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China's Foreign Conventional Arms Acquisitions: Background and Analysis [Updated November 6, 2001]
"This CRS Report examines the major, foreign conventional weapon systems that China has acquired or has committed to acquire since 1990, with particular attention to implications for U.S. security concerns. It is not the assumption of this report that China's military, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), will engage in conflict with other forces in Asia. Nonetheless, since the mid-1990s, there has been increasing concern about China's assertiveness in Asia and military buildup against Taiwan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.; O'Rourke, Ronald; Kan, Shirley
2001-11-06
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Drug Certification Requirements and Proposed Congressional Modifications in 2001 [Updated November 6, 2001]
"Since the mid-1980s, Congress has required the President to certify that specified drug producing and drug-transit countries are cooperating fully with the United States in counter-narcotics efforts in order to avoid a series of sanctions, including suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and financing, and opposition to loans in the multilateral development banks. The sanctions would also apply if the Congress, within 30 calendar days, passes a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the presidential certification, however, any resolution would be subject to veto. [...] The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved and reported out a substitute version of S. 219 on April 5, 2001, with elements from the various proposed modifications, and on September 4, 2001, it reported out S. 1401, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2002-FY2003, with Sections 741-745 containing similar provisions. These provisions would modify the existing drug certification procedures for FY2002-FY2004, require the President to designate only the worst offending countries subject to sanctions, and encourage the convening of a high-level conference to develop an effective multilateral strategy. On October 24, 2001, the Senate passed the Foreign Operations Appropriations for FY2002 (H.R. 2506), with an amendment by Senators Dodd and Hutchison (S.Amdt. 1959), that generally incorporated the provisions of S. 219 and S. 1401 as reported, except that the modifications would apply only to FY2002 and would apply only to countries in the Western Hemisphere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2001-11-06
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F-22 Raptor Aircraft Program [Updated November 5, 2001]
"The F-22 Raptor is a next-generation fighter/attack aircraft using the latest stealth technology to reduce detection by radar. Equipped with more advanced engines and avionics than the current F-15 Eagle, the F-22 is expected to maintain U.S. Air Force capabilities against more sophisticated aircraft and missiles in the 21st century. Some question the urgency of beginning production of the F-22 when production of comparable or better aircraft by other countries appears unlikely. Others argue that the F-22 should enter production as early as possible to cope with future threats from more advanced air defenses of potential enemies and to maintain the U.S. position in aviation technology and production. The airframe will be produced by Lockheed Martin in Marietta, GA, and Ft. Worth, TX, and by Boeing in Seattle, WA, with engines by Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, FL."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.
2001-11-05
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Nuclear Weapons in Russia: Safety, Security, and Control Issues [Updated November 5, 2001]
"Reports of Russian nuclear materials for sale on the black market, when combined with evidence of weaknesses in the security systems have raised concerns about the possible theft or diversion of nuclear materials from these facilities. The United States and Russia are cooperating in many fora to improve the safety, security, and control over Russia's nuclear weapons and materials. Through the Nunn- Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, the U.S. Department of Defense has provided assistance worth nearly $2 billion to help Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus safely transport and store weapons and eliminate launchers under the START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] Treaties. The Department of Energy's Materials Protection, Control and Accounting Program is helping Russia and other former Soviet republics secure nuclear materials at research and other facilities in the former Soviet Union. The nations have also held bilateral meetings to identify ways in which they might cooperate to improve security and resolve concerns. Some have proposed that the United States and Russia negotiate arms control agreements to reduce their stockpiles of nonstrategic nuclear weapons and to improve transparency and confidence in the elimination of those weapons. Others have proposed that the two sides agree to 'de-alert' their strategic nuclear weapons to reduce the pressures and relieve concerns about Russia's nuclear command and control system."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2001-11-05
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Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [Updated November 2, 2001]
"International terrorism has long been recognized as a foreign and domestic security threat. The tragic events of September 11 in New York, the Washington, D.C., area, and Pennsylvania have dramatically re-energized the nation's focus and resolve on terrorism. This issue brief examines international terrorist actions and threats and the U.S. policy response. Available policy options range from diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement to economic sanctions, covert action, physical security enhancement, and military force."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2001-11-02
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Drug Control: International Policy and Options [Updated November 2, 2001]
"Efforts to greatly reduce the flow of illicit drugs from abroad into the United States have so far not succeeded. Moreover, over the past decade, worldwide production of illicit drugs has increased dramatically: opium and marijuana production has roughly doubled and coca production tripled. Despite national political resolve to deal with the drug problem, inherent contradictions regularly appear between U.S. anti-drug policy and other policy goals and concerns. U.S. narcotics policy seeks reduction of the supply of illicit drugs to the United States and reduction of user demand within the United States. On the other hand, important aspects of U.S. foreign policy aim at promoting the political and economic stability of U.S. friends and allies and avoiding excessive involvement in their internal affairs. [...] P.L.106-246, 'Plan Colombia,' a $1.3 billion military assistance focused initiative to provide emergency supplemental narcotics assistance to Colombia, was signed into law July 13, 2000. On April 9, 2001, President Bush requested $731 in FY2002 funds for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative. Policy options addressed in this brief include: (1) Expansion of efforts to reduce foreign production at the source. (2) Expansion of interdiction and enforcement activities to disrupt supply lines. (3) Expansion of efforts to reduce worldwide demand. (4) Expansion of economic disincentives for international drug trafficking."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2001-11-02
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State Department and Related Agencies FY2002 Appropriations [Updated November 2, 2001]
"On April 9, 2001, the President submitted his FY2002 budget request which included nearly $8 billion for the Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors. This represents an increase of $925 million (or 13.1%) from the FY2001 enacted level which Congress passed and the President signed into law (P.L. 106-553) on October 27,2000. [...] In response to the September 11th attacks, Congress passed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act totaling $40 billion. Of that total, the State Department received $390,000 for Diplomatic and Consular Programs. $7.5 million for its Capital Investment Fund, and $41 million for Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service account. These funds will be used for overseas personnel evacuations, information and reward money for apprehending terrorists, and improvement of emergency communications technology at U.S. and overseas facilities. In the absence of a signed CJS appropriation, the following continuing resolutions have kept the State Department running into the new fiscal year: H.J.Res.65 (P.L. 107-44) which expired October 16th, H.J.Res. 68 (P.L. 107-48) which expired October 23rd, H.J.Res. 69 (P.L. 107-53) which expired October 31st, and H.J.Res. 70 (P.L. 107-58) which expires November 16th, 2001."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Epstein, Susan B.
2001-11-02
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Russia [Updated November 1, 2001]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States sought a cooperative relationship with Moscow and supplied over $4 billion in grant aid to encourage democracy, market reform, and strategic threat reduction in Russia. Early hopes for a close partnership waned, in part because Russians grew disillusioned with perceived U.S. disregard for Russian interests, while Washington grew impatient with Russia's increasingly adversarial stance on issues in which their interests clash. Direct U.S. foreign aid to Russia, under congressional pressure, fell over the past decade. Indirect U.S. assistance, however, through institutions such as the IMF [International Monetary Fund], is very substantial. The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Russian organizations for exporting military technology and equipment to Iran and Syria. There are more restrictions on aid to Russia in the FY20- 01 foreign aid bill."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Stuart D. (Stuart Douglas), 1943-
2001-11-01
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Missile Defense, Arms Control, and Deterrence: A New Strategic Framework [October 31, 2001]
The Bush Administration has argued that a "new strategic framework" should shape the U.S. relationship with Russia. The Administration states that the United States no longer faces the threat of global nuclear war, and must instead respond to emerging threats. In this environment, it argues, the United States must rely on both offensive and defensive weapons to deter and repel attacks. The Administration maintains that Russia is no longer an enemy, so the United States and Russia need not rely on formal arms control agreements to manage the nuclear balance. Each can reduce its forces unilaterally and alter its forces according to its own needs. Most critics doubt that the United States and Russia can manage their relationship without formal arms control. They also argue that the Administration's plans for missile defense could undermine the U.S. relationship with Russia and upset international stability.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2001-10-31
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Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated October 31, 2001]
"In April and May 2001, the Bush Administration proposed $882.29 million in FY2002 economic and counter-narcotics assistance, as well as extension of trade preferences and other measures, for Colombia and regional neighbors in an initiative called the 'Andean Regional Initiative' (ARI). Critics of the Andean Regional Initiative argue that it is a continuation of what they regard as the misguided approach of last year's Plan Colombia, with an overemphasis on military and counter-drug assistance, and with inadequate support for human rights and the peace process in Colombia. Supporters argue that it continues needed assistance to Colombia, while providing more support for regional neighbors and social and economic programs. [...] In action on the Andean Trade Preference Act, on October 5, 2001, the House Ways and Means Committee approved and ordered reported H.R. 3009, the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act, that would extend and expand theATPA through December 31, 2006."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2001-10-31
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AIDS in Africa [Updated October 29, 2001]
"Sub-Saharan Africa has been far more severely affected by AIDS [Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome] than any other part of the world. The United Nations reports that 25.3 million adults and children are infected with the HIV [Human Immunodeficiency Virus] virus in the region, which has about 10% of the world's population but more than 70% of the worldwide total of infected people. [...] U.S. concern over AIDS in Africa grew during the 1980s, as the severity of the epidemic became apparent. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United States has been the global leader in the international response to AIDS since 1986. Legislation enacted during the 106th Congress increased HIV/AIDS funding worldwide and supported several Africa AIDS initiatives. On May 11, 2001, President Bush pledged $200 million to a new global AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis fund. Bills before Congress would fund substantial increases in HIV/AIDS programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2001-10-29
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Trying Terrorists as War Criminals [October 29, 2001]
"In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the question of whether to treat the attacks as acts of war or criminal acts has not been fully settled. The purpose of this report is to clarify the rationale for treating the acts as war crimes and the ramifications of applying the law of war rather than criminal statutes to prosecute the perpetrators. The discussion focuses on the trial of alleged terrorists and conspirators by a military commission rather than the federal courts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer
2001-10-29
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Aviation Security Technologies and Procedures: Screening Passengers and Baggage [Updated October 26, 2001]
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, there is intense congressional interest in improving the security screening process for airline passengers and their baggage. In the United States, screening is the responsibility of the airlines, which generally contract the work out to screening companies. The Federal Aviation Administration has regulatory authority, deploys security equipment in airports, and conducts research and development on security technology. The current screening process includes technologies and procedures for screening passengers themselves, their carry-on baggage, and their checked baggage. In each of these areas there are technology options for improving the process. A key issue is the performance of screener personnel. Issues of congressional interest include ways to improve screener performance, possibly including federalization; funding and oversight of the security equipment deployment program; and funding and oversight of security technology development efforts. Congress has begun to consider several bills in this area that have been introduced since the September 11 attacks, as well as Administration proposals and actions.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)
2001-10-26
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Terrorism Legislation: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 [Updated October 26, 2001]
"On Thursday, October 25, 2001, the Senate approved House-passed H.R.3162, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act which bolsters the ability of federal authorities to conduct criminal and intelligence investigations, to bar and expel foreign terrorists from the United States, to separate terrorists from their sources of financial support, to punish acts of terrorism, and to address the needs of the direct victims of the events of September 11. The Act is a merger of two bills, S.1510, and H.R.2975/H.R.3108 which had earlier passed in their respective Houses. It melds the money laundering aspects of S.1510 with those of the free standing, House-passed money laundering bill, H.R.3004. A variant of the House sunset provision survives, but adjustments to the McDade-Murtha Amendment concerning the adherence of federal prosecutors to local ethical standards do not. Detention authority over immigrants suspected of terrorist connections remains; as do the benefits to immigrants victimized by the events of September 11. The President signed the bill on Friday, October 26."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles
2001-10-26
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Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Free Trade, and the 2001 Summit in Shanghai [Updated October 26, 2001]
"On October 20-21, 2001, the Ninth APEC Leaders' Meeting (summit) was hosted by China in Shanghai. President Bush, Secretary of State Powell, U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick, Commerce Secretary Evans, and other members of the Administration attended. The office theme for APEC 2001 was 'Meeting New Challenges in the New Century: Achieving Common Prosperity through Participation and Cooperation' with the sub-themes of: (1) sharing the benefits of globalization and the new economy, (2) advancing trade and investment, and (3) promoting sustained economic growth. The war on terrorism and slowing world economic growth, however, dominated discussions. The leaders' statement on counterterrorism was the first time APEC dealt explicitly with a non-economic issue. APEC leaders also reaffirmed the goal of achieving free trade and investment among APEC members and to provide support for a new round of multilateral trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization. [...] For the United States, APEC raises fundamental questions that are of special interest to Congress. One is whether consensus can be achieved on the APEC vision of free trade and investment in the Asia Pacific or whether future trade liberalization will be confined primarily to bilateral free-trade agreements or multilateral trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization. In the 107th Congress, APEC-related legislation includes bills to provide trade promotion authority to the President (H.R. 1446) and several that would establish free trade between the United States and various APEC countries. U.S. financial support for APEC in the State Department's budget has been $601,000 per year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nanto, Dick Kazuyuki
2001-10-26
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Terrorism Funding: FY2002 Appropriation Bills [October 25, 2001]
"Using baseline data provided by the Office of Management and Budget, this report organizes and tracks U.S. spending to combat terrorism across the 13 appropriation bills, including amounts allocated from the $40 billion emergency supplemental. Over 80% of the estimated $11 billion requested for FY2002 to combat terrorism falls in two appropriation measures: the Defense Department appropriation and the Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies appropriation. Table 1 provides a summary for each bill and a total for all 13. Tables 2 through 13 present separate pages for each appropriation measure, listing in most cases spending at the account level. [...] Data presented in this report indicate where funds are concentrated and highlight new spending initiatives that have emerged since September 11."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nowels, Larry Q.
2001-10-25
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Operation Enduring Freedom: Foreign Pledges of Military & Intelligence Support [Updated October 17, 2001]
"In response to the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, a number of countries and organizations have pledged military and intelligence support of operations against the Al [Qaeda] network and the Taliban in Afghanistan. This report summarizes public and media statements concerning military and intelligence support; it does not track humanitarian or law enforcement assistance. It will be updated as necessary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hildreth, Steven A.; Gerleman, David J.; Stevens, Jennifer E.
2001-10-17
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Hazardous Materials Transportation: Vulnerability to Terrorists, Federal Activities, and Options to Reduce Risks [October 15, 2001]
"In the wrong hands, hazardous materials (hazmat) in transportation pose a major threat to national security, property, and life. There are over 800,000 shipments each day of these materials-over 90% of which occur via the highway mode. The sheer number and volume of shipments, the numerous routes used, and the logistics and infrastructure involved create many points of exposure. Although an array of measures can be taken to promote security, the vulnerabilities cannot be eliminated. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken numerous actions to increase the sensitivity of industry and the state enforcement community to the vulnerabilities associated with hazmat transportation. DOT is asking that additional safety precautions and inspections be conducted and that the hazmat industry should review its security measures and strengthen them as appropriate. Other options to reduce risk or to increase preparedness include: requiring additional background checks on drivers obtaining hazmat endorsements on their commercial drivers licenses; requiring DOT to issue regulations requiring high hazard hazmat carriers and shippers to develop and implement security plans and procedures; increasing funding for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant Program; and amending the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to clarify the role of the DOT in promoting the security of hazmat shipments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rothberg, Paul F.
2001-10-15
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Nuclear Arms Control: The U.S.-Russian Agenda [Updated October 15, 2001]
"Although arms control negotiations are not as important to the U.S.-Russian relationship as they were to the U.S.-Soviet relationship during the Cold War, the United States and Russia have continued to implement existing nuclear arms control agreements and to pursue negotiations on further reductions in their strategic offensive weapons and modifications to limits on ballistic missile defenses. This issue brief summarizes the contents of these agreements and tracks progress in their ratification and implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2001-10-15
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Special Operations Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom: Background and Issues for Congress [October 15, 2001]
"Special Operations Forces (SOF) are elite, specialized military units that can be inserted 'behind the lines' through land, sea, or air to conduct a variety of operations, many of them clandestine. SOF units are expected to play an important role in U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and possibly elsewhere as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. military campaign against terrorists. This short report provides background information and issues for Congress on U.S. SOF units and will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruner, Edward F.; Bolkcom, Christopher C.; O'Rourke, Ronald
2001-10-15
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Latin America: Terrorism Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [October 13, 2001]
From the Document: "Latin American nations strongly condemned the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington and took action through the Organization of American States and the Rio Treaty to strengthen hemispheric cooperation against terrorism and express solidarity with the United States. Many nations are taking actions to investigate possible regional linkages with the Osama bin Laden terrorist network, and to ensure that their financial sectors are not being used by terrorists. In the aftermath of the attacks, U.S. policy toward the region will likely include a re-invigorated security agenda, with the development of new-cooperative mechanisms against terrorism. The terrorist attacks will have implications in several areas, including the extent of hemispheric cooperation against terrorism, anti-money laundering efforts, Andean counter-narcotics strategy, the trade agenda, regional economic stability, and policy toward Mexico and Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2001-10-13
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Unemployment Related to Terrorist Attacks: Proposals To Assist Affected Workers in the Airlines and Related Industries [October 12, 2001]
Since Congress passed the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (P.L. 107-42) to provide $15 billion in relief to the airline industry, some Members of Congress have called for a relief package for the workers who lost their jobs. Four bills (S. 1454, H.R. 2946, H.R. 2955, and H.R. 3405) have been introduced to provide assistance for workers who have been laid off in the airline and related industries. All four bills base their proposed benefits and administrative procedures on the design of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. They would extend cash benefits for unemployed workers in these industries up to a total of 78 weeks and provide training, health care coverage, and job search allowances * all with federal funds.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Graney, Paul J.
2001-10-12
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India and Pakistan: Current U.S. Economic Sanctions [Updated October 12, 2001]
"In 1998, India and Pakistan each conducted tests of nuclear explosive devices, drawing world condemnation. The United States and a number of India's and Pakistan's major trading partners imposed economic sanctions in response. Most U.S. economic sanctions were lifted or eased within a few months of their imposition, however, and Congress gave the President the authority to remove all remaining restrictions in 1999. The sanctions were lifted incrementally. President Bush issued a final determination on September 22, 2001, to remove the remaining restrictions, finding denying export licenses and assistance not to be in the national security interests of the United States. Today, the United States imposes no economic sanctions against India. Pakistan continues to be denied U.S. foreign assistance as a result of its military overthrowing its democratically elected government in 1999, and for falling into arrears in servicing its debt to the United States in 2000. U.S. and Pakistani representatives signed an agreement to reschedule the debt on September 24; sanctions can be lifted 30 days after Congress is so notified. The Senate passed S. 1465 on October 4, 2001, which would remove the impediments on foreign assistance for Pakistan for the next two fiscal years, if that aid is granted as part of the war against international terrorism. On September 23, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13224 to block property and transactions with 27 organizations or individuals who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism. The Secretary of the Treasury added another 39 entities and individuals to the list on October 12, 2001, in part to include the 22 persons listed among the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Most Wanted. Some of the organizations listed are based in Pakistan and others may have ties to that country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.
2001-10-12
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Federal Hiring Flexibilities for Emergency Situations: Fact Sheet [October 11, 2001]
"In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in a September 13, 2001 memorandum to executive branch agencies, identified various hiring flexibilities that can be used to meet staffing needs in emergency situations. Table 1, below, provides information on each of the flexibilities. Terms used in the table can be defined as follows."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2001-10-11
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Agriculture and Fast Track or Trade Promotion Authority [Updated October 11, 2001]
"New 'fast track' (or, trade promotion) authority (TPA) is at issue in the 107th Congress. Such authority could enable the Administration to submit negotiated foreign trade agreements to Congress for consideration under expedited procedures. Efforts to renew this authority, which expired in 1994, have not succeeded since then. Many agricultural and food industry interests are among the export-oriented enterprises that support TPA, arguing that foreign trading partners will not seriously negotiate with an Administration that lacks it. However, some farm groups argue that fast track ultimately will lead to new agreements that could have adverse effects on U.S. producers, at least in some commodity sectors. This report will be updated if events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Becker, Geoffrey S.; Hanrahan, Charles
2001-10-11
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Homeland Security: The Presidential Coordination Office [October 10, 2001]
"As part of his response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, DC, President George W. Bush announced in his September 20 address to a joint session of Congress that he was creating, within the White House Office, an Office of Homeland Security (OHS), headed by a director who would have Cabinet rank and would report directly to the President. OHS, as subsequently chartered with E.O. 13228 of October 8, 2001, is an agency of the Executive Office of the President. The success of this office as a coordinator of a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard the nation against terrorism may be guided by past experience with similar such entities. This report reviews past experience--principally with the Office of War Mobilization and its successor, the Office of War Mobilization and Reconversion--and its possible significance for OHS; it will be updated as events recommend."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2001-10-10
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China-U.S. Aircraft Collision Incident of April 2001: Assessments and Policy Implications [Updated October 10, 2001]
"The serious incident of April 2001 between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) involved a collision over the South China Sea between a U.S. Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane and a People's Liberation Army (PLA) naval F-8 fighter that crashed. After surviving the near-fatal accident, the U.S. crew made an emergency landing of their damaged plane onto the PLA's Lingshui airfield on Hainan Island, and the PRC detained the 24 crew members for 11 days. Washington and Beijing disagreed over the cause of the accident, the release of the crew and plane, whether Washington would "apologize," and the PRC's right to inspect the EP- 3. In the longer term, the incident has implications for the right of U.S. and other nations' aircraft to fly in international airspace near China. (This CRS Report, first issued on April 20, 2001, includes an update on the later EP-3 recovery.) The incident prompted assessments about PRC leaders, their hardline position, and their claims. While some speculated about PLA dominance, President and Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin and his diplomats were in the lead, while PLA leaders followed in stance with no more inflammatory rhetoric. Still, the PLA is likely to benefit from this incident. Despite PRC claims that the EP-3 plane caused the accident, it appears that the PLA pilot, executing a close pass in an apparent attempt to impress or intimidate the EP-3 crew, made a fatal error in judgment. International law is clear that all aircraft have a right of overflight with respect to ocean areas beyond the territorial sea (past 12 miles out). There are implications for U.S. policy toward the PRC and Taiwan, and defense policy. This incident of April 2001 is the third in a series of major troubling difficulties since the mid-1990s that could have serious implications for U.S.-PRC relations. The standoff raised questions about whether the issues of the incident and arms sales to Taiwan should be linked and whether to change the process of annual arms sales talks with Taipei. A further worsening of political ties could negatively affect the business climate in China for U.S. firms and disrupt negotiations over China's WTO accession. Airborne reconnaissance remains a vital component of intelligence collection for military and other national security purposes. Observers speculate that the chief benefit to the PRC from inspecting the EP-3 would be to gather information about U.S. targets and degree of success that could enable them to prepare countermeasures to hinder future U.S. surveillance efforts. The incident has potential implications for U.S. military surveillance operations in at least four areas: operational strain on the EP-3 fleet, conditions for conducting airborne surveillance missions in the future, the need for escorts or other protective forces, and using unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for airborne surveillance missions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2001-10-10
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NAFTA Labor Side Agreement: Lessons for the Worker Rights and Fast-Track Debate [Updated October 9, 2001]
"The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), between the United States, Mexico, and Canada was the first trade agreement ever linked to worker rights provisions in a major way. Its companion 'side agreement,' the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC, which rhymes with 'talc') went into effect with NAFTA on January 1, 1994. The NAALC agreement is 'broad' in that NAFTA signatories agree to enforce their own labor laws and standards while promoting 11 worker rights principles over the long run. However, under NAALC, sanctions as an enforcement tool are applicable to only three of the 11 labor principles (pertaining to minimum wages, child labor, and occupational safety and health), and are not applicable to three basic rights: the right to organize, bargain collectively, and strike. [...] Trade liberalization ultimately results in gains to all economies; however, there are winners and losers (both industries and workers) along the way. Worker rights provisions could mitigate the effects of trade liberalization on both winners and losers by increasing labor costs in developing countries. However, NAALC as a worker rights promotion vehicle with a developing country has mitigated the effects of trade expansion from NAFTA very little so far, because most compliance is voluntary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolle, Mary Jane
2001-10-09
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Taliban and the Drug Trade [October 5, 2001]
There is evidence that many terrorist organizations and some rogue regimes pressed for cash rely on the illicit drug trade as a source of income. In the case of Afghanistan, reports indicating that the drug trade is a major source of income for the Taliban have received growing attention. According to some reports, the regime uses poppy-derived income to arm, train and support fundamentalist groups including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Chechen resistance. There have also been allegations of Osama bin Laden's personal involvement in drug trafficking to finance al Qaeda's activities. U.S. foreign drug policy currently focuses on reducing illicit drug supply to the United States, and only to a lesser extent on denying funding to organized international criminal or terrorist groups. Should the latter objectives receive greater priority, some policy and organizational realignment may be necessary.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2001-10-05
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Nuclear Sanctions: Section 102(b) of the Arms Export Control Act and its Application to India and Pakistan [Updated October 5, 2001]
Section 102(b) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) requires the President to impose sanctions on any country that he has determined is a "non-nuclear-weapon state" and has received or detonated a "nuclear explosive device." The statute does not provide for terminating or suspending sanctions once imposed. The President placed ' 102(b) sanctions on India and Pakistan in May 1998 following nuclear tests by those countries earlier that month. The statute had never before been invoked and its full implementation give rise to various legal and policy issues. Congress has since authorized the President to waive indefinitely, as they apply to India and Pakistan, all sanctions imposed under '' 101 or 102 of the AECA; a nuclear-related restriction in the Export-Import Bank Act; and ' 620E(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) (Pressler Amendment), which restricts military aid and exports to Pakistan (DOD Appropriations Act, 2000, P.L. 106-79, ' 9001). Following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the President waived for both India and Pakistan prohibitions on exports of defense items and sensitive technology and military financing, citing U.S. national security interests; also waived were any remaining sanctions in 101 or 102 of the AECA, the Export-Import Bank Act, and the Pressler Amendment. Foreign assistance to Pakistan continues to be restricted because of an anti-coup provision in appropriations legislation and other debt-related restrictions; also, three Pakistani entities are subject to two-year AECA missile proliferation sanctions.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Grimmett, Jeanne J.
2001-10-05
