Rich Site Summary (RSS)

20 November 2009

• The China MiPAL has been updated with the U.S.-China Joint Statement released during President Obama's recent trip to China, a Congressional Research Service report examining the rise of China's auto industry and it's impact on the U.S., the 2009 Annual Report to Congress from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission analyzing the national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the U.S. and China, concluding that China's cyber activities targeting the U.S. have increased substantially, a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies examining the geopolitical implications of future trends in energy consumption in China, a report from the Project 2049 Institute assessing the strategic threats posed by China's anti-ship ballistic missile research, and a report from the Office of Naval Intelligence with an analysis of the modernization of the People's Liberation Army Navy.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Afghanistan MiPAL has been updated with remarks by Secretary of State Clinton to U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan, Congressional hearings examining the recent Afghan elections and perspectives on U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a report from the Heritage Foundation concluding that the war in Afghanistan is a war of necessity, not choice, and that failure would carry catastrophic consequences.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Western Hemisphere Regional Policy Overview has been updated with State Department statements on the U.S. response to natural disasters in El Salvador and on the U.S.-Ecuador Bilateral Dialogue, a Congressional hearing assessing the travel ban on Cuba, a Human Rights Watch report on political prisoners in Cuba, a Congressional Research Service report on the proposed U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement, and a report from the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute examining the Canada First defence strategy one year after implementation.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  

19 November 2009

• The Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a Senate hearing examining U.S. counterterrorism priorities and strategy across Africa's Sahel region, a Center for Global Development report highlighting Zimbabwe's need for debt relief, a State Department statement expressing serious concern over Zimbabwe's compliance with the Kimberly Process (KP) rough diamond certification scheme, an ENOUGH Project report outlining the conflict minerals supply chain in Africa, a United States Institute of Peace report evaluating Liberian perceptions of the justice system, an Institute for Security Studies handbook on the International Criminal Court for defense lawyers in Africa, an African Union report assessing the prospects for peace, justice, and reconciliation in Darfur, a Congressional Research Service report evaluating current conditions in Tanzania, and a Norwegian Institute of International Affairs report concerning the implications of integrated approaches in United Nations and African Union peace operations. Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Central Asia MiPAL has been updated with a State Department briefing on the launch of the Congressional Caucus on Central Asia and on the Obama Administration's approach to Central Asia, as well as a series of articles from the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute assessing the effectiveness of European Union sanctions on Uzbekistan and analyzing trends in labor migration and remittances in Central Asia.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Iran MiPAL has been updated with an Office of Naval Intelligence report analyzing Iran's naval strategy, the history of Iran's naval forces, current procurement trends, operations and readiness, and Iran's naval outlook, as well as a series of reports from the Institute for Science and International Security providing analysis to complement the latest International Atomic Energy Agency report on Iran's nuclear program.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Pakistan MiPAL has been updated with a Jamestown Foundation article profiling Pakistan's most wanted terrorists, a State Department briefing providing an overview on international energy security issues, especially those affecting Pakistan, and a Congressional Research Service report analyzing major issues concerning the Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs).  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The National Security Strategy MiPAL has been updated with a Congressional hearing featuring testimony from the Congressional Budget Office on the defense budget and efforts to resource the National Defense Strategy, a Congressional Research Service report examining terrorism information sharing, a Council on Foreign Relations article assessing prospects for the future of U.S. grand strategy, a Center for American Progress report presenting policy recommendations for enhancing preparedness for the national security threats facing the U.S., a German Marshall Fund of the United States article analyzing the international security implications associated with climate change, a Small Wars Journal article recommending a revision of the National Security Act of 1947 to better manage interagency efforts, a Council on Foreign Relations report providing recommendations for the enhancement of the U.S. capacity for preventing international conflicts, instability, and humanitarian disasters, a European Union Institute for Security Studies report reviewing international perspectives on national, regional, and global security, a Strategic Studies Institute report outlining a comprehensive approach to improving U.S. security force assistance efforts, and an article from the Central Intelligence Agency's journal Studies in Intelligence analyzing what the economic crisis can teach the Intelligence Community.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.

18 November 2009

• The Europe and Eurasia Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a Foreign Affairs article analyzing shifting perspectives in Turkey on the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), an International Crisis Group report examining the post-war situation in Bosnia, a Norwegian Institute of International Affairs report evaluating the changing security identities in Britain, Norway, and Denmark, a European Union Institute for Security Studies report assessing the implications associated with thawing relations between Belarus and the European Union, a United States Institute of Peace report providing an update on the current status of religious coexistence and education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior report examining the European Union's involvement in the Western Balkans and the current political, security, and economic environments in the Balkans, remarks by the NATO Secretary General concerning the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's current role and the new strategic concept, a Danish Institute for International Studies report analyzing Denmark's approach to non-proliferation assistance and disarmament, a German Marshall Fund of the United States report evaluating the historical roots behind Turkey's foreign policy, and a Center for European Studies report analyzing the role of Turkey in the European Union's energy security and its implications for the Turkish accession process.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Homeland Security MiPAL has been updated with a series of Congressional hearings concerning the vaccine supply for the H1N1 flu, efforts to prevent terrorist attacks in cyberspace, and the effectiveness of advanced radiation detection monitors in the fight against nuclear smuggling, an Arms Control Association article evaluating options for a convention to limit cyber warfare, a McAfee report analyzing the threat of cyber warfare and examining current cyber defense policy, and a Government Accountability Office report providing recommendations for the strengthening of federal efforts to defend the nation's critical infrastructure against cyber attacks.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.

17 November 2009

• The Near East and North Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a State Department briefing providing an overview of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, a Washington Institute for Near East Policy article examining the conflict on the Yemeni-Saudi border, a Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies report analyzing signs of possible radicalization in Palestinian Authority politics, a series of reports from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace profiling Yemen's Islamist Congregation for Reform (Islah) and evaluating security sector reform efforts in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen, and a United States Institute of Peace report assessing the prospects for instability in Lebanon despite the recent announcement of the national unity government.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Russia MiPAL has been updated with statements by President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia concerning nonproliferation efforts, Iran, and global security, a statement by a State Department official on Russia's position on South Ossetia and Abkhazia, a Heritage Foundation report analyzing the Obama Administration's approach to arms control and the realities of Russia's nuclear policy, and an EGMONT: Royal Institute for International Relations report examining Russia's approach to Europe's security architecture.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Iran MiPAL has been updated with the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency examining Iran's nuclear program, a Council on Foreign Relations article assessing the need for a broader U.S. policy on Iran, a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report analyzing regional views on Iran and the implications for U.S. and regional policies on Iran, and a German Institute of Global and Area Studies report evaluating the impact of oil wealth on Iran.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The India MiPAL has been updated with an Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses article assessing the potential for growth in India's defense industry, a Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists article evaluating India's perspective on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), a Henry L. Stimson Center report analyzing India's approach to climate policy and the climate risks threatening India's national security, and a Lowy Institute for International Policy report providing recommendations for the strengthening of an Australia-India strategic partnership.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Afghanistan MiPAL has been updated with reports from the Center for Strategic and International Studies examining the Afghan narcotics industry and providing recommendations for the use of supply lines in the promotion of a regional approach to Afghanistan, briefings on the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, remarks by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on the British approach to Afghanistan, an EGMONT: Royal Institute for International Relations report analyzing recent calls for a European grand strategy for operations in Afghanistan, a report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction assessing barriers to greater participation by women in Afghan elections, and a Congressional Research Service report concerning Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs).  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.

16 November 2009

• The China MiPAL has been updated with the President's address at a town hall meeting with future Chinese leaders, a Heritage Foundation article providing recommendations for the President's agenda in China, an Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses article assessing the state of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), a series of Brookings Institution publications analyzing the U.S.-China economic relationship, Taiwan's policy towards the U.S., Taiwan's economic recovery, and the atmosphere in China in the days prior to President Obama's visit, a Center for American Progress trip report presenting findings on the future of U.S.-China relations, and a report prepared for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission evaluating prospects for the reform of China's defense industry.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The North Korea MiPAL has been updated with a transcript of a Brookings Institution event assessing the implications of typical living conditions for the people of North Korea, an East-West Center report examining North Korea's penal system, and reports from the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation at the University of California providing recommendations for the pursuit of economic engagement with North Korea and evaluating the political economy of denuclearization and proliferation trends in North Korea.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Terrorism MiPAL has been updated with remarks by the Attorney General and with a Department of Justice and Department of Defense joint press release concerning the recent forum decisions on ten detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, including the accused 9/11 plotters, a Heritage Foundation report assessing the global threat of the Pakistan-Britain terror connection, a Center for American Progress report providing recommendations for the handling of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, a U.S. Department of Justice report reviewing the Federal Bureau of Investigation's involvement in and observations of detainee interrogations, and a report by the MITRE Corporation's JASON Program analyzing the U.S. ability to anticipate catastrophic terrorist events.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Iraq MiPAL has been updated with a Department of Defense briefing providing details on current U.S. military operations in Iraq, a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace article assessing the political situation in Iraq, and the latest Department of Defense report to the U.S. Congress on the stability and security of Iraq.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The East Asia and the Pacific Regional Policy Overview has been updated with the President's remarks with the Prime Minister of Thailand and with the Prime Minister of Japan, as well as an address by the President detailing his administration's approach to East Asia, a series of White House releases featuring the declaration by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders and the U.S.-Japan joint statement on nuclear disarmament, remarks by the Secretary of State with the Foreign Secretary of the Philippines and at the APEC Singapore Conference, a State Department release providing an overview on the U.S. response to disasters in the Asia-Pacific region, an op-ed by the Secretary of the Treasury concerning the road ahead for APEC, and a Center for Strategic and International Studies report providing recommendations for the future of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.

13 November 2009

• The South and Central Asia Regional Policy Overview has been updated with remarks by the Deputy Secretary of Defense concerning the U.S.-India defense relationship and the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, a Center for American Progress article highlighting the need to address South Asia's strategic security challenges, a Central Asia-Caucasus Institute article analyzing Tajikistan's reaction to the situation in Afghanistan, a Small Wars Journal article assessing the current operational concept of operations in support of the Pakistan-Afghanistan interagency policy and goals, a Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars report analyzing governance, economic, environmental, and energy challenges likely to impact Asia's future, and an Institute of South Asian Studies report arguing that South Asia should adopt a regional approach to policy formulation.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The National Security Strategy MiPAL has been updated with a Military Review article evaluating the role of emotional intelligence in the Army Leadership Requirements Model, remarks by the Director of National Intelligence detailing the global threats associated with climate change and energy security, a series of remarks by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff concerning the challenge of maintaining resiliency and providing details on the current military challenges in today's security environment, a series of State Department briefings examining international energy security and the national security implications associated with public diplomacy efforts, a report from MISSION: READINESS - Military Leaders for Kids claiming that 75 percent of young adults cannot join the military, as well as a Department of Defense briefing concerning current recruitment and personnel challenges, and a RAND Corporation report assessing the impact of deployments during the War on Terrorism on reenlistment trends, and a report from the National Defense University's Center for Technology and National Security Policy presenting recommendations for the strengthening of civilian response capabilities to support complex operations.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Saudi Arabia MiPAL has been updated with a Washington Institute for Near East Policy article analyzing the situation on the Yemeni-Saudi border and a Middle East Institute report examining the evolution of culture, politics, and international relations in Saudi Arabia over the past thirty years.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.

12 November 2009

• The Europe and Eurasia Regional Policy Overview has been updated with the Secretary of State's remarks with the German Foreign Minister, a speech by the Secretary on U.S. policy on the transatlantic alliance, a series of State Department briefings on current U.S.-European relations, U.S. perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, and on U.S.-European Union cooperation on energy issues, a White House release featuring the 2009 U.S.-European Union Summit Declaration, remarks by the President with the Prime Minister of Sweden, European Commission President, and European Council High Representative, a European Union Institute for Security Studies report analyzing European and American perspectives on the Obama Administration's impact on the transatlantic partnership, a Real Instituto Elcano report with an overview of Italy's security strategy documents and assessing the prospects for the development of a unified Italian National Security Strategy, and a Centre for European Policy Studies report evaluating the state of democracy promotion and the potential for democratic reform in the European neighborhood.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Western Hemisphere Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a Military Review article examining the role of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces in the Cuban economy, a State Department statement providing an update on the situation in Honduras, an International Crisis Group report evaluating recent changes to Venezuela's political system, remarks by the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command on U.S. defense partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean, a Congressional Research Service report analyzing the trafficking of persons in the region, a German Institute of Global and Area Studies report assessing the impact of oil on the stability of Venezuela, a Foreign Policy Research Institute article providing details on the rise of vigilante groups in Mexico, an Institute for Research and Public Policy report evaluating Canada's views on accountability in national security, and a Council on Foreign Relations article presenting an overview of the Mercosur trading bloc in South America, its attitude towards the U.S., and its regional agenda.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Near East and North Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with an International Crisis Group report assessing the state of the Palestinian Fatah movement, a White House statement on the new Lebanese government, remarks by a State Department official on the new era of U.S. relations in the Middle East, a Council on Foreign Relations article analyzing prospects for a two-state solution to the Middle East peace process, a statement by a State Department official on the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, the Secretary of State's remarks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, a RAND Corporation report with the results of a strategic planning exercise on efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, a Washington Institute for Near East Policy report evaluating the repercussions of the Second Lebanon War, remarks by the NATO Secretary General on relations between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Arab Emirates, and a James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy report making the case for democracy in the Palestinian national narrative.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Pakistan MiPAL has been updated with a Heritage Foundation report analyzing the global terrorism threats stemming from Pakistan, a Jamestown Foundation article examining the use suicide terror attacks in Pakistan, a Foreign Policy in Focus article assessing the challenges and opportunities for the next decade of U.S.-Pakistani relations, a National Bureau of Asian Research report analyzing Pakistani partnerships with the U.S., and a series of interviews with the Secretary of State on U.S. relations with Pakistan.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Iran MiPAL has been updated with a Jamestown Foundation article assessing Iran's potential support for terrorism and insurgency in Afghanistan, remarks by the Secretary of State on the current state of negotiations with Iran, an Institute for Science and International Security article featuring images of the construction of the Qom enrichment facility, a Washington Institute for Near East Policy article analyzing Israel's views on Iran's nuclear program, a Foreign Policy article examining the challenges facing the leadership of Iran's pro-democracy "green movement," and a Congressional Research Service report evaluating regional perspectives and U.S. policy on Iran.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Homeland Security MiPAL has been updated with a speech by a Department of Homeland Security official concerning the role of intelligence in homeland defense efforts, a Department of Homeland Security report examining U.S. Customs and Border Protection's use of resources for land ports of entry, a Government Accountability Office report analyzing challenges facing the Department of Defense's strategies for handling domestic chemical, biological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive incidents, a U.S. International Trade Commission report concerning cargo security measures and trade costs, and a Proceedings article by the Commander of the U.S. Northern Command detailing the ways in which the military supports homeland security.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this topic - the newest updates are in bold.

10 November 2009

• The East Asia and the Pacific Regional Policy Overview has been updated with a White House briefing previewing the President's trip to Asia, a State Department briefing presenting the results of a policy review concerning Burma, remarks by the U.S. Trade Representative at the U.S.-Korea Business Council, a Center for Strategic and International Studies event concerning the President's trip to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a Council on Foreign Relations report presenting recommendations for the future of U.S. policy in Asia, a series of reports from the Center for Strategic and International Studies analyzing the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance, examining relations between Japan, China, and the U.S., and evaluating Japan's relations with North and South Korea, remarks by a State Department official on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation council's role in enhancing regional development, economic growth, and security, and a Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars report analyzing governance, economic, environmental, and energy challenges facing Asia's future.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Africa Regional Policy Overview has been updated with the President's remarks with the President of Botswana, remarks by the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury on the future of U.S.-South African economic relations, a Centre for International Governance Innovation report assessing the impact of climate change in Africa, a Chatham House report analyzing economic and political threats facing South Africa, a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report assessing the impact of the Doha Round on Kenya, a United States Institute of Peace report evaluating conflict-business dynamics in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports from the Institute for Security Studies concerning the origins of the insurgency and the peace implementation in Sudan and providing details on the trajectory of human rights violations in Zimbabwe, a Real Instituto Elcano report surveying key issues relating to taxation, governance, and resource mobilization in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a Department of State report examining the Office of the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan's effectiveness at implementing policies.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this region - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Russia MiPAL has been updated with a Military Review article assessing Russia's military performance in Georgia, articles from the Jamestown Foundation analyzing Russia's perspective on U.S.-Georgia cooperation and evaluating the potential for a modernization of the Russian defense industry, publications from the Heritage Foundation assessing the impact of Russia's economic crisis on U.S.-Russia relations and presenting recommendations for a policy agenda for the U.S.-Russia Congressional Caucus, a Defence Academy of the United Kingdom report evaluating Russia's relations with Finland and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a report from the United Kingdom's House of Commons Defense Committee assessing a series of threats associated with Russia's behavior, a Nuclear Threat Initiative article examining Russia's response to the new U.S. missile defense plans in Europe, an Armed Forces Journal article evaluating the U.S. and Russian nonproliferation agendas, and a Center for Strategic and International Studies report concerning economic and defense relations between Russia and China.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The North Korea MiPAL has been updated with an International Crisis Group report analyzing China's foreign policy perspective on North Korea, a report from the National Defense University's Institute for National Strategic Studies presenting recommendations for U.S. policy on North Korea's nuclear weapons program and on North Korea's potential for internal instability, a Center for a New American Security report examining the prospects for the future of nuclear negotiations with North Korea, and a Center for Strategic and International Studies report assessing Japan's relations with North Korea.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The India MiPAL has been updated with remarks by the Deputy Secretary of Defense concerning the U.S.-India defense relationship, a Strategic Studies Institute report analyzing India's strategic defense transformation, an Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies report assessing the prospects for the future of India's trade relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and a China Security article examining tensions between India and China in the Indian Ocean.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Colombia MiPAL has been updated with a Real Instituto Elcano report analyzing the international lessons available from Colombia's experience combating the threat of narcotics traffickers and a Center for Naval Analysis report assessing the impacts of climate change on Colombia's national and regional security.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Iraq MiPAL has been updated with a Military Review article featuring an insider's perspective on the state of the Iraqi Army, statements by the Vice President and the Secretary of State on political progress made in Iraq, a Congressional hearing presenting expert perspectives on the strategy in Iraq, an International Organization for Migration report analyzing the return of displaced persons to Iraq, and a Congressional Research Service report examining the costs of military operations in Iraq.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The China MiPAL has been updated with a Jamestown Foundation article assessing the state of China's military training exercises, a Centre for European Reform report analyzing efforts to rebalance the Chinese economy, a Center for American Progress report examining China's new strategy for engagement in the international system, a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report evaluating China's expanding role in peacekeeping, a fact sheet from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative providing details on the outcomes of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, remarks by the U.S. delegation to the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, a Center for Strategic and International Studies article analyzing China's relations with Japan and the U.S., and a series of China Security articles assessing China's handling of Burma's refugee crisis, examining China's military power, and analyzing the intersection of climate change, water resources, and China's national interest.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.
  
  
• The Afghanistan MiPAL has been updated with the Secretary of State's remarks with the German Foreign Minister on the situation in Afghanistan, a Congressional hearing presenting expert perspectives on the strategy in Afghanistan, remarks by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, a Center for Strategic and International Studies report analyzing the role of the Afghan National Security Forces in nation building, a Strategic Studies Institute report examining security sector reform/building in Afghanistan, a Foreign Policy Research Institute article assessing the key issues for Afghan elites and citizens, a Real Instituto Elcano report featuring recommendations for combating the drug trade in Afghanistan, remarks by the NATO Secretary General on the international strategy for Afghanistan, remarks by a United Nations official providing details on the threat of al Qaeda and the Taliban, and an Australian Defence College report analyzing prospects for the potential role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in stabilizing Afghanistan.  Please see the Recently Added Documents section for the latest on this country - the newest updates are in bold.