Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest analysis and perspective on the world’s critical hot spots, U.S. and global security and issues involved in violent conflict, based on the Institute’s work on the ground and with key individuals, governments and organizations. They give interviews and background briefings to journalists and write for news outlets around the world.
A leaked letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ashraf Ghani instructing the Afghan president to comply with new initiatives to restart the peace process to enable a US troop pullout caught Afghan women’s rights activists by surprise on International Women’s Day and underscored the disconnect between...
The US Secretary of State has reportedly written to Afghanistan's President to warn that US forces could be withdrawn completely by May. Antony Blinken has called for urgent leadership in the stalled peace talks with the Taliban, as the UK and other NATO allies wait on the US decision to determine the future of their own military presences. Mr. Blinken said...
Knox Thames is a visiting expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace with the Middle East and Religion and Inclusive Societies teams...
President Joe Biden is testing whether he can bring sweeping changes in Afghanistan, including a potential government involving the Taliban, in a high-risk strategy as he weighs whether to honor a May deadline to end America's longest war. In a letter leaked to Afghan media over the weekend, Secretary of State Antony Blinken encouraged Afghan leaders to...
As Pope Francis sets off for Iraq, a panel of experts have praised the trip as both courageous and a strong sign of support to the country’s Christians, voicing hope that his visit will help foster a stronger sense of national unity, regardless of ethnic or religious background. Speaking from an airplane boarding bridge, U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska said...
Pakistan's economic reform agenda aided by the International Monetary Fund is under threat due to the potential dissolution of Prime Minister Imran Khan's government. Khan's coalition suffered a defeat in recent senate elections, a blow that may push Pakistan to lean more heavily on China to...
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine (2006 - 2009, 2019-2020) William B. Taylor, talks with In Focus host Carolyn Hutcheson about "Russia's Threat to Stability and Peace," the topic of his virtual address on March 16 to the Alabama World Affairs Council...
Pope Francis is set to make history as he embarks on an apostolic journey to Iraq. The focus of his visit, entitled “You are all brothers and sisters,” signifies a clear objective of reconciliation between Iraqis. The nation since 2003 has been defined by Sunni-Shia conflict over domestic politics and finds itself struggling to...
Less than three months after being designated a Country of Particular Concern by the U.S. State Department over its religious record, Nigeria has again became the focus of another U.S. agency — the Commission on International Religious Freedom. A virtual event held on Feb. 16 with...
The State Department has announced negotiations with the Taliban and the Afghan government will resume in Qatar. The Biden administration looks to be reviewing a deal made by the Trump administration while the Taliban has warned any change to a promised May 1st exit deal would ‘doom’ talks...