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AIDS in Africa [Updated January 15, 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%, compared with a 1.2% infection rate worldwide. Sixteen countries, mostly in eastern 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 lost their lives to 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.
2002-01-15
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Terrorism Insurance - The 2002 Marketplace [January 15, 2002]
From the Summary: "The terrorist attacks of September 11 resulted in the largest insured catastrophic loss in history, estimated to total as much as $70 billion. Even though the insurance industry committed to pay losses resulting from the attacks, industry spokesmen asserted that in view of the impending unavailability of terrorism reinsurance on January 1, 2002, primary insurers would not be able to cover future terrorism losses on renewals of commercial risk policies without a federal backstop. In the 107th Congress, first session, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3210 on November 29, 2001, providing for a temporary federal backstop. In the Senate, four similar measures were introduced (S. 1743, S. 1744, S. 1748, and S. 1751), but after weeks of negotiations no action was taken. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle indicated that backstop legislation would be considered again in 2002. Meanwhile, there are indications that the insurance marketplace will have made strides toward resolving a major part of the terrorism coverage issue and federal legislation may be less likely to have its originally intended impact. This report looks at the terrorism insurance marketplace in 2002 in the absence of federal legislation, the economic outlook for the insurance industry, and the regulatory responses of state insurance officials. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woodall, S. Roy, Jr.
2002-01-15
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Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy [Updated January 14, 2002]
"More than two decades after the November 4, 1979 seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, and even before Iran's tacit cooperation with post-September 11 U.S. efforts to defeat Afghanistan's Taliban regime, signs of moderation in Iran had stimulated the United States to try to engage Iran in official talks. Iran, still split between conservatives and reformers loyal to President Mohammad Khatemi, who was elected in May 1997 and overwhelmingly reelected on June 8, 2001, has not accepted to date. Even though open to engagement with Iran, the Bush Administration and many in Congress want to continue vigorous efforts to counter Iran's support for terrorist groups and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. […] Current U.S. policy toward Iran marks an apparent shift from the almost exclusive focus on containment that characterized U.S. policy during 1980 - 1997. During the first term of the Clinton Administration, as part of a policy of 'dual containment' of Iran and Iraq, President Clinton imposed a ban on U.S. trade and investment in Iran in 1995, and a 1996 law imposed sanctions on foreign investment in Iran's energy sector (Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, ILSA). The sanctions were intended to deny Iran the material resources to threaten U.S. interests. In keeping with the 1997 policy shift toward engagement, in 1999 and 2000 the Clinton Administration and Congress eased sanctions somewhat to allow U.S. exports to Iran of food and medical supplies and importation from Iran of luxury consumer goods, such as carpets. However, the United States continues to work with its allies to prevent arms and advanced technology sales to Iran and to limit Iran's influence over regional energy flows."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2002-01-14
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Israel: U.S. Foreign Assistance [January 14, 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.
2002-01-14
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Nuclear Arms Control: The U.S.-Russian Agenda [Updated April 12, 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.
2002-01-12
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NAFTA Labor Side Agreement: Lessons for the Worker Rights and Fast-Track Debate [Updated January 11, 2002]
"The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), between the United States, Mexico, and Canada was the first trade agreement ever linked to worker rights provisions in a major way. Its companion 'side agreement,' the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC, which rhymes with 'talc') went into effect with NAFTA on January 1, 1994. The NAALC agreement is 'broad' in that NAFTA signatories agree to enforce their own labor laws and standards while promoting 11 worker rights principles over the long run. However, under NAALC, sanctions as an enforcement tool are applicable to only three of the 11 labor principles (pertaining to minimum wages, child labor, and occupational safety and health), and are not applicable to three basic rights: the right to organize, bargain collectively, and strike. [...] Trade liberalization ultimately results in gains to all economies; however, there are winners and losers (both industries and workers) along the way. Worker rights provisions could mitigate the effects of trade liberalization on both winners and losers by increasing labor costs in developing countries. However, NAALC as a worker rights promotion vehicle with a developing country has mitigated the effects of trade expansion from NAFTA very little so far, because most compliance is voluntary."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolle, Mary Jane
2002-01-11
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China: Possible Missile Technology Transfers from U.S. Satellite Export Policy- Actions and Chronology [Updated January 11, 2002]
"Congress has been concerned about whether U.S. firms, in exporting satellites, provided expertise to China for use in its ballistic missile and space programs and whether the Administration's policies might facilitate transfers of military-related technology to China. This CRS Report discusses security concerns, policy changes, congressional action, and a chronology of major developments since 1988. Some critics opposed satellite exports to China, while others were concerned that the Clinton Administration relaxed export controls and monitoring of commercial satellites in moving the licensing authority from the State Department to Commerce in 1996. A range of concerns were prompted by 'New York Times' reports in April 1998 that the Justice Department began a criminal investigation into whether Loral Space and Communications Ltd. and Hughes Electronics Corp. violated export control laws. The companies are said to have provided expertise that China could use to improve the accuracy and reliability of its future ballistic missiles, including their guidance systems. At least three classified studies reportedly found that U.S. national security was harmed. Congress and the Justice Department have also investigated Hughes' review of China's launch failure on January 26, 1995. Congress may watch for any new Presidential waivers or licenses for exports of satellites and any review of U.S. policy to export satellites to China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kan, Shirley
2002-01-11
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Drug Certification Requirements and Congressional Modifications in 2001 [January 10, 2002]
"Since the mid-1980s, Congress has required the President to certify that specified drug producing and drug-transit countries are cooperating fully with the United States in counter-narcotics efforts in order to avoid a series of sanctions, including suspension of U.S. foreign assistance and financing, and opposition to loans in the multilateral development banks. The sanctions would also apply if the Congress, within 30 calendar days, passes a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the presidential certification, however, any resolution would be subject to veto. Over the years, spokesmen from many countries have complained about the unilateral and non-cooperative nature of the drug certification requirements, and have urged the United States to end the process and to rely upon various multilateral methods of evaluation that have been developed. Mexico, often the focus of congressional debate, particularly expressed dissatisfaction with the process, even though it was regularly certified as being a fully cooperative country. Following the July 2000 election of opposition candidate Vicente Fox as President of Mexico, legislative measures were introduced to modify the drug certification requirements, and these initiatives were mentioned when President Bush met with President Fox in Mexico in mid-February 2001, and in the United States in early September 2001."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2002-01-10
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Current Economic Recession: How Long, How Deep, and How Different From the Past? [Updated January 10, 2002]
From the Summary: "In March 2001, the 10th recession of the post-World War II period began. Of these 10 recessions, only two have been long and deep- the recession of 1973-1975 and the recession of 1981-1982. This report examines the current recession and recessions of the previous three decades in detail. It gives a brief overview of the other post-war recessions. It outlines the fiscal and monetary policy response to each recession. It also looks at theories of why recessions occur. The report concludes by asking the question that many commentators in the news have asked recently: is this recession different from the past? It finds little evidence that this is the case."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc; Makinen, Gail E.
2002-01-10
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Intelligence Issues for Congress [Updated January 8, 2002]
"The U.S. Intelligence Community continues to adjust to the post-Cold War environment. Congressional and executive branch initiatives have emphasized enhancing cooperation among the different agencies that comprise the Community by giving greater managerial authority to the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). Priority continues to be placed on intelligence support to military operations and on involvement in efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and, especially since September 11, 2001, international terrorism. Growing concerns about transnational threats are leading to increasingly close cooperation between intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This relationship is complicated, however, by differing roles and missions as well as statutory charters."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
2002-01-08
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Assassination Ban and E.O. 12333: A Brief Summary [Updated January 4, 2002]
"In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, some attention has been focused upon the assassination ban contained in Executive Order (E.O.) 12333, Section 2.11, and whether it would prohibit the United States from responding to the attacks by targeting those who orchestrated these acts of terrorism. In considering the challenges involved in effectively combating terrorism and protecting the United States from future terrorist attacks, there has been wide-ranging debate as to what approaches might be beneficial. Part of that discussion has centered around whether assassination of terrorist leaders is, or should be, one of the options available. This report offers a summary discussion of the assassination ban in E.O. 12333, its context, and possible interpretations of its scope."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bazan, Elizabeth B.
2002-01-04
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Agriculture and Fast Track or Trade Promotion Authority [updated January 4, 2002]
"New 'fast track,' or trade promotion authority (TPA), legislation to implement trade agreements is at issue in the 107th Congress. Such authority could enable the Administration to submit negotiated foreign trade agreements to Congress for consideration under expedited procedures. Efforts to renew this authority, which expired in 1994, have not succeeded since then. Many agricultural and food industry interests are among the export-oriented enterprises that support TPA, arguing that foreign trading partners will not seriously negotiate with an Administration that lacks it. However, some farm groups argue that fast track ultimately will lead to new agreements that could have adverse effects on U.S. producers, at least in some commodity sectors. This report will be updated if events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Becker, Geoffrey S.; Hanrahan, Charles
2002-01-04
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Federal Research and Development for Counter Terrorism: Organization, Funding, and Options [Updated January 3, 2002]
"Before the September 11 terrorist attacks national expert commissions questioned whether the federal government was prepared adequately to conduct and use research and development (R&D) to counter terrorism. They cited inadequate planning, conflicting information about agency funding; the absence of coordination mechanisms to set agency priorities and eliminate duplication; and the need to use resources of government, academia, and industry efficiently and effectively to develop needed scientific and technological information. Since September 11, two levels of counter terrorism R&D coordination have started to evolve. [...] Congress may consider whether adequate mechanisms are in place to develop priorities which best serve the nation's interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Knezo, Genevieve Johanna
2002-01-03
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Middle East Peace Talks [Updated January 2, 2002]
"On December 23, it was reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and the Speaker of the Palestinian parliament Ahmed Qurei had drafted a peace plan. A Palestinian official said that their agenda called for a cease-fire, implementing Mitchell/Tenet, Israeli recognition of a Palestinian state, final status talks on Jerusalem, refugees, borders, and water to last 9 to 12 months, international supervision of talks, and troops after an agreement. Whether a Palestinian state would be declared before or after the talks remains undecided. Sharon said that the plan 'has no effect or weight' but added that Peres could continue talks to end terrorism and reach a cease-fire. The Israeli military has reported a sharp decrease in violence since Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Yasir Arafat's December 16 call for a cessation of attacks. U.S. envoy General Anthony Zinni will return to the region on January 3 for four days. Ben Eliezer said that Israel would be willing to resume talks with Syria if it agreed to rein in Hizballah. Syrian President Bashar al Asad reportedly was skeptical."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Migdalovitz, Carol
2002-01-02
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Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated December 31, 2001]
"The major areas of U.S. concern in Pakistan include: nuclear nonproliferation; counter-terrorism; regional stability; democratization and human right; and economic reform and development. An ongoing Pakistan-India nuclear arms race, fueled by rivalry over Kashmir, continues to be the focus on U.S. nonproliferation efforts in South Asia and a major issue in U.S. relations with both countries. This attention intensified following nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan in May 1998. South Asia is viewed by some observers as a likely prospect for use of such weapons. India has developed short- and intermediate-range missiles, and Pakistan and acquired short-range missiles from North Korea. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
LePoer, Barbara Leitch, 1941-
2001-12-31
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India-U.S. Relations [Updated December 31, 2001]
"Although the end of the Cold War freed U.S.-India relations from the constraints of a bipolar world, bilateral relations continued for a decade to be affected by the burden of history, most notably the longstanding India-Pakistan regional rivalry. Recent years, however, have brought a sea change in U.S.- India relations, which was reflected in India's swift offer of full support for the U.S.-led war on terrorism following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on New York and Washington."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
LePoer, Barbara Leitch, 1941-
2001-12-31
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Middle East: Attitudes toward the United States [December 31, 2001]
"Despite close cooperation between the United States and some Middle Eastern states, serious tensions have often marred U.S. relations with Arabs and other Muslims in the Middle East. [...] As the lone remaining superpower, the United States has become a convenient target for discontent among much of the world's population. In the Middle East in particular, there is a tendency to blame U.S.-led globalization for the region's economic ills, despite the failure of Middle Eastern regimes themselves to adopt policies that would contribute toward greater economic growth. [...] Various measures have been suggested to improve Middle East perceptions of the United States: expanded aid and trade enhancement programs; efforts to counter unfavorable images; attempts to secure wider backing for containing Iraq, while fine-tuning economic sanctions; agreement on a new framework for Arab-Israeli negotiations; encouragement of more open political systems in the Middle East. Local resentments, however, will not vanish overnight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Prados, Alfred B.
2001-12-31
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Terrorism Preparedness: A Catalog of Federal Assistance Programs [December 27, 2001]
Congress has authorized a limited number of programs specifically designed to assist state and local governments with preparing for terrorist attacks, particularly
those involving weapons of mass destruction. Congress also authorizes several general assistance programs that states and localities may use for terrorism
preparedness. At present, several agencies administer preparedness programs, including the
Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Justice, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and others. Congress authorizes the agencies to provide technical assistance and monetary grants for emergency planning, training,
and equipment acquisition. Federal preparedness programs can be arranged into the following categories:Emergency management and planning; Training and equipment for first responders; Weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials; Law enforcement, and Public health and medical community.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Canada, Ben
2001-12-27
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CONTOMS (Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support Program) [Updated December 21, 2001]
From the Summary: "Since the September 11th terrorist attack, greater attention has focused on federal, state, and local readiness to respond to situations involving terrorism or weapons of mass destruction (WMD). One such federal program that provided federal support to local law enforcement and first responders is CONTOMS (Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support). Earlier this year, CONTOMS was scheduled for elimination from the Department of Defense (DOD) budget; DOD argued that it should not fund this activity without a direct appropriation from Congress. Various medical and law enforcement organizations tried to reverse the proposed elimination. Shortly after the terrorist attack, television's America's Most Wanted (AMW) featured CONTOMS in a program segment, arguing its value, and increasing public awareness over the program's pending elimination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gerleman, David J.
2001-12-21
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Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2002 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated December 21, 2001]
"In April and May 2001, the Bush Administration proposed $882.29 million in FY2002 economic and counter-narcotics assistance, as well as extension of trade preferences and other measures, for Colombia and regional neighbors in an initiative called the 'Andean Regional Initiative' (ARI). Critics of the Andean Regional Initiative argue that it is a continuation of what they regard as the misguided approach of last year's Plan Colombia, with an overemphasis on military and counter-drug assistance, and with inadequate support for human rights and the peace process in Colombia. Supporters argue that it continues needed assistance to Colombia, while providing more support for regional neighbors and social and economic programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-; Serafino, Nina M.
2001-12-21
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Israeli-United States Relations [Updated December 21, 2001]
"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. The United States fully supported the Israeli-PLO [Palestine Liberation Organization] Declaration of Principles signed in Washington on September 13, 1993, and the follow-up agreements in May 1994, September 1995, the Hebron agreement of January 15, 1997, and the Wye agreement of October 23, 1998, mediated by President Clinton."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2001-12-21
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Bioterrorism: Summary of a CRS/National Health Policy Forum Seminar on Federal, State, and Local Public Health Preparedness [December 21, 2001]
"The September 11th attack and subsequent intentional release of anthrax spores via the U.S. postal system have focused policymakers' attention on the preparedness and response capability of the nation's public health system. The anthrax attacks put a tremendous strain on the U. S. public health infrastructure, an infrastructure that many experts argue has been weakened by years of neglect and under-funding. To better understand the preparedness gaps that exist, as well as the disparate functions and agencies that define public health in this country, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), in conjunction with George Washington University's National Health Policy Forum (NHPF), convened a seminar on October 26, 2001, entitled, The U.S. Health Care System: Are State and Local Officials Prepared for Bioterrorism? How Should the Federal Government Assist? [...]. Based upon their varied experiences, there was general consensus among all the speakers that public health preparedness, while dependent upon federal financial and other assistance, was largely a local matter. They argued that mending the gaps in the current public health fabric will require significant long-term commitments from the federal government, including investments and improvements in: laboratory capacity, regional planning, workforce training, epidemiology and surveillance systems, information systems, communication systems, and media relations. The panelists stressed that as priorities are set and resources committed, it is imperative that all preparedness efforts be coordinated at all levels of government--federal, state, and local."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Strongin, Robin J.; Redhead, C. Stephen
2001-12-21
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Capitol Visitors' Center: An Overview [Updated December 21, 2001]
"On June 20, 2000, congressional leaders of both parties gathered on the east front plaza of the Capitol for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for a Capitol visitors' center. In March 1999, the Architect of the Capitol was authorized $2.8 million to revalidate a 1995 design study of the project. To simplify the approval process for the design and construction phases, Congress in September 1999 transferred that authority to the U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission. In November 1999, the commission approved the revised conceptional design for the center. A design and engineering obligation plan was approved by the House and Senate legislative appropriations subcommittees in November 1999 and January 2000, respectively. Construction of the center is scheduled to begin in 2002 and is expected to be completed in 2005."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Stathis, Stephen W.
2001-12-21
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Human Cloning [December 19, 2001]
"On November 25, 2001, a Massachusetts company, Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), announced that they had created the world's first cloned human embryos. The cloned embryos survived only for a few hours. ACT has indicated that it intends to use such embryos to derive stem cells in producing new therapies for diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The ACT announcement has highlighted the ethical and social concerns associated with cloning human embryos. On July 31, 2001, the House passed H.R. 2505, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2001, by a vote of 265-162. The bill would ban the process of human cloning as well as the importation of any product derived from an embryo created via cloning. The provisions mean that cloning could not be used for reproductive purposes or for research on therapeutic purposes, which has implications for stem cell research. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Johnson, Judith A. (Judith Ann), 1957-
2001-12-19
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Agroterrorism: Options in Congress [December 19, 2001]
"Although U.S. intelligence agencies have not identified any terrorist acts targeting agricultural production (i.e., agroterrorism) in the United States to date, the events of September 11, 2001 have awakened the nation to their possibility. Some experts estimate that a single agroterrorist attack using a highly contagious livestock disease could cost between $10 billion and $30 billion to the U.S. economy. Experts also recognize weaknesses in the ability of most nations to prevent and contain a biological attack on their agricultural resources. Limited inspection capabilities, lack of rapid diagnostic tools, inadequate coordination between inspection agencies, and little biosafety training of farmers, agronomists, and veterinarians are among the recognized weaknesses. The goal of agroterrorism is to cripple the biological infrastructure of a nations agriculture, i.e., its livestock and its crops. Many links in the agricultural production chain are potentially susceptible to attack with a biological weapon. Traditionally the first defense against the introduction of livestock or plant diseases has been to try to keep them out of the country by stopping them at our borders. However, if an agroterrorist attack were to occur, keeping the disease from inflicting significant economic damage will depend on quick actions from alert and informed farmers and disease specialists."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Segarra, Alejandro E.
2001-12-19
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Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy [December 17, 2001]
"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 the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, 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. Formal definitions of terrorism do not include terrorist activity for financial profit or terrorists motivated by religious goals. Non-traditional harm such as computer 'violence' may not be included as well. Such activity may well be on the rise."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perl, Raphael
2001-12-17
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Arms Control and Strategic Nuclear Weapons: Unilateral vs. Bilateral Reductions [December 17, 2001]
From the Document: "On November 13, 2001, President Bush announced that he planned to reduce U.S. strategic nuclear weapons to between 1,700 and 2,000 operationally deployed warheads. He noted that he would make these reductions unilaterally, without pursuing a formal arms control agreement with Russia. President Putin welcomed the proposed reductions, but argued that they should be made through a formal treaty. Officials in the Bush Administration have frequently argued that the United States should not be bound by many of the formal arms control treaties considered or signed by previous administrations. It argues that these agreements do too little to limit threats to the United States and go too far in restricting U.S. flexibility in ensuring its national security. But, the absence of formal arms control treaties would bring about changes in the role of Congress; the Senate has a constitutionally-mandated role in giving advice and consent to the ratification of formal treaties but would have no role in approving informal agreements. This approach would also change the role of arms control in the relationship between the United States and Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2001-12-17
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AIDS in Africa [Updated December 14, 2001]
"Sub-Saharan Africa has been far more severely affected by AIDS [Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome] than any other part of the world. The United Nations reports that 28.1 million adults and children are infected with the HIV [Human Immunodeficiency Virus] 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%, compared with a 1.2% infection rate worldwide. Sixteen countries, mostly in eastern 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 lost their lives to 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. [...] U.S. concern over AIDS in Africa grew during the 1980s, as the severity of the epidemic became apparent. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United States has been the global leader in the international response to AIDS since 1986. Legislation enacted during the 106th Congress increased HIV/AIDS funding worldwide and supported several Africa AIDS initiatives. On May 11, 2001, President Bush pledged $200 million to a new global AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis fund. Bills before Congress would fund substantial increases in HIV/AIDS programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Copson, Raymond W.
2001-12-17
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China's Relations with Central Asian States and Problems with Terrorism [December 17, 2001]
Over a number of years, the United States has been actively engaged in efforts to improve human rights conditions in the People's Republic of China (PRC). In the United States Congress, numerous pieces of legislation have been passed that censure, and in many cases impose sanctions against, the PRC for violations of human rights and religious freedoms. However, some analysts suggest that the events of September 11, 2001, may make it more difficult to pressure the Chinese government on human rights and religious freedom violations particularly as they relate to the plight of Uighur Muslims in northwestern Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Although the Chinese and Central Asian governments have been making claims of this nature for a number of years, it was not until after the events of September 11, 2001 that Western governments seemed interested in learning about the composition of the Uighur resistance movements in Xinjiang and how they operate in and around the Sino-Russian-Central Asian Corridor.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McNeal, Dewardric L.
2001-12-17
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Selected Aviation Security Legislation in the Aftermath of the September 11 Attack [Updated December 14, 2001]
From the Summary: "The September 11, 2001 hijacking of four airliners, and the enormous loss of life from the use of these airplanes as weapons, has focused congressional concerns on aviation security. During the debate in Congress the overarching issue was the degree of federal involvement needed both to make commercial air travel safer and to restore the public's confidence in the security of our Nation's airway and airports. On October 11, 2001, the Senate passed, after multiple amendments, the Aviation Security Act of 2001, S. 1447 (introduced by Senator Hollings). The bill provided for the federalization of most aspects of airport security. The responsibility for much of the law enforcement aspect of airport security would have been shifted from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Front-line screening of passengers and baggage would be carried out by federal agents under the authority of the Attorney General. DOT would have continued to administer the Federal Air Marshals (FAM) program but under DOJ guidelines."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kirk, Robert S.
2001-12-14
