Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
From Ceasefire to Stability
Civil war has created a nationwide security vacuum across Syria. Conflict rages in virtually every one of the country's 13 provinces. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed or wounded, and millions have been displaced, causing the worst humanitarian crisis since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Rift Removal
The situation in Syria is dire, and there are no good options for addressing it; even the option of doing nothing is terrible, both morally and strategically. Inaction by the international community allows the killing to. Military intervention risks uncontrollable involvement without an obvious positive outcome. Although all agree that only a political solution can end the conflict, there is no agreement on the shape of such a solution.
Libya Experts Appeal for U.S., World to Support Potential Model
Libya’s strategic role in the region and its potential as a model to demonstrate that the “Arab Spring” can spawn democracy make it critical for the U.S. and other western nations to provide the technical support the country needs, according to experts.
Challenges of Reconstruction after Arab Uprisings Discussed at USIP-ROA Briefing
U.S. officials will need to show both humility and patience for years to come as they try to assist the nations of the Middle East and North Africa that have cast off decades-old authoritarian governments and are only beginning a rough and uncertain transition in their political systems and economies, a Capitol Hill audience was told at a February 16 briefing organized by the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).
On the Issues: Afghanistan and Pakistan 2010 Review
Ambassador William Taylor shares his review of the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2010 and provides a glimpse into what we can expect from these two countries in 2011.
Afghanistan: Conditions-Based Redeployment
President Barack Obama’s policy of a conditions-based redeployment in Afghanistan starting in July 2011 leaves him a lot of flexibility. The administration will likely decide to maintain the troop numbers in Afghanistan near the surge level next year, pending another review.
The Road to Successful Transition in Afghanistan: From Here to the December 2010 Review
The next seven months leading up to the December policy review will be crucial for Afghanistan’s future; at that time the Obama administration—and the citizens of Afghanistan, the United States and ISAF nations—will make a judgment about progress towards stability there. Afghans and Americans need to set a course for success, and reach an agreement of what realistic, achievable progress means, and how to accomplish it.
Iraqi Voices Entering 2010
As the U.S. prepares to leave Iraq, USIP examines the impact of Iraq’s emerging civil society on politics, and what the U.S. can and should do to ensure continued progress.
Establishing Leadership on Civilian Assistance to Afghanistan
USIP's Alex Thier and Bill Taylor argue why leadership of civilian assistance is necessary for success in Afghanistan, and lay out the best options to move forward.