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Middle East Elections 2009: Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq

Description: This report provides an overview of the election contests in Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq, including possible outcomes and implications for U.S. policy. The strategic influence of Iran in the Middle East, the stability of Iraq, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan are at the forefront of U.S. policy and Congressional interest in the region.
Date: May 18, 2009
Creator: Addis, Casey L. & Katzman, Kenneth
open access

Islam: Sunnis and Shiites

Description: This report includes a historical background of the Sunni-Shiite split and discusses the differences in religious beliefs and practices between and within each Islamic sect as well as their similarities. The report also relates Sunni and Shiite religious beliefs to discussions of terrorism and sectarian violence that may be of interest during the 111th Congress.
Date: January 28, 2009
Creator: Blanchard, Christopher M.
open access

International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues

Description: This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women (VAW). It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It also outlines possible policy considerations for the 111th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; and strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities.
Date: January 28, 2009
Creator: Blanchfield, Luisa; Ribando Seelke, Clare; Serafino, Nina M.; Margesson, Rhoda & Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
open access

The Law of Church and State: Public Aid to Sectarian Schools

Description: This report gives a brief overview of the evolution of the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment in regards to sectarian schools at all levels. It analyzes the categories of aid that have been addressed by the Court and also explains which categories have been held to be constitutionally permissible or impermissible, both at the elementary and secondary school level and at the college level. The report also briefly discusses H.R. 1 of the 111th … more
Date: February 5, 2009
Creator: Brougher, Cynthia
open access

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 111th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices

Description: The Endangered Species Act has been one of the more contentious environmental laws. This may stem from its strict substantive provisions, which can affect the use of both federal and nonfederal lands and resources. This report discusses oversight issues and legislation introduced in the 11th Congress to address Endangered Species Act implementation and management of endangered and threatened species.
Date: December 4, 2009
Creator: Buck, Eugene H.; Corn, M. Lynne; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Meltz, Robert & Alexander, Kristina
open access

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 111th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices

Description: The Endangered Species Act has been one of the more contentious environmental laws. This may stem from its strict substantive provisions, which can affect the use of both federal and nonfederal lands and resources. This report discusses oversight issues and legislation introduced in the 11th Congress to address Endangered Species Act implementation and management of endangered and threatened species.
Date: December 11, 2009
Creator: Buck, Eugene H.; Corn, M. Lynne; Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Meltz, Robert & Alexander, Kristina
open access

Health Reform and the 111th Congress

Description: This report presents basic background information on health insurance that may be useful to legislators considering health insurance reforms. It describes health insurance reform approaches and provides brief descriptions of health insurance reform bills introduced in the 111th Congress.
Date: October 14, 2009
Creator: Chaikind, Hinda
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