Congressional Research Service Reports - 4,491 Matching Results
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- Redeploying U.S. Nuclear Weapons to South Korea: Background and Implications in Brief
- This report provides background information on the deployment of nuclear weapon systems in South Korea in the past, explores the options that might be available for the redeployment of nuclear weapons to South Korea now to deter the North Korean threat, and discusses the potential implications of doing so for South Korea, North Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
- Syria's Chemical Weapons: Continuing Challenges
- This report discusses Syria's chemical weapon supplies, efforts to have them destroyed, recent uses of chemical weapons there, and issues related to undeclared chemical weapon stocks.
- Options to Cease Implementing the Iran Nuclear Agreement
- This report analyzes some of the options the Administration might use to end or alter U.S. implementation of the JCPOA, if there is a decision to do so. These options, which might involve use of procedures in the JCPOA itself or the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (P.L. 114-17), are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
- Direct Overt U.S. Aid Appropriations for and Military Reimbursements to Pakistan, FY2002-FY2018
- Table of data outlining direct overt U.S. aid appropriations and military reimbursements to Pakistan including number for fiscal years 2002-2011 (combined), fiscal years 2012-2016 (individually) and estimates for 2017 and 2018.
- Possible U.S. Policy Approaches to North Korea
- This report describes President Trump's current policy toward North Korea and possible options for future U.S. policy. Options include diplomatic engagement, international and U.S. sanction increases, military strikes, destabilization of the North Korean government through intelligence activities and popular resentment, enhanced military cooperation with allies, and additional funding for preventing arms trading and related trade with North Korea.
- Quatar: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report outlines Qatar's governmental structure and leaders, economy, human rights issues, their relations with other countries in the region, and U.S. defense partnerships with Qatar.
- Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report discusses Afghanistan's historical governments and the activities of the U.S. and other countries during various phases of war against terrorist groups and current U.S. policies in regard to Afghanistan. Topics such as troop numbers, military and governmental strategies, Afghan Army training, developmental aid, the economy, and human rights issues are discussed.
- Iran: Politics, Human Rights, and U.S. Policy
- This report outlines Iran's political structure and current leaders, human rights issues, and past and current U.S. relations with Iran.
- Russia: Background and U.S. Policy
- This report provides descriptions and background information on Russian government organization and power, the Russian military's role, and U.S. policy toward Russia. Specific topics covered include Russian governmental structures and background, Vladimir Putin's rise to power, human rights concerns, opposition groups, the economy of Russia and the impact of sanctions, the foreign relations of Russia with other countries in Europe, NATO, the EU, China, Syria, and the U.S., the Ukraine conflict and Russian military aggression. U.S. policies toward Russia, U.S. sanctions on Russia, and cyber warfare.
- China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities-Background and Issues for Congress
- This report provides background information and issues for Congress on China's naval modernization effort and its implications for U.S. Navy capabilities. The question of how the United States should respond to China's military modernization effort, including its naval modernization effort, is a key issue in U.S. defense planning and budgeting. Decisions that Congress reaches on this issue could affect U.S. Navy capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. defense industrial base.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy
- This report outlines the United Arab Emirates (UAE) governmental structure, economy, military, foreign policy, human rights issues and U.S. policies and relations with the UAE. Major areas of U.S. policy concerns discussed are the UAE's participation in the war in Yemen supporting Saudia Arabia and the current standoff with Quatar over alleged sponsorship of terrorism by Quatar in relation to the significant amount of U.S. military personnel based in the UAE.
- Cuba Sanctions: Legislative Restrictions Limiting the Normalization of Relations
- This report outlines the various laws and sections of legislation that govern sanctions against Cuba and how they could be lifted or waived along with background information on the U.S. embargo of Cuba since the 1960s.
- Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress
- This report discusses China's maritime and and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claims in the East China and South China Seas and their effect on U.S. policy and strategy in the region. Topics covered are the history of the territorial disputes and the interests of China, neighboring countries, and the United States in the disputes, maritime disputes in general, relevant treaties and agreements, China's approach to disputes, the United States's approach and position on the disputes, specific issues for Congress to address, and related legislative actions in 2017. Four appendices cover strategic context from an U.S. perspective, U.S. treaties with Japan and the Philippines, and operational rights in the EEZ, and options suggested by observers for strengthening U.S. actions.
- U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report presents background information and issues for Congress on the overarching U.S. foreign policy issue of the U.S. role in the world. Certain statements and actions from the Trump Administration have led to uncertainty about the Administration's intentions regarding the future U.S. role, and have intensified an ongoing debate among foreign policy specialists, strategists, policymakers, and the public about what that role should be. This report includes (particularly in its appendixes) references to other CRS products that provide more in-depth discussions of specific policy and program areas bearing on the U.S. role.
- Armed Conflict in Syria: Overview and U.S. Response
- This report discusses the ongoing conflict in Syria and provides an overview of U.S. policy responses. The rise of the insurgent terrorist group known as the Islamic State (IS, aka the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL/ISIS) and Russia's military intervention on behalf of the Syrian government have reshaped debates over U.S. policy toward the ongoing civil conflict in Syria, now in its fifth year.
- Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report discusses Bahrain's political structure and economy, the 2011 uprising and its aftereffects, human rights issues, security cooperation with the U.S., and foreign policy towards other countries in the region.
- Iran Sanctions
- This report analyzes U.S. and international sanctions against Iran and provides some examples, based on open sources, of companies and countries that conduct business with Iran.
- North Korean Cyber Capabilities: In Brief
- This report discusses how as North Korea has accelerated its missile and nuclear programs in spite of international sanctions, Congress and the Trump Administration have elevated North Korea to a top U.S. foreign policy priority. Legislation such as the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-122) and international sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council have focused on North Korea's WMD and ballistic missile programs and human rights abuses. North Korea's cyberattacks have the potential not only to disrupt international commerce, but to direct resources to its clandestine weapons and delivery system programs, potentially enhancing its ability to evade international sanctions. This report will provide a brief summary of what unclassified open-source reporting has revealed about the secretive program, introduce four case studies in which North Korean operators are suspected of having perpetrated malicious operations, and provide an overview of the international finance messaging service that these hackers may be exploiting.
- Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies
- This report gives a overview of Iran's defense policies and programs and foreign policy. Regions covered are the Near East, South and Central Asia,Russia, Europe, East Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the United States. Iran's nuclear programs and security issues are also discussed.
- Yemen: Cholera Outbreak
- This report discusses the cholera outbreak in Yemen that began in October 2016 due to the breakdown of sanitation systems caused by the ongoing civil war. A brief description of cholera is given along with current conditions in Yemen for healthcare, and past humanitarian aid efforts by the U.S. and the U.N.
- Honduras: Background and U.S. Relations
- This report analyzes political, economic, and security conditions in Honduras. It also examines issues in U.S.-Honduran relations that have been of particular interest to Congress, including foreign assistance, migration, security cooperation, human rights, and trade and investment.
- Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress
- This report discusses the recent developments in the Cuba's political and economic environment. It also discusses the U.S. - Cuba relations and U.S. policy toward Cuba.
- Lebanon
- This report provides an overview of Lebanon and current issues of U.S. interest. It offers background information, analyzes recent developments and key legislative debates, and tracks legislation, U.S. assistance, and recent congressional action.
- Oman: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report describes the relationship between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman, especially with respect to Oman's support of U.S. efforts toward peace in the Middle East, the U.S. free trade agreement with Oman, and Oman's relatively close relations with Iran.
- Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report examines the current political state of Afghanistan at length, discussing the political background, security policy, and regional relations.
- Iran Sanctions
- This report analyzes U.S. and international sanctions against Iran and provides some examples, based on open sources, of companies and countries that conduct business with Iran.
- Foreign Affairs Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) Funding: Background and Current Status
- This report provides background information and discusses the foreign affairs Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding.
- Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy: Issues for the 115th Congress
- This report discusses U.S. policy toward China in regards to the many human rights abuses found there. A selection of the top areas human rights violations in China are discussed such as internet control. religious freedom, the criminal justice system, family planning policies, and the persecution of ethnic minorities. This is followed by a discussion of U.S. efforts and policies aimed at ending or decreasing human rights abuses in China.
- U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report presents background information and issues for Congress on the overarching U.S. foreign policy issue of the U.S. role in the world. Certain statements and actions from the Trump Administration have led to uncertainty about the Administration's intentions regarding the future U.S. role, and have intensified an ongoing debate among foreign policy specialists, strategists, policymakers, and the public about what that role should be.
- Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress
- This report discusses the relations between U.S. and Cuba after President Raúl Castro succeeded his long-ruling brother Fidel Castro in 2006.
- Qatar: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report provides a brief history of the state of Qatar, discussing its governance and human rights. The report also includes U.S.-Qatari defense and security cooperation and economic issues.
- U.S. Direct Investment Abroad: Trends and Current Issues
- This report discusses the United States as the direct investor abroad and the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the world.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy
- This report discusses the current political and economic landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its relationship with the U.S. The UAE has been a significant U.S. partner in Gulf security for more than two decades, and the alliance has deepened further in recent years in order to address multiple regional threats.
- Qatar and Its Neighbors: Disputes and Possible Implications
- This report discusses the dispute between Qatar and several of its Gulf State and Arab neighbors led by Saudia Arabia which has resulted in the isolation of Qatar by Saudia Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt. The Saudi-led coalition has accused Qatar of supporting terrorism because of their support for the Muslim Brotherhood. Potential implications of the dispute for the United States are then discussed.
- Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies
- This report discusses Iran's national security policy. Some experts forecast that Iran's foreign and defense policies might shift after international sanctions were eased in January 2016 in accordance with the July 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement with Iran (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA).
- Venezuela: Background and U.S. Policy
- This report examines the political and economic situation in Venezuela and U.S.-Venezuelan relations. It is divided into three main sections -- political background, current political and economic environment, U.S. relations and policy -- and also includes introductory and outlook information.
- The New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions
- This report provides an overview of the New Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty (START). The Obama Administration and outside analysts argue that New START strengthens strategic stability and enhances U.S. national security. Critics, however, question whether the treaty serves U.S. national security interests.
- Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations
- This report discusses the kingdom of Saudi Arabia's relations with the United States; the kingdom's stability, and its future trajectory are subjects of continuing congressional interest.
- Israel and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement
- This report provides information and analysis on a boycott, divestment, and sanctions ("BDS") movement against Israel. It also analyzes economic measures that "differentiate" or might be seen as differentiating between (1) Israel in general and (2) entities linked with Israeli-developed areas and settlements (whose legality is questioned under international law).
- Qatar: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
- This report provides a brief history of the state of Qatar, discussing its governance and human rights. The report also includes U.S.-Qatari defense and security cooperation and economic issues.
- U.S. Foreign Aid to the Middle East and North Africa: The President's FY2018 Request
- This report discusses U.S. economic and security assistance to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
- U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: Policy Issues for Congress
- This report examines the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America, including its formulation, objectives, funding, and relationship to the Alliance for Prosperity plan put forward by the northern triangle governments. The report also analyzes several policy issues that the 115th Congress may assess as it considers the future of the Central America strategy.
- Iran Sanctions
- This report analyzes U.S. and international sanctions against Iran and provides some examples, based on open sources, of companies and countries that conduct business with Iran.
- Tanzania: Current Issues and U.S. Policy
- This report discusses the current political climate in Tanzania, an important U.S. ally in Africa. It also provides some general background information.
- Burma's Political Prisoners and U.S. Policy: In Brief
- This report discusses the current issues in Burma (Myanmar) in regards to political prisoners and the resulting U.S. sanctions against the nation.
- Malawi: Key Developments and U.S. Relations
- This report discusses the U.S. relations with Malawi, a country in southeastern Africa and former British colony. Malawi's economy is agriculturally centered, undiversified, and import-dependent for many inputs.
- Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations
- This report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordanian relations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan's government and economy and of its cooperation with U.S. policies in the Middle East.
- Democracy Promotion: An Objective of U.S. Foreign Assistance
- This report aims to provide information on the history of democracy promotion as a foreign assistance objective, the role of the primary U.S. agencies administering such programs, and funding details and trends, as well as issues of potential relevance to Congress.
- State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs: Fiscal Year 2017 Budget and Appropriations
- This report provides an overview and highlights of the State Department Foreign Operations and Related Appropriations request with an account-by-account comparison of the FY2017 request to the House and Senate committee-passed bills and FY2016 estimates in Appendix A. Appendix B provides the International Affairs 150 function funding levels.
- Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations
- This report discusses the kingdom of Saudi Arabia's relations with the United States; the kingdom's stability, and its future trajectory are subjects of continuing congressional interest.