Brookings Institution

This briefing provides a strategic assessment of the the conflict Syria, focusing on the the Western-backed opposition, the influence of jihadi militants, and the evolving capabilities of pro-government forces. It concludes the international community should focus on two policy objectives: (1) bolstering a cohesive political opposition and (2) aid Syria's neighbors in prevention the spread of conflict beyond Syria's borders.

This paper documents Brazil’s attempts to rise historically in the face of the mismatch between its aspirations, capabilities and opportunities and it shows how Brazil has adjusted its strategy after each attempt.

To achieve greater stability in Africa, Michael O'Hanlon urges President Obama to deploy a U.S. military brigade to Congo to bolster the ongoing U.N. mission there. O'Hanlon also argues for the deployment of several hundred Americans to Libya, as part of a larger international mission to establish stability before the country descends into further anarchy.

It appears that Omar al-Bashir’s regime in Khartoum may be counting down to its demise as internal and external pressures seem poised to boil over and finally wrest the country out of his control. While the international community has imposed painful trade sanctions and the International Criminal Court has sought to bring al-Bashir to justice for his role in the Darfur conflict, Sudan’s own citizens have been increasingly demonstrative of their dissatisfaction and desire for change. During the last few years, al-Bashir has faced growing opposition from restless urban youth who are no longer willing to live with the status quo. There have also been fears within the old guard—the military and hardcore Islamists—that Sudan could fall victim to uprisings like those in Egypt and Tunisia.