here.

S. Korea FM quits amid policy flap
South Korea's Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan has resigned from his post amid a flap over President Roh Moo-hyun's foreign policy.

WHAT EVERY SOVIET LEADER WANTS His central objective: preserving the regime. Unfortunately, this requires him to win big abroad.
What should American policy toward the Soviet Union be? Nobody can answer that question without confronting another: What are Soviet intentions? I am not referring to short-term, tactical intention...

Making The Case That McCain Isn't 'Ready To Lead' on National Security

What I'm really hoping is that Obama will use this downtime to regroup, recharge, and come back ready to relentlessly make the case to the American people that McCain isn't "ready to lead" on national security. Voters trust McCain on the war on terror; Obama needs to show them every day why they shouldn't.

"Swing Vote": What It Tells Us About the Race, and Why Obama Needs to Put Kevin Costner on His Ipod

The makers of Swing Vote, the new film starring Kevin Costner, have pulled off a rare double play, producing a smart political satire that is also heartfelt and moving. It's also a film that turns out to be remarkably relevant to the 2008 race.

Obama's Trip Bounce - Media Obsession With Polls Leads to a Bad Case of Premature Pontification

Isn't it strange that Barack Obama didn't get a bounce from his wildly well-received overseas trip? Of course, almost all of this analysis is based on polls taken before the end of Obama's trip -- a serious case of premature pontification.

Tell Me Again, Why is Obama's Popularity With Our Allies A Bad Thing?

I understand why John McCain's campaign is desperately looking for negatives in Obama's overseas trip. But why have so many in the media internalized the McCain campaign's claptrap?