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Libya and U.S. Policy [Updated June 16, 2020]
From the Document: "For years, U.S. diplomats and officials have emphasized the importance of a political solution, but U.S. actions have yet to convince or compel Libyans and their various patrons to disengage from confrontation. U.S. diplomats in 2020 have called 'on all sides to lay down their arms' and for 'an immediate end to the conflict.' Officials identify counterterrorism as the top U.S. priority in Libya, and balance Libya-related concerns with other goals with foreign actors. U.S. officials have welcomed parts of an Egyptian proposal to end the conflict, but back U.N.-led dialogue as a preferred venue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-06-16
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Libya and U.S. Policy [May 20, 2020]
From the Document: "Libya has been wracked by major conflict since April 2019, when the 'Libyan National Army'/'Libyan Arab Armed Forces' (LNA/LAAF) movement--a coalition of armed groups led by Khalifa Haftar--launched a bid to seize the capital, Tripoli, from local militias and the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-05-20
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated May 14, 2020]
From the Document: "In May 2020, the Iraqi Council of Representatives (COR), confirmed Iraqi National Intelligence Service director Mustafa al Kadhimi as Prime Minister and approved 15 of his 22 cabinet nominees, bringing months of political deadlock over government leadership to a close. Upon taking office, Al Kadhimi declared that his government would serve in a transitional capacity and would work to improve security and fight corruption while preparing for early elections.Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, which poses serious public health, economic, and fiscal risks to the country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-05-14
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Libya: Conflict, Transition, and U.S. Policy [Updated April 13, 2020]
From the Overview: "Libya's 2011 uprising and conflict brought Muammar al Qadhafi's four decades of authoritarian rule to an end. Competing factions and alliances--organized along local, regional, ideological, tribal, and personal lines--have jockeyed for influence and power in post-Qadhafi Libya, at times with the backing of rival foreign governments. In 2018, Ghassan Salamé, then-Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General (SRSG) and head of the U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), argued that Libyans were struggling to overcome a political 'discourse of hatred' and 'mutual exclusion' that had prevented the completion of the country's transition to date. This discourse is in part a legacy of Qadhafi's decades of divisive rule and in part a product of the divisiveness, insecurity, and zero-sum competition that have followed his downfall."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-04-13
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated April 9, 2020]
From the Document: "Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] 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.
2020-04-09
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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: 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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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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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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Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated November 21, 2019]
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. Close U.S.-Saudi official relations have survived a series of challenges since the 1940s. In recent years, shared concerns over Sunni Islamist extremist terrorism and Iranian government policies have provided some renewed logic for continued strategic cooperation. Political upheaval and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa have created new challenges, and the Trump Administration has sought to strengthen U.S. ties to Saudi leaders as the kingdom implements a series of new domestic and foreign policy initiatives. [...] Congress may examine these developments when evaluating the scope, terms, and merits of U.S.-Saudi partnership, proposed arms sales, possible U.S.-Saudi nuclear energy cooperation, and U.S. security commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-11-21
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Iraq: Protests and the Future of U.S. Partnership [Updated November 12, 2019]
From the Document: "Mass protests and state violence against some protestors have shaken Iraq since October 2019, with more than 300 Iraqis reported dead and thousands more injured in demonstrations and isolated clashes in Baghdad and southern Iraq. Protestors and some prominent political figures have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abd Al Mahdi and his cabinet, channeling nationalist, nonsectarian sentiment and a range of frustrations into potent rejections of the post-2003 political order. Current protests reiterate past demonstrators' concerns (with some louder critiques of Iranian interference), but the scope and endurance of the protests are unprecedented in Iraq's recent history. U.S. officials have not endorsed demands for an immediate transition, but protestors' calls for improved governance, reliable local services, more trustworthy and capable security forces, and greater economic opportunity broadly correspond to stated U.S. goals. The nature, duration, and response to the protests are deepening U.S. concerns about Iraq's stability. Related future developments could complicate U.S. efforts to partner with Iraq's government as Iraq recovers from war with the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS/ISIL) and seeks to maintain its sovereignty. 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 change might affect U.S. interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-11-12
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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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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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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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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2019 [Updated September 6, 2019]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen, with summary tables providing information on various legislative proposals considered in the 114th , 115th , and 116th Congresses. These proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities, including [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; Collins, Sarah R.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-09-06
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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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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 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 [Updated June 18, 2019]
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.
2019-06-18
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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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Prospects for Enhanced U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Energy Cooperation [Updated April 9, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. companies have provided proposals to Saudi authorities in relation to a planned tender for nuclear reactor construction in Saudi Arabia in conjunction with the kingdom's nascent nuclear energy program. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has entered into agreements concerning possible civil nuclear cooperation with several countries (Table 1, right). 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.
2019-04-09
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Saudi Arabia [Updated April 9, 2019]
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.
2019-04-09
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Libya: Military Moves Challenge U.S.-Backed Transition Plan [Updated April 8, 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 LNA movements, GNA Prime Minister-designate Fayez al Serraj mobilized pro-GNA forces. Fighting is ongoing near Tripoli, with reports of airstrikes and mobilization by several militia forces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2019-04-08
