Monday, June 7, 2021
Colombia’s Peace Talks: How Civil Society is Having a Say
Figuring out how to engage the public in a peace process can be rather messy. USIP’s Ginny Bouvier examines the evolution of public engagement in the Colombian case.
Iraq’s Turbulence Signals Urgent Need for Action
With the U.N. calling April the bloodiest month in Iraq in almost five years, USIP experts warn that the rapidly escalating violence must be contained soon to forestall a deterioration that will cost far more effort and resources if not addressed.
Silver Bullet, or Just More Bullets? Serbia-Kosovo Accord Will Require Tending
The landmark agreement reached between the governments of Serbia and Kosovo on April 19th in the latest round of normalization talks lays out policies for governing the mixed or predominately ethnic Serbian municipalities in northern Kosovo. But given the security and political challenges, and absent implementation support, the 15-point plan could instead generate significant instability.
Afghanistan’s Economic Prospects Linked to Political Stability, Security Developments
Would you be surprised to learn that Afghanistan ranked No. 1 in progress last year on the U.N.'s Human Development Index? Despite incomplete and questionable data on the country, this is an impressive achievement. A USIP panel considers what needs to be done to maintain and protect Afghanistan's progress as the U.S. and other nations withdraw most of their military troops and reduce civilian aid efforts.
Iraq Holding First Election since U.S. Troop Withdrawal
Iraq’s first elections since the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011—provincial contests to be held on April 20—are a historic step for the country’s young democracy. They will have significant implications for the future of democracy, stability and peace in Iraq.
Possible China Shift on North Korea?
John Park, a senior Asia adviser at USIP, says China is exploring how to modify its North Korea policy because of concern that the recent explosive rhetoric and potential South Korean and/or U.S. responses to North Korean actions could lead to a dangerous region-wide escalation.
Iraq Today – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The 10-year mark for the start of the war in Iraq is hardly something to commemorate, but it serves as a reminder to review the good, bad and the ugly. USIP’s Manal Omar reflects on the state of Iraq today.
North Korean Threats Turn Eyes to China
North Korea’s almost daily delivery of threats against South Korea, Japan and the United States in the past week has eyes turning toward neighboring China for influence to defuse the tensions. Two USIP experts who are former U.S. arms control officials say statements and actions by the U.S. and its allies South Korea and Japan send signals to China just as much as to North Korea.
Colombia Peace Talks: Signs of Progress?
As the government of Colombia and the FARC-EP guerrillas prepare to resume another round of peace talks on April 2, reports from observers and public comments by the parties indicate the two sides are optimistic that they'll reach agreement.
Kabul Bankrupt? Verdict Portends Broad Consequences for Afghanistan
Afghanistan sometimes seems like a suicidal cat: bent on self-destruction, but having nine lives. It almost lost a life when the Kabul Bank collapsed in spectacular fashion in September 2010. Even before the diplomatic dustups over the weekend between President Hamid Karzai and the NATO-led coalition during a visit to Afghanistan by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, last week’s verdict by the Special Tribunal established to prosecute those involved in the collapse looks like it might cost a...