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• Haiti's National Elections: Issues, Concerns, and Outcome [July 18, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "In proximity to the United States, and with such a chronically unstable political environment and fragile economy, Haiti has been a constant policy issue for the United States. Congress views the stability of the nation with great concern and commitment to improving conditions there. The Obama Administration considers Haiti its top priority in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Both Congress and the international community have invested significant resources in the political, economic, and social development of Haiti, and have closely monitored the election process as a prelude to the next steps in Haiti's development. For the past 25 years, Haiti has been making the transition from a legacy of authoritarian rule to a democratic government. Elections are a part of that process. In the short term, elections have usually been a source of increased political tensions and instability in Haiti. In the long term, elected governments in Haiti have contributed to the gradual strengthening of government capacity and transparency. […] Since then it has focused on the selection of a prime minister. The majority Inite parliament blocked Martelly's first choice, and over half of the Senate asked him to rescind his second candidate. In addition to ongoing issues regarding the legitimacy of the March 20 elections, other questions have raised concerns within the international community and Congress. These include the destabilizing presence of former dictator Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier and former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and the newly elected government's ability to handle the complex post-earthquake reconstruction process and its relationship with the donor community."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2011-07-18
• Foreign Students in the United States: Policies and Legislation [Updated January 31, 2008]

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  "More than six years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by foreign nationals -- including several terrorists on student visas -- the security concerns over foreign student visas are being weighed against competitiveness concerns. Potential foreign students, as well as all aliens, must satisfy Department of State (DOS) consular officers abroad and immigration inspectors upon entry to the United States that they are not ineligible for visas under the so-called 'grounds for inadmissibility' of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which include security and terrorist concerns. The consular officers who process visa applicants are required to check the consolidated Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) before issuing any visa. In part because of these security measures, student visa debates have expanded to include both security and market-based discussions. Higher education institutions in the United States are concerned over their ability to attract the numbers and quality of foreign students, and whether the post- September 11 security measures impede the entry of potential students into the U.S. education system. The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) increasingly rely on foreign students, and these fields hold a top priority with most research institutions. […]. Consequently, many groups in higher education and the private sector are seeking to expand pathways for foreign students to emigrate to the United States. […]. This report will be updated as warranted."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Haddal, Chad C.

  2008-01-31
• Haiti: Developments and U.S. Policy Since 1991 and Current Congressional Concerns [Updated January 25, 2008]

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  "Following the first free and fair elections in Haiti's history, Jean-Bertrand Aristide first became Haitian President in February 1991. He was overthrown by a military coup in September 1991. For over three years, the military regime resisted international demands that Aristide be restored to office. In September 1994, after a U.S. military intervention had been launched, the military regime agreed to Aristide's return, the immediate, unopposed entry of U.S. troops, and the resignation of its leadership. President Aristide returned to Haiti in October 1994 under the protection of some 20,000 U.S. troops, and disbanded the Haitian army. U.S. aid helped train a civilian police force. Subsequently, critics charged Aristide with politicizing that force and engaging in corrupt practices. Elections held under Aristide and his successor, René Préval (1996-2000), including the one in which Aristide was reelected in 2000, were marred by alleged irregularities, low voter turnout, and opposition boycotts. Efforts to negotiate a resolution to the electoral dispute frustrated the international community for years. Tension and violence continued throughout Aristide's second term, culminating in his departure from office in February 2004, after the opposition repeatedly refused to negotiate a political solution and armed groups took control of half the country. An interim government, backed by the Bush Administration, was established with Gérard LaTortue as Prime Minister. The U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has tried to improve security conditions, but Haiti remains unstable. Natural disasters have contributed to instability."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2008-01-25
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated September 7, 2006]

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  From the Summary: "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 to counter 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. […] Some observers call for different emphases or levels of U.S. involvement in the region. There are differing views on whether to strengthen or weaken conditions linking aid to progress in improving human rights and making adequate progress in democratization and the creation of free markets. There is debate regarding the importance of energy resources in the region to U.S. national security and about whether the risks posed by civil and ethnic tensions in the region outweigh the benefits of U.S. involvement. There are questions about whether U.S. military access will be needed after Afghanistan becomes more stable. Heightened congressional interest in Central Asian (and South Caucasian) states was reflected in passage of 'Silk Road' language in 1999 (P.L. [Public Law] 106-113) authorizing enhanced U.S. policy attention and aid to support conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport (including energy pipelines) and communications, border controls, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in these countries. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report replaces CRS Issue Brief IB93108, 'Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests', by Jim Nichol."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2006-09-07
• Navy Role in Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) -- Background and Issues for Congress [Updated May 29, 2008]

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  From the Summary: "The Navy for several years has carried out a variety of activities related to what the Administration refers to as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The Navy states that as of February 2008, more than 11,300 Navy sailors (including Individual Augmentees) were ashore supporting ground forces in the U.S. Central Command region (including Iraq and Afghanistan). The Navy's role in the GWOT raises several potential oversight issues for Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  O'Rourke, Ronald

  2008-05-29
• Ukraine - Countering Russian Intervention and Supporting a Democratic State: Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, Second Session, May 6, 2014

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  This is the hearing on "Ukraine - Countering Russian Intervention and Supporting a Democratic State" held before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. From the opening statement of Senator Menendez: "The situation in Ukraine is untenable, and there is no question that Russia and President Putin himself is supporting and instigating the conflicts that developed in southern and eastern Ukraine in the last days. Foreign Minister Lavrov's ruling out of additional talks today makes clear that Russia has no interest in resolving the crisis, leading us to conclude that the goal is to destabilize the country and potentially pursue further territorial ambitions. Our resolve, however, must be clear. Putin's actions must not stand and will not go unchallenged. These actions are an inexcusable breach of international law and a deeply aggressive gesture that sets a troubling precedent. Putin's tactics are not just about changing facts on the ground by sending in armed men to grab land. He has also launched a massive propaganda effort to distort the facts of this situation." Statements, letters and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Evelyn Farkas, Daniel Glaser, David Kramer, Victoria Nuland and Angela Stent.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2015
• Evolution of Hybrid Warfare and Key Challenges, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, March 22, 2017

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  This is the March 22, 2017 hearing on "The Evolution of Hybrid Warfare and Key Challenges" before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services. From the opening statement of William M. Thornberry: "The committee meets today to examine the challenge posed by unconventional forms of warfare. A variety of terms are used to describe it: hybrid warfare, indirect warfare, the gray zone, and others. Americans are used to thinking of a binary state of either war or peace. That is the way our organizations, doctrine, and approaches are geared. Other countries, including Russia, China, and Iran, use a wider array of centrally controlled, or at least centrally directed, instruments of national power and influence to achieve their objectives. Whether it is contributing to foreign political parties, targeted assassinations of opponents, infiltrating non-uniformed personnel such as the little green men, traditional media and social media, influence operations, or cyber-connected activity, all of these tactics and more are used to advance their national interests and most often to damage American national interests." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christopher S. Chivvis, Francis G. Hoffman, and Andrew Shearer.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2017
• Export Control Reform Act of 2018; Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2018; Global Electoral Exchange Act; and Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018, Markup Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, Second Session, H.R. 5040, H.R. 5129, H.R. 5274, and H.R. 5480, April 17, 2018

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  This document is the April 17, 2018 markup on the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2018, Global Electoral Exchange Act, and Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the opening statement of Edward Royce: "[T]he following items previously provided will be considered en bloc and are considered as read: H.R. 5040, the Export Control Reform Act, Royce Amendment 101 in the nature of a substitute, Sherman Amendment 45. These are also all in your packets, by the way: H.R. 5129, the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act with Smith Amendment 85; H.R. 5274, the Global Electoral Exchange Act with the Castro amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5274 and the Titus Amendment 38; and I have H.R. 5480, this is the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act and Royce Amendment 103." This document does not contain statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2018
• Homeland Security Department: FY2008 Appropriations [Updated August 20, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "This report describes the FY2008 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Administration requested a net appropriation of $35.5 billion in net budget authority for FY2008. The requested net appropriation for major components of the department included the following: $8,783 million for Customs and Border Protection (CBP); $4,168 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); $3,608 million for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); $8,457 million for the U.S. Coast Guard; $1,399 million for the Secret Service; $1,047 for the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPP); $5,042 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); $30 million for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); $799 million for the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T); and $562 million for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). The House passed H.R. 2638 on June 15, 2007. H.R. 2638 would provide $37.4 billion in net budget authority for DHS for FY2008. H.R. 2638 contains the following in net budget authority for major components of DHS: $8,923 million for CBP; $4,192 million for ICE; $3,842 million for the TSA; $8,352 million for the U.S. Coast Guard; $1,396 million for the Secret Service; $1,035 for the NPP; $7,239 million for FEMA; $30 million for USCIS; $777 million for S&T; and $556 million for the DNDO. The Senate Appropriations Committee reported its bill, S. 1644, on June 14, 2007. The Senate took up the House bill on July 19, 2007, and substituted its text with that in S. 1644. On July 26, 2007, the Senate passed its version of H.R. 2638."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lake, Jennifer E.; Lister, Sarah A.; Nunez-Neto, Blas

  2007-08-20
• Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights [June 10, 2011]

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  "Iraq's political system is increasingly characterized by peaceful competition and formation of cross-sectarian alliances. However, ethnic and sectarian political and sometimes violent infighting continues, often involving the questionable use of key levers of power and legal institutions. This infighting--and the belief that holding political power may mean the difference between life and death for the various political communities--significantly delayed agreement on a new government that was to be selected following the March 7, 2010, national elections for the Council of Representatives (COR, parliament). With U.S. diplomatic help, on November 10, 2010, major ethnic and sectarian factions agreed on a framework for a new government, breaking the long deadlock. The agreement, under which Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is serving a second term, was implemented when a broad-based cabinet was confirmed on December 21, 2010. […] The Administration is hopeful that, as a U.S. drawdown or complete withdrawal proceeds, all factions will cooperate to act on key outstanding legislation crucial to attracting foreign investment, such as national hydrocarbon laws. The new government took action on some longstalled initiatives, including year-long tensions over Kurdish exports of oil. However, the lack of a broader and sustained focus on governance, or on improving key services, such as electricity, created popular frustration that manifested as protests since February 2011. The demonstrations were partly inspired by the wave of unrest that has broken out in many other Middle Eastern countries, but were not centered on overthrowing the regime or wholesale political change. Some force has been used to suppress them, but the main effect has been to renew tensions among and within major factions rather than to prompt new attempts to improve government performance."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2011-06-10
• Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights [July 15, 2011]

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  From the Summary: "Iraq's political system is increasingly characterized by peaceful competition and formation of cross-sectarian alliances. However, ethnic and sectarian political and sometimes violent infighting continues, often involving the questionable use of key levers of power and legal institutions. This infighting--and the belief that holding political power may mean the difference between life and death for the various political communities--significantly delayed agreement on a new government that was to be selected following the March 7, 2010, national elections for the Council of Representatives (COR, parliament). With U.S. diplomatic help, on November 10, 2010, major ethnic and sectarian factions agreed on a framework ('Irbil Agreement') for a new government, breaking the long deadlock. The agreement, under which Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki is serving a second term, began to be implemented with the selection and confirmation of a broad-based cabinet on December 21, 2010. […] The Administration is hopeful that, as a U.S. drawdown or complete withdrawal proceeds, all factions will cooperate to act on key outstanding legislation crucial to attracting foreign investment, such as national hydrocarbon laws. The new government took action on some longstalled initiatives, including year-long tensions over Kurdish exports of oil. However, the lack of a broader and sustained focus on governance, or on improving key services, such as electricity, created popular frustration that manifested as protests since February 2011. The demonstrations were partly inspired by the wave of unrest that has broken out in many other Middle Eastern countries, but were not centered on overthrowing the regime or wholesale political change."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2011-07-15
• CTC Sentinel [February 2021]

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  This February 2021 issue of the U.S. Military Academy's Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) Sentinel features an article about future leadership of al-Qa`ida titled "Al-Qa'ida's Soon-To-Be Third Emir? A Profile of Saif al-'Adl," by Ali Soufan. Other reports include: "The Evolution of the Boogaloo Movement," by Matthew Kriner and Jon Lewis; "The Network of the November 2020 Vienna Attacker and the Jihadi Threat to Austria," by Johannes Saal and Felix Lippe; and "Extremism and Terrorism Trends in Pakistan: Changing Dynamics and New Challenges," by Hassan Abbas.

  Combating Terrorism Center (U.S.)

  2021-02
• CTC Sentinel [January 2021]

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  This January 2021 issue of the U.S. Military Academy's Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) Sentinel features the following article: "Terrorism and Counterterrorism Challenges for the Biden Administration" by Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware. Other reports include "A View from the CT [counterterrorism] Foxhole: David Lasseter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction" an interview by Stephen Hummel, Paul Cruickshank, and Don Rassler; "Afghanistan's Security Forces Versus the Taliban: A Net Assessment" by Jonathan Schroden; and "The April 2020 Islamic State Terror Plot Against U.S. and NATO Military Bases in Germany: The Tajik Connection" by Nodirbek Soliev.

  Combating Terrorism Center (U.S.)

  2021-01
• FY2010 Supplemental for Wars, Disaster Assistance, Haiti Relief, and Court Cases [May 12, 2010]

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  From the Summary: "The Defense Department, the State Department, FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency], and the court plaintiffs have all cited deadlines in May and June for when funding is needed, but there appears to be some flexibility in these dates. Because DOD has already received 80% of its war funding, the supplemental monies may not be needed until the end of July. FEMA has suggested that additional disaster funding is needed by June. Because its disaster funding was tapped to meet Haiti's needs, the State Department argues that it needs its funding by June. And while the plaintiffs in the Cobell and Pigford cases could reject the settlements if funding is not provided by this spring's deadlines, the Administration's support may dissuade them. Congress will consider this supplemental appropriations request within the constraints set forth in the FY2010 congressional budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 13), and other budget rules. Some Members may believe that the request should be exempt from such constraints by designating the additional spending as an emergency, as provided under the rules. Others, in light of the current fiscal environment, may believe that all or portions of the additional spending should be offset, so as not to increase the deficit. Congress could change the Administration's request. For DOD's request, issues could include whether to set a timeline to evaluate the Afghan war troop surge; whether plans and funding to accelerate the training of Afghan security forces are achievable; and whether DOD's basing request signifies a permanent presence."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Belasco, Amy; Else, Daniel H.; Lindsay, Bruce R.

  2010-05-12
• COVID-19 and U.S. International Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, and Response, Hearings Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, June 18 and June 30, 2020

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  These are the June 18 and June 30, 2020 hearings on "COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and U.S. International Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, and Response," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. From the opening statement of James E. Risch: "Today, we are going to discuss the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as future pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response. [...] It is essential that we respond now to help our partners who are not yet experiencing significant spread to get testing, tracing, and quarantine procedures in place, and to help our partners who already are under siege avert a worst-case scenario. We also need to focus on protecting access to food, livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene. Protecting existing investments in immunizations, maternal and child health, and other infectious diseases are important at this time, also. [...] At the same time, we need to figure out how to get ahead of the next global pandemic. Indeed, that is what the focus of this hearing is going to be on." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark Dybul, Chris Milligan, Garrett Grigsby, Jimmy J. Kolker, Ashish K. Jha, and Jeremy Konyndyk.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2020
• China's Role in Wildlife Trafficking and the Chinese Government's Response

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  "Overlooked, underpoliced, and highly lucrative, international wildlife trafficking has become a low-risk/high-return illegal trade estimated at $7 billion to $23 billion annually. While China's share of this trade is unknown due to the trade's illicit nature, China is widely recognized as the world's largest market for trafficked wildlife products. As the Chinese economy has grown, demand for wildlife products--including endangered species--has increased, contributing to the decline in populations of iconic species such as elephants and rhinos, as well as lesser-known species. Three factors play into Chinese demand for wildlife products: (1) wildlife products are valued as status symbols; (2) wildlife products represent a financial asset with stable or increasing value; and (3) wildlife products are perceived to have health benefits related to traditional Asian medicine. Until recently, however, public knowledge in China about wildlife trafficking and conservation efforts has been limited."

  U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

  Southerland, Matthew; Stephens, Suzanna

  2018-12-06
• Department of Defense Appropriations for 2021, Part 1, Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Second Session, February 6, 2020, February 27, 2020, March 3, 2020, March 4, 2020, March 5, 2020, March 10, 2020, March 11, 2020, March 12, 2020

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  These are the February 6, 2020, February 27, 2020, March 3, 2020, March 4, 2020, March 5, 2020, March 10, 2020, March 11, 2020, and March 12, 2020 hearings on "Department of Defense Appropriations for 2021, Part 1," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations. From the opening statement of Peter J. Visclosky: "The leadership of the Department of Defense has affirmed repeatedly that modernization of the strategic deterrent is the Department's number one priority. We know that effort will be costly. We also know that the Department has outlined an ambitious program to modernize our conventional forces to meet the needs of what is referred to as great power competition. While the administration appears to be fully committed to modernizing our nuclear systems, I must also stress my concern that the administration has not demonstrated the same commitment when it comes to arms control." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Charles A. Richard, Tod D. Wolters, Joseph L. Lengyel, Charles Luckey, Luke McCollum, David G. Bellon, Richard W. Scobee, Thomas B. Modly, Michael M. Gilday, David H. Berger, David D. Thompson, Clinton E. Crosier, R. Scott Dingle, Bruce L. Gillingham, Dorothy A. Hogg, Thomas McCaffery, Ronald Place, Bill Tinston, Craig S. Faller, Ryan D. McCarthy, James P. McConville, Kenneth F. McKenzie, Stephen Townsend, Roger Williams, McGovern, Richard Hudson, Brian Fitzpatrick, Thomas Suozzi, Glenn Thompson, Denny Heck, Jodey Arrington, Brad Wenstrup, Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon, and Sheila Jackson Lee.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2021
• El Salvador: Political, Economic, and Social Conditions and U.S. Relations [March 17, 2010]

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  "Throughout the last few decades, the United States has maintained a strong interest in El Salvador, a small Central American country with a population of 7.2 million. During the 1980s, El Salvador was the largest recipient of U.S. aid in Latin America as its government struggled against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) insurgency during a 12-year civil war. A peace accord negotiated in 1992 brought the war to an end and formally assimilated the FMLN into the political process as a political party. After the peace accords were signed, U.S. involvement shifted toward helping the government rebuild democracy and implement marketfriendly economic reforms. Mauricio Funes of the FMLN was inaugurated to a five-year presidential term in June 2009. Funes won a close election in March 2009, marking the first FMLN presidential victory and the first transfer in political power between parties since the end of El Salvador's civil war. Funes' victory followed strong showings by the FMLN in the January 2009 municipal and legislative elections, in which the party won a plurality of the seats in the National Assembly and the largest share of the municipal vote."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2010-03-17
• Department of Homeland Security: FY2015 Appropriations [November 20, 2014]

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  "This report analyzes the FY2015 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While this report makes note of many budgetary resources provided to DHS, its primary focus is on funding approved by Congress through the appropriations process."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Painter, William L.

  2014-11-20
• Generalized System of Preferences: Background and Renewal Debate [December 16, 2014]

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  From the summary: "The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provides non-reciprocal, duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). The United States, the European Union, and other developed countries have implemented similar programs since the 1970s. The U.S. program was first authorized in Title V of the Trade Act of 1974, and is subject to periodic renewal by Congress. The GSP program was most recently extended until July 31, 2013, in Section 1 of P.L. 112-40, and has not been renewed. Imports under the GSP program in 2012 (last full year of GSP implementation) amounted to about $19.9 billion--about 6% of all imports from GSP countries, and about 1% of total U.S. imports. […] This report presents, first, recent developments and a brief history, economic rationale, and legal background leading to the establishment of the GSP. Second, the report presents a discussion of U.S. implementation of the GSP. Third, the report presents an analysis of the U.S. program's effectiveness and the positions of various stakeholders. Fourth, implications of the expiration of the U.S. program and possible options for Congress are discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jones, Vivian Catherine

  2014-12-16
• Spreading Disease, Spreading Conflict? COVID-19, Climate Change and Security Risks

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  From the Summary: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has profound global impacts. Since the beginning of January 2020, there have been almost 30 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, and almost one million deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While all countries have been affected, COVID-19 is hitting especially hard those that were already struggling with poverty and conflict. The lockdown measures and travel restrictions caused millions to lose their jobs and incomes, exposed inequalities in access to basic services and resources, and heightened the risks to safety and human rights for many. What is worse, the full brunt of the pandemic may only be felt much later. Many of the contexts affected by the pandemic are also experiencing the impacts of climate change, which have and will continue to exacerbate situations of fragility and conflict. There is widespread agreement among security experts that climate change is a risk multiplier and obstacle to peace. It adds to and compounds challenges such as increased resource demands and rapid population growth and urbanisation, thus exacerbating existing fragility and conflict risks. At the same time, climate change has not stopped for COVID-19 as the massive wildfires, record droughts and floods, unprecedented heat and storms that we have seen in 2020 remind us."

  adelphi; Climate Diplomacy

  Mosello, Beatrice; Foong, Adrian; König, Christian . . .

  2020-10
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated August 4, 2006]

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  "The Administration's diverse goals in Central Asia reflect the differing characteristics of these states. U.S. interests in Kazakhstan include securing and eliminating Soviet-era nuclear and biological weapons materials and facilities. In Tajikistan, U.S. aid focuses on economic reconstruction. U.S. energy firms have invested in oil and natural gas development in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. U.S. relations with Uzbekistan suffered following the Uzbek government's violent crackdown on armed and unarmed protesters in the city of Andijon in May 2005. Some observers call for different emphases or levels of U.S. involvement in the region. There are differing views on whether to strengthen or weaken conditions linking aid to progress in improving human rights or in making adequate progress in democratization and the creation of free markets. There is debate regarding the importance of energy resources in the region to U.S. national security and about whether the risks posed by civil and ethnic tensions in the region outweigh the benefits of U.S. involvement. There are questions about whether U.S. military access is needed after Afghanistan becomes more stable. Heightened congressional interest in Central Asian (and South Caucasian) states was reflected in passage of 'Silk Road' language in 1999 (P.L. 106-113) authorizing enhanced U.S. policy attention and aid to support conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport (including energy pipelines) and communications, border controls, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in these countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2006-08-04
• Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy [Updated August 4, 2006]

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  "After instability during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook substantial political reforms, but lingering tensions between ruling Sunni Muslims and the Shiite majority are re-emerging in advance of October 2006 parliamentary elections. Bahrain's stability has long been a key U.S. interest; it has hosted U.S. naval headquarters for the Gulf for nearly 60 years. In September 2004, the United States and Bahrain signed a free trade agreement (FTA); legislation implementing it (H.R. 4340) was signed January 11, 2006 (P.L. 109-169)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Katzman, Kenneth

  2006-08-04
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated June 29, 2006]

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  "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 to counter 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 hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. In 2003, Uzbekistan endorsed coalition military action in Iraq; 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 U.S. objectives include promoting democratization, free markets, human rights, and energy development. Administration policy also aims to integrate these states into the international community so that they follow responsible security and other policies, and to discourage the growth of xenophobic, fundamentalist, and anti-Western orientations that threaten peace and stability."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2006-06-29
• Qualifying Industrial Zones in Jordan and Egypt [Updated July 5, 2006]

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  "In 1996, Congress authorized the creation of Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs), thereby entitling goods jointly produced by Israel and either Jordan or Egypt to enter the United States duty free. The QIZ creation vehicle was an amendment to the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-47), and its purpose was to promote peace and development between Israel and her Arab neighbors. Although Israeli-Palestinian violence has continued, some observers have praised QIZs for helping to spark Jordan's economic growth. Others note that QIZs, while promoting U.S.-Jordanian trade, have had modest impact on promoting job growth in Jordan. In 2005, Egypt began participating in the QIZ program. This report provides an overview of QIZs in the context of promoting regional development and peace. It will be updated periodically to reflect recent developments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Prados, Alfred B.; Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Bolle, Mary Jane

  2006-07-05
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated January 25, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "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 to counter 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. […] After September 11, U.S. policy emphasized bolstering the security of the Central Asian states to help them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms trafficking. Other strategic U.S. objectives include promoting democratization, free markets, human rights, and energy development. Administration policy also aims to integrate these states into the international community so that they follow responsible security and other policies, […] The Administration's diverse goals in Central Asia reflect the differing characteristics of these states. […] The 110th Congress is likely to continue to be at the forefront in advocating increased U.S. ties with Central Asia and in providing backing for use of the region as a staging area for supporting U.S.-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan. […] Assistance for border and customs controls and other safeguards to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will likely be ongoing congressional concerns. Congress will continue to contend with balancing its concerns about human rights abuses and lagging democratization against other U.S. interests in continued engagement with Central Asia to advance energy security and prosecute the Global War on Terror."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2007-01-25
• H.R. 1 (Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007) and S. 4 (Improving America's Security Act of 2007): A Comparative Analysis [March 29, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "This comparative analysis of H.R. 1 (Implementing the 9/11Commission Recommendations Act of 2007) and S. 4 (Improving America's Security Act of 2007) is an assessment of major similarities and differences between the two bills as passed by the House (January 9, 2007) and Senate (March 13, 2007) and under conference consideration. References to the two bills are to engrossed versions. The presentation is organized to follow the basic construct of the House bill because its coverage remained more stable through the legislative process and as the analyses began. Titles unique to S. 4 follow the Titles of H.R. 1. CRS [Congressional Research Service] experts are available to follow up on any additional needs, including clarification of content or of legislative references; each section of the analysis includes contact information for the analyst or attorney who prepared it. CRS also provides online access to research products that directly address a number of issues that are the focus of or are raised by H.R. 1 and S. 4. These products are available under the CRS homepage heading 'Terrorism and Homeland Security' (see [http://www.crs.gov])."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bruner, Edward F.

  2007-03-29
• Brazil-U.S. Relations [February 28, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "In recent years, congressional interest in Brazil has focused on the U.S.- Brazilian bilateral trade relationship, as well as Brazil's role in sub-regional, regional, and global trade talks in the Doha round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. In December 2006, Congress extended trade preferences for Brazil under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), but set thresholds that may limit trade preferences for some Brazilian exports compared to previous years. Interest in Brazil also centers on its role as a stabilizing force in Latin America, especially with respect to Venezuela and Bolivia. Brazil's role as an ethanol producer has generated growing interest in Congress. In addition, Brazil is a key U.S. ally whose cooperation is sought on issues that include counternarcotics and counterterrorism efforts; human rights concerns, such as race relations and trafficking in persons; the environment, including protection of the Amazon; and HIV/AIDS prevention. This report analyzes Brazil's political, economic, and social conditions, and how those conditions affect its role in the region and its relationship with the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2007-02-28
• Homeland Security Department: FY2007 Appropriations [Updated July 26, 2006]

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  "This report describes the FY2007 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate passed H.R. 5441 on July 13, 2006, which would provide $32.8 billion in net budget authority for DHS for FY2007. The House passed H.R. 5441, on June 6, 2006, which would provide $33.2 billion in net budget authority for DHS in FY2007. The Administration requested a net appropriation of $31.9 billion in net budget authority for FY2007, of which $31.0 billion is discretionary budget authority, and $1 billion is mandatory budget authority."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lake, Jennifer E.; Lister, Sarah A.; Nunez-Neto, Blas

  2006-07-26
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [Updated November 6, 2006]

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  "The Administration's diverse goals in Central Asia reflect the differing characteristics of these states. U.S. interests in Kazakhstan include securing and eliminating Soviet-era nuclear and biological weapons materials and facilities. In Tajikistan, U.S. aid focuses on economic reconstruction. U.S. energy firms have invested in oil and natural gas development in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. U.S. relations with Uzbekistan suffered following the Uzbek government's violent crackdown on armed and unarmed protesters in the city of Andijon in May 2005. Some observers call for different emphases or levels of U.S. involvement in the region. There are differing views on whether to strengthen or weaken conditions linking aid to progress in improving human rights or in making adequate progress in democratization and the creation of free markets. There is debate regarding the importance of energy resources in the region to U.S. national security and about whether the risks posed by civil and ethnic tensions in the region outweigh the benefits of U.S. involvement. There are questions about whether U.S. military access is needed after Afghanistan becomes more stable. Heightened congressional interest in Central Asian (and South Caucasian) states was reflected in passage of 'Silk Road' language in 1999 (P.L. 106-113) authorizing enhanced U.S. policy attention and aid to support conflict amelioration, humanitarian needs, economic development, transport (including energy pipelines) and communications, border controls, democracy, and the creation of civil societies in these countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nichol, James P.

  2006-11-06