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The Arab-Israeli Conflict Over Palestine: A Catalog of Issues and Problems as Defined by Opposing Arguments
This report discusses the Arab-Israeli conflict and outlines major views on both sides regarding rights to the land and territorial divisions. It also discusses the ongoing military and economic warfare between them and international attempts to negotiate a diplomatic settlement. Maps illustrating historical divisions and proposals are provided.
The Prisoner of War Issue in the First Indochina War, with Special Emphasis on the Release of Prisoners, 1954-1962
This report discusses prisoners of war in the 1st Indochina War (1954-1962) between France and the Vietminh and agreements for their exchange and release both during and after the war. It includes statistics on the numbers of prisoners taken versus the amount released and discussion of this data.
Prisoners of War: Repatriation or Internment in Wartime, The American and Allied Experience, 1775 to Present
This report provides a brief overview of exchange agreements regarding American or Allied prisoners of war from 1775 to the present which were made during wartime.
United States Financial Participation in the United Nations System
This report discusses the financing structure of the United Nations and the United States's financial participation in the United Nations system
The Policies of the Soviet Union and the European Members of the North Atlantic Alliance Toward NATO
This report discusses the policies of the Soviet Union and the major European members of NATO towards the organization and evaluates the commitment levels of the European members of NATO.
The India-Pakistan War of November-December 1971: Background, Causes, and The Role of American Diplomacy
This report discusses the November and December 1971, war between India and Pakistan over the persecution of Hindus by the West Pakistani army fighting East Pakistani rebels in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and their refusal to allow East Pakistan to become independent. The war ended with India's defeat of the West Pakistani army in East Pakistan and the recognition of the new country of Bangladesh. U.S. policy towards India and Pakistan is also discussed.
The Search for Peace in the Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1967-1972: Summary and Documentation
This report provides a brief summary of the disputes and peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians from 1967 to 1972 and provides government documents related to the peace process published between 1967 and 1972. Documents from the UN, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Arab/Palestinian groups, the U.S., the Soviet Union, France, the United Kingdom, China, and the African Union are provided.
Representation of China in the United Nations-The Vote in the U.N. General Assembly: Selected Materials
This report provides a selection of United Nations documents and statements by representatives of China and the U.S. regarding the vote in the U.N. General Assembly on whether China should be allowed to have full rights in the U.N.
The Invasion of Czechoslovakia, August 20, 1968: A Collection of Background Materials and Samples of Congressional Statements and Speeches for Use on the Preparation of Commemorative Statements and Speeches
This report discusses the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 by the Soviet Union and its allies in the Warsaw Pact (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and East Germany) which overthrew the government of liberal Communist Party leader, Alexander Dubcek. The report provides statements and news stories related to the invasion and its aftermath as well as resources for Congress members giving speeches or releasing statements at commemorative events.
Greece Since the Coup D'Etat
This report discusses the 1967 coup in Greece and its aftermath along with current conditions in Greece economically, socially, and politically .
Rhodesia: A Summary of Developments Since July 1969
This report discusses Rhodesia's declaration of independence from Britain in 1969 and ensuing negotiations between Britain and Rhodesia to bring about a formal recognition of Rhodesian independence by Britain and to ensure the rights of the majority black population in the new government of Rhodesia.
The People's Republic of China: Internal Situation
This report discusses the internal political, social, and economic conditions in China following the Cultural Revolution.
The United States and an Arab-Israeli Peace Settlement, 1967-1972
This report discusses U.S. policy and diplomatic efforts between 1967 and 1972 aimed at bring about compromises between the Arabs and Israelis which would lead to a peaceful settlement of their grievances.
The Arab Oil Embargo and Its Impact on Winter Fuel Shortages
This report discusses U.S. demand for fuel oil in the winter months and the effects of the Arab Oil Embargo on current and potential shortages of oil. Policy options and alternative fuel options are also discussed.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): Background, Review, and Analysis
This report discuses the history, organization, and functions of the Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
A chronology of selected International economic events
This report is about a chronology of selected events like Oil prices, the system of internationl exchange rates, conference between developing and industrialised countries, international economic summits, and related events.
Trilateral Commission
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China-U.S.-Soviet Relations
In 1979, a time of clear downturn in U.S.-Soviet relations over such sensitive issues as SALT, Soviet troops in Cuba, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Carter Administration moved ahead with a series of measures designed to improve relations with Moscow's major adversary in Asia, the Peoples Republic of China (P.R.C.). The purpose of this report is to provide background for and summarize current developments in U.S. - People’s Republic of China (PRC) relations, including current and pending congressional actions involving the PRC.
Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Relations: Six Key Questions in the Continuing Policy Debate
This report provides background information and a general overview of the role of human rights in U.S. foreign policy. It includes a discussion of some traditional arguments about how international human rights concerns might be integrated with other foreign policy factors. It also includes a discussion of the definition of human rights, of U.S. international obligations to promote human rights, and the apparatus and procedures available to the U.S. Government for implementing human rights policy. Particular attention is paid to congressional actions, not only in debating and holding hearings on human rights issues, but especially in enacting laws to assure that U.S. foreign policy formulation and practice include consideration of the status of human rights in other countries.
Nuclear Weapons Freeze Movement: Issues for National Debate
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President Reagan's START Proposal: Projected U.S./U.S.S.R. Ballistic Missile Forces
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The START Proposal: Verification Issues
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Technology Transfer And National Security Issues
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Human Rights and U.S. Foreign Policy
Following a review of such broad policy issues, this report treats specific human rights issues of current interest. Discussions of controversy over the selection of an Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs and of human rights policy at the international financial institutions are followed by reviews of U.S. human rights policy toward Argentina, El Salvador, Nicaragua, South Africa, and the Soviet Union.
Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START)
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NATO Nuclear Forces: Modernization and Arms Controls
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Solar Energy: The Federal Program and Congressional Interest
No Description Available.
Primer on P.L. 480 -- Program History, Description, and Operations: A Brief Compilation of Explanatory Documents
This report discusses P.L. 480 (the Food for Peace Program), its advantages and disadvantages, and provides historical, descriptive, and operational information on the largest U.S. foreign food aid program.
Genocide Convention
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide has been a matter of pending business before the Senate since its transmittal to that body in 1949. On May 21, 1985, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee recommended that the Senate give its advice and consent to ratification of the Convention subject to eight conditions: two reservations, five understandings, and one declaration. This report examines the differing opinions on whether and under what conditions the Senate should approve ratification of the Genocide Convention.
Eighteen Questions and Answers About the World Bank
This paper provides background information about World Bank borrowing and lending activities and about U.S. participation in the Bank. Among other matters, it discusses where the World Bank borrows its funds, the amounts contributed by the United States and other countries, and changes i n World Bank priorities and loan policy.
Sanctions against South Africa: Activities of the 99th Congress
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Sanctions Against South Africa: Activities of the 99th Congress
"This paper discusses legislation proposed in the 99th Congress which imposed sanctions against South Africa and provided assistance to the victims of apartheid" (p. iii).
Arms Shipments to Iran
This report provides background and examines key questions in regards to the shipments of arms to Iran and the subsequent diversion of funds to Nicaraguan guerrillas by the Reagan Administration.
South Africa: U.S. Policy After Sanctions
No Description Available.
Terrorism: U.S. Policy Options
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Glass-Steagall Act: Commercial vs. Investment Banking
This report discusses debate over reform of the Nation's financial structure in the 100th Congress includes re-examination of "the separation of banking and commerce." This separation was mandated by the Glass-Steagall Act (part of the Banking Act of 1933); and was carried forward into the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended in 1970 and thereafter. The resulting isolation of banking from securities was designed to (1) maintain the integrity of the banking system; (2) prevent self-dealing and other financial abuses; and (3) limit stock market speculation. By half a century later, the "wall" it created seemed to be crumbling, as bankers created new financial products resembling securities, and securities firms innovated new financial products resembling loans and deposits. The ongoing process of "financial deregulation" has evoked calls for Congress to give depository institutions new powers, especially in the securities field. Financial deregulation in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan has put additional pressure on Congress to re-examine this Act. Concerns over a seemingly fragile system of depository institutions persist, however, tending to place counter-pressure on Congress to maintain the Act.
The Persian Gulf and the U.S. Naval Presence: Issues for Congress
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The Reagan Administration Posture Toward the ABM Treaty - Possible Implications
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The Reagan Administration Posture Toward the ABM Treaty - Possible Implications
No Description Available.
The Iran-Iraq War: Implications for U.S. Policy
This report discusses the Iran-Iraq conflict at its present state, which has become a war of attrition with neither side capable of achieving a decisive military victory over the other in the short term. U.S. policy concerns currently are threefold: first, that Iraq, despite moves to sustain its economic and military capacities, ultimately might suffer a destabilizing defeat to the detriment of U.S. interests in the Persian Gulf region; second, that future instability in Iran could open opportunities for Soviet exploitation; and third, that the conflict might expand beyond its present confines to threaten friendly regional states and the availability of their vast petroleum resources.
South Africa: U.S. Policy After Sanctions
No Description Available.
Iraq-Kuwait: U.N. Security Council Resolutions -- Texts and Votes
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 1-2, 1990, set into motion a series of actions by the United Nations Security Council. Between August 2 and December 4, 1990, the Council adopted 12 resolutions. The numbers and votes of those resolutions are listed and the full text of each resolution is included in the this report.
Japan's World War II Reparations: A Fact Sheet
Japan's war reparations following World War II came in two stages. In the first, 1946-1949, U.S. and allied governments arranged for U.S. occupation authorities to ship about $160 million in Japanese industrial equipment to China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the British colonies in East Asia.
Iraq-Kuwait: United Nations Security Council Resolutions Test and Votes -- 1991
This report lists the 12 adopted United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to the Iraq-Kuwait situation through October 1991. The texts of these resolutions, along with the votes by members of the Council, are included in this report.
China/Asia Broadcasting: Proposals for New U.S. Surrogate Services
Two groups -- the President's Task Force on U.S. International Broadcasting (December 1991) and the Commission on Broadcasting to the People's Republic of China (September 1992) -- have both recommended that the United States increase broadcasting to China and other Communist countries in Asia, although the panels split on significant points for implementing their recommendations
Deforestation: An Overview of Global Programs and Agreements
In recent years, global environmental concerns have figured prominently on the American political agenda. In particular, tropical deforestation and its implications for global climate change and biological diversity loss have prompted public outcry. Concerns have since grown to include other forest types as well. The Congress has considered a variety of legislation to stem the tide of increasing deforestation and the United States has supported a number of bilateral and multilateral initiatives to assist other countries in managing their forest resources.
U.S.-Japanese Trade: The Semiconductor Arrangement
On June 4, 1991, the United States and Japan agreed to a five-year arrangement to open Japan,s market to U.S.-origin semiconductor devices, replacing a 1986 agreement that was due to expire. Unlike other U.S.-Japanese trade agreement, the U.S.-Japanese Semiconductor Arrangement stipulates a quantifiable objective (20 percent of the Japanese market for foreign-produced semiconductors). It is often identified by those who want the United States to undertake a "results-oriented" trade policy toward Japan as a model for future US.-Japanese trade agreements. The semiconductor arrangement raises several questions for U.S.- Japanese trade and U.S. trade policy: Has its achieved its objectives? Should the agreement be used as a model for resolving other U.S.- Japanese market access disputes?
Israeli-Palestinian Agreement
On August 27, 1993, Israel and the Palestinians announced that Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) official Mahmoud Abbas (also known as Abu Mazen) had initialed a landmark agreement on August 19 in Oslo, Norway on a Declaration of Principles on interim self-government for the West Bank and Gaza Strip. On September 9, PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin exchanged letters unprecedented mutual recognition. On September 10, President Clinton welcomed the agreement, thanked Congress for its support, and announced that the United States would resume its dialog with the PLO. The Declaration was signed at the White House on September 13. This report provides summaries of the Declaration and the letters.
Background to the Overthrow of President Aristide
This report provides background information on the violent and authoritarian traditions that have characterized Haiti's political dynamics since Haiti attained independence in 1804. It examines Haiti's difficult path toward democracy after the fall of the Duvalier regime, from numerous short-lived governments until the election of Aristide. Finally, the report also surveys Aristide's rule and his subsequent overthrow by the Haitian military.
APEC - Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation: Free Trade and Other Issues
As a result of an initiative by Australia in 1989, the United States joined with eleven other Asia/Pacific nations in creating APEC, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation organization. This report discusses the annual Ministerial Meeting of APEC in Seattle, held from November 17 - 19, 1993.
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