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China and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Policy Issues [Updated April 5, 2005]
From the Summary: "Congress has long been concerned about whether U.S. policy advances the U.S. interest in reducing the role of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missiles that could deliver them. Recipients of China's technology include Pakistan and countries that the State Department says support terrorism, such as Iran, North Korea, and Libya. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report discusses the national security problem of China's role in weapons proliferation and issues related to the U.S. policy response, including legislation, since the mid-1990s. A table summarizes the U.S. sanctions imposed on PRC entities for weapons proliferation. This CRS Report will be updated as warranted. Since 1991, China has taken some steps to mollify concerns about its role in weapons proliferation. Nonetheless, supplies from China have aggravated trends that result in ambiguous technical aid, more indigenous capabilities, longer range missiles, and secondary (retransferred) proliferation. As the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) has reported, China remains a 'key supplier' of weapons technology -- particularly missile or chemical technology."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2003-04-05
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War On Drugs: Legislation in the 108th Congress and Related Developments [Updated April 4, 2003]
"In recent years, Congress has taken an increasingly punitive stance toward drug addicts and casual users alike. A different approach has been taken by certain countries in Europe and elsewhere that are experimenting with less restrictive policies such as decriminalization and 'harm reduction' programs. The 108th Congress will receive strong encouragement from the Executive Branch to continue on its current path. [...] Other drug control issues likely to be taken up in the first session include: the drug control budget for FY2004; nomination of a new administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to the confirmation of the current administrator as Under-Secretary in the new Department of Homeland Security; and further measures to control the use of MDMA (Ecstasy) and other so-called 'club drugs.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Eddy, Mark
2003-04-04
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Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated April 4, 2003]
"Major 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 distance and discord was transformed by the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a key ally in U.S.-led anti-terrorism efforts. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Pakistan for its ongoing cooperation, although there exist renewed doubts about Islamabad' s commitment to core U.S. concerns in the region. A potential Pakistan-India nuclear arms race continues to be the focus of U.S. nonproliferation efforts in South Asia. Attention to this issue intensified following nuclear tests by both countries in May 1998. South Asia is viewed by many analysts as an arena for the possible use of such weapons, as both countries have deployed nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and institutionalized nuclear command structures. India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars since 1947."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-04-04
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Senate Confirmation Process: An Overview [Updated April 4, 2003]
"The role of the Senate in the confirmation process is defined in the Constitution. Article II, Section 2 provides that the President 'shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint high government officials.' All positions requiring confirmation are set by statute. Senate Rule XXXI regulates proceedings on nominations in executive sessions ('executive' in this case refers to executive business, not to a closed or secret session). Each Senate committee may adopt its own procedures as long as they do not conflict with Senate rules. For more information on legislative process, see [http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml]. The Senate gives its advice and consent to presidential appointments to the Supreme Court and to high-level positions in the Cabinet departments and independent agencies. The Senate also confirms appointments of members of regulatory commissions, ambassadors, federal judges, U.S. attorneys, and U.S. marshals. There are over 2,000 of these appointments. Appointees named to be Cabinet secretaries and Supreme Court justices receive the Senate's closest scrutiny due to the significance of these positions. About 99% of all presidential appointments are approved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tong, Lorraine H.
2003-04-04
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Executive Branch Reorganization and Management Initiatives [Updated April 4, 2003]
This issue brief views reorganization and management as involving the alteration of the administrative structure and operations of the executive branch for reasons of efficiency, economy, and effectiveness.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2003-04-04
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Israeli-United States Relations [Updated April 4, 2003]
From the Summary: "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.
2003-04-04
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Central Asia's Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated April 3, 2003]
"The Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) face common security challenges from crime, corruption, terrorism, and faltering commitments to economic and democratic reforms. Security in the region is likely in the near term to vary by country, since cooperation among them remains halting. Kyrgyzstan's and Tajikistan's futures are most clouded by ethnic and regional tensions, and corruption in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan could spoil benefits from the development of their ample energy resources. Kyrgyzstan's emerging civil society may help the relatively small nation to safeguard its independence, and Turkmenistan's ethnic homogeneity and ample energy resources could put it in good stead, but both contain fractious regions and clans. Uzbekistan is the most likely to become a regional power able to take the lead on policy issues common to Central Asia and to resist undue influence from more powerful outside powers, because of its large territory and population (57 million) and energy and other resources. However, tensions between Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states stymy regional cooperation. Internal political developments in several bordering or close-by states may have a large impact on Central Asian security. These developments include a possibly more authoritarian and globalist Russia, ethnic and political instability in China, political liberalization in Iran, or re-surging drug production and Islamic extremism in Afghanistan."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2003-04-03
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Saudi Arabia: Current Issues and U.S. Relations [Updated April 3, 2003]
"Saudi dynasty, enjoys special importance in the international community because of its unique association with the Islamic religion and its oil wealth. Since the establishment of the modern Saudi kingdom in 1932, it has benefitted from a stable political system based on a smooth process of succession to the throne and an increasingly prosperous economy dominated by the oil sector. Decrees by King Fahd in March 1992 establishing an appointive consultative council and provincial councils and promulgating a basic law providing for certain citizens' rights could signal a gradual trend toward a more open political system. In January 2003, Crown Prince Abdullah (who has effectively headed the government during the illness of King Fahd) proposed an 'Arab Charter' advocating internal reforms, increased political participation, and regional economic integration. The United States and Saudi Arabia have long-standing economic and defense ties. A series of informal agreements, statements by successive U.S. administrations, and military deployments have demonstrated a strong U.S. security commitment to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was a key member of the allied coalition that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991. Saudi Arabia continues to host U.S. aircraft enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq; however, Saudi Arabia has not offered the use of its territory for major air strikes against Iraq in response to Iraqi obstruction of U.N. weapons inspections in recent years. […] U.S. officials have cited Saudi support in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, including intelligence sharing, law enforcement activities, and tracking of terrorist financing. Some commentators maintain that Saudi domestic and foreign policies have created a climate that may have contributed to terrorist acts by Islamic radicals. Saudi officials reject this viewpoint and maintain that they are working with the United States to combat terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2003-04-03
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Palestinians and Middle East Peace: Issues for the United States [Updated April 2, 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. Some 1,493 Palestinians and 585 Israelis have died in the continuing confrontation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-04-02
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'Sensitive But Unclassified' and Other Federal Security Controls on Scientific and Technical Information: History and Current Controversy [Updated April 2, 2003]
The U.S. Government has always protected scientific and technical information that might compromise national security. Since the 2001 terrorist attacks, the government has widened controls on access to information and scientific components that could threaten national security. The policy challenge is to balance science and security without compromising national security, scientific progress, and constitutional and statutory protections. This report summarizes (1) provisions of the Patent Law; Atomic Energy Act; International Traffic in Arms Control regulations; the USA PATRIOT Act, P.L. 107- 56; the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, P.L. 107-188; and the Homeland Security Act, P.L. 107-296, that permit governmental restrictions on either privately generated or federally owned scientific and technical information that could harm national security; (2) evolution of federal definitions for "sensitive but unclassified" (SBU) information; (3) controversies about White House policy directives on federal SBU and "Sensitive Homeland Security Information" (SHSI); and (4) policy options.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Knezo, Genevieve Johanna
2003-04-02
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Egypt-United States Relations [April 2, 2003]
"U.S.-Egyptian relations are tied to maintaining regional stability, improving bilateral relations focused on Egyptian economic development and military cooperation, developing Egypt's democracy, sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, and continuing U.S. foreign assistance to Egypt. Experience gained from Egyptian-U.S. joint military exercises proved valuable in easing coordination during the February 1991 Desert Storm operation reversing Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. Egypt is a leader and moderating influence among many Arab, African, Islamic, and Third World states. Among the current issues in U.S.-Egyptian relations are the shared concerns over the terrorist attacks against Egyptian police, religious, government, and tourist facilities, and what those attacks may signal for Egypt's domestic stability. The two nations may disagree over Egypt's interpretation of applying human rights practices to Islamic terrorists. 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 determination to introduce democratic reforms to Egypt. 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 $655 million in economic grants and $1.3 billion in military grants for FY2002 for Egypt."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-04-02
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Steel: Legislative and Oversight Issues [Updated April 2, 2003]
"The U.S. steel industry has faced increasing difficulties since the late 1990s. More than 30 U.S. steel producers have gone into bankruptcy and many workers have lost their jobs. Many retirees have lost company-funded health care benefits, while their pensions are being taken over by the federally chartered Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. The condition of the industry is discussed in detail in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31748, The American Steel Industry: A Changing Profile. U.S. policymakers responded with a variety of measures. The House of Representatives in 1999 approved a bill that would have required the President to roll back imports. The Clinton Administration reacted with expedited enforcement of U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) laws, as well as Section 201 import safeguard measures on wire rod and line pipe products, which expired as of March 1, 2003. The 106th Congress approved and President Clinton signed a law to establish a steel loan guarantee program (P .L. 106-51), and to distribute to petitioners duties collected from AD/CVD cases, (known as the Byrd Amendment to the Agriculture appropriations bill, P.L. 106-387). These measures did not prevent a new downturn in the domestic steel industry. Moreover, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has found that the Byrd Amendment violates its rules. The Bush Administration in its FY2004 budget request proposed elimination of both programs, butbothcontinuetooperate. On March 26, 2003, the Emergency Steel Loan Board approved a $250 million loan guarantee for Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooney, Stephen
2003-04-02
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Nepal: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated April 1, 2003]
"A landlocked Himalayan kingdom between India and China, Nepal ranks among
the world's poorest countries. In 1990, following a democratization movement, the country became a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch.
Although this led to a process of economic restructuring and market liberalization, more than a decade of political instability and nearly seven years of increasingly dire internal security challenges have seriously hampered Nepal's economic growth and reform efforts. After several years of relatively robust growth, the economy is reported to have contracted in the fiscal year ending July 2002."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-04-01
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Iraq: Recent Developments in Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance [April 1, 2003]
"Large-scale humanitarian and reconstruction assistance programs are expected
to be undertaken by the United States during and following the war in Iraq. This
report describes recent developments in this assistance effort. Given the rapidly evolving situation concerning these aid programs, some of these reported
developments are based on press accounts. The report will be updated as events
warrant. For detailed discussion on possible humanitarian and reconstruction aid, see CRS Report RL31814, "Humanitarian Issues in Post-War Iraq: An Overview for Congress" and CRS Report RS21454, "Iraq: Potential Post-War Foreign Aid Issues". For discussion of other aspects of the war, see CRS Report RL31339, 'Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts, the Iraqi Opposition, and Post-War Iraq'."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Tarnoff, Curt
2003-04-01
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Export Administration Act: Evolution, Provisions, and Debate [April 1, 2003]
"The 108th Congress may consider legislation to rewrite or to reauthorize the Export Administration Act (EAA). H.R. 55 was introduced on January 7, 2003. Through the EAA, Congress delegates to the executive branch its express constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce. The EAA provides the statutory authority for export controls on sensitive dual-use goods and technologies: items that have both civilian and military applications, including those items that can contribute to the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weaponry... EAA confers upon the President the power to control exports for national security, foreign policy or short supply purposes. It also authorizes the President to establish export licensing mechanisms for items detailed on the Commerce Control List (CCL), and it provides some guidance and places certain limits on that authority...In debates on export administration legislation, parties often fall into two camps: those who primarily want to liberalize controls in order to promote exports, and those who believe that liberalization may compromise national security goals. While it is widely agreed that exports of some goods and technologies can adversely affect U.S. national security and foreign policy, some believe that current export controls can be detrimental to U.S. businesses and to the U.S. economy...Others believe that security concerns must be paramount in the U.S. export control system and that export controls can be an effective method to thwart proliferators, terrorist states, and countries that can threaten U.S. national security interests. Controversies have arisen with regard to particular exports such as high performance computers, encryption technology, stealth materials, satellites, machine tools, "hot-section" aerospace technology, and the issue of "deemed exports."" - Excepts from Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.
2003-04-01
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Central Asia's New States: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [April 1, 2003]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics and established diplomatic relations with each by mid-March 1992. The United States also supported their admission to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support in countering Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union, and approved the Freedom Support Act and other legislation for this purpose. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. After 9/11, the United States boosted its security assistance throughout the region for anti-terrorism, counter-narcotics, non-proliferation, border and customs, and defense cooperation programs, while also increasing aid for democratization and free market reforms. U.S. policy goals in Central Asia include fostering stability, democratization, free market economies, free trade and transport throughout the Eurasian corridor, denuclearization in the non-Russian states, and adherence to international human rights standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2003-04-01
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Israel: U.S. Foreign Assistance [April 1, 2003]
"Israel is not economically self-sufficient, and relies on foreign assistance and borrowing to maintain its economy. Since 1985, the United States has provided $3 billion in grants annually to Israel. Since 1976, Israel has been the largest annual recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, and is the largest cumulative recipient since World War II. In addition to U.S. assistance, it is estimated that Israel receives about $1 billion annually through philanthropy, an equal amount through short- and long- term commercial loans, and around $1 billion in Israel Bonds proceeds. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told a joint session of Congress on July 10, 1996, that Israel would reduce its need for U.S. aid over the next four years. In January 1998, Finance Minister Neeman proposed eliminating the $1.2 billion economic aid and increasing the $1.8 billion in military aid by $60 million per year during a 10-year period beginning in the year 2000. The FY1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002 appropriations bills included cuts of $120 million in economic aid and an increases of $60 million in military aid for each year."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2003-04-01
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Afghanistan: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated April 1, 2003]
"Afghanistan is stabilizing 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 movement 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. and Afghan opposition military campaign. […] There are some indications that Afghanistan's different ethnic and political factions are working together at the national level, although each faction exerts substantial influence in its home region. Although the minority coalition Northern Alliance emerged from the war as the dominant force in the country, the United States and United Nations mediators persuaded the Alliance to share power with Pashtun representatives in a broad-based interim government. On December 5, 2001, major Afghan factions, meeting under U.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 18 months and approved Hamid Karzai, a Pashtun, to continue as leader for that time, but the assembly adjourned without establishing a new parliament. Karzai is said to be highly popular throughout Afghanistan, including among non-Pashtuns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-04-01
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Iraq: Divergent Views on Military Action [Updated March 31, 2003]
Officials of the Bush Administration believe military action against Iraq may be necessary to eliminate threats posed by the Iraqi regime to the U.S. and international communities. In October 2002, Congress passed a joint resolution (H.J.Res. 114) giving the President authority to use force if necessary to eliminate threats posed by Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Some Members of Congress, commentators, and analysts question the Administration's rationale for military action or favor delaying it to allow U.N. weapons inspectors more time to complete their findings in Iraq. This report summarizes arguments advanced by the Administration and by critics of the Administration's position. It will be updated as the situation continues to develop. For further reading, see CRS Report RL31339, Iraq: U.S. Efforts to Change the Regime, by Kenneth Katzman. Also, CRS Report RL31756, Iraq: The Debate Over U.S. Policy, by Richard
P. Cronin, provides further background on the policy debate through February 2003.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2003-03-31
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Iraq: U.S. Military Operations [Updated March 31, 2003]
"Iraq's chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons programs, together with Iraqi long-range missile development and support for terrorism, are the primary justifications put forward for military action. On March 17, 2003 President Bush issued an ultimatum demanding that Saddam Hussein and his sons depart from Iraq within 48 hours. On March 19, offensive operations began with air strikes against Iraqi leadership positions. Offensive operations combine an air offensive with advancing elements of four armored, mechanized, airborne, and Marine divisions. It is a smaller force than the 1991 Desert Storm operation, reflecting an assessment that Iraqi armed forces are neither as numerous nor as capable as they were ten years ago, and that U.S. forces are significantly more capable. This size force was generally considered to offer greater certainty than lighter ground force options for a rapid victory against significant Iraqi resistance. As the U.S. ground offensive approaches Baghdad, DOD civilian leadership has come under criticism for not permitting the deployment of sufficient U.S. ground forces to maintain the offensive, protect lines of supply, and secure rear areas where Iraqi resistance continues. U.S. Central Command maintains that offensive operations are 'on track', but have begun to acknowledge that Iraqi resistance is stronger than anticipated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bowman, Steve
2003-03-31
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Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: An Overview of the Statutory Framework and Recent Judicial Decisions [Updated March 31, 2003]
"The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., as passed in 1978, provided a statutory framework for the use of electronic surveillance in the context of foreign intelligence gathering. In so doing, the Congress sought to strike a delicate balance between national security interests and personal privacy rights. Subsequent legislation expanded federal laws dealing with foreign intelligence gathering to address physical searches, pen registers and trap and trace devices, and access to certain business records. The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001, P.L. 107-56, made significant changes to some of these provisions. Further amendments were included in the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, P.L. 107-108, and the Homeland Security Act of 2002, P.L. 107-296."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazan, Elizabeth B.
2003-03-31
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Afghanistan: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated March 31, 2003]
"Afghanistan is stabilizing 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 movement 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. and Afghan opposition military campaign. The defeat of the Taliban enabled the United States and its coalition partners to send forces throughout Afghanistan to search for Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters and leaders that remain at large, including Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. Since the fall of the Taliban, Afghan citizens are enjoying new personal freedoms that were forbidden under the Taliban, about 2 million Afghan refugees have returned, and women have returned to schools, the workforce, and participation in politics. […] There are some indications that Afghanistan's different ethnic and political factions are working together at the national level, although each faction exerts substantial influence in its home region. […] On December 5, 2001, major Afghan factions, meeting under U.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 18 months and approved Hamid Karzai, a Pashtun, to continue as leader for that time, but the assembly adjourned without establishing a new parliament. Karzai is said to be highly popular throughout Afghanistan, including among non-Pashtuns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2003-03-31
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Multilateral Development Banks: Issues for the 108th Congress [Updated March 29, 2003]
From the Summary: "The U.S. is a member of five multilateral development banks (MDBs): the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), African Development Bank (AFDB), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). It also belongs to two related organizations, the North American Development Bank (NADB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). [...] In the World Bank and most regional MDBs, the U.S., European Union, and Japan control over half of the vote. U.S. participation in the MDBs is managed by the Treasury Department. Congress has substantial influence over the direction and focus of U.S. policy. [...] The MDBs have taken several initiatives to help middle- and low-income countries deal with their foreign debt problems. The MDBs have traditionally made poverty alleviation their first priority goal, though some critics say they should target more of their aid for direct poverty alleviation programs and for encouraging private sector growth. The IMF and MDBs have also increased substantially their transparency and the amount of information they provide to the public on their operations. Many believe this will make them more effective. Critics say that more data should be available. Some borrowers believe they are being forced to reveal too much. Countries may bar the MDBs from releasing information about themselves."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sanford, Jonathan E.
2003-03-29
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NATO Enlargement [Updated March 28, 2003]
"This report provides a brief summary of the last round of NATO enlargement, then analyzes recent events. The report analyzes the key military and political issues that affect the current debate over seven prospective members named at NATO's Prague summit. It then provides an overview of the positions of the allies and of Russia on enlargement, citing the important potential effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, on the United States. It concludes with a discussion of recent legislation on enlargement. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gallis, Paul E.
2003-03-28
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Iraq: U.N. Inspections for Weapons of Mass Destruction [Updated March 28, 2003]
"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.
2003-03-28
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Terrorist Motivations for Chemical and Biological Weapons Use: Placing the Threat in Context [March 28, 2003]
This report presents the arguments for and against future non-state terrorist acquisition and/or use of CBW weapons against the United States, as well as a brief discussion of issues for congress concerning how best to counter the threat. There is widespread belief that the likelihood of terrorist use of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) is increasing, in part as a result of publicized new evidence of terrorist interest and capabilities, as well as the political fall-out from the war in Iraq. This is a serious present concern that deserves examination in the broader framework provided by the patterns, motivations and historical context for the current terrorist threat. Although it can have a powerful psychological impact, past CBW use by terrorists has been rare and has not caused a large number of casualties, especially compared to other weapons. Terrorist attacks are deliberately designed to surprise, so no trend analysis will ever perfectly predict them, especially in the contemporary international climate.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cronin, Audrey Kurth, 1958-
2003-03-28
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Pakistan-U.S. Anti-Terrorism Cooperation [Updated March 28, 2003]
"Pakistan is a key front-line ally in the U.S.-led anti-terrorism coalition. After September 2001, Pakistani President Musharraf ended his government's ties with the Taliban regime of Afghanistan and has since cooperated with and contributed to U.S. efforts to track and capture remnants of Al Qaeda and Taliban forces that have sought refuge inside Pakistani territory. Pakistan's cooperation has been called "crucial" to past and ongoing U.S. successes in the region, but there is growing concern that the bilateral relationship is fragile and may be undermined by potentially disruptive developments in the areas of weapons proliferation, democracy-building, and Pakistan-India relations. This report reviews the status of Pakistan-U.S. anti-terrorism cooperation in the areas of law enforcement, intelligence, and military operations. U.S. arms transfers to and security cooperation with Pakistan are also discussed. A following section addresses the major domestic repercussions of Pakistan-U.S. counterterrorism efforts, the ways in which such efforts are perceived by newly-empowered Pakistan Islamists and their followers, and the possible effects these dynamics may have on future Pakistan-U.S. cooperation in this realm. The final section assesses the overall status of Pakistan-U.S. anti-terrorism cooperation and key points of U.S. concern. Broader discussion of bilateral relations and relevant legislation is found in IB94041, Pakistan-U.S. Relations. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-03-28
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Thailand-U.S. Economic Relations: An Overview [March 28, 2003]
Thailand is a key U.S. ally in the international war against terrorism and efforts to
counter illegal narcotics traffic and is an important U.S. economic partner in Southeast
Asia. Thailand continues to rebuild its economy after the debilitating effects of the Asian
Financial Crisis which hit the country in 1997. International trade and investment
continues to play a major role in the Thai economy, and policymakers there are
attempting to develop strategies to boost Thailand's international competitiveness. This report will be revised as events warrant.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2003-03-28
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Pakistan's Domestic Political Developments: Issues for Congress [Updated March 27, 2003]
"In October 2002, Pakistan held its first national elections since 1997, thus fulfilling in a limited fashion President Pervez Musharraf's promise to restore the National Assembly that was dissolved in the wake of his extra-constitutional seizure of power in October 1999. Opposition parties contesting the elections -- along with rights groups and European Union observers -- complained that the exercise was 'deeply flawed.' No party won a majority of parliamentary seats, though a pro-military alliance won a plurality while a coalition of Islamist parties made a surprisingly strong showing. Musharraf supporter M.Z. Jamali is Pakistan's new prime minister and has thus far maintained Musharraf's foreign and economic policies. Debate continues over Musharraf's August 2002 changes to the country's constitution, many of which greatly augment his already considerable powers and institutionalize a permanent governance role for the military. The 1999 coup triggered restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, restrictions waived in October 2001 and again in March 2003 by President Bush. Secretary of State Powell has indicated that the Administration will seek waiver authority for upcoming years. In response to continued perceived anti-democratic practices in Islamabad, there is legislation in the 108th Congress aimed at restoring aid restrictions through the removal of the U.S. President's waiver authority (H.R. 1403). This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2003-03-27
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Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping [Updated March 27, 2003]
"This report provides an overview of federal law governing wiretapping and
electronic eavesdropping. It also surveys state law in the area and contains a
bibliography of legal commentary....This report includes a discussion of related USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107-56, H.R. 3162; 2001) amendments. In addition to the Patriot Act modifications, it reflects changes contained in the legislation establishing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296, H.R. 5005), and in the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (P.L. 107-273, H.R. 2215; 2002)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Doyle, Charles; Stevens, Gina Marie
2003-03-27
