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al-Qaeda

Algeria: Current Issues

Posted Thu, 02/10/2011 - 00:00

The United States has increasingly viewed the government of Algeria as an important partner in the fight against Al Qaeda-linked groups in North Africa. The Algerian economy is largely based on hydrocarbons, and the country is a significant source of natural gas for the United States and Europe. Algeria receives little development assistance from the United States, but its security forces benefit from U.S. security assistance and participation in bilateral and regional military cooperation programs.

Judicial Activity Concerning Enemy Combatant Detainees: Major Court Rulings

Posted Wed, 03/31/2010 - 23:00

As part of the conflict with Al Qaeda and the Taliban, the United States has captured and detained numerous persons believed to have been part of or associated with enemy forces. Over the years, federal courts have considered a multitude of petitions by or on behalf of suspected belligerents challenging aspects of U.S. detention policy. Although the Supreme Court has issued definitive rulings concerning several legal issues raised in the conflict with Al Qaeda and the Taliban, many others remain unresolved, with some the subject of ongoing litigation.

Al Qaeda and Affiliates: Historical Perspective, Global Presence, and Implications for U.S. Policy

Posted Fri, 02/05/2010 - 00:00

Al Qaeda (AQ) has evolved into a significantly different terrorist organization than the one that perpetrated the September 11, 2001, attacks. At the time, Al Qaeda was composed mostly of a core cadre of veterans of the Afghan insurgency against the Soviets, with a centralized leadership structure, made up mostly of Egyptians. Most of the organization's plots either emanated from the top or were approved by the leadership.

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

Posted Wed, 07/01/2009 - 23:00

The Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain or end the potential threat posed by Iran, at times pursuing limited engagement, and at other times leaning toward pursuing efforts to change Iran's regime. Some experts believe a potential crisis is looming over Iran's nuclear program because the Bush Administration is skeptical that efforts by several European allies to prevent a nuclear breakout by Iran will succeed, although the Administration announced steps in March 2005 to support those talks.

U.S.-Iraq Withdrawal/Status of Forces Agreement: Issues for Congressional Oversight

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

The U.S. has been involved in military operations in Iraq since March of 2003. The legal
framework under which the U.S. has operated includes H.J.Res. 114 (P.L. 107-243), multiple
Security Council Resolutions, as well as orders under the Coalition Provisional Authority. The
U.N. Security Council extended the mandate for the multinational forces through December 31,
2008.
On November 26, 2007, U.S. President George W.