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U.S.-Vietnam Relations in 2009: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy

Posted Sat, 08/22/2009 - 23:00

After communist North Vietnam?s victory over U.S.-backed South Vietnam in 1975, U.S.-
Vietnam relations remained essentially frozen until the mid-1990s. Since then, bilateral ties have
expanded to the point where the relationship has been virtually normalized. Indeed, since 2002,
overlapping strategic and economic interests have compelled the United States and Vietnam to
improve relations across a wide spectrum of issues. Congress played a significant role in the
normalization process and continues to influence the state of bilateral relations.

The Federal Role in Rail Transit Safety

Posted Sun, 07/05/2009 - 23:00

On June 22, 2009, two transit trains in Washington, DC, collided, resulting in nine deaths and dozens of injuries. It was the worst crash in the history of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's rail transit system. This crash has raised questions about the safety of rail transit and the governments role in ensuring that safety. Nationwide, rail transit is considered one of the safest modes of transportation.

Canada-U.S. Relations

Posted Sat, 06/20/2009 - 23:00

During the 1980s, the United States and Canada generally enjoyed very good relations. The early 1990s brought new governments to Ottawa and Washington, and although Canada's Liberal Party emphasized its determination to act independently of the United States when necessary, relations between the two countries continued to be generally cordial.

China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy

Posted Wed, 04/01/2009 - 23:00

The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC) is vitally important, touching on a wide range of areas including, among others, economic policy, security, foreign relations, and human rights. U.S. and PRC interests are bound together much more closely now than even a few years ago. These extensive inter-linkages have made it increasingly difficult for either government to take unilateral actions without inviting far-reaching, unintended consequences. The George W.

Taiwan-U.S. Relations: Developments and Policy Implications

Posted Wed, 04/01/2009 - 23:00

Policy toward and support for Taiwan are a key element in U.S.- relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and an important component of U.S. policy in Asia. Official U.S. relations with the Republic of China (ROC) government on Taiwan became a casualty of the U.S. decision to recognize the PRC government as China's sole legitimate government. Since then, unofficial U.S. relations with Taiwan have been built on the framework of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA – P.L. 96-8) and shaped by three U.S.-PRC communiques.