Too Soon to Judge the Surge — Aug. 29, 2008

Most of the units involved in the surge have been withdrawn from Iraq, and troop levels are about what they were before the surge was announced. And if General Petraeus recommends, further troop cuts may be adopted this fall. The key question is whether levels of violence will remain low once those troops are gone.

Commentary National Security Research Area

Georgia: Breakdown of Vision the West Had for a New Europe — Aug. 28, 2008

Since the Russian Federation sent tanks, troops, and planes slicing into Georgia, commentators have reached for a variety of historic parallels.... None of these supposed parallels catches the current situation.

Commentary International Affairs Research Area

Kosovo and South Ossetia More Different Than Similar — Aug. 26, 2008

The Russian government has long highlighted the similarities between Kosovo and South Ossetia. When Kosovo declared independence, Russia argued that this would embolden South Ossetia, as discussed by Olga Oliker in this commentary for RFERL.org .

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The Arc: A Formal Structure For a Palestinian State — Aug. 25, 2008

This video explores the options for the physical infrastructure of potential for a Palestinian state.

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James Dobbins of RAND to Speak on Future of Nation-Building at New America Foundation Event — Aug. 21, 2008

Ambassador James Dobbins of the RAND Corporation will speak about “Does Nation-Building Have A Future? Lessons from Afghanistan” at the New America Foundation in Washington, DC.

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Luncheon with Former Prime Minister of Pakistan - Mar. 7, 2008

The RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy is sponsoring a luncheon with the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz, in the RAND Forum from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Members of the CAPP, CGRS, CMEPP boards, and key RAND staff are invited to this event, hosted by Micheal Rich.