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Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response [August 10, 2017]
"After six years of conflict, the challenges posed to U.S. national security by the situation in Syria have multiplied and evolved. Initial unrest and the Syrian government's violent response fueled U.S. concerns about Syria's stability and civilian protection in the midst of the 2011 'Arab Spring.' The country's descent into brutal war created a multifaceted regional crisis, marked by the mass displacement of civilians, the emergence and empowerment of violent armed Islamist extremist groups, gross human rights abuses and war crimes, the use of chemical weapons, the proliferation of arms, and the covert and overt intervention of outside actors. Over time, U.S. policymakers have appeared to feel both compelled to respond to these interlocking crises and cautious in considering potentially risky options for doing so, such as the commitment of military forces or the provision of lethal assistance to combatants. The Obama Administration supported various partner forces in Syria, while calling for Asad's ouster through a negotiated transition."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2017-08-10
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Libya: Transition and U.S. Policy [October 2, 2017]
"Libya's political transition has been disrupted by armed nonstate groups and threatened by the indecision and infighting of interim leaders. After an armed uprising ended the 40-plus-year rule of Muammar al Qadhafi in late 2011, interim authorities proved unable to form a stable government, address pressing security issues, reshape the country's public finances, or create a viable framework for post-conflict justice and reconciliation. Elections for legislative bodies and a constitutional drafting assembly were held and transparently administered in 2012 and 2014, but were marred by declining rates of participation, threats to candidates and voters, and zero-sum political competition. Insecurity remained prevalent in Libya following the 2011 conflict and deepened in 2014, driven by overlapping ideological, personal, financial, and transnational rivalries. Issues of dispute have included governance, military command, national finances, and control of oil infrastructure. Resulting conflicts involving Libyans in different parts of the country drove the political transition off course. At present, armed militia groups and locally organized political leaders remain the most powerful arbiters of public affairs. Criminals and violent Islamist extremists have exploited these conditions, and the latter remain active inside Libya and threaten Libya's neighbors. The 2017 U.S. AFRICOM Posture Statement states that 'the instability in Libya and North Africa may be the most significant, near-term threat to U.S. and allies' interests' in Africa."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2017-10-02
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Kurds in Iraq Propose Controversial Referendum on Independence [September 18, 2017]
From the Document: "The question of self-determination for the Kurds of Iraq and neighboring countries has remained unresolved since the delineation of national borders in the Middle East in the wake of World War I. U.S. intervention in Iraq since the 1990s has contributed to the emergence and protection of autonomous political institutions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and the development of the region's economy and security forces. At the same time, tensions between Kurds in Iraq and Iraq's national government have complicated U.S. efforts to assist Iraqis in securing and stabilizing their country. Successive U.S. Administrations have used diplomacy and military partnership initiatives to lower the risk of conflict between Kurds and other Iraqis, with mixed results. Recent U.S. partnerships with Kurds in Iraq in efforts to combat the Islamic State have further enmeshed the United States in the question of Kurdish security and relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Baghdad. Kurds and other Iraqis differ among themselves over the desirability and feasibility of Kurdish independence, and Iraq's neighbors warily monitor related developments and the aspirations of their own Kurdish citizens."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2017-09-18
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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2019 [Updated February 1, 2019]
"This product provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen. Summary tables provide information on legislative proposals considered in the 115th and 116th Congresses. Various legislative proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities, including with regard to [1] the authorization of the activities of the U.S. Armed Forces related to the conflict; [2] the extent of U.S. logistical, material, advisory, and intelligence support for the coalition led by Saudi Arabia; [3] the approval, disapproval, or conditioning of U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia; [4] the appropriation of funds for U.S. operations in support of the Saudi-led coalition; [5] the conduct of the Saudi-led coalition's air campaign and its adherence to international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict; [6] the demand for greater humanitarian access to Yemen; [7] the call for a wider government assessment of U.S. policy toward Yemen and U.S. support to parties to the conflict; [8] the nature and extent of U.S.-Saudi counterterrorism and border security cooperation; and [9] the role of Iran in supplying missile technology and other weapons to the forces of the Houthi movement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-02-01
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Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response [August 21, 2018]
"The Syria conflict, now in its eighth year, remains a significant policy challenge for the United States. U.S. policy toward Syria in the past several years has given highest priority to counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL/ISIS), but also has included nonlethal assistance to opposition-held communities, support for diplomatic efforts to reach a political settlement to the civil war, and the provision of humanitarian assistance in Syria and surrounding countries. The counter-IS campaign works primarily 'by, with, and through' local partners trained, equipped, and advised by the U.S. military, per a broader U.S. strategy initiated by the Obama Administration and modified by the Trump Administration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham
2018-08-21
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated July 11, 2019]
From the Document: "In 2017, Iraqi officials declared victory in the country's years-long military struggle against the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIL/ISIS or the Arabic acronym 'Da'esh'), but unresolved issues involving governance, territorial control, resources, and security cloud the path ahead. The May 2018 national election for Iraq's unicameral legislature, the Council of Representatives (COR), was carried out without major security disruptions, but the election's disputed outcome delayed government formation. In October, the newly seated COR elected former Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Barham Salih as Iraq's President. Salih, in turn, nominated former Oil Minister Adel Abd al Mahdi, a Shia Arab, as Prime Minister-designate. Lawmakers confirmed Prime Minister Abd al Mahdi and some of his cabinet nominees in October 2018. As of July 2019, all but one cabinet seat has been filled, after the COR in June filled long-vacant seats for Iraq's defense, interior, and justice ministries. [...] The 116th Congress is considering proposals for consolidating security gains made in Iraq since 2014, and conducting oversight into the Trump Administration's policies toward Iraq and its neighbors."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-07-11
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Libya: Conflict Disrupts U.S.-Backed Transition Plan [Updated August 13, 2019]
From the Document: "On April 4, 2019, Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) coalition that has controlled eastern Libya with foreign military and financial support since 2014, ordered forces loyal to him to begin a unilateral military operation to secure the capital, Tripoli. Tripoli is the seat of the Government of National Accord (GNA), an interim body recognized by the United States and United Nations (U.N.) Security Council as Libya's legitimate governing entity. In response to the pro-LNA offensive, pro-GNA and other anti-Haftar elements in western Libya have mobilized. Fighting is ongoing south of Tripoli, but the conflict has devolved into a tactically fluid stalemate in which neither side has a clear military advantage. According to U.N. Special Representative and U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) head Ghassan Salamé, 'reliance on external support is a conflict driver' in spite of a U.N. arms embargo, and 'armed drones, armored vehicles and pick-up trucks fitted with heavy armaments, machine guns, recoilless rifles and mortar and rocket launchers have been recently transferred to Libya with the complicity, and indeed outright support, of foreign governments.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-08-13
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U.S. Arms Sales to the Middle East: Trump Administration Uses Emergency Exception in the Arms Export Control Act [May 31, 2019]
From the Document: "On May 24, 2019, the Trump Administration formally notified Congress of immediate foreign military sales and direct commercial sales of training, equipment, and weapons with a possible value of more than $8 billion, including sales of precision guided munitions (PGMs) to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the gift transfer of PGMs by the UAE to Jordan. Other notified sales include, among others: F-15 Engines and Support for Saudi Arabia and AH-64 equipment, Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles, and Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles for the UAE."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2019-05-31
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Libya: Conflict Disrupts U.S.-Backed Transition Plan [Updated June 26, 2019]
From the Document: "On April 4, 2019, Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) coalition that has controlled eastern Libya with foreign military and financial support since 2014, ordered forces loyal to him to begin a unilateral military operation to secure the capital, Tripoli. Tripoli is the seat of the Government of National Accord (GNA), an interim body recognized by the United States and United Nations (U.N.) Security Council as Libya's legitimate governing entity. In response to the pro-LNA offensive, pro-GNA and other anti-Haftar elements in western Libya have mobilized. Fighting is ongoing south of Tripoli, but the conflict has devolved into a tactically fluid stalemate in which neither side has a clear military advantage. Both LNA and anti-LNA forces reportedly have received some military supply shipments since May, raising questions with regard to enforcement of the U.N. arms embargo."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-06-26
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Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated February 18, 2020]
From the Overview: "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia's relations with the United States, the country's stability, and its future trajectory are subjects of continuing congressional interest. In particular, Saudi leadership transitions, Saudi human rights practices and reform plans, and assertive foreign policies, along with trends in global oil markets, shared threats from transnational terrorist groups, and Saudi-Iranian tensions have fueled recent congressional discussions. U.S.-Saudi security cooperation and U.S. concern for the continuing global availability of Saudi energy supplies continue to anchor official bilateral relations as they have for decades."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-02-18
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Saudi Arabia [Updated February 11, 2020]
From the Document: "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields significant global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Saudi leaders' domestic and foreign policy decisions are fueling calls from some U.S. leaders for a reassessment of longstanding bilateral ties. The Al Saud have sought protection, advice, technology, and armaments from the United States, along with support in developing their country's natural and human resources and in facing national security threats. U.S. leaders have valued Saudi cooperation in security and counterterrorism matters and have sought to preserve the secure, apolitical flow of the kingdom's energy resources and capital to global markets. The Trump Administration seeks to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties as the kingdom implements new domestic and foreign policy initiatives, while some in Congress call for change."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-02-11
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Prospects for Enhanced U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Energy Cooperation [Updated February 12, 2020]
From the Overview: "U.S. companies have provided proposals to Saudi authorities in relation to a planned tender for nuclear reactor construction in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom's nuclear energy program remains nascent, and, in recent years, the Saudi government has entered into agreements concerning possible civil nuclear cooperation with several countries (Table 1). In July 2017 the Saudi cabinet approved a National Project for Atomic Energy, including plans to build large and small nuclear reactors for electricity production and desalination amid a larger effort to diversify the Saudi economy and expand the use of renewable energy. Saudi authorities expressed hopes of signing contracts for reactor construction in 2018, but did not do so. Depending on its nature and extent, future U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation may require executive branch authorizations and/or congressional approval of bilateral agreements. Saudi plans also are fueling debate in Congress over regional nuclear proliferation and security dynamics."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Kerr, Paul K.
2020-02-12
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Attacks Against Saudi Oil Rattle Markets [Updated September 18, 2019]
From the Document: "September 14, 2019, saw a successful attack against major oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia (the largest oil exporter), which disrupted 5.7 million barrels of daily production (mb/d), over half of Saudi oil production and about 5% of global supply. For context, U.S. crude oil production is approximately 12 mb/d. Global oil markets have responded with an initial price increase and subsequent pullback. The magnitude and duration of the price rise will depend on many factors, such as repair time, additional supplies, the potential confirmation of the perpetrator, and any related security responses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ratner, Michael; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Greenley, Heather L.
2019-09-18
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Kurds in Iraq and Syria: U.S. Partners Against the Islamic State [Updated December 28, 2016]
From the Summary: "Since 2014, the United States and members of a coalition it leads have partnered with a politically diverse set of Kurdish groups to combat the Islamic State organization (IS, also known as ISIS/ISIL or by the Arabic acronym Da'esh). [...] Legal authorities enacted by Congress and the President permit the Administration to provide some arms and some Iraq/Syria anti-IS-related funding to Kurdish groups under certain conditions. In April 2016, the Defense Department announced that it would provide more than $400 million in assistance to pay and otherwise sustain Iraqi Kurdish fighters as part of an ongoing partnership that delivers U.S. assistance to Iraqi Kurds with the consent of the Iraqi national government. Some Members of Congress proposed legislation in the 114th Congress that would have extended or expanded U.S. cooperation with Kurdish groups under certain conditions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Zanotti, Jim; Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2016-12-28
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Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities: Effects and Responses [October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "September 14, 2019, saw an attack on Saudi Aramco's, Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Abqaiq oil processing facility and Khurais oil field and processing plant. The attack, which used both missiles and drones, temporarily disrupted 5.7 million barrels per day (mb/d) of oil production, over half of Saudi Arabia's oil production and about 5% of global supply. For context, U.S. crude oil production is approximately 12 mb/d. [...] The incidents have demonstrated the vulnerability of critical Saudi infrastructure to missile and drone attacks and raised complicated strategic questions for Saudi and U.S. policymakers concerning responses and future security needs. On September 20, U.S. officials announced plans to deploy additional U.S. military personnel to Saudi Arabia and speed military equipment deliveries to Gulf partners to bolster capabilities and deter further attacks."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Greenley, Heather L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Ratner, Michael
2019-10-01
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Attacks Against Saudi Oil Rattle Markets [Updated September 26, 2019]
From the Document: "September 14, 2019, saw a successful attack against major oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia (the largest oil exporter), which temporarily disrupted 5.7 million barrels of daily production (mb/d), over half of Saudi oil production and about 5% of global supply. For context, U.S. crude oil production is approximately 12 mb/d. Global oil markets have responded with an initial price increase and subsequent pullback. The magnitude and duration of the price rise will depend on many factors, such as repair time, additional supplies, the potential confirmation of the perpetrator, and any related security responses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ratner, Michael; Greenley, Heather L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-09-26
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Saudi Arabia [Updated March 11, 2020]
From the Document: "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields significant global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Saudi leaders' domestic and foreign policy decisions are fueling calls from some U.S. leaders for a reassessment of longstanding bilateral ties. The Al Saud have sought protection, advice, technology, and armaments from the United States, along with support in developing their country's natural and human resources and in facing national security threats. U.S. leaders have valued Saudi cooperation in security and counterterrorism matters and have sought to preserve the secure, apolitical flow of the kingdom's energy resources and capital to global markets. The Trump Administration seeks to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties as the kingdom implements new domestic and foreign policy initiatives, while some in Congress call for change."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-03-11
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID [coronavirus disease]-19 pandemic, which poses serious public health, economic, and fiscal risks for the country. Public health measures to slow the spread of the disease have diminished participation in the protest movement that has swept central and southern Iraq since October 2019. Security forces and militia members killed hundreds of protestors and wounded thousands in Baghdad and several southern Iraqi cities, fueling calls for the ouster of the ruling elite. While crowds have dispersed, protestors' demands for systemic change and an end to corruption and foreign interference remain unmet. Meanwhile, intense U.S.-Iranian confrontation has reinvigorated some Iraqis' efforts to drive U.S. and other foreign forces out of Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-03-20
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Iraq: Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Overview: "After more than 16 years of confronting conflict, violence, and zero-sum political competition, Iraqis are struggling to redefine their country's future and are reconsidering their relationships with the United States, Iran, and other third parties. Since seeking international military assistance in 2014 to regain territory seized by the Islamic State organization (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL), Iraqi leaders have implored international actors to avoid using Iraq as a battleground for outsiders' rivalries and have attempted to build positive, non-exclusive ties to their neighbors and to global powers. Nevertheless, Iraq has become a venue for competition and conflict between the United States and Iran, with resulting violence now raising basic questions about the future of the U.S.- Iraqi partnership and regional security. Durable answers to these questions may depend on the outcome of fluid political developments in Iraq, where mass protests forced the resignation of the government in late 2019, but transition arrangements and electoral plans have yet to be decided."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-01-10
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated December 16, 2019]
From the Document: "Mass protests and state violence against some protestors have shaken Iraq since October 2019, with more than 450 Iraqis killed by security forces and militiamen in Baghdad and several southern Iraqi cities. Thousands more civilian demonstrators have been injured. After security forces and gunmen killed 45 protestors on November 27 and 28, 2019, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abd Al Mahdi publicly stated his intent to resign, which protestors and some prominent political figures had been demanding since October. [...] The nature and duration of the protests and the Iraqi government's responses have deepened U.S. concerns about Iraq's stability. Rocket attacks attributed by U.S. officials to Iranian proxies threaten U.S. personnel and Iraqis. Related future developments, including the treatment of protestors and the outcome of possible national elections in 2020, could complicate U.S. efforts to cooperate with and assist Iraq's government. Congress is considering President Donald Trump's requests for additional military and civilian aid for Iraq without certainty about the future of Iraq's governing arrangements or how further changes in Iraq's politics and security might affect U.S. interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-12-16
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U.S. Killing of Qasem Soleimani: Frequently Asked Questions [January 8, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. killing in Iraq of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qasem Soleimani, generally regarded as one of the most powerful and important officials in Iran, has potentially dramatic implications for the United States. For Congress, it raises possible questions about U.S. policy in the Middle East, broader U.S. global strategy, U.S. relations with partners and allies, the authorization and legality of U.S. military action abroad, U.S. measures to protect its service members and diplomatic personnel, and congressional oversight of these and related issues. This report provides background information in response to some frequently asked questions related to the strike and its aftermath."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2020-01-08
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U.S. Killing of Qasem Soleimani: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The January 2, 2020, U.S. killing in Iraq of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) Commander Qasem Soleimani, generally regarded as one of the most powerful and important officials in Iran, has potentially dramatic implications for the United States. For Congress, it raises possible questions about U.S. policy in the Middle East, broader U.S. global strategy, U.S. relations with partners and allies, the authorization and legality of U.S. military action abroad, U.S. measures to protect its servicemembers and diplomatic personnel, and congressional oversight of these and related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs); Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .
2020-01-13
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated October 22, 2019]
From the Document: "Two years after victory was declared in the country's years-long military struggle against the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIL/ISIS) unresolved issues involving governance, territorial control, resources, and security cloud the path ahead for Iraq's leaders. Among the issues they face in late 2019 are popular protests and discontent, balancing competing priorities and competition between two of their key allies, the United States and Iran, and the potential for IS resurgence. Long-term fiscal challenges and demographic pressures loom."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-10-22
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated February 3, 2020]
From the Document: "Principal questions for Iraqi and U.S. leaders in 2020 include whether or how to redefine the nature of and framework for bilateral security cooperation. While some Iraqis demand the expulsion of foreign forces, U.S. personnel continue to assist Iraqi forces against Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL) threats and build Iraqi capabilities. Iraqi leaders are grappling with the protest movement's insistence on systemic change and an end to corruption and foreign interference. The nature of past Iraqi debates over government formation and possible national elections suggest that the transition period now underway could be sensitive and extended. Related outcomes could further complicate U.S. efforts to cooperate with and assist Iraq's government. As Congress considers new appropriations and authorization proposals on Iraq, it may do so without certainty about Iraq's future governing arrangements or how further change in Iraq might affect U.S. interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-02-03
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Iran: Regional Perspectives and U.S. Policy [October 7, 2009]
"This report provides a description of Iran's neighbors' policies and interests, options for Congressional consideration, and an analysis of potential regional implications. [...] The United States, Israel, and the EU have proposed the end of 2009as a deadline for Iran to demonstrate its willingness to cooperate on the nuclear issue. Regardless, any actions on the part of the Obama Administration, Congress, or the international community, and any developments in or provocations by Iran, will have implications for U.S. interests in the region as Iran's neighbors react and reevaluate their policies accordingly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Addis, Casey L.
2009-10-07
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War in Yemen: A Compilation of Legislation in the 115th Congress [December 20, 2017]
"The 115th Congress continues to debate the extent and terms of the United States involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where fighting has continued unabated since March 2015. [...] This product provides a summary of all legislative proposals that the 115th Congress has considered to date regarding the conflict in Yemen. [...] This product will be updated during the second session of the 115th Congress to reflect new legislative proposals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2017-12-20
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War in Yemen: A Compilation of Legislation in the 115th Congress [August 13, 2018]
"The 115th Congress continues to debate the extent and terms of the United States' involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where fighting has continued unabated since March 2015. Lawmakers have questioned the extent to which successive Administrations have adhered to existing law relating to providing security assistance, including sales or transfers of defense goods and defense services, while upholding international human rights standards (e.g., 22 U.S.C. §2754 or 22 U.S.C. §2304). They also have proposed new legislation that would condition or prohibit the use of U.S. funds for some activities related to Yemen and extend legislative oversight over the executive branch's policy toward the war in Yemen."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2018-08-13
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Comparing Global Influence: China's and U.S. Diplomacy, Foreign Aid, Trade, and Investment in the Developing World [August 15, 2008]
"This report compares the People's Republic of China's (PRC) and U.S. projections of global influence, with an emphasis on non-coercive means or 'soft power,' and suggests ways to think about U.S. foreign policy options in light of China's emergence. Part One discusses U.S. foreign policy interests, China's rising influence, and its implications for the United States. Part Two compares the global public images of the two countries and describes PRC and U.S. uses of soft power tools, such as public diplomacy, state diplomacy, and foreign assistance. It also examines other forms of soft power such as military diplomacy, global trade and investment, and sovereign wealth funds. In Part Three, the report analyzes PRC and U.S. diplomatic and economic activities in five developing regions -- Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Cook, Nicolas; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2008-08-15
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Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress [January 3, 2011]
From the Summary: "Lebanon's Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militia, political party, social welfare organization, and U.S. State Department-designated terrorist organization. Its armed element receives support from Iran and Syria and possesses significant paramilitary and unconventional warfare capabilities. In the wake of the summer 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and an armed domestic confrontation between Hezbollah and rival Lebanese groups in May 2008, Lebanon's political process is now intensely focused on Hezbollah's future role in the country. Lebanese factions are working to define Hezbollah's role through a series of 'National Dialogue' discussions. Hezbollah and other Lebanese political parties have long emphasized the need to assert control over remaining disputed areas with Israel. However, current Hezbollah policy statements suggest that, even if disputed areas were secured, the group would seek to maintain a role for 'the resistance' in providing for Lebanon's national defense and would resist any Lebanese or international efforts to disarm it. Hezbollah continues to define itself primarily as a resistance movement and remains viscerally opposed to what it views as illegitimate U.S. and Israeli intervention in Lebanese and regional affairs. It categorically refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist and opposes all concluded and pending efforts to negotiate resolutions to Arab-Israeli disputes on the basis of mutual recognition, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Addis, Casey L.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2011-01-03
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Hezbollah: Background and Issues for Congress [October 8, 2010]
From the Summary: "Lebanon's Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militia, political party, social welfare organization, and U.S. State Department-designated terrorist organization. Its armed element receives support from Iran and Syria and possesses significant paramilitary and unconventional warfare capabilities. In the wake of the summer 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and an armed domestic confrontation between Hezbollah and rival Lebanese groups in May 2008, Lebanon's political process is now intensely focused on Hezbollah's future role in the country. Lebanese factions are working to define Hezbollah's role through a series of 'National Dialogue' discussions. [...] Hezbollah continues to define itself primarily as a resistance movement and remains viscerally opposed to what it views as illegitimate U.S. and Israeli intervention in Lebanese and regional affairs. It categorically refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist and opposes all concluded and pending efforts to negotiate resolutions to Arab-Israeli disputes on the basis of mutual recognition, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Given these positions, most observers believe that prospects for accommodation and engagement between the United States and Hezbollah are slim, even as the group's close relationships with Syria and Iran, its pivotal role in Lebanese politics, and reinvigorated U.S. engagement in regional peace efforts increase Hezbollah's potential influence over stated U.S. national security objectives."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Addis, Casey L.
2010-10-08
