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Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy [ August 14, 2009]
From the Summary: "Upon taking office, the Obama Administration faced a deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan, despite a build-up of U.S. forces there in preceding years, including an expanding militant presence in some areas, increasing numbers of civilian and military deaths, Afghan and international disillusionment with corruption in the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and the infiltration of Taliban militants from safe havens in Pakistan. Building on assessments completed in the latter days of the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration conducted a 'strategic review,' the results of which were announced on March 27, 2009. The outcome of the review leaned toward those in the Administration who believe that adding combat troops is less crucial than building governance, although the review did announce an increase of 21,000 U.S. troops by September 2009. The strategy emphasizes non-military steps such as increasing the resources devoted to economic development, building Afghan governance primarily at the local level, reforming the Afghan government, expanding and reforming the Afghan security forces, and trying to improve Pakistan's efforts to curb militant activity on its soil. The strategy also backs Afghan efforts to negotiate with Taliban figures who are willing to enter the political process."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-08-14
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U.S. Immigration Policy on Permanent Admissions [July 20, 2009]
From the Summary: "Four major principles underlie current U.S. policy on permanent immigration: the reunification of families, the admission of immigrants with needed skills, the protection of refugees, and the diversity of admissions by country of origin. These principles are embodied in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA specifies a complex set of numerical limits and preference categories that give priorities for permanent immigration reflecting these principles. Legal permanent residents (LPRs) refer to foreign nationals who live permanently in the United States. During FY2008, a total of 1.1 million aliens became LPRs in the United States. Of this total, 64.7% entered on the basis of family ties. Other major categories in FY2008 were employment-based LPRs (including spouses and children) at 15.0%, and refugees/asylees adjusting to LPR status at 15.0%. Over 17% of all LPRs come from Mexico, which sent 189,989 LPRs in FY2008. Substantial efforts to reform legal immigration have failed in the recent past, prompting some to characterize the issue as a 'zero-sum game' or a 'third rail.' The challenge inherent in reforming legal immigration is balancing employers' hopes to increase the supply of legally present foreign workers, families' longing to re-unite and live together, and a widely shared wish among the various stakeholders to improve the policies governing legal immigration into the country. Whether the Congress will act to alter immigration policies--either in the form of comprehensive immigration reform or in the form of incremental revisions aimed at strategic changes--is at the crux of the debate. Addressing these contentious policy reforms against the backdrop of economic crisis sharpens the social and business cleavages and may narrow the range of options."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2009-07-20
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Iraq: Former Regime Weapons Programs and Outstanding U.N. Issues [July 29, 2009]
From the Summary: "After asserting that Iraq had failed to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions that required Iraq to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the Bush Administration began military action against Iraq on March 19, 2003, and the regime of Saddam Hussein fell on April 9. U.N. Security Council resolution 1483, adopted May 22, 2003, lifted sanctions on Iraq and provided for the possibility that U.N. inspectors could return to Iraq, although the United States, not the United Nations, conducted the post-war WMD searches. U.S. teams attempted to find WMD and related production programs. Only minor finds of actual WMD were made. A major report (September 30, 2004) by U.S. experts performing post-war WMD searches (the 'Duelfer report') has concluded that pre-war U.S. assessments of Iraq's WMD capabilities were mostly incorrect but that analysis of Saddam's WMD intentions was probably accurate. Iraq remains barred from developing WMD by the Saddam-era U.N Security Council resolutions, even though there is a new government in Baghdad that is relatively democratic, and even though the formal WMD search effort was ended by the U.N. Security Council."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-07-29
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Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS): Background, Legislation, and Funding [July 14, 2009]
From the Summary: "The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program was created by Title I of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-322). The mission of the COPS program is to advance community policing in all jurisdictions across the United States. The Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-162) reauthorized the COPS program through FY2009 and changed the COPS program from a multi-grant program to a single-grant program. Several bills have been introduced in the 111th Congress that would modify the COPS program, reauthorize appropriations for the program, or both. Three of these bills--H.R. 1139, S. 167, and H.R. 1568--would reauthorize appropriations for the COPS program. In addition, H.R. 1139 and S. 167 would, among other things, change COPS from a single-grant to a multi-grant program and make the COPS Office an exclusive component of the Department of Justice (DOJ). H.R. 3154 and S. 1424 would require the Attorney General to award grants to units of local government with high violent crime rates so they could increase the size of their police forces. Appropriations for the COPS program were more than $1 billion for each of fiscal year (FY) FY1995-FY2002, with the exception of FY2000 ($595 million). Appropriations for the program decreased each fiscal year for FY2002-FY2006, increased for FY2007 and FY2008, and decreased again for FY2009. In addition to the annual appropriation for COPS included in the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8), Congress included a $1 billion appropriation for COPS hiring grants in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan
2009-07-14
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [March 2, 2009]
This updated CRS report discusses the progress being made in the in the areas of governance and security in post-Saddam Iraq. More specifically, in this report "the Administration is claiming success in significantly reducing violence in Iraq to the point where additional U.S. troop reductions can be considered, attributing the gains to a 'troop surge' announced by President Bush on January 10, 2007 ('New Way Forward'). With almost all of the 28,500 'surge' forces withdrawn as of July 2008, Defense Department reports assess that overall violence is down as much as 80% since early 2007, to levels not seen since 2004, but that progress can be 'fragile and tenuous' if not accompanied by national reconciliation and economic development. The Administration believes that additional 'conditions-based' reductions in U.S. forces, continued building of Iraq's security forces, and likely further political progress in Iraq -- is now likely to produce a unified, democratic Iraq that can govern and defend itself and is an ally in the war on terror. The Administration argues that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is increasingly recognized as capable, and that Iraqi legislative action in Iraq since the beginning of 2008 represents a substantial measure of the progress on political reconciliation that was envisioned would be facilitated by the surge. However, Maliki's growing confidence and insistence on a timeline for a U.S. withdrawal is complicating negotiations on a U.S.-Iraq agreement that would govern the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2009-03-02
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Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security [Updated December 17, 2008]
"The Bush Administration has claimed substantial success in significantly reducing violence in Iraq as a result of the 'troop surge' announced by President Bush on January 10, 2007 ('New Way Forward'). With the 28,500 'surge' forces withdrawn as of July 2008, Defense Department reports assess that overall violence is down as much as 80% since early 2007, to levels not seen since 2004. President-elect Obama has indicated that stabilizing Afghanistan should be a higher priority for the United States than Iraq, but U.S. commanders say that progress in Iraq is 'fragile and tenuous' and could be jeopardized by a too rapid draw-down. They recommend measured, incremental 'conditions-based' reductions in U.S. forces and continued building of Iraq's security forces, until further political progress produces a unified, democratic Iraq that can govern and defend itself and is an ally in the war on terror. A U.S.-Iraq status of forces agreement (SOFA), ratified by Iraq's parliament on November 27, 2008, mandates a U.S. withdrawal by the end of 2011, although President-elect Obama has said a 'residual presence' of U.S. forces might be needed beyond that time. [...] The progress in 2008 came after several years of frustration that Operation Iraqi Freedom had overthrown Saddam Hussein's regime, only to see Iraq wracked by a violent Sunni Arab-led insurgency, resulting Sunni-Shiite sectarian violence, competition among Shiite groups, and the failure of Iraq's government to equitably administer justice or deliver services. Mounting U.S. casualties and financial costs--without clear movement toward national political reconciliation-- stimulated debate within the 110th Congress over whether a stable Iraq could ever be achieved, and at what cost. With a withdrawal timetable now set, there is growing U.S. support for compelling Iraq to fund key functions now funded by the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2008-12-17
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Israel and Hamas: Conflict in Gaza (2008-2009) [January 15, 2009]
"On December 27, 2008, Israel launched a major military campaign dubbed 'Operation Cast Lead' against the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip in order to counter Palestinian rocket fire and, more broadly, to significantly weaken all aspects of Hamas rule in Gaza. On January 3, 2009, Israel began a ground offensive into Gaza intended to eliminate Hamas's willingness or capability to launch rockets at Israeli towns and cities. As of January 14, Israeli bombings and ground forces had reportedly killed over 1,000 Palestinians, while 13 Israelis had been killed by Palestinian rockets and attempts to counter the ground invasion. [...]. U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will likely be compelled to address the Gaza situation directly at the outset of his administration. The incoming 111th Congress may be called upon to increase various forms of assistance to Israel, to the Palestinian Authority headed by President Mahmoud Abbas, and to Palestinian civilians in order to support a sustainable post-conflict order that guarantees Israel's security and attends to the needs of the Palestinian humanitarian situation. The Gaza crisis constitutes a conundrum for all involved. [...]. Linking the cessation of violence in and around Gaza with international enforcement of a truce or a broader regional security initiative may be possible, but, at present, no proposed solution appears straightforward. This report will be updated as necessary to reflect further developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Migdalovitz, Carol; Zanotti, Jim
2009-01-15
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Iraq: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy [December 1, 2008]
"Iraq's neighbors have influenced events in Iraq since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003, and developments in Iraq have had political, economic, and security implications for Iraq's neighbors and the broader Middle East. Declining levels of violence in Iraq and discussion of options for modifying U.S. policy toward Iraq are fueling consideration of Iraq's future and the current and potential policies by Iraq's neighbors. Policymakers and observers are now considering several potential 'Iraq scenarios,' ranging from the resolution of outstanding Iraqi political disputes and the successful consolidation of Iraq's government and security forces, to a competition among Iraq's neighbors for influence in Iraq or the return to widespread civil violence. Understanding regional perspectives on Iraq and the potential nature and likelihood of regional policies toward Iraq will be essential for Members of the 111th Congress as they consider the future of U.S. policy, including troop withdrawal options, the implementation of U.S.-Iraq security agreements, and annual appropriations and authorization legislation. The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iraq released in August 2007 assessed that 'Iraq's neighbors will continue to focus on improving their leverage in Iraq in anticipation of a Coalition drawdown.' The NIE identified Iranian assistance to armed groups and the 'reluctance' of Iraq's Sunni Arab neighbors to support the Iraqi government as particularly problematic. This report provides information about the current perspectives and policies of Iraq's neighbors; analyzes potential regional responses to continued insurgency, sectarian and ethnic violence, and long-term stabilization; discusses shared concerns and U.S. long-term regional interests; and reviews U.S. policy options for responding to various contingencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Migdalovitz, Carol; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2008-12-01
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Foreign Investment and National Security: Economic Considerations [December 1, 2008]
"The United States is the largest foreign direct investor in the world and also the largest recipient of foreign direct investment. This dual role means that globalization, or the spread of economic activity by firms across national borders, has become a prominent feature of the U.S. economy and that through direct investment the U.S. economy has become highly enmeshed with the broader global economy. This also means that the United States has important economic, political, and social interests at stake in the development of international policies regarding direct investment. With some exceptions for national security, the United States has established domestic policies that treat foreign investors no less favorably than U.S. firms. The terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, spurred some Members of Congress and others to call for a reexamination of elements of the traditionally open environment in the United States for foreign investment. In particular, some Members argue that greater consideration must be given to the long-term impact of foreign direct investment on the structure and the industrial capacity of the economy and on the ability of the economy to meet the needs of U.S. defense and security interests. [...] This report also provides one possible approach for assessing the costs and benefits involved in using national policies to direct or to restrict foreign direct investment for national security reasons. Within the United States, there is no consensus yet among Members of Congress or between the Congress and the Administration over a working set of parameters that establishes a functional definition of the national economic security implications of foreign direct investment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2008-12-01
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Iran's Nuclear Program: Tehran's Compliance with International Obligations [December 4, 2008]
"In 2002, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began investigating allegations that Iran had conducted clandestine nuclear activities; the agency ultimately reported that some of these activities had violated Tehran's IAEA safeguards agreement. The agency has not stated definitively that Iran has pursued nuclear weapons, but has also not yet been able to conclude that the country's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. The IAEA Board of Governors referred the matter to the U.N. Security Council in February 2006. Since then, the council has adopted five resolutions, the most recent of which (Resolution 1835) was adopted in September. The Security Council has required Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA's investigation of its nuclear activities, suspend its uranium enrichment program, suspend its construction of a heavy-water reactor and related projects, and ratify the Additional Protocol to its IAEA safeguards agreement. However, a September 2008 report from IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei to the agency's Board of Governors indicated that Tehran has continued to defy the council's demands by continuing work on its uranium enrichment program and heavy-water reactor program. Iran has signed, but not ratified, its Additional Protocol. [...]. A September 2008 report from ElBaradei stated that the IAEA 'has not been able to make progress' on these matters. This report provides a brief overview of Iran's nuclear program and describes the legal basis for the actions taken by the IAEA board and the Security Council."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.
2008-12-04
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Georgia [Republic]: Current Developments and U.S. Interests [Updated December 10, 2008]
"This report examines Georgia's efforts to democratize and bolster its free market economy, while surmounting the damage caused by Russia's military incursion in August 2008, Russia's narrowing tutelage over Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia's ongoing economic sanctions, and the global economic crisis. U.S. policy and assistance are discussed. Basic facts and biographical information are provided. This report may be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2008-12-10
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Ocean Piracy and its Impact on Insurance [December 3, 2008]
This CRS report is on the impact that piracy may have on insurance. "Many Members of Congress are concerned about the sharp rise in pirate attacks in the strategic waterways in the Gulf of Aden off the East coast of Africa. The hijacking of a Saudi Arabia owned oil tanker, Sirius Star, off the coast of Kenya on November 17, 2008, by pirates was another in a series of seizures that have focused worldwide attention on economic and humanitarian threats posed by pirates to the global seafaring community and the smooth flow of international trade. […] Commercial insurers, for example, could require a special 'war risk' insurance premium costing an additional ten of thousands of dollars a day. These additional costs could adversely impact international trade during the current global economic slowdown. In addition to proposals for military deterrence and diplomatic engagements, policymakers may elect to consider adjustments to the federal statute (Title XII of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended) that authorizes the federal government to underwrite marine war risk insurance in circumstances such as piracy. […] Policymakers may also elect to maintain the status quo on this statutory authority. […] Some may contend, as a result, that the insurance industry appears to be financially capable of handling U.S. exposure to the current piracy threat and that the existing policy 'backstop' will be adequate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
King, Rawle O.
2008-12-03
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Global Financial Crisis: The Role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) [Updated February 4, 2009]
"This report discusses two potential roles the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may have in helping to resolve the current global financial crisis: (1) immediate crisis control through balance of payments lending to emerging market and less-developed countries and (2) increased surveillance of the global economy through better coordination with the international financial regulatory agencies. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2008-12-01
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Wave, Tidal, and In-Stream Energy Projects: Which Federal Agency Has the Lead? [Updated November 26, 2008]
"Developments in wave, tidal, and in-stream energy generation technologies -- also referred to as hydrokinetic or marine energy -- are beginning to gain momentum. At the same time, their regulatory status is still evolving, as shown by recent changes in law aimed at clarifying the federal role in ocean wave and renewable energy. Two federal agencies currently appear to have a lead role in offshore renewable energy projects. The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) indicates that the Energy Policy Act of 2005, § 388, gave it authority as the lead agency for projects proposed on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). MMS is developing a regulatory framework and is not accepting applications for hydrokinetic (and other alternative energy) projects until its rulemaking process is complete. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued preliminary permits and accepted license applications for hydrokinetic projects on the OCS and in the near-shore ocean environment. Also, FERC is developing a licensing process specific to hydrokinetic projects. The issue of which agency has final regulatory authority over hydrokinetic projects that are partially or completely on the OCS is unresolved and may affect project development in this burgeoning industry."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lane, Nic
2008-11-26
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Resisting Anti-Semitisim and Xenophobia in Europe, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, January 29, 2020
This is the January 29, 2020 hearing on "Resisting Anti-Semitisim and Xenophobia in Europe," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of William R. Keating: "Anti-Semitism and hate is something we must work tirelessly to address in government and across civil society, but at its core, we cannot forget the deeply personal nature of these harms. [...] Hate speech, discrimination, and violence based on a person's identity, be it creed, race, sexual orientation, place of origin or otherwise, is a scourge we cannot afford to ignore at anytime. It is also important to note that given the focus of the subcommittee, our hearing today addresses these trends in Europe; however, we are seeing similar concerning trends, sadly, right here in the United States." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Alfred Munzer, Deborah E. Lipstadt, Ira Forman, Christie J. Edwards, Robert Williams, and Andrew Baker.
United States. Government Publishing Office
2021
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Tunisia: In Brief [Updated November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Tunisia remains the sole country to have made a durable transition to democracy as a result of the 2011 'Arab Spring.' Tunisians adopted a new constitution in 2014 and have since held two competitive national elections resulting in peaceful transfers of power. At the same time, living standards have worsened for many Tunisians, increasing pressure on political leaders. High unemployment and inflation, unpopular fiscal austerity measures, and concerns about corruption have spurred protests, labor unrest, and a backlash against political elites in recent years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis
2019-11-01
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U.S. Natural Gas: Becoming Dominant [October 30, 2019]
From the Document: "In the beginning of the 21st century, natural gas prices were increasing and the United States was viewed as a growing natural gas importer. Multiple liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals were built while existing ones were recommissioned and expanded. However, the market conditions also drove domestic producers to innovate. As average U.S. prices peaked in 2008, domestic shale gas production was brought to market. Improvements in technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling made the development of unconventional natural gas resources such as shale and other lower-permeability rock formations economically possible. Improved efficiency has lowered production costs, making shale gas production competitive at almost any price. The large amount of natural gas brought to market enabled large-scale exports from the United States. Of today's total global trade in natural gas, some 35% takes the form of LNG."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ratner, Michael
2019-10-30
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Using the Power of the Purse to Change Policy: SCOTUS Case on ACA Risk Corridors Asks Important Appropriations Law Question [November 1, 2019]
From the Document: "In the world of recent litigation involving the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), most attention has focused on the ongoing litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit surrounding the constitutionality of the individual mandate. However, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear several cases involving another, perhaps lesser known provision of the ACA concerning 'risk corridors.' While the risk corridors cases--three cases consolidated under the lead case of 'Maine Community Health Options v. United States'--do not raise a question as to the validity of the entire ACA, they do raise important issues regarding the interpretation of appropriations acts, particularly when such acts conflict with authorizing statutes. After providing some background on the statutory provisions at issue, this Sidebar discusses relevant Supreme Court precedent regarding resolution of those conflicts and the broader implications that the risk corridor cases may have."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Liu, Edward C.
2019-11-01
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Israel: Background and Relations with the United States [March 7, 2009]
From the Summary: "Since 1948, the United States and Israel have developed a close friendship based on common democratic values, religious affinities, and security interests. U.S.-Israeli bilateral relations are multidimensional. The United States is the principal proponent of the Arab-Israeli peace process, but U.S. and Israeli views differ on some issues, such as the Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and settlements. The Bush Administration and Congress supported Israel's 2006 military campaigns against Hezbollah and Hamas as acts of self-defense. Shortly after taking office in January 2009, President Obama stated that Israel is a strong ally of the United States. The United States and Israel concluded a free-trade agreement in 1985. Israel is a prominent recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The two countries also have close security relations. Other issues in U.S.-Israeli relations include Israel's military sales, inadequate Israeli protection of U.S. intellectual property, and espionage-related cases. This report will be updated as developments warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2009-03-07
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NATO Enlargement: Albania, Croatia, and Possible Future Candidates [April 14, 2009]
From the Summary: "At the April 2-4, 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, a principal issue was consideration of the candidacies for membership of Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia. The allies agreed to extend invitations to Albania and Croatia. Although the alliance determined that Macedonia met the qualifications for NATO membership, Greece blocked the invitation due to an enduring dispute over Macedonia's name. On April 1, 2009, [Albania and Croatia] formally became the 27th and 28th members of the Alliance when the Ambassadors of the two nations deposited the ratified instruments of accession at the State Department. […] Another issue debated at the Bucharest summit was NATO's future enlargement and the question of offering Membership Action Plans (MAP) to Georgia and Ukraine. The MAP is generally viewed by allies and aspiring alliance members as a way station to membership. However, it is not an invitation to join NATO, and it does not formally guarantee future membership. […] However, despite strong U.S. support, the allies decided after much debate not to offer MAPs to Georgia and Ukraine at Bucharest. Opponents cited internal separatist conflicts in Georgia, public opposition to membership in Ukraine, and Russia's strong objection to the two countries' membership as factors influencing their opposition. The allies pledged that Georgia and Ukraine would eventually become NATO members but did not specify when this might happen. The August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia seemed to place the membership prospects of Georgia and Ukraine aside for the immediate future."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ek, Carl; Belkin, Paul; Morelli, Vincent L.
2009-04-14
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Background and Policy Issues [April 1, 2009]
From the Summary: "This report provides an overview of CRC's [Convention on the Rights of the Child] background and structure and examines evolving U.S. policy toward the Convention, including past and current Administration positions and congressional perspectives. The report also highlights issues for the 111th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on federal and state laws, U.S. sovereignty, parental rights, and U.S. family planning and abortion policy. It also addresses the effectiveness of CRC in protecting the rights of children internationally and its potential use as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2009-04-01
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Global Peace Operations Initiative: Background and Issues for Congress [April 15, 2009]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report discusses the Global Peace Operations Initiative. From the Summary: "The 111th Congress may consider extending funding for the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the centerpiece of the Bush Administrations efforts to prepare foreign security forces to participate in international peacekeeping operations. GPOI was established in mid-2004 as a five-year program with intended annual funding to total $660 million from FY2005 through FY2009. The primary purpose of the five-year program was to train and equip 75,000 military troops, a majority of them African, for peacekeeping operations by 2010. In October 2008, the National Security Council's Deputies Committee approved a five-year renewal of GPOI's mandate, which the Obama Administration affirmed once it took office, according to the State Department. […] Congress has tended to view the concept of the GPOI program favorably, albeit sometimes with reservations. Over the years, the State Department has addressed various congressional concerns. A June 2008 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report (GAO-08-754) responded to a congressional request to investigate several points. Among them were (1) the extent to which contributing and participating countries maintain records and databases; (2) the quality and sustainability of the training of individuals and units; (3) the extent to which those trained are equipped and remain equipped to deploy in peace operations; (4) participating countries capacity to mobilize those trained; (5) the extent to which trained individuals are deployed; and (6) the extent to which contractors are used and the quality of their results. The committee also requested an assessment of whether GPOI was achieving its goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.
2009-04-15
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Foreign Investment in U.S. Securities [March 13, 2009]
From the Summary: "Foreign capital inflows are playing an important role in the U.S. economy by bridging the gap between domestic supplies of and demand for capital. In 2008, as the financial crisis and global economic downturn unfolded, foreign investors looked to U.S. Treasury securities as a 'safe haven' investment, while they sharply reduced their net purchases of corporate stocks and bonds. Foreign investors now hold more than 50% of the publicly held and traded U.S. Treasury securities. The large foreign accumulation of U.S. securities has spurred some observers to argue that this large foreign presence in U.S. financial markets increases the risk of a financial crisis, whether as a result of the uncoordinated actions of market participants or by a coordinated withdrawal from U.S. financial markets by foreign investors for economic or political reasons. [...] This report analyzes the extent of foreign portfolio investment in the U.S. economy and assesses the economic conditions that are attracting such investment and the impact such investments are having on the economy. [...] This report relies on a comprehensive set of data on capital flows, represented by purchases and sales of U.S. government securities and U.S. and foreign corporate stocks, bonds, into and out of the United States, that is reported by the Treasury Department on a monthly basis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-
2009-03-13
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Fifth Summit of the Americas, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, April 2009: Background, Agenda, and Expectations [Updated April 9, 2009]
This report describes the goals of the Summits of the Americas, or the Port of Spain Summit of April 17-19, 2009, the first meeting of all 34 democratic heads of government from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States since the contentious 2005 Summit in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The "region's leaders approved a comprehensive Plan of Action with 23 separate initiatives under four major themes: preserving and strengthening the community of democracies of the Americas, promoting prosperity through economic integration and free trade, eradicating poverty and discrimination in the hemisphere, and guaranteeing sustainable development and conserving the natural environment for future generations. One of the most important initiatives to emerge from the Miami Summit was the agreement to work towards the creation of a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), which was to be completed by January 1, 2005. […] The theme for the Port of Spain Summit is, 'Securing our citizens' future by promoting human prosperity, energy security, and environmental sustainability.' Summit organizers have stressed the need to refocus the hemisphere's priorities, set achievable goals, and create the institutions necessary to hold countries accountable for implementing the Summits' mandates. Some issues not on the official agenda, such as the global financial crisis and U.S policy toward Cuba, are also likely to be discussed. Although there is a possibility of divisiveness, most analysts believe the Summit will be successful in setting a new tone for hemispheric relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2009-04-09
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Bosnia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [April 1, 2009]
From the Summary: "In recent years, many analysts have expressed concern that the international community's efforts since 1995 to stabilize Bosnia are beginning to come apart. They noted that the downward trend has been especially evident since 2006, with the election of leaders with starkly divergent goals. [...] There has been a debate about the future role of the international community in Bosnia. The Office of the High Representative (OHR), chosen by leading countries and international institutions, oversees implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia. An EU peacekeeping force, called EUFOR, is charged with keeping the peace in Bosnia and overseeing the Bosnian armed forces. The international community has vowed to close OHR after Bosnia meets a series of reform objectives, ending direct international oversight of Bosnia. [...] Some observers are concerned that the combination of increasing internal tension within Bosnia and a declining international role could seriously set back over a decade of peace in Bosnia, perhaps leading to violence and the destabilization of the region as a whole. They call for greater international engagement in Bosnia, including an increase in EUFOR's capabilities and strong powers for the EUSR, if OHR leaves. The United States has strongly supported Bosnia's integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. However, the U.S. role in the country has declined in recent years as the EU role has increased. Some observers have called for the Obama Administration to appoint a special envoy to the Balkans to re-energize the U.S. role."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woehrel, Steven J.
2009-04-01
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Democratic Republic of Congo: Background and Current Developments [March 23, 2009]
From the Summary: "In October 2008, the forces of the National Congress for the Defense of the Congolese People (CNDP), under the command of General Laurent Nkunda, launched a major offensive against the Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) in eastern Congo. Within days, the CNDP captured a number of small towns and Congolese forces retreated in large numbers. Eastern Congo has been in a state of chaos for over a decade. [...]. In November 2008, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon appointed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as his envoy to help broker a peace agreement to end the crisis in eastern Congo. Since his appointment, Obasanjo has met with President Joseph Kabila, General Nkunda, President Paul Kagame, and other officials in the region. The parties have agreed to participate in a U.N.-led peace initiative. [...]. In January 2009, Rwanda and Congo launched the joint military operation in eastern Congo. In late February Rwandese forces pulled out of Congo as part of an agreement reached with Congo. The United States has been actively engaged in facilitating the Tripartite Plus talks among the four key players in the Great Lakes region: Rwanda, DRC, Burundi, and Uganda. The Tripartite Plus process has led to a number of agreements over the past several years, including the creation of a Joint Verification Mechanism (JVM) to address cross-border issues. [...]. This report will be updated as circumstances warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.
2009-03-23
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Direct Overt U.S. Aid and Military Reimbursements to Pakistan, FY2002-FY2009 [April 20, 2009]
This CRS [Congressional Research Service] table, updated April 20, 2009, details the various forms of U.S. monetary aid directed to Pakistan from FY2002 to FY2009. The table distinguishes between general economic and humanitarian aid and security related aid. A list of relevant abbreviations is included.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2009-04-20
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China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities- Background and Issues for Congress [Updated October 8, 2008]
This CRS report provides an updated analysis of the modernization taking place in the Chinese Navy and the implications for U.S. Navy capabilities. More specifically, "concern has grown in Congress and elsewhere since the 1990s about China's military modernization. Several of the U.S. Navy's most expensive acquisition programs, as well as Navy initiatives for home-porting ships and for training sailors, are for developing or maintaining capabilities that could be useful or critical in countering improved Chinese maritime military capabilities in coming years. The issue for Congress addressed in this report is: How should China's military modernization be factored into decisions about U.S. Navy programs? [...] China's naval modernization raises potential issues for Congress concerning the role of China in Department of Defense and Navy planning; the size of the Navy; the Pacific Fleet's share of the Navy; forward homeporting in the Western Pacific; the number of aircraft carriers, submarines, and ASW platforms; Navy missile defense, air-warfare, AAW, ASW, and mine warfare programs; Navy computer network security; and EMP hardening. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-10-08
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Defense: FY2009 Authorization and Appropriations [Updated October 6, 2008]
This CRS report provides information on FY2009 defense appropriations. "The annual consideration of appropriations bills (regular, continuing, and supplemental) by Congress is part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. In addition, the operation of programs and the spending of appropriated funds are subject to constraints established in authorizing statutes. Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins following the submission of the President's budget at the beginning of each annual session of Congress. Congressional practices governing the consideration of appropriations and other budgetary measures are rooted in the Constitution, the standing rules of the House and Senate, and statutes, such as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense. For both defense authorization and appropriations, this report summarizes the status of the bills, their scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity. This report is updated as events warrant and lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered as well as related CRS products."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Belasco, Amy; Daggett, Stephen
2008-10-06
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Coast Guard Deepwater Acquisition Programs: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress [Updated October 9, 2008]
This CRS report discusses the Coast Guard's management of Deepwater acquisition. "The term Deepwater refers to a collection of more than a dozen Coast Guard acquisition programs for replacing and modernizing the service's aging fleet of deepwater-capable ships and aircraft. Until April 2007, the Coast Guard had pursued these programs as a single, integrated acquisition program that was known as the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program or Deepwater program for short. The now-separated Deepwater acquisition programs include plans for, among other things, 91 new cutters, 124 new small boats, and 247 new or modernized airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2008-10-09
