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open access

The Islamic State--Frequently Asked Questions: Threats, Global Implications, and U.S. Policy Responses

Description: With the attacks in Beirut, over Egypt, and in Paris, the Islamic State has demonstrated a transnational capability that suggests its strategic objectives and tactics have evolved. The response to these attacks by the United States and other nations continues to evolve as the threat posed by IS changes. This report poses frequently asked questions with answers excerpted from other CRS products.
Date: November 25, 2015
Creator: Rollins, John W. & Peters, Heidi M.
open access

U.S. Citizens Kidnapped by the Islamic State

Description: This report briefly discusses the Islamic State's (IS, or alternatively, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, ISIL, or Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, ISIS) kidnapping of American citizens and the implications for congressional response.
Date: October 17, 2014
Creator: Rollins, John W. & Rosen, Liana
open access

Syria: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report analyzes an array of bilateral issues that continue to affect relations between the United States and Syria. It includes descriptions of recent developments, issues for Congress, U.S.-Syrian relations, U.S. Sanctions, and future prospects related to the role of Congress.
Date: April 26, 2010
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
open access

Syria: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report discusses the recent conflict in Syria including an overview of the situation, information about anti- and pro-Asad forces, background on chemical weapons and disarmament, plans for U.S. policy and assistance, and a general sense of the future outlook.
Date: March 3, 2010
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
open access

Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions

Description: This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration's policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of long-standing concern has been met with criticism from some, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider imple… more
Date: April 28, 2011
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
open access

Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions

Description: This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria, particularly regarding the unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response. It includes descriptions of recent developments, issues for Congress, U.S.-Syrian relations, U.S. Sanctions, and future prospects related to the role of Congress.
Date: March 28, 2011
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
open access

Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions

Description: This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria, particularly regarding the unrest in Syria and the Asad government's violent response. It includes descriptions of recent developments, issues for Congress, U.S.-Syrian relations, U.S. Sanctions, and future prospects related to the role of Congress.
Date: December 21, 2010
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
open access

Armed Conflict in Syria: U.S. and International Response

Description: Report that looks at the recent conflict in Syria, particularly casualty estimates and an assessment of possible future scenarios. A large part of the report looks at U.S. policy towards Syria, including how Congress will handle humanitarian dilemmas, security of Syrian Weapons of Mass Destruction, and how the country is open to opportunities for terrorism recruitment.
Date: June 14, 2013
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M. & Blanchard, Christopher M.
open access

Armed Conflict in Syria: U.S. and International Response

Description: This report looks at the recent conflict in Syria, particularly casualty estimates and an assessment of possible future scenarios. A large part of the report looks at U.S. policy towards Syria, including how Congress will handle humanitarian dilemmas, security of Syrian Weapons of Mass Destruction, and how the country is open to opportunities for terrorism recruitment. It also looks at key developments that have occurred during the conflict, including supports of the Asad government, political … more
Date: July 19, 2012
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M. & Blanchard, Christopher M.
open access

Armed Conflict in Syria: U.S. and International Response

Description: This report looks at the recent conflict in Syria, particularly casualty estimates and an assessment of possible future scenarios. A large part of the report looks at U.S. policy towards Syria, including how Congress will handle humanitarian dilemmas, security of Syrian Weapons of Mass Destruction, and how the country is open to opportunities for terrorism recruitment. It also looks at key developments that have occurred during the conflict, including support of the Asad government, political d… more
Date: August 21, 2012
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M. & Blanchard, Christopher M.
open access

Syria: Unrest and U.S. Policy

Description: Syria remains mired in political confrontation and violence, and is perched on the edge of civil war. U.S. officials and many analysts believe that President Bashar al Asad, his family members, and his supporters will ultimately be forced from power. President Obama and his Administration have been calling for Asad's resignation since August 2011, and have been vocal advocates for United Nations Security Council action to condemn the Syrian government and end the bloodshed. The United States ha… more
Date: May 24, 2012
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M. & Blanchard, Christopher M.
open access

Temporary Protected Status: Current Immigration Policy and Issues

Description: When civil unrest, violence, or natural disasters erupt in spots around the world, concerns arise over the safety of foreign nationals residing in the United States who are from these troubled places. Provisions exist in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to offer temporary protected status (TPS) or relief from removal under specified circumstances. A foreign national who is granted TPS receives a registration document and an employment authorization for the duration of TPS. The Unite… more
Date: April 2, 2012
Creator: Wasem, Ruth Ellen & Ester, Karma
open access

A New Authorization for Use of Military Force Against the Islamic State: Issues and Current Proposals

Description: This report focuses on several proposals for a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) specifically targeting the Islamic State made during the 113th and 114th Congresses. It includes a brief review of existing authorities and AUMFs, as well as a discussion of issues related to various provisions included in existing and proposed AUMFs that both authorize and limit presidential use of military force. Appendices provide a comparative analysis of similar provisions in new AUMFs propose… more
Date: January 15, 2016
Creator: Weed, Matthew C.
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