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Military Transformation: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance [Updated May 31, 2002]
"The Department of Defense (DOD) indicates it is undertaking a major alteration in its capabilities, from a force designed to fight the Soviet Union to one tailored to 21st century adversaries including terrorism. This shift has been prompted by the perception of a changing threat and improved technology, especially information technology. As the military services attempt to increase the agility and versatility of their weapon systems, they also see a need to increase the capabilities of military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) to support the new weapon systems and operating methods against these new threats. To judge whether service activities are likely to help the military 'transform,' the head of DOD's Office of Force Transformation, retired Vice Admiral Arthur Cebrowski (U.S. Navy) has proposed three criteria-whether the proposed capability can communicate and operate easily in conjunction with the other services, whether it helps the military develop new methods of warfighting, and whether it will be useful against a wide range of threats. In addition, ISR activities should, in the aggregate, provide a world-wide perspective of the threat, 'fuse' all types of intelligence into one picture, access extensive details about the enemy, and monitor specific targets for long periods of time."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chizek, Judy G.
2002-05-31
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Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [May 30, 2002]
"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. The September 11th terrorist incidents in the United States, the subsequent anthrax attacks, as well as bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, World Trade Center in 1993, and of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998, have brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront of American public interest. Questions relate to whether U.S. policy and organizational mechanisms are adequate to deal with both state-sponsored or -abetted terrorism and that undertaken by independent groups. Terrorist activities supported by sophisticated planning and logistics as well as possible access to unconventional weaponry raise a host of new issues. Some analysts' long-held belief that a comprehensive review of U.S. counterterrorism policy, organizational structure, and intelligence capabilities is needed has now become a mainstream view."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-; Perl, Raphael
2002-05-30
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AIDS in Africa [Updated May 30, 2002]
"Sub-Saharan Africa has been far more severely affected by AIDS than any other part of the world. The United Nations reports that 28.1 million adults and children are infected with the HIV virus in the region, which has about 10% of the world's population but more than 70% of the worldwide total of infected people. The overall rate of infection among adults in sub-Saharan Africa is about 8.4%; it is 1.2% worldwide. Sixteen countries, mostly in east and southern Africa, have HIV infection rates of more than 10%, and the rate has reached 35.8% in Botswana. An estimated 19.3 million Africans have died of AIDS, including 2.3 million who died in 2001. AIDS has surpassed malaria as the leading cause of death in Africa, and it kills many times more Africans than war. In Africa, HIV is spread primarily by heterosexual contact, and sub- Saharan Africa is the only region where women are infected at a higher rate than men."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2002-05-30
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China's Economic Conditions [Updated May 29, 2002]
"Since the initiation of economic reforms in 1979, China has become one of the world's fastest growing economies. From 1979-2001, China's real GDP [Gross Domestic Product] rose at an average annual rate of 9.4%; real GDP was projected to have risen by 7.3 in 2001. Many economists speculate that China could become the world's largest economy at some point in the near future, provided that the government is able to continue and deepen economic reforms, particularly in regards to its efficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state banking system. Progress in reforming these sectors in recent years has been somewhat mixed. […] Currently, China's short-term economic outlook is unclear. Economic slowdowns in Asia and the United States since the beginning of 2001 have hurt China's export industries, and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States will likely further dampen foreign demand for Chinese products and could reduce the level of planned foreign investment in China. The Chinese government has used public spending in recent years to boost the economy, and it is likely that it will continue to maintain such policies until the global economy begins to recover."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2002-05-29
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China-U.S. Trade Issues [Updated May 29, 2002]
"U.S.-China economic ties have expanded substantially over the past several years; total U.S.-China trade rose from $5 billion in 1980 to $122 billion in 2001; China is now the fourth-largest U.S. trading partner. Yet, U.S.- China commercial relations have been strained by a number of issues, including a surging U.S. trade deficit with China (which totaled $83 billion in 2001), China's restrictive trade and investment practices, and its failure to provide adequate protection for U.S. intellectual property rights (IPR). […] The 107th Congress will likely press the Bush Administration to closely monitor China's compliance with its WTO [World Trade Organization] commitments. A number of issues regarding China's compliance have already arisen. The required annual report by the USTR [U.S. Trade Representative] on China's WTO implementation will likely become the focal point of potential congressional concerns over China's compliance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.
2002-05-29
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US-Japan Economic Ties: Status and Outlook [Updated May 29, 2002]
From the Summary: "In the few years, U.S.-Japan bilateral economic ties had become less tense, although issues over imports of steel from Japan, high Japanese tariffs on rice, and market access in Japan for insurance, glass, and photo film, have caused friction to increase recently. Moreover, differences have arisen over how Japan should deal with its current economic problems that have led to anemic or even negative economic growth since 1991. The United States and Japan work together in multilateral fora, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, a fledgling regional organization. There is a long history of congressional interest in Japan because of Japan's role as a world economic power and an important U.S. ally. Members are concerned about how trade and investment with Japan affects the United States as a whole and their constituencies in particular. These U.S.-Japan ties are frequently the subject of congressional committee oversight hearings."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, William H., 1949-
2002-05-29
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Trade and the Americas [Updated May 24, 2002]
"The Summit of the Americas, held in December 1994, led to ongoing congressional interest in three inter-related trade policy issues. The first involves an invitation extended to Chile to join NAFTA [North American Free Trade Agreement]. The second focuses on preferential tariff treatment for Caribbean and Central American countries. The third concerns movement towards a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), the concept of making the entire hemisphere a free-trade zone. Two other issues that subsequently have emerged involve a request by the Andean countries to extend and expand the Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA), and consideration of a free trade agreement with five Central American countries. Following the Miami Summit, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico invited Chile to enter into negotiations to accede to NAFTA. Envisioned as a first step towards creation of an FTAA, preliminary negotiations started in July 1995. Chile, however, shortly thereafter suspended the negotiations pending renewal of U.S. 'fast-track' negotiating authority. In August 1999, Chile proposed to re-start discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement and negotiations eventually commenced December 6-7, 2000 in Washington. The Bush Administration has continued the negotiations with the hope of reaching an agreement sometime in 2002. A second issue concerns the treatment of the Caribbean and Central American countries that may have been hurt in trade and investment terms as a result of the implementation of NAFTA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ahearn, Raymond J.
2002-05-24
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Saudi Arabia: Current Issues and U.S. Relations [Updated May 24, 2002]
"Saudi Arabia, a monarchy ruled by the 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. […] The United States and Saudi Arabia have long-standing economic and defense ties. Between World War II and 1975, the United States provided a total of $328.4 million in economic and military aid to Saudi Arabia, reducing and ultimately terminating these programs as Saudi oil derived income burgeoned in the 1960s and 1970s. 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, and approximately 5,000 U.S. troops remain in the country. […] Principal issues of bilateral interest include the Saudi position on the Arab-Israeli conflict, security in the post-war Gulf region, arms transfers to Saudi Arabia, Saudi external aid programs, bilateral trade relationships, and Saudi policies involving human rights and democracy. In early 2002, Crown Prince Abdullah proposed a peace initiative based on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories in return for normal relations between Arab states and Israel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2002-05-24
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Nuclear Arms Control: The U.S.-Russian Agenda [Updated May 24, 2002]
"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.
2002-05-24
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Cuba: Issues for the 107th Congress [Updated May 24, 2002]
"There appears to be broad agreement among those concerned with Cuba on the overall objective of U.S. policy toward Cuba--to help bring democracy and respect for human rights to the island. But there have been several schools of thought on how to achieve that objective. Some advocate a policy of keeping maximum pressure on the Cuban government until reforms are enacted, while continuing current U.S. efforts to support the Cuban people. Others argue for an approach, sometimes referred to as constructive engagement, that would lift some U.S. sanctions that they believe are hurting the Cuban people, and move toward engaging Cuba in dialogue. Still others call for a swift normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations by lifting the U.S. embargo. Policy debate in the past several years has focused on whether to maintain U.S. restrictions on food and medical exports as well as on travel to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2002-05-24
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Libya [Updated May 23, 2002]
"The United Nations Security Council passed three resolutions that placed sanctions on Libya until Libya surrendered for trial two men suspected of bombing Pan Am flight 103 in 1988 and French flight UTA 772 in 1989. Libya surrendered the two men on April 5, 1999, and the U.N. suspended the sanctions the same day. U.S. sanctions against Libya remain in place. Libyan-U.S. relations have been plagued by a series of incidents between U.S. and Libyan armed forces, Libyan policies of supporting terrorism, Libya's search for chemical and nuclear weapons, and Libyan meddling in other nations' internal affairs. Al-Qadhafi has proposed bilateral and multilateral unions with his neighbors and several other countries, and envisions himself as carrying on for Egypt's Nasir in unifying the Arab, Islamic, and African worlds. Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi implemented a form of participatory democracy in Libya, where villages elect Peoples' Congresses, which in turn elect Peoples' Congresses for geographic regions and the central government. In addition, there are Peoples' Congresses representing industries or institutions, such as education, medicine, or broadcasting. Despite the presence and apparent activity of the Peoples' Congresses, it is clear that members of the Revolutionary Command Council, created after the 1969 coup, and their cohort continue to exercise great influence, perhaps dictatorial authority, over Libya. Libya's economy depends upon oil; current production is running at 1.4 million barrels per day of high quality crude, most of which is exported to Western Europe."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2002-05-23
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Egypt-United States Relations [May 23, 2002]
"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.
2002-05-23
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Special Operations Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 23, 2002]
From the Summary: "Special Operations Forces (SOF) are elite, specialized military units that can be inserted behind the lines to conduct a variety of operations, many of them clandestine. U.S. and allied SOF units have played a significant role in U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and other countries as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the U.S. military campaign against terrorists. This short report provides background information and issues for Congress on U.S. SOF forces and their role in OEF. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bruner, Edward F.; Bolkcom, Christopher C.; O'Rourke, Ronald
2002-05-23
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Turkey: Issues for U.S. Policy [May 22, 2002]
Turkey has long been considered a strategic U.S. and NATO ally. That it
combines a predominantly Muslim identity with a secular democratic government has added to Turkey's significance to the United States since September 11, 2001. A number of foreign policy issues join U.S. and Turkish interests. In the war
on terrorism, Turkey is playing a major role in Afghanistan, where it will assume command of the international peacekeeping force. Yet, Turkey is reluctant to see the
war expand to Iraq. The United States has been Turkey's main arms source and, after a three-year
hiatus, the United States resumed providing assistance to Turkey after September 11. The amount of aid is expected to increase sharply in view of U.S. support for Turkey's command of peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan. For its part, Turkey
would like U.S.-Turkish trade to get more attention.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2002-05-22
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Russia [Updated May 22, 2002]
"Vladimir Putin, who was catapulted into the Kremlin following Boris Yeltsin's resignation, was elected President on March 26, 2000 by a solid majority that embraced his military campaign in Chechnya. Parties backing Putin did well in the December 1999 Duma election, giving Putin a stable parliamentary majority as well. Putin has moved to strengthen the central government vis-a-vis regional leaders, to bring TV and radio under tighter state control, and to modernize the armed forces. Federal forces have suppressed large-scale military resistance in Chechnya, but face the prospect of prolonged guerilla warfare. The economic upturn that began in 1999 is continuing. The GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and domestic investment are growing after a decade-long decline, inflation is contained, the budget is balanced, and the ruble is stable. Major problems remain: one third of the population live below the official poverty line, foreign investment is very low, crime, corruption, capital flight, and unemployment remain high. Putin appears to seek simultaneously to tighten political control, introduce economic reforms, get major debt forgiveness, and strengthen the military."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Goldman, Stuart D. (Stuart Douglas), 1943-
2002-05-22
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Clean Water Act Issues in the 107th Congress [Updated May 21, 2002]
Key water quality issues that may face
the 107th Congress include: actions to implement
existing provisions of the Clean Water
Act (CWA), whether additional steps are
necessary to achieve overall goals of the Act,
and the appropriate federal role in guiding and
paying for clean water activities. No major
activity occurred during the first session of the
107th Congress, but in the second session,
House and Senate committees have approved
legislation to reauthorize water infrastructure
funding programs (H.R. 3930, S. 1961).
Rather than pursuing comprehensive
reauthorization of the CWA, the 106th Congress
focused on individual programs within
the Act, and a number of narrow bills related
to clean water were enacted. One is intended
to strengthen protection of coastal waters; one
reauthorized several existing CWA programs;
and one authorized grants for wet weather
sewerage projects.
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress
Monitoring data have identified wet
weather discharges to rivers and lakes (including
urban stormwater and sewer overflows)
as a serious threat to water quality.
Clean water programs are now focusing on
solving these wet weather pollution problems.
At issue is whether and how to specify wet
weather programs in the Act and how to pay
for related pollution control projects.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copeland, Claudia
2002-05-21
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U.S.-European Union Trade Relations: Issues and Policy Challenges [Updated December 16, 2002]
"The United States and European Union (EU) share a huge and mutually beneficial economic partnership. Not only is the U.S.-EU trade and investment relationship the largest in the world, it is arguably the most important. Agreement between the two economic superpowers has been critical to making the world trading system more open and efficient. [...] The major U.S.-EU trade and investment policy challenges can be grouped into six categories: (1) avoiding a 'big ticket' trade dispute associated with tax breaks for U.S. exporters; (2) resolving longstanding trade disputes involving protection for domestic producers of airplanes and steel; (3) dealing with different public concerns over new technologies and new industries (4) fostering a receptive climate for mergers and acquisitions; (5) strengthening the multilateral trading system; and (6) reaching understandings on foreign policy sanctions that have a trade impact."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ahearn, Raymond J.
2002-05-21
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U.S.-European Union Trade Relations: Issues and Policy Challenges [Updated May 21, 2002]
"The United States and European Union (EU) share a huge and mutually beneficial economic partnership. Not only is the U.S.-EU trade and investment relationship the largest in the world, it is arguably the most important. Agreement between the two economic superpowers has been critical to making the world trading system more open and efficient. [...] The major U.S.-EU trade and investment policy challenges can be grouped into six categories: (1) avoiding a 'big ticket' trade dispute associated with tax breaks for U.S. exporters; (2) resolving longstanding trade disputes involving protection for domestic producers of airplanes and steel; (3) dealing with different public concerns over new technologies and new industries (4) fostering a receptive climate for mergers and acquisitions; (5) strengthening the multilateral trading system; and (6) reaching understandings on foreign policy sanctions that have a trade impact."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ahearn, Raymond J.
2002-05-21
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Fair Use on the Internet [May 21, 2002]
The advent and spread of Internet technologies pose new challenges to Congress and the courts in maintaining a balance between the free-flow of information over the Internet while still protecting intellectual property rights. The unauthorized use of copyrighted material constitutes an infringement of these rights, unless the use is excused by a statutory exception. In assessing whether a use of a copyrighted work is a "fair use," courts weigh four statutory factors -- (1) the purpose and character of the use, (2) the nature of the copyrighted work, (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Christopher A.
2002-05-21
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Internet Privacy: Overview and Pending Legislation [Updated May 21, 2002]
"Internet privacy issues encompass concerns about the collection of personally identifiable information (PII) from visitors to Web sites, as well as debate over law enforcement or employer monitoring of electronic mail and Web usage. In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, debate over the issue of law enforcement monitoring has intensified, with some advocating increased tools for law enforcement to track down terrorists, and others cautioning that fundamental tenets of democracy, such as privacy, not be endangered in that pursuit. The Department of Justice authorization bill (H.R. 2215) requires the Justice Department to report to Congress on its use of Internet monitoring software such as Carnivore/DCS 1000, but Congress also passed the USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107- 56) that, 'inter alia', makes it easier for law enforcement to monitor Internet activities. The parallel debate over Web site information policies concerns whether industry self regulation or legislation is the best approach to protecting consumer privacy. This report provides a brief overview of Internet privacy issues and tracks pending legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Smith, Marcia S.
2002-05-21
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China's Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Current Policy Issues [Updated May 21, 2002]
"Congress has long been concerned about challenges to U.S. security posed by 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, like Iran, North Korea, and Libya. Policy issues have concerned summits, sanctions, and satellite exports. […] Nonetheless, as the Director of Central Intelligence reports, the PRC remains a 'key supplier' of technology inconsistent with nonproliferation goals -- particularly missile or chemical technology transfers. China has aggravated trends that result in more ambiguous technical assistance, more indigenous capabilities, longer range missiles, and secondary (retransferred) proliferation. […] Successive Administrations have pursued a policy of 'engagement' with Beijing, while some have argued that the policy needs a tougher approach to advance non-proliferation interests. In 1998, President Clinton issued certifications to implement the 1985 Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. The Clinton Administration encouraged the PRC to join the MTCR [Missile Technology Control Regime] and proposed to allow more PRC satellite launches. In November 2000, the State Department agreed to waive sanctions and consider new satellite exports in return for a missile non-proliferation pledge from China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2002-05-21
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Israel: U.S. Foreign Assistance [May 21, 2002]
"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 ten year period beginning in the year 2000. The FY1999, 2000, and 2001 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.
2002-05-21
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Israeli-United States Relations [May 21, 2002]
"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.
2002-05-21
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U.S.-EU Trade Tensions: Causes, Consequences, and Possible Cures [May 21, 2002]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) share a large and mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. Given a huge volume of commercial interactions, trade tensions and disputes are not unexpected. While trade tensions in the past have tended to ebb and flow, some observers believe that this year's threat of a trade war is more serious than before. A dispute over steel trade is the proximate cause of rising trade tensions, but other high-profile disputes involving tax breaks for U.S. exporters and the treatment of genetically-engineered (GE) products lurk in the background. The steel dispute is characterized by feelings on both sides of the Atlantic that the other side has taken actions that are unreasonable and inconsistent with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Moreover, both Washington and Brussels have played hardball in crafting retaliation lists aimed at influencing each other's domestic political process. While fears of an all-out trade war are likely exaggerated, the trade disputes may impede U.S.-EU cooperation in other areas. A number of ways have been suggested to diffuse current trade tensions including greater reliance on compensation as opposed to retaliation and greater emphasis on diplomatic as opposed to legalistic solutions to disputes. While potentially helpful, the fact that some of these high-profile disputes have been unresolved for decades suggests the difficulty of finding permanent solutions. Congress has a strong interest in these disputes and plays a significant legislative role, particularly on the export subsidy issue. This report will be updated as events warrant." -- Summary
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ahearn, Raymond J.
2002-05-21
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Palestinians and Middle East Peace: Issues for the United States [Updated May 20, 2002]
"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 600 Palestinians and 150 Israelis have died in the continuing confrontation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2002-05-20
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Former Soviet Union and U.S. Foreign Assistance [May 20, 2002]
"Seeking to encourage a transition to democracy and free market economics in the states of the former Soviet Union (FSU), the United States, since December 1991, has offered roughly $8.2 billion in grants for economic and technical assistance to the region. Most of the grant assistance has been provided through the Agency for International Development (USAID). In addition, $4.8 billion has been provided in food aid through the Department of Agriculture, and $2.9 billion by the Department of Defense for nonproliferation purposes. The United States has also subsidized guarantees for more than $12 billion in credits from the Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Department of Agriculture. In its FY2003 budget request, the Administration proposed funding the former Soviet Union account at $755 million, a decrease of $29 million, or 4%, from the FY2002 appropriated level of $784. Whether, how much, under what conditions, and to whom in the successor entities of the Soviet Union assistance might be given remain matters of ongoing debate in Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2002-05-20
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Homeland Security Office: Issues and Options [May 20, 2002]
"President George W. Bush created the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) within the Executive Office of the President after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as a federal focal point for coordinating domestic efforts against terrorism. [...] Such a high-level unit, it was hoped, could bring direction and coherence to federal homeland security-related activities that were spread among more than 40 different departments and agencies. Yet OHS has been controversial almost since its inception. Despite some high-profile results such as highlighting priorities in the President's FY2003 budget and negotiating a border security accord with Canada, OHS remains very much an organizational work in progress-one seeking to carve out a unique identity and mission. [...] Proposals have been introduced in Congress, in the Administration and in various think tanks for reorganizing OHS, reshaping its mandate, or replacing it with an entirely new federal agency. Whether the Office will continue to exist in its present form is by no means assured; ultimately, its future character may well be influenced less by its ability to coordinate the federal terrorism response than by its ability to create a new dialogue on anti-terrorism coordination between federal authorities and their state and local counterparts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lee, Rensselaer W., 1937-
2002-05-20
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Afghanistan: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated May 20, 2002]
"Although the Northern Alliance has emerged as the dominant force in [Afghanistan], 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 will run Afghanistan until a traditional national assembly ('loya jirga') takes place during June 10-16, 2002. The interim government, which took office on December 22, 2001, is chaired by a Pashtun leader, Hamid Karzai. The Northern Alliance holds 17 out of the 30 cabinet positions, including the three key posts responsible for foreign policy, defense, and internal security. As the war against remaining Al Qaeda and Taliban elements continues, the United States is working to stabilize the interim government, arrange humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, expand a new Afghan national army, and support the international security force (ISAF) that is helping the new government provide security. The United States has reopened its embassy in Kabul and allowed the interim Afghan administration to reopen Afghanistan's embassy in Washington."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-05-20
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Afghanistan's Path to Reconstruction: Obstacles, Challenges, and Issues for Congress [Updated May 17, 2002]
For the past 22 years, Afghanistan has been embroiled in conflict. Humanitarian assistance programs have been a key part of the overall multilateral effort to relieve human suffering and assist refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In the post-September 11 environment, while actions are being taken to eliminate Taliban and Al Qaeda forces and others supporting terrorism, the needs have only become more urgent. The case of Afghanistan may present a special category of crisis, in which the United States and others play a significant role in the war on terrorism while simultaneously providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. It is anticipated that Congress will examine the early progress of reconstruction efforts, aid priorities, and the long-term role to be played by the United States.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda
2002-05-17
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China-U.S. Relations [Updated May 17, 2002]
"In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, U.S. and PRC [People's Republic of China] foreign policy calculations appear to be changing. The Administration of George W. Bush assumed office in January 2001 viewing China as a U.S. 'strategic competitor.' Administration officials faced an early test in April 2001 when a Chinese jet collided with a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea, resulting in strained relations and PRC accusations that U.S. reconnaissance activities were unfriendly acts. Since September 11, though, U.S. officials have come to see Beijing as an important potential ally in the fight against global terrorism, while PRC officials see the anti-terrorism campaign as a chance to improve relations with Washington and perhaps gain policy concessions on issues important to Beijing. U.S. anti-terror priorities have led some to suggest that cooperation against terrorism could serve as a new strategic framework for Sino-U.S. relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dumbaugh, Kerry
2002-05-17
