Is Iran Facing an Economic Crisis?

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Kelly Campbell

Western policy toward Iran relies heavily on economic pressure, and Iran's political trajectory is shaped in large part by its economic prospects and constraints. What is the state of the Iranian economy? The Iran Policy Forum tackled this question in their latest meeting.

Type: Peace Brief

EnvironmentEconomics

Nepal in Transition: Developing Security and Rule of Law Strategies

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Karon Cochran-Budhathoki;  Colette Rausch

In February 2007, USIP facilitated a series of dialogues between civil society, the Nepal police, and representatives of political parties to identify areas of mutual concern related to security and the rule of law in Nepal. This USIPeace Briefing presents a list of high-priority issues developed as a result of these meetings.

Type: Peace Brief

Zimbabwe’s Latest Crackdown: Responses and Consequences

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Dorina Bekoe

The socio-economic and political conditions in Zimbabwe have been declining for years, but on March 11, 2007, they seemed to take a dramatic turn for the worse. Against these worsening conditions, USIP convened a public meeting to discuss the triggers leading to the March 2007 crackdown, the changes within the political parties in Zimbabwe, the challenges facing civil society organizations (CSOs), and the public’s response to past political violence.

Type: Peace Brief

Conflict Analysis & PreventionEnvironmentEconomics

Western Sahara - How to Create a Stalemate

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Anna Theofilopoulou

The conflict over Western Sahara between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, a rebel movement striving for the independence of Western Sahara from Morocco, has been on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1991. However, despite recent positive developments toward peace, Western Sahara is likely to remain on the UN's unfinished business list for years to come.

Type: Peace Brief

Women’s Role in Liberia’s Reconstruction

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Dorina Bekoe;  Christina Parajon

Women were crucial in bringing peace to Liberia and are now a critical part of the rebuilding process. What role have women played in achieving and maintaining peace in Liberia and what are the challenges and opportunities they face?

Type: Peace Brief

Gender

Is Serbia Moving Toward Europe?

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Yll Bajraktari;  Greg Maly

Since the overthrow of Slobodan Milosevic in October 2000, Serbia has struggled to find its way. Is the country shifting toward the West or East? What will happen with Kosovo? Does Serbia need Europe? Does Europe need Serbia?

Type: Peace Brief

Syria’s Alliance with Iran

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By: Mona Yacoubian

Against a backdrop of growing instability in the Middle East, and despite continued pressure from the West, Syria’s alliance with Iran appears to be holding strong and perhaps even deepening. The United States has strongly criticized both Syria and Iran for contributing to the region’s volatility and, in particular, for playing a destabilizing role in each of three regional conflicts: Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine.

Type: Peace Brief

On the Issues: Bangladesh

Friday, April 27, 2007

By: C. Christine Fair

Christine Fair explains how Bangladesh's current problems stem from decades of failed governance and rule of law.

Type: Analysis

Constitution-Making Web Links

Monday, April 9, 2007

Below are links by topical categories to resources primarily in English providing information on constitution-making processes and the role of public participation. General Resources National Constitutional Assemblies Non-Governmental Organizations and Constitutional Studies Selected Documents and Decisions These links complement the following Institute Special Reports: (1) Democratic Constitution Making, and (2) Iraq's Constitutional Process: Shaping a Vision f...

Type: Article