Council of Councils
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Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary
Janet Napolitano, experienced in federal law enforcement and immigration issues, has been selected for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Timothy Geithner, U.S. Treasury Secretary
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner brings experience in global financial crisis management for the Fed, expertise on Asia, and perspective from work with the International Monetary Fund.
Sovereign Wealth Funds
A primer on government funds charged with investing currency reserves for profit.
Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a senator and former First Lady, has offered a tough pragmatism on national security matters and called for reviving U.S. credibility in the world.
Judging Guantanamo: The Court, Congress, and the White House
The Bush administration’s approach to the detention and prosecution of prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has been deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. But the battle continues.
Terrorists and the Internet
Terrorists increasingly turn to the Internet as a means of communication with one another and with the rest of the world. This article describes how terrorists have cultivated the web to suit their needs.
U.S. Security Agreements and Iraq
Iraqi lawmakers approved new ground rules for the U.S. troop presence, including a U.S. withdrawal by 2011. But questions about the accords’ legal longevity remain.
Vietnam’s Economic Hiccups
Vietnam’s stock market has plunged and its economic growth has dwindled since 2006, when it was seen as a model for emerging country growth. The country’s experience highlights the problems confronting emerging markets in the 2008 financial crisis.
Saudi Arabia and the Future of Afghanistan
U.S. experts say any new approach to bringing stability to Afghanistan must be regional in scope. Saudi Arabia, with historic ties to the Taliban and Afghan Pashtuns, could hold a principle seat at the table.
The Question of Tibet
A primer on the dispute over Tibet’s sovereignty, which has risen to public attention following recent protests in Lhasa and demonstrations surrounding the 2008 Olympic Games.
Defense Spending During Economic Crisis
President-elect Barack Obama made many promises on defense spending and strategy during his two-year run for the White House. But analysts say economic constraints and political pressure could make implementation difficult.
James L. Jones, National Security Adviser
James L. Jones, a retired Marine commandant, brings extensive military and diplomatic experience to his new post as national security adviser for President Barack Obama.
Robert M. Gates, Defense Secretary
Robert M. Gates, a Cold War veteran selected to remain as defense secretary, has won bipartisan praise for his pragmatism and handling of the Pentagon amid two wars.
Terror Groups in India
India not only faces evolving threats from Kashmiri militants, but also an increasingly violent Maoist insurgency.
Counterterrorism in India
India has been battling terrorism for as long as it has been a sovereign nation. This backgrounder examines the country’s counterterrorism efforts.