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Pakistan: Chronology of Recent Events [Updated January 25, 2005]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving Pakistan and Pakistan-U.S. relations. Sources include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Department of State, 'New York Times', 'Washington Post', 'Dawn' (Karachi), 'Daily Times' (Lahore), 'News' (Karachi), and major newswires. For a substantive review, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB94041, 'Pakistan-U.S. Relations'. This report will be updated regularly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2005-01-25
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Air Force Transformation [January 25, 2005]
"Many believe that the Department of Defense (DOD) -- including the Air Force -- must transform itself to ensure future U.S. military dominance. The Air Force has a transformation plan that includes advanced technologies, concept development, and organizational innovation. Issues for Congress include the efficacy of this plan, its feasibility, and the attendant costs. This report will be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bolkcom, Christopher C.
2005-01-25
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Iraq: Summary of U.S. Casualties [Updated January 25, 2005]
"The following casualty table was compiled by the Department of Defense, as tallied from DOD press releases. Table 1 provides statistics on fatalities during Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF], which began on March 19, 2003, and is ongoing, as well as on the number of fatalities since May 1, 2003, plus statistics on those wounded, but not killed, since March 19, 2003. Statistics may be revised as circumstances are investigated and as all records are processed through the U.S. military's casualty system. This report will be updated semiweekly, but more frequent updates are available at DOD's website at [http://www.defenselink.mil/news/]; click on 'OIF/OEF [Operation Enduring Freedom] Casualty Update.' A detailed casualty summary that includes data on deaths by cause, as well as statistics on soldiers wounded in action, is available at the following DOD website: [http://web1.whs.osd.mil/mmid/casualty/OIF-Total.pdf]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fischer, Hannah
2005-01-25
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Security Threat Assessments for Hazmat Drivers [January 25, 2005]
"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gradually implementing Section 1012 of the USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107-56). This provision seeks to reduce some of the security risks associated with hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation by requiring a security threat assessment of drivers with a hazmat endorsement on their commercial drivers license (CDL). This process, which includes immigration and database checks, may deter a terrorist from obtaining or keeping such an endorsement; nevertheless, the hazmat transportation system remains vulnerable to attack. Members of Congress are overseeing implementation of TSA's program, reviewing its financial impacts, and deciding whether to explicitly require in law a comparable review of Canadian- and Mexican-domiciled drivers transporting specified hazmats into the United States. Congress might consider whether to: help the states pay for their costs to implement TSA's program by specifying that any fee collected by TSA also must reflect state costs and must be shared with the states, conduct additional oversight on TSA's hazmat threat assessment process, evaluate whether TSA should be required to combine its hazmat security threat process with its Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) program, or delay the fingerprint-based portion of the check until the TWIC is deployed. Each of these options poses its own set of unique costs and benefits that would need to be evaluated. This report will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rothberg, Paul F.
2005-01-25
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Tsunamis: Monitoring, Detection, and Early Warning Systems [January 24, 2005]
"Recently, some in Congress have become concerned about the possible vulnerability of U.S. coastal areas to tsunamis, and about the adequacy of early warning for coastal areas of the western Atlantic Ocean. Those concerns stem from the December 26, 2004, tsunami that devastated many coastal areas around the northern Indian Ocean, where few tsunami early warning systems currently operate. Caused by a strong underwater earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, the tsunami disaster is estimated to have claimed at least 150,000 lives. Affected nations, assisted by others, are pursuing a multilateral effort to develop a detection and warning network for the Indian Ocean. Also, some Members of Congress and the Bush Administration have proposed a tsunami warning network for the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. Although instrumentation costs could run into the millions of dollars, existing weather buoys and state and local coastal and ocean observation networks might serve as possible platforms for the instrumentation. The European Union, Canada, and the United States may consider multilateral efforts to establish coverage for the North Atlantic. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrissey, Wayne A.
2005-01-24
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Passenger Rail Security: Overview of Issues [Updated January 24, 2005]
"The security of passenger rail systems will continue to be an issue during the 109th Congress. A key challenge facing Congress is balancing the desire for and cost of increased rail passenger security with the operating efficiency of the systems, the potential costs that could be incurred in the event of one or more attacks, and with other options for promoting national security. Several proposals made during the 108th Congress would have increased federal funding for passenger rail security to $1 billion a year or more. Opponents of these proposals argue that passenger rail systems are not only inherently vulnerable targets for terrorist attack, but also are only one among many groups of potential targets (e.g., schools, shopping malls, etc). Attempting to defend each of these groups of potential targets would cost billions of dollars, and the security measures may not only be of unproved effectiveness but may also interfere with the way these institutions operate, imposing many indirect costs on society. Rather than spending billions of dollars to provide an uncertain improvement in security for each group of potential targets, some argue that a greater overall level of security can be achieved at less cost by focusing federal security spending on anti-terrorist activities of national defense, intelligence, and law enforcement organizations, in order to reduce the threats to all homeland activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peterman, David Randall
2005-01-24
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Nuclear Arms Control: The U.S.-Russian Agenda [Updated January 24, 2005]
"By the late 1990s, arms control negotiations were not as important to the U.S.-Russian relationship as they were to the U.S.- Soviet relationship during the Cold War. But the United States and Russia 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 these agreements and tracks progress in their ratification and implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2005-01-24
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Macedonia (FYROM): Post-Conflict Situation and U.S. Policy [Updated January 24, 2005]
From the Document: "In early 2001, an eight-month conflict between ethnic Albanian insurgent forces and Macedonian police and security forces threatened to derail the country's fragile stability and lead to another extended conflict in the Balkans. Later that year, U.S. and European intervention led to the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which outlined a package of political reforms to expand the rights of the ethnic Albanian minority while rebel forces were disarmed and disbanded under NATO supervision. Macedonia's current multi-ethnic government remains committed to the Ohrid process and seeks eventual membership in NATO and the European Union. Prospects for economic development remain modest and compromised by organized criminal activity. Some extremist political sentiment, mainly among opposition parties, point to ongoing risks to security and stability. However, an opposition sponsored referendum on November 7, 2004, intended to halt plans for decentralization and local governmental reforms called for under the Ohrid accords, failed due to low turnout. The unresolved status of neighboring Kosovo has affected perceptions of regional stability and any final outcome of the status issue in Kosovo is likely to have significant consequences for Macedonia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kim, Julie
2005-01-24
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Military Aviation: Issues and Options for Combating Terrorism and Counterinsurgency [January 24, 2005]
"By all accounts, the U.S. military dominates state-on-state conflict. In the past, non-state actors (terrorists, guerrillas, drug traffickers) appeared to be less threatening to U.S. national security than the well funded, well organized, and potent armed forces of an enemy nation-state. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 illustrate, however, that small groups of non-state actors can exploit relatively inexpensive and commercially available technology to conduct very destructive attacks over great distances. Today's U.S. armed forces were developed principally with state-on-state conflict in mind. Combating non-state actors, however, presents a number of distinct challenges in terms of operations, cost, and mindset. Non-state actors generally strive to hide within civilian populations. While U.S. policy makers typically seek quick and decisive victories, non-state actors seek protracted war. Non-state actors often employ cheap, commercially available weapons that often result in expensive responses by the United States. Determination of DOD needs for combating non-state actors and fielding more relevant forces raises a number of acquisition issues. Some argue that DOD's overall acquisition priorities are still too oriented toward large, 'high tech' acquisition programs most applicable to fighting or deterring a peer competitor in state-on-state conflict. Equally important, however, are the mindset changes that may be required to transition to a force equally adept at fighting conventional and non conventional foes. These mindset changes could include changes to training, doctrine, planning and organization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth; Bolkcom, Christopher C.
2005-01-24
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Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and Response [Updated January 24, 2005]
"A terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and affect the global economy. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, though each poses difficulties. Ability to detect a bomb appears limited. The United States is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, etc., to try to thwart an attack. Issues for Congress include safeguarding foreign nuclear material, mitigating economic effects of an attack, and allocating funds between ports and other potential targets. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Medalia, Jonathan E.
2005-01-24
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North Korea: A Chronology of Events, October 2002-December 2004 [January 24, 2005]
"This report provides a chronology of events relevant to U.S. relations with North Korea from October 2002 through December 31, 2004. The chronology includes significant meetings, events, and statements that shed light on the issues surrounding North Korea's nuclear weapons program. An introductory analysis provides background on U.S. policy preceding October 2002 as well as an overview of developments and dynamics among the major players in the North Korea nuclear dispute: South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, and the United States. Particular attention is paid to the demise of the Agreed Framework, the ongoing six party talks, China's prominent role in the negotiations, inter-Korean relations, and the Japanese abductee issue. Also discussed is Congress' role in dealing with North Korea, including the passage of the North Korea Human Rights Act (P.L. 108-333). This report will not be updated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manyin, Mark E.; Marchart, Helene; Chanlett-Avery, Emma
2005-01-24
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Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol [Updated January 24, 2005]
From the Summary: "During the last decade, the United States Border Patrol (USBP) has seen its budget and manpower more than triple. This expansion was the direct result of Congressional concerns about illegal immigration and the agency's adoption of "Prevention Through Deterrence" as its chief operational strategy in 1994. The strategy calls for placing USBP resources and manpower directly at the areas of greatest illegal immigration in order to detect, deter, and apprehend aliens attempting to cross the border between official points of entry. Post 9/11, the USBP has also refocused its strategy on preventing the entry of terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. In addition to a workforce of over 10,000 agents, the USBP deploys vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and many different technologies to defend the border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nunez-Neto, Blas
2005-01-24
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U.S. Immigration Policy on Haitian Migrants [Updated January 21, 2005]
"The devastation of Tropical Storm Jeanne coupled with escalating civil unrest and armed rebellion in Haiti has renewed congressional interest in U.S. policy on Haitian migrants, particularly those attempting to reach the United States by boat. While some observers assert that the arrival of these Haitians demonstrate a breach in border security, others maintain that these Haitians are asylum seekers following a 30-year practice of Haitians coming by boat without legal immigration documents. Migrant interdiction and mandatory detention are key components of U.S. policy toward Haitian migrants, but human rights advocates express concern that Haitians are not afforded the same treatment as other asylum seekers arriving in the United States. This report does not track developments but will be updated if policies are revised."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2005-01-21
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Stem Cell Research [Updated January 21, 2005]
"Embryonic stem cells have the ability to develop into virtually any cell in the body, and may have the potential to treat medical conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease. In August 2001, President Bush announced that for the first time federal funds would be used to support research on human embryonic stem cells, but funding would be limited to 'existing stem cell lines.' The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry, which lists stem cell lines that are eligible for use in federally funded research. Although 78 cell lines are listed, 22 embryonic stem cell lines are currently available. Scientists are concerned about the quality, longevity, and availability of the eligible stem cell lines. For a variety of reasons, many believe research advancement requires new embryonic stem cell lines, and for certain applications, stem cells derived from cloned embryos may offer the best hope for progress in understanding and treating disease. A significant cohort of pro-life advocates support stem cell research; those opposed are concerned that the isolation of stem cells requires the destruction of embryos. Letters from Congress, one signed by 206 Members of the House and a second signed by 58 Senators, have been sent urging President Bush to expand the current federal policy concerning embryonic stem cell research. Some have argued that stem cell research be limited to adult stem cells obtained from tissues such as bone marrow. They argue that adult stem cells should be pursued instead of embryonic stem cells because they believe the derivation of stem cells from either embryos or aborted fetuses is ethically unacceptable. Other scientists believe adult stem cells should not be the sole target of research because of important scientific and technical limitations. Groups make ethical distinctions in the debate on how to proceed with stem cell research based upon embryo protection, relief of suffering, viability, the purpose and timing of embryo creation and destruction, donor consent, scientific alternatives, federal funding, and cloning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Johnson, Judith A. (Judith Ann), 1957-; Williams, Erin D.
2005-01-21
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Nuclear Arms Control: The Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty [Updated January 21, 2005]
"On May 24, 2002, President Bush and Russia's President Putin signed a new Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (known as the Treaty of Moscow) that will reduce strategic nuclear weapons to between 1,700 and 2,200 warheads by December 31, 2012. Russia entered the negotiations seeking a "legally binding document" that would contain limits, definitions, counting rules and elimination rules that resembled those in the START Treaties. Russia convinced the United States to sign a legally binding treaty, but the United States rejected any limits and counting rules that would require the elimination of delivery vehicles and warheads removed from service. The Treaty contains four substantive Articles. The first limits each side to 1,700-2,200 strategic nuclear warheads, but states that the parties can determine the structure of their forces themselves. The second states that START I remains in force; the parties can use that Treaty's verification regime to monitor reductions under the new Treaty. The third established a bilateral implementation commission and the fourth sets December 31, 2012, for the Treaty's expiration and notes that either party can withdraw on three months notice. The Treaty's ratification was approved by the U.S. Senate on March 6, 2003, and the Russian Duma on May 14, 2003."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2005-01-21
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Libya [Updated January 21, 2005]
The United Nations Security Council passed three resolutions that placed sanctions on Libya until Libya surrendered for trial two men suspected of bombing Pan Am flight 103 in 1988 and French flight UTA 772 in 1989. Libya surrendered the two men on April 5, 1999, and the U.N. suspended the sanctions the same day. U.S. sanctions against Libya remain in place. Libyan-U.S. relations have been plagued by a series of incidents between U.S. and Libyan armed forces, Libyan policies of supporting terrorism, Libya's search for chemical and nuclear weapons, and Libyan meddling in other nations' internal affairs. Al-Qadhafi has proposed bilateral and multilateral unions with his neighbors and several other countries, and envisions himself as carrying on for Egypt's Nasir in unifying the Arab, Islamic, and African worlds. Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi implemented a form of participatory democracy in Libya, where villages elect Peoples' Congresses, which in turn elect Peoples' Congresses for geographic regions and the central government. In addition, there are Peoples' Congresses representing industries or institutions, such as education, medicine, or broadcasting. Despite the presence and apparent activity of the Peoples' Congresses, it is clear that members of the Revolutionary Command Council, created after the 1969 coup, and their cohort continue to exercise great influence, perhaps dictatorial authority, over Libya. Libya's economy depends upon oil; current production is running at 1.4 million barrels per day of high quality crude, most of which is exported to Western Europe."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mark, Clyde R.
2005-01-21
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Protecting Our Perimeter: 'Border Searches' under the Fourth Amendment [Updated January 21, 2005]
"This report addresses the scope of the government's authority to search and seize individuals at the border pursuant to the constitutional framework that encompasses the border search exception to the warrant and probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment. This report also describes the varying levels of suspicion generally associated with each type of border search as interpreted by the courts. In addition, this report highlights some of the border security recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, legislative actions taken in the 108th Congress, and possible considerations for the 109th Congress. This report does not address interior searches and seizures performed by immigration personnel since they are not traditional 'border searches' in the Court's view. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Viña, Stephen R.
2005-01-21
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Human Cloning [Updated January 21, 2005]
"In February 2004 scientists in South Korea announced that they had created human embryos using cloning procedures and had succeeded in isolating human stem cells from a cloned embryo. In December 2002 a representative of Clonaid announced the overseas birth of the first cloned human to a 31-year-old American woman. Clonaid's claim remains unsubstantiated. These announcements have rekindled debate in the 108th Congress on the moral and ethical implications of human cloning as the disclosure by Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) did in the 107th Congress. In November 2001 ACT announced the creation of the first cloned human embryos (which survived only for a few hours); the embryos were to be used to derive stem cells for medical research on disease therapies.
President Bush announced in August 2001 that for the first time federal funds would be used to support research on human embryonic stem cells, but funding would be limited to 'existing stem cell lines.' Federal funds will not be used for the cloning of human embryos for any purpose, including stem cell research. The President's Council on Bioethics was established in November 2001 to consider all of the medical and ethical ramifications of biomedical innovation. In July 2002 the Council released its report on human cloning which unanimously recommended a ban on reproductive cloning and, by a vote of 10 to 7, a four-year moratorium on cloning for medical research purposes. The ethical issues surrounding reproductive cloning (safety, identity, and commodification, etc.), and therapeutic cloning (embryos' moral status, relief of suffering, and creation for destruction), impact various proposals for regulation, restrictions, bans, and uses of federal funding. President Bush announced in August 2001 that for the first time federal funds would be used to support research on human embryonic stem cells, but funding would be limited to 'existing stem cell lines.' Federal funds can not be used for the cloning of human embryos for any purpose, including stem cell research. In July 2002 the President's Council on Bioethics released its report on human cloning which unanimously recommended a ban on reproductive cloning and, by a vote of 10 to 7, a four-year moratorium on cloning for medical research purposes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Johnson, Judith A. (Judith Ann), 1957-; Williams, Erin D.
2005-01-21
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Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [January 21, 2005]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics, supported their admission into Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support in countering Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union. Soon after the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. In 2003, Uzbekistan endorsed coalition military action in Iraq and Kazakhstan provided about two dozen troops for rebuilding. After September 11, 2001, U.S. policy emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other strategic interests include internal reforms (democratization, free markets, and human rights) and energy development."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2005-01-21
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Energy Policy: Legislative Proposals in the 109th Congress [January 21, 2005]
"Despite extensive debate, the 108th Congress adjourned without passing comprehensive energy legislation. The House passed the conference version of H.R. 6 (Energy Policy Act of 2003) on November 18, 2003. A few days later, a cloture motion to limit debate in the Senate on the conference report failed (57- 40). Efforts to bring the bill back to the Senate floor early in the second session were unsuccessful, despite the introduction of a trimmed version, S. 2095, that lowered the cost of the bill from roughly $31 billion to less $14 billion. The most contentious provision of H.R. 6 was a 'safe harbor' provision to protect methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) refiners from product liability suits, a provision for which there was strong support in the House, but which the Senate did not include in S. 2095. Proposals to separate less controversial provisions from the comprehensive legislation were resisted by the House and Senate leadership. They argued that the conference version of H.R. 6 had been crafted as a careful balance of competing visions; breakup would leave more controversial provisions without leverage for compromise. The exception was that some energy tax incentives were extended or adopted in the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-311) and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-357)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Behrens, Carl E.; Bamberger, Robert
2005-01-21
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Millennium Challenge Account: Implementation of a New U.S. Foreign Aid Initiative [Updated January 21, 2005]
"In a speech on March 14, 2002, President Bush outlined a proposal for a major new U.S. foreign aid initiative. The program, referred to as the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), is managed by a new Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and provides assistance, through a competitive selection process, to developing nations that are pursing political and economic reforms in three areas: ruling justly, investing in people, and fostering economic freedom. If fully implemented, the initiative would represent one of the largest increases in foreign aid spending in half a century, outpaced only by the Marshall Plan following World War II and the Latin America-focused Alliance for Progress in the early 1960s."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nowels, Larry Q.
2005-01-21
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National Security Education Program: Background and Issues [Updated January 21, 2005]
"The National Security Education Program (NSEP), authorized by the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 (NSEA, Title VIII of P.L. 102-183), provides aid for international education and foreign language studies by American undergraduate and graduate students, plus grants to institutions of higher education. The statement of purpose for the NSEA emphasizes the needs of federal government agencies, as well as the Nation's postsecondary education institutions, for an increased supply of individuals knowledgeable about the languages and cultures of foreign nations, especially those which are of national security concern and have not traditionally been the focus of American interest and study. […]. Several bills passed in the 107th and 108th Congressional sessions that would have altered the NSEP's funding and administration. In addition, the intelligence reform bill (P.L. 108-458) signed by the President on December 17, 2004, amends Title X of the National Security Act to create a new Intelligence Community Scholarship Program (ICSP) that is quite similar to the NSEP (§1042). This report provides background information on the NSEP and an analysis of related issues including the ICSP. It will be updated in response to major legislative developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kuenzi, Jeffrey J., 1965-; Riddle, Wayne C.
2005-01-21
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Trade Negotiations During the 109th Congress [Updated January 19, 2005]
"The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Some contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The United States is participating in several regional and bilateral trade negotiations. Agreements were concluded and became effective during the 108th Congress with Australia, Chile, Morocco, and Singapore. Agreements have been signed with the five countries of the Central American Common Market (CACM) and the Dominican Republic, and with Bahrain. Negotiations are underway with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Panama, and Thailand. Talks with the Andean nations of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador began in May 2004. Negotiations are expected to begin with the United Arab Emirates and Oman early in 2005. Several other trade initiatives are under discussion, including a U.S.-Middle East FTA and an FTA with countries in southeast Asia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Sek, Lenore
2005-01-19
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Visa Issuances: Policy, Issues, and Legislation [Updated January 19, 2005]
"This report opens with an overview of visa issuances, with sections on procedures for aliens coming to live in the United States permanently and on. For a broader discussion, see CRS Report RS20916, Immigration and Naturalization Fundamentals, by Ruth Ellen Wasem. For background and analysis of visa issuance policy and activities, see CRS Report RL31512, Visa Issuances: Policy, Issues, and Legislation, by Ruth Ellen Wasem. For background and further discussion of humanitarian cases, see CRS Report RL31269, Refugee Admissions and Resettlement Policy, by Andorra Bruno; and CRS Report RS20844, Temporary Protected Status: Current Immigration Policy and Issues, by Ruth Ellen Wasem and Karma Ester. USCIS forms are available at [http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/index.htm]. Procedures for aliens admitted for temporary stays. It includes a discussion of visa screening policies, including inadmissibility, databases, an analysis of visa refusals, biometric visas and other major visa policy procedures. Summaries of key laws revising visa policy enacted in the 107th Congress follows. The final section analyzes selected issues in the 108th Congress, notably the 9/11 Commission recommendations, visa revocation and removal, new technologies, potential impact on business, and other security concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2005-01-19
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Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons [January 19, 2005]
"In 1991, both the United States and Soviet Union announced that they would withdraw most and eliminate many of their nonstrategic nuclear weapons. The United States now retains approximately 1,100 nonstrategic nuclear weapons, with a few hundred deployed with aircraft in Europe and the remaining stored in the United States. Estimates vary, but experts believe Russia still has between 3,000 and 8,000 warheads for nonstrategic nuclear weapons in its arsenal. The Bush Administration has not announced any further reductions in U.S. nonstrategic nuclear weapons; to the contrary, it has indicated that nuclear weapons remain essential to U.S. national security interests and it has requested funding for the study of a new robust nuclear earth penetrator weapon. In addition, Russia has increased its reliance on nuclear weapons in its national security concept. Some analysts argue that Russia has backed away from its commitments from 1991 and may develop and deploy new types of nonstrategic nuclear weapons."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Woolf, Amy F.
2005-01-19
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Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 19, 2005]
"The United States recognized the independence of all the former Soviet republics by the end of 1991, including the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties with Armenia to encourage its democratization and because of concerns by Armenian-Americans and others over its fate. Close ties with Georgia have evolved from U.S. contacts with its pro-Western leadership. The Bush Administration supports U.S. private investment in Azerbaijan's energy sector as a means of increasing the diversity of world energy suppliers and encourages building multiple energy pipelines to world markets. The United States has been active in diplomatic efforts to end conflicts in the region, many of which remain unresolved. The FREEDOM Support Act (P.L. 102- 511) provides the major authorization for assistance to the Eurasian states for humanitarian needs, democratization, creation of market economies, trade and investment, and other purposes. Sec. 907 of the act prohibits most U.S. government-to-government aid to Azerbaijan until its ceases blockades and other offensive use of force against Armenia. This provision has been partly altered over the years to permit humanitarian aid and democratization aid, border security and customs support to promote non- proliferation, Trade and Development Agency aid, Overseas Private Investment Corporation insurance, Eximbank financing, and Foreign Commercial Service activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2005-01-19
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Iraq: Paris Club Debt Relief [Updated January 19, 2005]
"Iraq's public debt was estimated to be US$120.2 billion in nominal value as of the end of 2004. The debt owed to Paris Club creditors as of December 31, 2004, was estimated to be US$38.9 billion. The U.S. share of this amount is around $4 billion. Non-Paris Club countries, mostly Persian Gulf countries, are owed around $60 - $65 billion. The remaining debts are to private commercial creditors. Iraqi debt relief is a high priority for both the President and Congress (H.R. 2482). This report will discuss efforts to implement Iraqi debt relief and highlight some policy concerns. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.
2005-01-19
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U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [January 19, 2005]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to improve law enforcement cooperation against terrorism both among its 25 member states and with the United States. Washington has largely welcomed these efforts, recognizing that they may help root out terrorist cells and prevent future attacks. However, the United States and the EU continue to face several challenges as they seek to promote closer cooperation in the police, judicial, and border control fields. This report will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2005-01-19
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Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses [Updated January 19, 2005]
"Part of the debate over U.S. policy toward Iran has centered on the nature of the current regime. Some experts believe that Iran is a threat to U.S. interests because hardliners in Iran's regime dominate and set a policy direction intended to challenge U.S. influence and allies in the region. The elements of that challenge include attempting to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD), supporting terrorist groups, failing to extradite senior Al Qaeda leaders, repressing its own population, and pressuring such regional U.S. allies as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, and Azerbaijan. Some maintain that Iran will constitute a major threat to U.S. interests unless and until all elements of the current regime are removed and replaced with a non-Islamic, pro-Western government. Others believe that common strategic interests in stability in Central Asia and the Persian Gulf could drive Iran to become a potential ally of the United States on at least some issues, whether or not moderates prevail politically inside Iran."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2005-01-19
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [Updated January 19, 2005]
"This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2005-01-19
