Department of State Commentary

Putin's Russia Is 'A Different Country Now'

Just what does Vladimir Putin plan to do with his party’s new mandate? Consolidating executive authority and one-party rule both seem to be in the cards.

Why Russian Liberals Lose

As Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party sweeps to victory in parliamentary elections, pundits are crying that Russian democracy is dead. But one observer says that exactly the opposite is true.

Torture is Not a Republican Value

Contrary to what many have said, supporting torture is not part of being a conservative. If continued, White House policies that tolerate it will undermine U.S. credibility, produce bad intelligence and put American soldiers at risk.

Ruling Pakistan

If ruling Pakistan is like riding a tiger, President Pervez Musharraf may be drawing in his reins too tightly, according to some analysts.

A New Era in U.S.-Vietnam Relations?

On Tuesday, the UN General Assembly voted to give Vietnam a seat on the Security Council. Washington would do well to use this opportunity to develop stronger relations with Hanoi.

Conservative Columnist: Symbolism and Realpolitik

Congress is now considering two largely symbolic measures that could harm U.S. interests in Africa and the Middle East. A report from The New York Times seems to confirm J. Peter Pham’s prediction that Turkey

A Chinese Party

Expect a Sino status quo to emerge from the upcoming Communist Party Congress.

Recovering from Arab Spring Fever

At Friday’s conference on the prospects for political change in the Middle East, a panel of distinguished political observers presented mixed views on the future of democracy in the region.

Israel Lobby: The Reviews Are In

Four reviewers take on John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt's controversial book on the "Israel Lobby."

Blame Game at the CIA

The finger-pointing should extend far beyond those mentioned in the recently released inspector general's report on the CIA's pre-9/11 intelligence failures.

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May 26, 2013