Advanced search Help
Resource Type or Special Collection is CRS Reports
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated November 3, 2003]
"Key areas of U.S. concern regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; weapons proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India tensions; human rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by periods of both cooperation and discord was transformed by the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a pivotal ally in U.S.-led anti-terrorism efforts in Southwest Asia. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Islamabad for its ongoing cooperation, although doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to core U.S. interests in the region. Pakistan is identified as a base for terrorist groups and their supporters operating in Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan. Pakistan continues to face serious problems, including widespread poverty and domestic terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-11-03
-
Pakistan: Chronology of Events [Updated November 3, 2003]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of major events involving Pakistan and Pakistan-U.S. relations from September 2001. For a substantive review of Pakistan- U.S. relations, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB94041, 'Pakistan-U.S. Relations'. This report will be updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-11-03
-
Homeland Security: Protecting Airliners from Terrorist Missiles [Updated November 3, 2003]
From the Summary: "Recent events have focused attention on the threat that terrorists with shoulder fired surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) pose to commercial airliners. Most believe that no single solution exists to effectively mitigate this threat. Instead, a menu of options may be considered, including installing infrared (IR) countermeasures on aircraft; modifying flight operations and air traffic control procedures; improving airport and regional security; and strengthening missile non-proliferation efforts. Equipping aircraft with missile countermeasure systems can protect the aircraft even when operating in areas where ground-based security measures are unavailable or infeasible to implement. However, this option has a relatively high cost, between $1 million and $3 million per aircraft, and the time needed for implementation does not allow for immediate response to the existing terrorist threat. Procedural improvements such as specific flight crew training, altering air traffic procedures to minimize exposure to the threat, and improved security near airports may be less costly than countermeasures and could more immediately help deter domestic terrorist attacks. However, these techniques by themselves cannot completely mitigate the risk of domestic attacks and would not protect U.S. airliners flying to and from foreign airports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.; Feickert, Andrew; Elias, Bartholomew
2003-11-03
-
International Terrorism in South Asia [November 3, 2003]
"This report reviews the international terrorist environment in South Asia,
concentrating on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. With U.S.-led counterterrorism efforts focused especially on Southwest Asia, the existence of international terrorist groups and their supporters in South Asia is identified as a threat to both regional stability and to the attainment of key U.S. policy goals. Al Qaeda forces that fled from Afghanistan with their Taliban supporters remain active on Pakistani territory, and Al Qaeda is believed to have links with indigenous Pakistani terrorist groups that have conducted anti-Western attacks and that support separatist militancy in Indian Kashmir. A significant portion of Pakistan's ethnic Pashtun population is reported to sympathize
with the Taliban and even Al Qaeda. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-11-03
-
Agricultural Trade in a U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) [October 31, 2003]
"This paper is about the negotiation of an open market access for agricultural products in a free trade agreement between the United States and 5 Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) which, has been contentious and difficult. With December 2003 set as the target date for concluding an agreement, both sides now face wrestling with how to transition their most sensitive agricultural commodities and food products (protected by high tariffs, restrictive quotas, or other barriers) towards free trade. In their October negotiating session, both sides exchanged market access offers on all (including sensitive) agricultural products, and agreed on immediate access for most horticultural products. The most difficult issues dealing with sensitive products were deferred to the December negotiations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jurenas, Remy
2003-10-31
-
Campaign Finance: Constitutional and Legal Issues of Soft Money [October 30, 2003]
"Prior to enactment of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), P.L. [Public Law] 107-155, the term 'soft money' generally referred to unregulated funds, perceived as resulting from loopholes in the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), 2 U.S.C. §§ 431 'et seq'. Generally, the intent of BCRA, (effective Nov. 6, 2002), which amends FECA, is to restrict the raising and spending of soft money. This Issue Brief discusses constitutional and legal issues surrounding two major types of soft money that BCRA regulates: political party soft money and soft money used for issue advocacy communications. Corporate and labor union soft money, which FECA exempts from regulation and is not addressed by BCRA, is also discussed. Prior to BCRA, political party soft money was funds raised by the national parties from sources and in amounts that FECA otherwise prohibited. Such funds were used in part for overhead expenses and issue ads, and then largely transferred to state and local parties, in accordance with the applicable state law, for grassroots and party building activity. As a result of BCRA, FECA now generally prohibits national parties from raising or spending soft money, 'i.e.' funds raised outside the restrictions of FECA. In 'McConnell v. FEC', (No. 02-1672), the U.S. Supreme Court will be considering the constitutionality of the BCRA restrictions on party soft money."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whitaker, L. Paige
2003-10-30
-
Elections Reform: Overview and Issues [October 30, 2003]
"The remarkable circumstances of the November 2000 Presidential election are unlikely to be repeated, but Florida's role in determining the outcome may be remembered as a turning point with respect to the nation's election system. Previously obscure details of voting and vote counting became the focus of public attention, and various state and national commissions issued reports or recommendations on changing the voting process. Some states made plans or began to replace voting equipment and adopt other improvements before the 2002 election cycle. Both sessions of the 107th Congress considered and debated federal election reform legislation, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA, P.L. 107-252) was enacted in October 2002. The Act creates a new federal agency with election administration responsibilities, sets requirements for voting and voter-registration systems and certain other aspects of election administration, and provides federal funding; but it does not supplant state and local control over election administration. Issues for the 108th Congress include funding, establishment of the new agency, and implementation by and impacts on the states. For additional information, see the CRS [Congressional Research Service] Electronic Briefing Book on Election Reform. This report will be updated periodically to reflect new developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Coleman, Kevin J.; Fischer, Eric A.
2003-10-30
-
Islamic Religious Schools, 'Madrasas': Background [October 29, 2003]
"Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Islamic religious schools known as 'madrasas' (or 'madrassahs') in the Middle East, Central, and Southeast Asia have been of increasing interest toU.S. foreign policymakers. Some allege ties between 'madrasas' and terrorist organizations, such as Al Qaeda, and assert that these religious schools promote Islamic extremism and militancy. Others maintain that most of these religious schools have been blamed unfairly for fostering anti-U.S. sentiments and for producing terrorists. This report provides an overview of 'madrasas,' of their role in the Muslim world and issues related to their alleged financing by Saudi Arabia and other external donors. Related CRS [Congressional Research Service] products include CRS Issue Brief IB93113, CRS Report RS21457, and CRS Report RS21432. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Armanios, Febe, 1974-
2003-10-29
-
Nuclear Weapon Initiatives: Low-Yield R&D, Advanced Concepts, Earth Penetrators, Test Readiness [October 28, 2003]
"The Bush Administration completed its congressionally-mandated Nuclear Posture Review in December 2001. The review led to major changes in U.S. nuclear policy. It found that the Cold War relationship with Russia was 'very inappropriate' and that this nation must be able to deal with new threats. It planned to retain Cold War-era nuclear weapons, which would suffice for many contingencies, though at reduced numbers. To complement these weapons so as to improve U.S. ability to deal with new, more dispersed threats in various countries, the Administration sought to explore additional nuclear capabilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Medalia, Jonathan E.
2003-10-28
-
Africa's Great Lakes Region: Current Conditions in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda
"The Great Lakes region is slowly becoming more stable after almost a decade of conflicts. The region remains vulnerable, however, since armed rebel groups are active in eastern Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and northern Uganda. This report discusses the problems that persist in this area to this date."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dagne, Theodore S.
2003-10-28
-
Energy: Useful Facts and Numbers [Updated October 27, 2003]
Energy supplies and prices are a major economic factor in the United States, whose markets are considered volatile and unpredictable. For both these reasons, energy policy is of frequent interest to the Congress. This report presents a statistical view of the supply and consumption of various forms of energy. Both long-term trends and short-term variations are given, with a section on trends in energy efficiency also presented. After an introductory overview of aggregate energy consumption, the report presents detailed analysis of trends and statistics regarding specific energy sources: oil, electricity, natural gas, and coal.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Glover, Carol F.
2003-10-27
-
Summary of State Laws on the Issuance of Driver's Licenses [October 27, 2003]
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and recent events in California have
prompted a series of questions and debate concerning states' issuance of driver's
licenses to illegal aliens. Proponents contend that allowing illegal immigrants to
obtain driver's licenses is a matter of public safety. Licensed drivers know the rules
of the road and can buy insurance, thus making streets safer for everyone.
Conversely, opponents argue that allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's
licenses compromises national security. Moreover, opponents contend that
permitting illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses encourages such individuals to
remain in the United States illegally. Thus, opponents contend that illegal
immigrants should not be rewarded with such privileges. This report will briefly
summarize the policy arguments related to states' issuance of driver's licenses to
undocumented or illegal aliens. In addition, this report includes a state-by-state
summary of the state laws on issuing licenses to immigrants. This report will be
updated as developments warrant.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Alison M., 1962-
2003-10-27
-
Malaysia: Political Transition and Implications for U.S. Policy [October 21, 2003]
From the Document: "This report analyzes the political changes and economic developments in Malaysia and their implications for U.S. policy. The bilateral relationship between the United States and Malaysia is generally positive and constructive, particularly in the area of trade. Malaysia is a key trading partner of the United States and is an effective and cooperative regional player in the war against terror. The United States and Malaysia also have constructive education and informal defense ties including commercial access to Malaysian ports and repair facilities. Despite these positive dynamics, the bilateral relationship has at times been strained. Differences between the two nations stem from disagreements between Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and the United States over such issues as the internal suppression of dissent in Malaysia, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq, globalization, Western values and world trade policy. This report sets the political transition in Malaysia of 2003 within an historical context and discusses key aspects of the bilateral relationship including trade, counter-terrorism cooperation, defense ties and
Malaysia's external posture as it affects American interests. The report also examines the prospect that the political transition from Prime Minister Marathi to his Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi holds the potential to improve bilateral relations between the United States and Malaysia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-
2003-10-21
-
'FTO List' and Congress: Sanctioning Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations [October 21, 2003]
"The purpose of this report is to provide Congress with an overview of the nature and status of the designated foreign terrorist organizations list, as a potential tool in overseeing the implementation and effects of U.S. legislation designed to sanction terrorists. It centers on the list of terrorist groups that are formally designated by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended under the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-132). These groups are often collectively referred to as the 'FTO list.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cronin, Audrey Kurth, 1958-
2003-10-21
-
Missile Proliferation and the Strategic Balance in South Asia [October 17, 2003]
This report analyzes the policy implications of missile proliferation in South Asia, providing information on India's and Pakistan's missile programs and their role in regional security. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947 and have significant unsettled territorial disputes. Concerns on region security became acute after May 1998, when both India and Pakistan tested nuclear explosive devices. Since that time, both countries have continued testing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, and both have established command and control authorities to oversee their nuclear arsenals. Although the status of weaponization is unclear, a slow-speed arms race appears to be underway on the Asian Subcontinent, and the proliferation of missile capabilities in South Asia has been identified as a potentially major threat to regional stability and to key U.S. foreign policy goals. During the 1990s, U.S. security policy toward South Asia focused on preventing weapons proliferation, but the Bush Administration shifted to a more "pragmatic" approach emphasizing "restraint" in this area. For perhaps the first period in history the United States currently enjoys simultaneously positive relations with both countries. The strategic capabilities of India and Pakistan could provide a ready catalyst for transforming disputes or terrorist incidents into potentially cataclysmic confrontations. Both countries also are pursuing the development or acquisition of missile defense systems. Key issues for Congress addressed in this report are the extent to which missile proliferation in South Asia enhances or upsets regional stability and the role of U.S. policy in promoting such stability, as well as in tension reduction and nonproliferation.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Feickert, Andrew; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-10-17
-
Computer Attack and Cyber Terrorism: Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues for Congress [October 17, 2003]
This report discusses possible cyber capabilities of terrorists and sponsoring nations, describes how computer security vulnerabilities might be exploited through a cyber terror attack, and raises some potential issues for Congress. This report presents a working definition for the term "cyber terrorism," plus background information describing how current technology and management processes may leave computers exposed to cyber attack, and a discussion of possible effects of a cyber attack. Potential issues for Congress are presented in the second section, including: whether appropriate guidance exists for a DOD information warfare response to a cyber attack; whether the need to detect possible cyber terrorist activity interferes with individual privacy; whether the roles and responsibilities for protecting against a possible cyber terrorist attack need more clarity for government, industry, and home users; and, whether information sharing on cyber threats and vulnerabilities must be further increased between private industry and the federal government. The final section describes possible policy options for improving protection against threats from possible cyber terrorism. Appendices to this report explain technologies underlying computer viruses, worms, and spyware, how these malicious programs enable cyber crime and cyber espionage, and how tactics currently used by computer hackers might also be employed by terrorists while planning a possible cyber terror attack.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Clay
2003-10-17
-
FY2004 Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism: Military Operations & Reconstruction Assistance [Updated October 15, 2003]
On September 17, the White House submitted a formal request for FY2004 supplemental appropriations of that amount to Congress. Administration officials have said that they would like to see congressional action on the request completed some time before October 24, when an international donors conference is scheduled in Madrid to seek pledges of economic assistance for Iraq. Proposals have included measures providing part or all of reconstruction aid to Iraq as loans rather than grants; conditioning funds on strict reporting requirements; requiring the president to make greater efforts to increase international assistance; rolling back tax cuts to pay for the bill; shifting funds from Iraq reconstruction to domestic programs; transferring control of Iraq reconstruction from the Defense Department to the State Department; requiring competition in contracts in Iraq; increasing personnel benefits for deployed troops; and providing reconstruction assistance to Liberia. The House Appropriations Committee marked up its version of a supplemental appropriations bill for defense and for reconstruction (H.R. 3289) on October 9, and floor action began on October 15. The Senate Appropriations Committee marked up its version of a supplemental appropriations bill, S. 1689, on September 30, and the full Senate began floor debate on the bill on October 1. The Senate resumed consideration of the measure on October 14.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Daggett, Stephen; Nowels, Larry Q.; Margesson, Rhoda . . .
2003-10-15
-
Animal Agriculture: Selected Issues in the 108th Congress [Updated October 15, 2003]
From the Introduction: "A variety of issues important to animal agriculture have generated interest among lawmakers in the first session of the 108th Congress, many similar to matters considered by previous Congresses. They include farm prices; weather-related concerns such as lingering drought in some parts of the country; trade negotiations and disputes affecting meat and poultry exports; and the environmental impacts of large animal feeding operations. Among other issues of concern are government oversight of meat and poultry product safety; protection of animal health, including protection against diseases with potentially serious economic consequences; and guarding against threats of bioterrorism. [...] U.S. beef, pork, and poultry producers have long prided themselves as selfreliant industries that have operated with few if any federal subsidies. Yet in recent years, government payments have become more commonplace, at least for livestock producers -- particularly in the form of disaster aid and environmental technical and cost-sharing support. On the other hand, such assistance is significantly less than the billions of dollars annually provided to crop and milk producers. Moreover, animal agriculture can be impacted by a variety of government policies like environmental regulation, food safety laws, and trade disputes and negotiations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Becker, Geoffrey S.
2003-10-15
-
Iraq: Summary of U.S. Casualties [Updated October 14, 2003]
"The following casualty table was compiled by the Department of Defense, as tallied from DOD press releases. Table 1 provides statistics on fatalities during Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF], which began on March 19, 2003, and is ongoing, as well as on the number of fatalities since May 1, 2003. Statistics may be revised as circumstances are investigated and as all records are processed through the U.S. military's casualty system. This report will be updated semiweekly, but more frequent updates are available at DOD's Web site at [http://www.defenselink.mil/news/]. Click on 'OIF Casualty Update.' A detailed casualty summary which includes data on deaths by cause, as well as statistics on soldiers wounded in action, is available at the following DOD Web site: [http://web1.whs.osd.mil/mmid/casualty/OIF-Total.pdf]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Richardson, Glenda
2003-10-14
-
Syria: U.S. Relations and Bilateral Issues [Updated October 10, 2003]
"Although U.S.-Syrian relations improved somewhat in the 1990s, further strains appeared after the breakdown in Syrian-Israeli negotiations in 2000 and Syria's opposition to a U.S. military campaign in Iraq. Members of Congress have periodically introduced legislation to tighten U.S. sanctions against Syria or to condition relaxation of existing restrictions on further changes in Syrian policy. Recent U.S. Administrations, though not inclined to lift sanctions on Syria at this time, tend to believe it is in U.S. interests to encourage Syria to play a positive role in the Arab-Israeli peace process and support other U.S. initiatives. The issue for U.S. policy makers is the degree to which the United States should work for better relations with Syria in an effort to enlist Syrian cooperation on regional and international issues such as the war on terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2003-10-10
-
Palestinians and Middle East Peace: Issues for the United States [Updated October 10, 2003]
"The United States began contacts with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in December 1988, after the PLO accepted Israel's right to exist, accepted U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338 that call for an exchange of land for peace, and renounced terrorism. The United States continues its contacts with the PLO and the Palestinian Authority elected in January 1996, and is an active broker in the continuing Middle East peace process. […] On May 4, 1994, Israel and the PLO signed an agreement providing for the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Jericho (withdrawal completed May 11, 1994). The Interim Agreement signed on September 28, 1995 (also called Oslo II or the Taba Agreement), provided for elections for the 88-seat Palestinian Assembly, the release of Israeli-held prisoners, Israeli withdrawal from six West Bank cities, and other issues. The Israelis withdrew from the West Bank cities by the end of 1995, and the Palestinian Assembly was elected on January 20, 1996, and sworn in on March 7, 1996. Israel and the Palestinians agreed to an Israeli withdrawal from Hebron in January 1997, and on October 23, 1998 signed the Wye agreement to meet previous commitments. The peace talks stalled at Camp David in July 2000, and remain suspended since the Palestinian uprising began in September. More than 2,100 Palestinians and 800 Israelis have died in the continuing confrontation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-10-10
-
Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-War Governance [Updated October 10, 2003]
Previous U.S. Administrations had ruled out major U.S. military action to change Iraq's regime, believing such action would be risky and not necessarily justified by the level of Iraq's lack of compliance on WMD disarmament. Operation Iraqi Freedom accomplished a long-standing objective, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, but the post-war period has, by almost all accounts, proved more difficult than the Administration had anticipated. In September 2002, the President told the U.N. General Assembly that unless Iraq fully disarmed in cooperation with United Nations weapons inspectors, the United States would lead a coalition to achieve that disarmament militarily, making clear that this would include the ouster of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein's regime. In the months prior to the war, the Administration stressed that regime change through U.S.-led military action would yield benefits beyond disarmament and reduction of support for terrorism; benefits such as liberation of the Iraqi people from an oppressive regime and promotion of stability and democracy throughout the Middle East. The Administration hopes that the formation of the council and subsequent appointment of a cabinet will signal that Iraq is moving toward self rule and calm some of the resistance to U.S. forces in Iraq. See also CRS Report RL31833, Iraq: Recent Developments in Reconstruction Assistance, and CRS Report RL32090, FY2004 Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism: Military Operations & Reconstruction Assistance.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-10-10
-
Egypt-United States Relations [October 10, 2003]
"U.S.-Egyptian relations are aimed at maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations, continuing military cooperation, and sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. Experience gained from Egyptian-U.S. joint military exercises proved valuable in easing coordination during the February 1991 Desert Storm operation to reverse Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. Egypt is seen by U.S. policy makers as a leader and moderating influence among many Arab, African, Islamic, and Third World states. Among the current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations are a shared concern about international terrorism. Egypt can claim some experience with the subject, having defeated domestic Islamic terrorists intent on overthrowing the Egyptian government. The two countries disagree over the speed and depth, but not the need for some of Egypt's economic reforms. Egypt and the United States agree on the importance of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, the need to continue current Arab-Israel peace talks, and the need for regional stability. The two nations agree on Egypt's need to introduce democratic reforms in Egypt, although critics argue that Egypt is not moving quickly enough toward full democracy or in improving the human rights situation. The United States has provided Egypt with an annual average of over $2 billion in economic and military foreign assistance since 1979. The United States will reduce Economic Support Funds (ESF) to about $400 million per year by 2008 in keeping with a plan to reduce aid to Israel. The Administration requested $575 million in economic grants and $1.3 billion in military grants for FY2004 for Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-10-10
-
Israeli-United States Relations [October 10, 2003]
"Israeli-U.S. relations are an important factor in U.S. policy in the Middle East, and Congress has placed considerable importance on the maintenance of a close and supportive relationship. The main vehicle for expressing support for Israel has been foreign aid; Israel currently receives about $3 billion per year in economic and military grants, refugee settlement assistance, and other aid. Congress has monitored the aid issue closely along with other issues in bilateral relations, and its concerns have affected Administration's policies. U.S.-Israeli relations have evolved from an initial American policy of sympathy and support for the creation of a Jewish homeland in 1948 to an unusual partnership that links a small but militarily powerful Israel, dependent on the United States for its economic and military strength, with the U.S. superpower trying to balance competing interests in the region. Some in the United States question the levels of aid and general commitment to Israel, and argue that a U.S. bias toward Israel operates at the expense of improved U.S. relations with various Arab states. Others maintain that democratic Israel is a strategic ally, and that U.S. relations with Israel strengthens the U.S. presence in the Middle East."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-10-10
-
India-U.S. Relations [Updated October 9, 2003]
"Although the end of the Cold War freed India-U.S. relations from the constraints of global bipolarity, New Delhi-Washington relations continued for a decade to be affected by the burden of history, most notably the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry. Recent years, however, have witnessed a sea change in bilateral relations,with more positive interactions becoming the norm. India's swift offer of full support for U.S.-led anti-terrorism operations after September 2001 is widely viewed as reflective of such change. Continuing U.S. concern in South Asia focuses especially on the historic and ongoing tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, tensions rooted in unfinished business from the 1947 Partition, and competing claims to the former princely state of Kashmir. The United States also seeks to prevent the regional proliferation of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Both India and Pakistan have so far resisted U.S. and international pressure to sign the major international nonproliferation treaties."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-10-09
-
Homeland Security: Standards for State and Local Preparedness [Updated October 8, 2003]
Some Members of Congress, as well Administration officials and other
observers, believe that state and local governments should be held to established
standards for terrorism preparedness. They argue that standards could improve the
capability of first responders to deal with terrorist attacks, particularly those
involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Preparedness standards can be categorized by such attributes as scope,
development process, and user community. They can include broad performance
goals, as well asmore specific operational procedures and equipment specifications.
Traditionally, nongovernmental organizations develop preparedness standards,
sometimes with the participation of federal agencies. Since the terrorist attacks of
September 2001, however, a number of federal agencies have initiated efforts to
develop preparedness standards, among which are the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA, now in DHS), National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are a number of policy approaches Congress could take, should it desire
to address preparedness standards. Encouraging the development and
implementation of standards could give states and localities discretion in adapting
standards to their unique preparedness needs, but may not lead to nationwide
adoption.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2003-10-08
-
Nuclear Nonproliferation Issues [Updated October 7, 2003]
"The United States has been a leader of worldwide efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. To this end, the international community and many individual states have agreed to a range of treaties, laws, and agreements known collectively as the nuclear nonproliferation regime, aimed at keeping nations that do not have nuclear weapons from acquiring them. The nonproliferation regime has also been concerned with preventing terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons or the materials to craft them. The attacks on New York and Washington of September 11, 2001, added a new level of reality to the threat that terrorists might acquire a nuclear weapon and explode it in a populated area. Other nonproliferation concerns include a number of regional focal points. North Korea's claim that it possesses nuclear weapons and is pursuing more has led to a diplomatic crisis. In the Middle East, Iran's nuclear weapons development remains a threat, with the revelation that it is constructing uranium enrichment and heavy water production facilities. Assuring the permanent dismantlement of Iraq's nuclear program is one of the major goals of reconstruction in that country. The continuing confrontation between India and Pakistan is made more dangerous by their possession of nuclear explosives. There is concern about Chinese and Russian activities that may encourage proliferation in the other regions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.
2003-10-07
-
Afghanistan: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Update October 7, 2003]
From the Summary: "Afghanistan is a fragile state attempting, with U.S. help, to stabilize after more than 22 years of warfare, including a U.S.-led war that brought the current
government to power. Before the U.S. military campaign against the Taliban began
on October 7, 2001, Afghanistan had been mired in conflict since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The Taliban ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 until its collapse in December 2001 at the hands of the U.S.-led military campaign...Although with some difficulty, political reconstruction is following the route laid out by major Afghan factions and the international community during the U.S.-led war. OnDecember 5, 2001, majorAfghan factions,meeting underU.N auspices in Bonn, signed an agreement to form an interim government that ran Afghanistan until a traditional national assembly (loya jirga) was held June 11-19, 2002. The loya jirga delegates selected a new government to run Afghanistan for the next two years and approved Hamid Karzai, a Pashtun, to continue as leader for that time. Preparations are proceeding for a loya jirga to approve a new constitution (December 2003) and then national elections for the leadership and a parliament some time in 2004."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-10-07
-
Iraq: U.N. Inspections for Weapons of Mass Destruction [Update, October 7, 2003]
From the Summary: "From late November 2002 to March 2003, U.N. inspectors combed Iraq looking
for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Under the threat of war from the United
States and a unanimous Security Council resolution (1441), Iraq was granted a final opportunity to disarm. Many had low expectations for successful inspections. After 16 weeks, inspectors turned up some evidence of undeclared activities, but not enough to convince a majority of the Security Council members that military force was necessary. Nonetheless, on March 19, 2003, U.S. and British forces attacked Iraq to forcibly eliminate its WMD. This report, which will be updated as events warrant, analyzes the inspections, their outcome, and possible future tasks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2003-10-07
-
India: Chronology of Events [Updated October 7, 2003]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of major events involving India and India-U.S. relations from September 2001. For a review of India-U.S. relations, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB93097, 'India-U.S. Relations'. This report will be updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-10-07
