-
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with IBA News, Bruce Riedel discusses President Barack Obama's policy in Afghanistan, emphasizing that victory against Al Qaeda and the Taliban is crucial not only for the stability of Afghanistan itself, but also for Pakistan and the entire Islamic world.
-
Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Political violence in Pakistan is at its highest level in decades, with insurgent attacks on the rise and intensive government clashes with the Taliban in the country’s western provinces. In recent weeks in particular, attacks by Punjabi militant groups have increased dramatically. Bruce Riedel spoke with Newsweek's Andrew Bast and outlined this increasingly precarious situation in Pakistan as well as the prospects for future stability.
-
Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel says this weekend’s attack on the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, the military center of Pakistan, underscores the volatility and fragility in the world’s second largest Muslim country. Riedel argues that the United States must encourage Pakistan too keep moving against extremists while assuring them we will not abandon the fight in the region.
-
Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT
While President Barack Obama and his advisers complete a study on U.S. operations in Afghanistan, Bruce Riedel warns of the consequences of delaying new action. Riedel says it is vital for the administration to avoid lengthy delays in deciding on a course of action in its planning for the Af-Pak war theater.
-
Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar recently delivered messages warning Europe about the perils of staying in Afghanistan. After speaking with French officials while in Paris, Bruce Riedel concludes that NATO ally France understands the stakes and will stay in Afghanistan if America stays.
-
Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As questions about future military deployments to Afghanistan grow more numerous, Michael O'Hanlon and Bruce Riedel dissect the argument that the United States can again narrow the mission to only address counterterrorism. O'Hanlon and Riedel conclude the correct path remains the one outlined by President Obama in March, even though it may require more time and resources.
-
Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As support for the war in Afghanistan continues to fall, Michael O'Hanlon and Bruce Riedel examine the positive aspects of the mission there. They argue that state building is an inherently slow process while concluding the largely pro-American Afghan people want to succeed and noting police and military forces are becoming more able.
-
Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the important August 20 elections in Afghanistan, Michael O'Hanlon and Bruce Riedel write that this is likely the final fresh start for the U.S. and NATO. With support for the war falling at home and abroad, they explore how progress should be quantified in Afghanistan and urge patience regarding the mission there.
-
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel says the attempted assassination of Saudi Arabia's counterterrorism chief raises questions about whether al-Qaeda's Saudi branch has recovered from recent crackdowns against the group. Riedel examines al-Qaeda's regrouping in next-door Yemen and analyzes what this first major terror opreation in the country since 2006 means.
-
Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel writes that Afghanistan’s presidential election could provide a critical update on the progress of the war in that country. He argues the U.S. and NATO appear to have the upper hand given the Taliban's failure to have a major influence on the election, but says questions on the electoral process and regional impact still need to be answered.
-
Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Seen as a test of the United States’ new strategy in Afghanistan and the Taliban's influence in the country, Bruce Riedel believes the stakes in the August 20 Afghanistan elections are higher than who will be elected president for the next five years. He writes that if the elections are successful, the NATO mission and Afghan government will get a boost of confidence and legitimacy that has been badly needed.
-
Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Which Path to Persia? objectively presents the most important policy options available to the United States in crafting a new strategy toward Iran.
-
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:19:35 GMT
Afghans voted on August 20 in the second presidential election since the Taliban were ousted by U.S.-led forces in late 2001. Despite a resurgent Taliban, Bruce Riedel says that victory in Afghanistan is attainable and that a clean election is absolutely critical to the legitimacy of the government.
-
Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Following the apparent death of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud in a Predator drone strike, Bruce Riedel looks to the next target. Riedel says America and its allies must eliminate the far more dangerous and elusive Mullah Muhammad Omar because of his leading role in the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan.
-
Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel warns not to be fooled by some of the positive news from Pakistan, because the Taliban and their allies have gained significant power there recently. Riedel says we face the potential of a nuclear-armed state run by Islamic extremists, shows the devastating consequences of such and offers ideas to keep it from occurring.
-
Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The attacks in Indonesia on July 17 remind us that vigilance must be maintained at all times against Al Qaeda’s varied affiliates and franchises, writes Saban Center Senior Fellow Bruce Riedel. Even when they appeared defeated in recent years, particularly in Indonesia or in Saudi Arabia, these groups can recover and strike again.
-
Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq's cities is the beginning of the end of the American part of the war, writes Bruce Riedel. He outlines both the enormous costs already paid by going to war and explains how al-Qaeda and Iran benefited from years of U.S. foreign policy focusing almost entirely on Iraq.
-
Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the United States launches a surge in Afghanistan and weariness grows among other nations, the Taliban and al-Qaeda smell victory in the second-longest war in American history. Bruce Riedel discusses what G8 leaders—and President Obama—must do at their summit this week to shift the momentum.
-
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a new Saban Analysis Paper, six Brookings experts analyze the main policy approaches toward Iran. In examining the benefits and drawbacks of the nine options—including engagement, persuasion, airstrikes, and containment—the authors refrain from recommending one policy over the other. Rather, they present the details of the policies in a manner that allows readers to understand the complexity of the challenge that is Iran and decide for themselves which group of policies is best.
-
Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT
As G8 foreign ministers meet in Italy prior to the G8 summit in July, Bruce Riedel comments on an interview in which an al Qaeda operative predicts the group will take over Afghanistan and Pakistan then use Pakistan's nuclear weapons against the United States. Riedel says the foreign ministers need to be clear and unequivocal that they will provide the resources needed to defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban to lessen the chance of a nuclear Armageddon.
-
Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama delivered a highly anticipated address in Cairo, Egypt on June 4 in an attempt to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world. Brookings experts offered comments on the President’s speech.
-
Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Battles between the Pakistani army, al Qaeda and the Taliban are the latest in a deadly struggle for nuclear-armed Pakistan. Bruce Riedel assesses the history of Pakistan's nuclear program as well as the danger of extremists gaining access to weapons should Pakistan fall into the wrong hands.
-
Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
A country rarely fights the same war twice in one generation, especially from opposite sides. Yet Bruce Riedel writes that in many ways describes the U.S. role in Afghanistan today. Pakistan’s role as a safe haven is remarkably consistent in both conflicts, but that similarity misses the fundamental differences between the two wars. Riedel addresses the differences, and assesses how Pakistan’s role is impacting the possibilities for success today.
-
Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel joined MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell to discuss the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan. Riedel argued that Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world and that the United States must attempt to support the civilian government, because other options could be disastrous for the region and world.
-
Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
In a speech to the International Peace Institute, Bruce Riedel said the situation in Pakistan is “dire and deteriorating,” while al Qaeda's core leadership is alive and remains a deadly threat. He also offered policy suggestions for U.S. policy toward Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as dealing with the issue of terrorism emanating from South Asia.
-
Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
As the Pakistani military launched a new offensive against the Taliban in the country’s North-West Frontier Province, officials and former officials in Washington continued to discuss what the American response should be to the heightened conflict. Bruce Riedel offers his views on the situation.
-
Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT
In an interview with the Council on Foreign Relations, Bruce Riedel noted "the situation remains dire" in Pakistan. Riedel believes there is a real possibility of a jihadist state emerging in Pakistan and argues it is crucial for Congress to pass the five-year $7.5 billion economic aid package so that "we can send a signal to Pakistan that we're in this for the long haul and that it's not a conditions-based relationship."
-
Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Twice in the last 25 years the United States has squandered great victories achieved in Afghanistan by failing to follow up battlefield success with a commitment to helping build a stable government. Bruce Riedel analyzes these past victories and explains how the new administration can avoid replicating past mistakes that would have greater consequence today.
-
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Following President Obama’s announcement regarding additional troops and a new approach to fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bruce Riedel spoke to Charlie rose to explain what changes are planned and why they need to be made.
-
Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel and Karl Inderfurth examine just how far the U.S.-India relationship has come over the last decade. They argue the relationship is an excellent — if too infrequent — example of policy continuity and bipartisanship in U.S. foreign policy.
-
Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel says new special envoy Richard Holbrooke inherits a "dim and dismal" situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan. What is needed, he says, is for Holbrooke to reverse the negative momentum in both countries.
-
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT
Barack Obama has said that his priority in the war on terrorism is Afghanistan, and is poised to increase troop levels there, perhaps by as many as 30,000. Bruce Riedel joined several other analysts to discuss military and political strategy in the region.
-
Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel and Gary Samore write that attempts to stop Iran's nuclear program have failed. They offer suggestions to the incoming Obama administration on how to move forward with a new approach to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.
-
Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT
For 30 years, the United States has tried to deal with Iran and its revolutionary ideology without a well grounded understanding of what motivates and inspires Iranians. Bruce Riedel analyzes the past, current, and possible future relationship between the U.S. and Iran.
-
Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The attacks on multiple targets in downtown Mumbai in late November is only the latest in a long series of horrific terrorist operations in India. Brookings senior fellow Bruce Riedel examines the complex phenomenon of terrorism in India and its connections to the global jihad.
-
Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT
In the global struggle against terrorism, Pakistan poses paradoxes and enigmas. Bruce Riedel believes understanding these issues—and developing a strategy to deal with them—may constitute the single most important foreign policy challenge facing the United States.
-
Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel joined Newsweek to discuss the continuing threat from Al Qaeda, their successes and failures, and options for fighting the organization now and in the future.
-
Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT
As tensions between Syria and Israel remain high, Bruce Riedel and Bilal Saab believe that the indirect negotiations which began last May between the countries have gone as far as they can. Now, they argue, it is time for direct talks between the countries with the United States as a mediator.
-
Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel writes that the December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament is connected to the September 11 attacks on the United States. As tensions between India and Pakistan mounted following the December attack, Riedel notes that large numbers of Pakistani forces were sent to the Indian border, which then allowed al-Qaeda members to move more freely in the western border regions while seeking safe haven.
-
Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel joined the Philadephia Inquirer's Trudy Rubin to discuss terrorism related to Pakistan and what the United States should do in the region.
-
Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel reviews The Duel, by Tariq Ali. Riedel concludes that the author is correct in noting that the U.S. should back Pakistan's civilian leadership, even if it is somewhat flawed, because we cannot afford Pakistan to become a failed state governed by terrorists.
-
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel writes that the election of Asif Zardari as president of Pakistan creates an opportunity for the U.S. to rethink its policy toward that nation and the surrounding region. Riedel argues that Zardari may be Pakistan’s last best hope to build a free and stable country and that, given those circumstances, the United States should offer the new Pakistani government both increased economic aid and other means of support during the period of political transition.
-
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Brookings South Asia expert Bruce Riedel explores the former Pakistani leader's role as a U.S. ally in the fight against Al Qaeda and other extremists. Riedel examines the future of Pakistan without Musharraf at the helm.
-
Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel writes that al-Qaeda has a sophisticated grasp of electoral timing, and he points to the 2004 attacks in Madrid as a prime example. As the U.S. presidential elections near, Riedel makes the argument that we should expect to hear from the terror group on multiple occasions, violently or otherwise.
-
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel notes that Pakistan almost uniquely is both a major victim of terrorism and a major sponsor of terrorism. It has been the scene of horrific terrorist acts it has been one of the most prolific state sponsors of terror. Riedel believes there is no issue or country more critical to get right under the next U.S. president, which means developing a policy that will move Pakistan away from being a hotbed of terror.
-
Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

America has failed democratic forces in Pakistan, writes Bruce Riedel. Under a military dictatorship that enabled the growth of al Qaeda, the country now poses the primary danger to America. The next president must go beyond threats and sanctions, Riedel urges, and help Pakistan find peace with its neighbors and itself through democracy.
-
Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pakistan, as the most dangerous country in the world, poses a major challenge for the next U.S. president. Bruce Riedel argues in this new Opportunity 08 paper that the current administration’s policy toward Pakistan has not paid off. The next president, he says, must persuade the Pakistani people that "America supports democracy in their country and can be a long-term and reliable ally."
-
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel sees the improvement in U.S.-India relations as a major accomplishment of the Bush administration, which carried forward progress made during President Bill Clinton’s tenure. Riedel says the U.S.-India nuclear agreement, which has been held up by opposition in India’s parliament, is likely to be approved next year, and that both major Indian political parties now see the United States as one of “the central pillars of India’s foreign policy.”
-
Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In his recent briefing to Congress on the current state of Iraq, General David Petraeus emphasized Iran's role in Iraq by mentioning the country and its newly found influence numerous times. Bruce Riedel notes that a "weak and malleable" Iraq places Iran in a position that leaders of the Islamic Republic could have only hoped for prior to the U.S. invasion.
-
Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel writes that the danger of a nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan remains serious and should be addressed by creative diplomacy.
-
Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel traveled to India in February to meet with business leaders, government officials, and members of the media. Riedel notes that much of the conversations revolved around Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities and the Iran-India relationship. Some in the United States have strongly criticized India for maintaining strong economic relations with Iran and for having exchanges of low-level military delegations. Riedel notes that although India opposes a nuclear Iran, its ties with Iran will lead it to oppose use of a military option against Iran.
-
Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To assure that Indo-U.S. relations attain more of their capacity to benefit both countries, Bruce Riedel and Karl Inderfurth explain that the next president should embark on a course that can be labeled “policy continuity-plus.”
-
Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel addresses the Israeli-Indian relationship in light of increased military and intelligence cooperation among the two nations. Arguing that the United States has played a role in fostering the friendship, he believes that the "connection in commercial military and space intelligence fields is good for both countries and for the United States."
-
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Five years into the Iraq War, Bruce Riedel provides an interim report on the winners and losers to date. He writes that one of the biggest losers, despite the troop surge, is the United States. Riedel concludes by noting the next president "will face a monumental challenge of how to find a way to end a war we never needed to fight but whose legacy will haunt Americans for decades to come."
-
Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel offers that Pakistan's recent elections bring an opportunity to defeat al Qaeda in its home base and help turn a failing state around. He suggests that the United States should embrace the new leadership—even if it is far from perfect—by providing military, diplomatic and economic support for this fledgling democracy.
-
Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel explores the history and failures of U.S. attempts to kill Osama bin Laden and what assassinations of terror leaders may mean for their organizations and enemy targets.
-
Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel and Bilal Saab believe the war in Saudi Arabia is being waged over the biggest stakes of all: control over Islam's holy cities and oil wealth. Yet, having withdrawn most of its forces from Saudi Arabia in August 2003 after al Qaeda began its war, the United States remains on the margins.
-
Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT
With the exception of India, no country in the world is more concerned about Pakistan’s political crisis than Saudi Arabia. However, Bruce Riedel writes that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s relationship will survive the former’s current political tensions given the strength of the two countries economic ties.
-
Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT
As Benazir Bhutto's supporters mourn her death, Pakistani President Musharraf has blamed al-Qaeda for the assassination. Bruce Riedel explains why he believes the attack was the work of al-Qaeda or their Pakistani allies.
-
Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab and Bruce Riedel argue that the Bush Administration pushed for a meeting in Annapolis "to gather the pro-U.S. Arab states under the aegis of a peace process for the purpose of containing or at least balancing the rising power of Iran."
-
Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel and Karl Inderfurth examine why the U.S. needs to maintain its nuclear agreement with India. He asserts that if the U.S. upholds the 2005 nuclear agreement with India, a partnership between the two countries that is committeed to reducing nuclear weapons could be achieved.
-
Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel discusses the recent air strike conducted by Israel against a suspected Syrian nuclear installation in context of the broader Middle East and a possible future Israeli strike targeting Iran's nuclear program.
-
Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT
India will become one of the most crucial parternships for the United States in the 21st century. Therefore, it is imperative the U.S. build a stronger relationship with India by publicly supporting India's quest for a seat on the UN Security Council, as well as making India a member of the G-8. These actions will ensure a stronger, more bilateral relationship between the two countries in the 21st century.
-
Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel and Karl Inderfurth discuss the aspects of India's "emerging markets" in the global economy and the India-U.S. relationship.
-
Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel examines the Bush administration's strategy on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) since the 2003 invasion of Iraq and how he views the overall behavior of the Kurdish authorities in Iraq toward the PKK.
-
Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel discusses India's recent decision not to sign a U.S.-India nuclear agreement. Riedel argues this will have negative consequences for India, but ultimately is only a minor roadblock on the way to a stronger U.S.-India relationshp.
-
Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf won re-election earlier this month. He is often described as one of America's closest allies in the war on terror. Others ask what the US has actually gained from Washington's support of Musharraf.
-
Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel and Sandy Berger pose the following question to the Bush Administration: “Do we support democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan, or do we back up a failing military dictator?”
-
Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT
In this editorial, Bilal Y. Saab and Bruce Riedel argue that the Lebanese state will first have to regain its monopoly over the use of force before it asks for any serious military assistance from Washington. The authors also offer some lessons that could be learned by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) from their recent battle with the terrorist group Fatah al –Islam in the Nahr el-Bared camp in the North.
-
Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT
The authors of The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy caused a sensation on the Beltway and on campuses across the U.S. Bruce Riedel joins them and as they explain to an MIT audience through their argument that Israel does not deserve unconditional support from the U.S.
-
Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bruce Riedel, The Independent (8/26/07)
-
Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Bruce Riedel argues that the United States has under researched the war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan from the beginning, saying “too few troops and too few resources have been the Achilles heel of the Bush administration's approach for almost six years.”
-
Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bruce Riedel, Middle East Roundtable (8/16/07)
-
Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Working Paper by Bruce Riedel, Centre for European Policy Studies (7/25/07)
-
Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Speech by Bruce Riedel, The University of Maine (7/23/07)
-
Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bruce Riedel and Samuel Berger, Financial Times (7/23/07)
-
Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Interview with Bruce Riedel
-
Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Interview with Bruce Riedel, NPR (6/15/07)
-
Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bruce Riedel, Los Angeles Times (6/14/07)
-
Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Article by Bruce Riedel, Foreign Affairs (May-June 2007)
-
Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Interview with Bruce Riedel, NPR (4/30/07)
-
Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Article by Bruce Riedel, Center for the Advanced Study of India (4/19/07)
-
Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bilal Y. Saab and Bruce Riedel, International Herald Tribune (4/9/07)
-
Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Interview with Bruce Riedel, NPR (4/5/07)
-
Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bruce Riedel, Washingtonpost.com (3/9/07)
-
Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Interview with Bruce Riedel, NPR (2/13/07)
-
Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Article by Bilal Y. Saab and Bruce Riedel, The Brookings Institution (2/23/07)
-
Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Article by Bruce Riedel (1/18/07)
-
Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Opinion by Bruce Riedel (12/18/06)