March 2011

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Climate Scientists Should Wear Adam Smith Ties

If it were really possible to explain millions of years of Earth data with a theory that doesn't also imply a recent human influence on the climate, some ambitious, self-interested team of scientists somewhere in the world would seek scientific renown by doing so, writes Robert Lempert.

Robert J. Lempert @RobertLempert

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Arm the Libyan Rebels to Fight Gadhafi

What the United States did in Bosnia might hold the key for an effective response to the crisis in Libya, writes Angel Rabasa.

Angel Rabasa

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The Turkish Chimera

The Turkish model -- with its emphasis on secularism and democracy -- has obvious appeal in a region burdened by corrupt, autocratic, incompetent, and inefficient governments. But Turkey's historical experience and political evolution differ in important ways from Arab countries', writes F. Stephen Larrabee.

F. Stephen Larrabee

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Obama Administration Should Take Holistic Approach to Middle East

The U.S. government is historically adept at tactics, but what President Obama needs are more people with a broader perspective. That includes engaging outsiders with a solid background in the Middle East, writes Robert E. Hunter.

Robert E. Hunter

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Thinking Twice about Libyan Engagement

We have learned over the past couple of decades that it is deceptively easy for the world's only superpower to topple objectionable regimes—but a good deal harder to replace them with something better, writes James Dobbins.

James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

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Beating Back the Taliban

There is a growing recognition among senior Taliban leaders that they are losing momentum in parts of southern Afghanistan, their longtime stronghold, writes Seth Jones.

Seth G. Jones

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What Is the Terrorism Threat Now? The Local Level

How should police and intelligence agencies deal with the specter of homegrown terrorism? One of the best tools available is intelligence gleaned from the local community, writes Peter Chalk.

Peter Chalk

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Five Myths about the Muslim Brotherhood

Much of what we know—or think we know—about the Muslim Brotherhood's ambitions, beliefs and history is clouded by misperceptions, writes Lorenzo Vidino.

Lorenzo Vidino

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Can You Hear Libya Now?

The U.S. and its allies could help Libyans communicate with the outside world by deploying cellphone base stations on aircraft or tethered balloons, write Dan Gonzales and Sarah Harting.

Daniel Gonzales @gonzadan, Sarah Harting

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Iran Might Not Be the Big Winner of Mideast Uprisings

Dalia Dassa Kaye