What if the supercommittee fails? Spending cuts totaling $1.2 trillion will be triggered if the supercommittee does not reach a deal. The cuts are to be split between defense and non-defense spending, estimated at $55 billion in each type of spending per year through 2021. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has warned that such cuts […]
A Look at Provisions in the IAEA’s Resolution on Iran
The 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency adopted a resolution that criticizes Iran over its disputed nuclear program. Here are the major provisions of the resolution. – The resolution expresses “deep and increasing concern” about unresolved issues concerning Tehran’s nuclear activities and its possible development of an atomic weapon. – It stresses the […]
Issues and Attendees of the Southeast Asia Summit
Issues and Attendees of the Southeast Asia Summit ATTENDEES – ASEAN countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. – Invited countries — the United States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia and South Korea. HOT TOPICS The South China Sea Dispute – Claimed in its entirety by China […]
A Look At Syria’s Main Opposition Groups
Here is a look at Syria’s main opposition groups. Free Syrian Army: The group is comprised of military defectors. It was initially formed to protect civilians but has increasingly gone on the offensive against pro-government forces. Activists say the group launched a high-profile attack Wednesday against a military intelligence complex near Damascus. It used rockets […]
A Look At Relations Between Syria and the Arab League
Human Rights Watch and opposition activists have urged the Arab League to suspend Syria’s membership in the wake of anti-government unrest estimated to have left more than 3,000 people dead. Here is a look at Syria’s relations with the regional body. -An Arab League suspension would not have a direct impact on Syria but would […]
A Look at the History of Israel’s Gaza Blockade
JUNE 2007: Hamas takes control of Gaza from the Fatah movement. Israel tightens restrictions on the flow of goods into the territory, citing concerns about Hamas militants gaining access to arms. Egypt seals its border crossing as well. JANUARY 2008: Thousands of Palestinians temporarily stream into Egypt after Hamas militants use explosives to blow up […]
A Timeline of NATO Involvement in the Libyan Revolution
Here is a timeline that tracks NATO’s involvement in the Libyan revolution: February 26, 2011: U.N. Security Council imposes sanctions on Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and his family as his government continues a bloody crackdown on rebels. Sanctions come 11 days after anti-government riots in Benghazi, inspired by Arab Spring revolts in Tunisia and Egypt. […]
Palestinian Statehood Bid Breakdown
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will come before the U.N. General Assembly on Friday to seek recognition that will lead to Palestinian statehood. THE PROCESS Palestinians say they are seeking U.N. recognition after years of negotiations with Israel failed to deliver an independent state. It is not clear if Mr. Abbas will seek U.N. Security Council […]
Factbox: Obama’s Deficit Reduction Plan
President Barack Obama’s more than $3 trillion deficit and debt reduction plan includes: $1.5 trillion in additional revenue, from taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations Most new tax revenue would come from Americans making more than $250,000 per year More than $1 trillion savings from bringing troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq Cutting more than […]