Advanced search Help
Searching for terms: EXACT: "Humud, Carla E." in: author
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Lebanon [August 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Lebanon, a country of 5.5 million people, currently faces the worst economic crisis in its history amid ongoing political unrest,the spread of COVID-19, and an August 2020 explosion that severely damaged the port of Beirut. Lebanon hosts the largest number of refugees in the world per capita (over one million, mostly Syrians), which has raised social tensions and strained public services. U.S. policy toward Lebanon has focused on countering the influence of Iran and Hezbollah, and on bolstering the capabilities of the Lebanese state--while also calling for reforms to counter corruption and mismanagement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2020-08-07
-
Lebanon: Renewed Instability Following August Blast [August 17, 2020]
From the Document: "On August 10, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his cabinet resigned in the wake of a massive explosion at the port of Beirut that killed at least 178 people and injured thousands. The blast displaced an estimated 300,000 people, and Lebanese President Michel Aoun estimated the damage at the port to be roughly $15 billion. The explosion triggered widespread outrage among citizens, and has generated renewed protests--at times violent--against Lebanon's political leaders. Diab's resignation leaves Lebanon's government in caretaker status with reduced authorities. Observers speculate that the country could become mired in months of government formation at a time of economic and humanitarian crisis, leaving it vulnerable to paralysis and greater social unrest. Policymakers may review U.S. assistance to Lebanon in the wake of growing humanitarian and economic needs, and in the context of potential shifts in the country's political leadership."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2020-08-17
-
Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response [Updated July 27, 2020]
From the Summary: "As of 2020, Syria faces growing economic instability and pockets of renewed political unrest, amid ongoing interventions by outside states and new public health challenges posed by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The government of Syrian President Bashar al Asad-- backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah--has recaptured most areas formerly held by opposition forces but faces persistent challenges from fighters linked to the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL/ISIS), as well as new protests stemming from deteriorating economic conditions. U.S.- backed local forces have recovered most territory formerly held by the Islamic State, but the group continues to maintain a low-level insurgency. U.S. policy toward Syria since 2014 has prioritized counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State, which sought to direct external attacks from areas under the group's control in northeast Syria. [...] In addition to counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State, the United States also has responded to Syria's ongoing civil conflict by providing nonlethal assistance to Syrian opposition and civil society groups, encouraging diplomatic efforts to reach a political settlement to the civil war, and serving as the largest single donor of humanitarian aid to Syria and regional countries affected by refugee outflows. The Trump Administration has described U.S. policy towards Syria as seeking (1) the enduring defeat of the Islamic State; (2) a political settlement to the Syrian civil war; and (3) the withdrawal of Iranian-commanded forces."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-07-27
-
Lebanon [Updated September 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Lebanon, a country of 5.5 million people, faces the worst economic crisis in its history amid ongoing political unrest, the spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], and an August 2020 explosion that severely damaged the port of Beirut and surrounding densely populated areas. Lebanon hosts the largest number of refugees in the world per capita (over one million, mostly Syrians), which has raised social tensions and strained public services. U.S. policy toward Lebanon has focused on countering the influence of Iran and Hezbollah, and on bolstering the Lebanese state--while calling for reforms to counter corruption and mismanagement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2020-09-01
-
Lebanese Hezbollah [Updated June 22, 2018]
From the Overview: "Hezbollah ('Party of God') is an Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'a militia and U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Formed in 1982, in the wake of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, the group has described itself as the leader of Islamic resistance to Israel and has conducted numerous attacks against Israeli and Western targets. Hezbollah currently operates regionally as a militia force, while also playing a powerful role as a Lebanese political party and provider of social services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2018-06-22
-
Middle East: Key Issues for the 117th Congress [January 13, 2021]
From the Document: "The Middle East in 2021 faces continued political instability, civil wars, terrorist threats, economic crises, the proliferation of unconventional weapons, external military intervention, and the ongoing spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It remains to be seen whether the territorial defeat of the Islamic State (IS) organization and the recent diplomatic normalization agreements brokered by the Trump Administration between Israel and several Arab states augur improved regional stability. U.S. stated policy goals have remained broadly consistent across Administrations: deter interstate conflict, counter terrorism, ensure the global flow of energy resources, and preserve U.S. influence in the face of rival power competition. The 116th Congress shaped U.S. policy in the Middle East through various legislative tools. Congress appropriated funds for issues Members deemed a priority--such as stabilization efforts in Syria. Some Members sought to place conditions on U.S. foreign aid and/or block arms sales to express concern with particular developments--such as Saudi use of U.S. military equipment to target civilians in Yemen. The 116th Congress maintained and expanded sanctions--such as those in place against Iran--in an effort to change state behavior. Congress also continued to shape the U.S. military footprint in the region through its annual defense authorization and appropriation measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2021-01-13
-
Political Transition in Tunisia [February 10, 2015]
"Tunisia has taken key steps toward democracy since the 'Jasmine Revolution' in 2011, and has so far avoided the violent chaos and/or authoritarian resurrection seen in other 'Arab Spring' countries. Tunisians adopted a new constitution in January 2014 and held national elections between October and December 2014, marking the completion of a four-year transitional period. A secularist party, Nidaa Tounes ('Tunisia's Call'), won a plurality of seats in parliament, and its leader Béji Caïd Essebsi was elected president. The results reflect a decline in influence for the country's main Islamist party, Al Nahda (alt: Ennahda, 'Awakening' or 'Renaissance'), which stepped down from leading the government in early 2014. Al Nahda, which did not run a presidential candidate, nevertheless demonstrated continuing electoral appeal, winning the second-largest block of legislative seats and joining a Nidaa Tounes - led coalition government. Although many Tunisians are proud of the country's progress since 2011, public opinion polls also show anxiety over the country's future. Tangible improvements in the economy or government service-delivery are few, while security threats have risen. Nidaa Tounes leaders have pledged to improve counterterrorism efforts and boost economic growth, but have not provided many concrete details on how they will pursue these ends. The party may struggle to achieve internal consensus on specific policies, as it was forged from disparate groups united largely in their opposition to Islamism. Tunisian politicians and civil society leaders may also debate how, and when, to move from a pattern of ad-hoc negotiations to achieve 'consensus' on key political decisions, toward a greater reliance on formal political institutions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Humud, Carla E.
2015-02-10
-
Political Transition in Tunisia [January 29, 2014]
"Tunisia is entering its fourth year of transition after the 2011 'Jasmine Revolution.' On January 26, 2014, Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new constitution. This is widely viewed as a landmark accomplishment, given the difficulty of achieving political consensus, tensions between Islamists and secularists, and ongoing social and economic unrest. The new constitution asserts Tunisia's Muslim identity, but its framing creating a civil state and provisions on civil liberties are seen as a victory for secularists. The vote followed a political agreement under which Tunisia's main Islamist party, Al Nahda, agreed to give up its leadership of the government in favor of a technocratic prime minister. This agreement ended a months-long political crisis after the assassinations of two secularist politicians in 2013. Tunisia has a small territory, a relatively well-educated and homogenous population, and a history of encouraging women's freedoms. Still, Tunisians face significant challenges in reforming state institutions, addressing economic woes, and responding to security concerns. Islamist extremist violence has increased within Tunisia amid ongoing regional instability. The military has targeted terrorist cells near the Algerian border and in the remote south, which reportedly serves as a regional transit point for weapons and fighters. Tunisian nationals have also been implicated in violent extremism in Mali, Algeria, and Syria. In early 2014, the United States designated a Tunisian group known as Ansar al Sharia as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The group was reportedly involved in an attack on the U.S. Embassy and American school in Tunis on September 14, 2012, three days after the attacks in Benghazi, Libya. Tunisian authorities have declared Ansar al Sharia illegal and a terrorist organization. However, the state's response to extremists has been criticized both as overly timid (by secularists) and overly harsh (by members of Tunisia's Islamist community), underscoring the challenge, for Tunisian leaders, of countering terrorism while not appearing to resort to authoritarian tactics associated with the Ben Ali regime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2014-01-29
-
Political Transition in Tunisia [October 22, 2014]
"Tunisia is in its fourth year of transition after the 2011 'Jasmine Revolution,' and it has so far continued to avoid the types of chaos and/or authoritarian resurrections that have affected other 'Arab Spring' countries. Legislative and presidential elections scheduled for late 2014 are expected to put an end to a series of transitional governments. On January 26, 2014, Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new constitution. This is widely viewed as a landmark accomplishment, given the difficulty of achieving political consensus, tensions between Islamists and secularists, and ongoing social and economic unrest. The new constitution asserts Tunisia's Muslim identity, but its framing--creating a civil state and provisions on civil liberties--is seen as a victory for secularists. The vote followed a political agreement under which Tunisia's main Islamist party, Al Nahda, agreed to give up its leadership of the government in favor of a technocratic prime minister in the lead-up to the elections. Tunisia has a small territory, a relatively well-educated and homogenous population, and a history of encouraging women's freedoms. Still, Tunisians face significant challenges in reforming state institutions, addressing economic woes, and responding to security concerns. Ansar al Sharia in Tunisia, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, was reportedly involved in an attack on the U.S. embassy and American school in Tunis on September 14, 2012--three days after the attacks in Benghazi, Libya. The military has targeted terrorist cells near the Algerian border and in the remote south, which reportedly serves as a regional transit point for weapons and fighters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Arieff, Alexis; Humud, Carla E.
2014-10-22
-
Syria Conflict Overview: 2011-2021 [Updated February 10, 2021]
From the Document: "The conflict in Syria is entering its tenth year and has displaced roughly half of the country's pre-war population. As of 2021, five countries regularly operate in or maintain military forces in Syria: Russia, Turkey, Iran, Israel, and the United States--as well as transnational terrorist groups such as the Islamic State, Al Qaeda (AQ), and Lebanese Hezbollah. This piece provides a historical overview of the conflict."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2021-02-10
-
Syria and U.S. Policy [September 20, 2021]
From the Document: "Since 2011, conflict between the government of Syrian President Bashar al Asad and opposition forces seeking his removal has displaced roughly half of the country's population and killed nearly 600,000 people. Although conflict has abated in many areas following military intervention on Asad's behalf from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, fighting is ongoing in Idlib province, and pockets of armed resistance to the Asad government have re-emerged in Syria's southwest. U.S. officials in 2021 assessed that humanitarian needs in Syria have increased by more than 20% over the last year amid international sanctions, the effects of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and Syrian government restrictions on humanitarian access. U.S. military forces operate in Syria, where U.S. and coalition air operations against the Islamic State (IS) group began in 2014, and partner support operations have continued with specific authorization from Congress since 2015. U.S. operations face challenges from external actors including Iranian-backed militia groups, the Russian military, and Turkish-backed militia groups that control a buffer zone in northeastern Syria. IS fighters lost the last territory under their control in 2019, but remnants of the group remain active. Thousands of IS prisoners remain in the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led force supported by the United States and coalition partners. The United States seeks a negotiated political settlement to the Syria conflict and the enduring defeat of the Islamic State."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2021-09-20
-
Lebanon: Protests and Appointment of New Prime Minister-Designate [Updated December 20, 2019]
From the Document: "On December 19, Lebanese President Michel Aoun appointed Hassan Diab--an engineering professor at the American University of Beirut--as prime minister-designate. Diab will replace former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who resigned on October 29 following nationwide mass protests. While Diab was backed by a simple majority in Lebanon's parliament, he lacks support from some key constituencies, and may struggle to form a new government. Protestors have opposed Diab's nomination, and security and economic conditions in the country continue to deteriorate. Instability in Lebanon could create opportunities for actors of concern to the United States, including Hezbollah and Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2019-12-20
-
Congress and the Middle East, 2011-2020: Selected Case Studies [May 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congress shaped U.S. national security policy toward several critical crises and contingencies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) during the decade from 2011 through 2020--a period of upheaval, conflict, and change in that region. [...] Congress may examine the experiences over the decade to assess the results of its use of legislative tools to influence U.S. foreign policy. Analysis of case studies of various specific legislative interventions in specific events and countries shows use of a range of congressional policy tools with varied outcomes. Key considerations include how chosen congressional policy tools relate to executive branch-led foreign relations initiatives and the effects that country- and context-specific factors may have on policy results."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.; Arieff, Alexis; Humud, Carla E. . . .
2021-05-21
-
Islamic State [Updated May 10, 2021]
From the Document: "The Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL, ISIS, or the Arabic acronym 'Da'esh') is a transnational Sunni Islamist insurgent and terrorist group. At its 2015 height, the group controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria, including some cities, from which it launched attacks in the region and beyond. While the group no longer controls territory outright in Syria and Iraq, U.S. military officials warn that it has maintained a low-level insurgency and has worked to expand its global presence via a burgeoning number of affiliate groups. The 2021 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) warned that the Islamic State and sometimes rival Al Qaeda 'have shown great resiliency' and together remain the 'the greatest Sunni terrorist threats to U.S. interests overseas.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humud, Carla E.
2021-05-10
