Carnegie Moscow Center
Ambassador de Brichambaut, secretary general of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), discussed the organization's activities and challenges over the last six years and reflected on current challenges facing the OSCE and the broader Euro-Atlantic community.
Afghanistan has eclipsed Iraq as the focus of U.S. military efforts, a sign of the country’s importance as well as the urgent need to bring resolution to the conflict.
With Afghans growing increasingly frustrated by the Western forces in their country, President Obama should use the political cover provided by the death of Osama bin Laden to change his strategy in Afghanistan and negotiate with the Taliban.
While the ideology of violence and terrorism has peaked and is visibly on the way down in the Middle East and North Africa, the war on al-Qaeda and terror is far from over.
The death of Osama bin Laden offers President Obama an opportunity to emphasize negotiations with the Taliban and facilitate a withdrawal from Afghanistan, even if its impact on global terrorism will be limited.
Osama bin Laden’s death will not immediately deal a fatal blow to Islamic extremism, but it could potentially help to improve the situation in Afghanistan.
While Osama bin Laden’s death will not put an end to jihadist groups, it could help facilitate a political solution in Afghanistan, offering President Obama the political capital and opportunity to begin negotiations with the Taliban.
While Turkey’s integration of Islam, democracy, and economic growth is serving as potential inspiration for countries undergoing revolutions on how to effectively reform, Ankara’s reaction to the unrest is causing some observers to question its intentions in the region.
While China’s new aircraft carrier does not pose a major threat to U.S. forces or allies in the Western Pacific, the United States needs to take steps to communicate this message of reassurance to countries in the region.
The Arab revolts are pushing Western governments to reject a pragmatic approach to foreign relations in favor of support for democratic values and human rights, with potentially significant effects on Russia’s relations with the West.