PUBLICATIONS BY James Phillips
Research
Commentary
Media Appearances
2008 Research
December 03, 2008
Yes, a Nuclear Iran Is Unacceptable: A Memo to President-elect Obama
By James Phillips and Peter Brookes
(Special Report #28)
President-elect Obama, you are right that the United States cannot allow Iran to attain a nuclear weapon. Your statement during the second presidential debate indicates that you appreciate the unacceptable dangers posed by a nuclear-capable Iran.
November 04, 2008
Low Expectations for Secretary of State Rice's Middle East Trip
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #2121)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is slated to travel to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, and Egypt November 5–9 in another effort to reinvigorate the stalemated Arab-Israeli peace talks. Rice is unlikely to score a diplomatic breakthrough on the trip, so rather than rush to failure on a final agreement, Rice should lower her sights and seek incremental progress on a framework agreement that can keep the faltering peace process alive for the next Administration.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is slated to travel to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, and Egypt November 5–9 in another effort to reinvigorate the stalemated Arab-Israeli peace talks. Rice is unlikely to score a diplomatic breakthrough on the trip, so rather than rush to failure on a final agreement, Rice should lower her sights and seek incremental progress on a framework agreement that can keep the faltering peace process alive for the next Administration.
September 23, 2008
Iranian President Ahmadinejad's Vexing Visit Exposes U.N. Failures
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #2074)
The impending visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to address the opening of the U.N. General Assembly dramatically underscores the weakness of the U.N. in confronting one of the most dangerous security threats in the world today.
September 02, 2008
Textbook Appeasement: The State Department and the Islamic Saudi Academy
By Ryan O’Donnell and James Phillips
(WebMemo #2042)
Pop quiz: Murder is permissible if the victim is:
(a) An apostate
(b) An adulteress
(c) A polytheist
(d) All of the above
If you answered (d), then you are either a hardened Islamist hunkered down for a last stand in Mosul or a twelfth-grade student at the Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA) in Arlington, Virginia. While the above quiz is fictional, it reflects the actual teachings of some of the textbooks used at the ISA.
Under the Foreign Missions Act (FMA), the State Department has an obligation to review the ISA's textbooks and determine whether such texts contain violent teachings which would run "contrary to protection of the interests of the United States."
August 28, 2008
The Quest for Arab-Israeli Peace: The Bush Administration Should Avoid a Rush to Failure
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #2176)
The Arab–Israeli problem is too complex to resolve during the waning days of the Bush Administration. The best outcome that the Administration can achieve in its last months is to pass on a viable negotiating framework to the next Administration. The U.S. should adopt a patient, incremental approach to peace negotiations.
July 10, 2008
Iranian Missile Tests Boost International Tensions and Proliferation Concerns
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1985)
Iran’s missile-rattling provides one more reminder-if any were needed-that the United States and its allies need to cooperate more effectively to contain Iran's rising power, put a higher priority on missile defense, and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
April 17, 2008
The War in Afghanistan: More Help Needed
By James Phillips and Lisa Curtis
(Backgrounder #2124)
Greater international support is needed to secure and stabilize Afghanistan, a crucial front in the global war on terrorism. The February 18 Pakistani election provides an opportunity to isolate extremists along the border. The U.S. should work with NATO countries on a joint approach to Pakistan and consider appointing a high-level envoy to coordinate policies between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
April 07, 2008
Lessons Learned from the Basra Fighting for the Iraq Hearings
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1887)
Congress tomorrow will begin a second round of hearings on Iraq featuring General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. A major topic is likely to be the recent round of fighting in Basra, Iraq’s second-largest city, and its implications for U.S. policy.
March 28, 2008
Iraq: Pause in Troop Drawdown Makes Sense
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1871)
The Bush Administration and Congress should fully support the recommendation on force levels from the commander on the ground.
March 13, 2008
Questions on Iraq for the Petraeus-Crocker Hearings
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1850)
When General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker testify before Congress, Members must ask questions that will help Americans develop an informed opinion about the situation in Iraq.
February 13, 2008
Death of a Terrorist: Imad Mugniyah
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1815)
The reported death of Imad Mugniyah, if true, is an important victory in the global struggle against terrorism.
January 31, 2008
President Bush on the State of the Middle East
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1790)
Attaining the policy goals outlined by President Bush will ultimately depend on the efforts of the next President.
January 11, 2008
The Iran National Intelligence Estimate: A Comprehensive Guide to What Is Wrong with the NIE
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #2098)
The National Intelligence Estimate’s narrow definition of Iran’s nuclear weapons program is so restrictive that even officials from the normally cautious International Atomic Energy Agency have expressed disagreement with its conclusions. Its release eases international pressure on Iran despite the fact that the NIE itself maintains that such pressure is critical to stopping the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
January 09, 2008
The President's Middle East Trip: An Opportunity to Promote Security, Freedom, and Peace
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1770)
The President must work to secure greater cooperation to contain Iran and combat Islamic radicals.
2007 Research
December 07, 2007
Don't Be Misled by NIE on Iran's Nuclear Efforts
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1727)
The Bush Administration should establish a commission to review the judgment that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003.
November 21, 2007
The Annapolis Peace Conference: Cloudy Prospects for Success
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1708)
If successful, the conference will be only the first step in a long, grueling negotiating process.
October 15, 2007
Revitalizing U.S. Efforts in Afghanistan
By Lisa Curtis and James Phillips
(Backgrounder #2076)
Consolidating a stable Afghanistan that is free from Taliban influence and ideology will be expensive and will require a patient, long-term, integrated political, military, and economic strategy, as well as deft diplomacy that recognizes the need for improved Pakistan–Afghanistan relations through increased trade and economic linkages and joint political endeavors.
October 15, 2007
Executive Summary: Revitalizing U.S. Efforts in Afghanistan
By Lisa Curtis and James Phillips
(Executive Summary #2076)
Executive Summary; Consolidating a stable Afghanistan that is free from Taliban influence and ideology will be expensive and will require a patient, long-term, integrated political, military, and economic strategy, as well as deft diplomacy that recognizes the need for improved Pakistan–Afghanistan relations through increased trade and economic linkages and joint political endeavors.
September 21, 2007
Proposed Timetables for U.S. Withdrawal Would Sabotage Reconciliation in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1632)
To prevent the formation of a new base for al-Qaeda, the United States must help to establish the security conditions necessary for Iraq’s government to forge a durable power-sharing agreement.
September 14, 2007
Bush on Iraq: U.S. Troops "Return on Success"
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1616)
President Bush delivered a short but effective speech last night that reviewed the military progress made in Iraq, explained why this progress now allows the beginning of a drawdown of U.S. troops, and reminded Americans of what is at stake in Iraq. He announced that 5,700 of the 21,500 combat troops participating in the “surge” would be home for Christmas, several months before they were scheduled to return. U.S. troops, he stressed, would “return on success” according to the situation in Iraq, not on timetables arbitrarily determined by Washington politicians.
August 28, 2007
Hezbollah's Terrorist Threat to the European Union
By James Phillips
(Heritage Lecture #1038)
The EU has turned a blind eye toward Hezbollah fundraising and other activities inside Europe. This ostrich-like policy mistakenly accepts the fiction that Hezbollah’s “political wing” can be distinguished from its terrorist wing. The EU must designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group and ban its activities.
August 01, 2007
Terrorists in Their Own Words
By James Phillips and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2057)
U.S. security depends on bolstering the security of Muslims against the menace of Islamist totalitarian movements. Such unified action requires consensus: a common view of the nature of the threat and the war and a common vision of how to respond. Listening to the terrorists' own words and taking them seriously is the first step in winning the long war.
July 24, 2007
The War in Iraq: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1565)
Although those seeking to score political points often try to reduce the war to simple slogans and either–or strategic propositions, the situation on the ground is complex and not adequately described by debate talking points or campaign rhetoric.
July 17, 2007
The Levin-Reed Amendment on Iraq: Cut in the U.N. and Run
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1558)
Congress should reject cut and run and instead allow the military to finish the job of training Iraqi security forces that are capable of supporting the government, dealing with sectarian violence, and protecting the civilian population.
July 13, 2007
Senate Effort to Impose Iraq Study Group Recommendations: Unrealistic, Unwise, and Unnecessary
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1555)
Senate Amendment 2063 mandates a "cut and run" strategy that ignores key conclusions of the Iraq Study Group report.
June 20, 2007
Hezbollah's Terrorist Threat to the European Union
By James Phillips
(Testimony #9999)
With an extensive web of fundraising and logistical support cells throughout Europe, Hezbollah poses a direct threat to EU citizens at home and abroad.
June 18, 2007
Hamas's Coup in Gaza Casts a Pall over Bush-Olmert Meeting
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1510)
Hamas's coup in Gaza is a death blow to peace negotiations. The U.S. must take steps to check the power of Hamas and its chief supporter, Iran.
May 31, 2007
Iran's Growing List of Hostages
By Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1479)
The U.S. must firmly demand the release of Iran’s newest hostages and rule out making any concessions that would encourage Iran to take more hostages in the future.
May 25, 2007
Bush Administration Scores Victory on Iraq Vote
By Helle C. Dale and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1474)
Congress has finally carried out its obligation to fund the American troops on the frontlines of the global war against terrorism.
May 18, 2007
Iraq Benchmarks Should be Realistic Goals, Not a Means To Surrender
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1461)
Rigid benchmarks would become an excuse for pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq, rather than a means to help Iraqis build a stable and secure country.
May 04, 2007
Fighting Al-Qaeda in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1443)
The estrangement of al-Qaeda in Iraq from its erstwhile allies is a hopeful sign for U.S. Iraq policy.
April 30, 2007
Iran's Hostile Policies in Iraq
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #2030)
To counter Iran's increasingly aggressive role in Iraq, the United States should disrupt Iran's subversive network and raise the risks of its proxy war in Iraq; pressure Iraqi Shiite and Kurdish political parties to distance themselves from Tehran if they want continued U.S. support; and privately warn Tehran that continued efforts to subvert Iraq will have negative consequences.
April 06, 2007
Speaker Pelosi's Unauthorized Diplomacy in Syria
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1415)
The Syrian regime, which ranks second only to Iran in supporting terrorist groups, trumpeted Speaker Pelosi's visit as a major victory. For Syria, it was.
March 16, 2007
Senate Rejects Iraq Withdrawal While House Continues on a Dangerous Course
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1399)
Next week the House will consider a supplemental appropriation bill that would attach dangerous conditions to war funding and restrict the President's constitutional powers as commander in chief.
March 02, 2007
The Iraq Conference: Iran and Syria's Engagement Brings Unrealistic Hopes and Diplomatic Risks
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1380)
The United States must not trade concessions to Iran and Syria in exchange for promises that those counties are unlikely to keep.
February 26, 2007
Don't Count on the Security Council to Curb Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1370)
The United States must push hard for stronger sanctions against Iran, not only at the Security Council but also directly with European and Japanese allies.
February 17, 2007
House Iraq Vote Spells Trouble Ahead for War Effort
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1364)
This resolution is the first step in what will be a protracted campaign to hamstring President Bush’s Middle East policy and undermine his constitutional authority as commander in chief
February 09, 2007
The Senate's Iraq Irresolution
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1353)
The resolution would accomplish little except to send a dangerous signal of foreign policy drift and weakness that will discourage America’s friends, encourage its adversaries, and undermine Iraqi efforts to govern.
January 31, 2007
The President's New Military Strategy in Iraq
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1333)
The President's new Iraq strategy, while risky, presents the best chance for moving forward in Iraq and should be given the chance to prove its mettle.
January 31, 2007
Nine Essential Points for Talking About the War on Terrorism
By James Phillips and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Executive Memorandum #1019)
Winning the war on terrorism requires understanding the enemy, delegitimizing its view of the world, offering a credible alternative, and demonstrating the will to prevail. Using the right words and ideas can help to achieve victory against a totalitarian Islamic ideology that manipulates religious words and ideas to impose its goals on both Muslims and non-Muslims through violence.
January 23, 2007
State of the Union 2007: A New Way Forward in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1322)
The war in Iraq is an integral part of the broader war against terrorism.
January 16, 2007
Stop the Broadcasts of Al-Qaeda's TV Propaganda
By James Phillips and William L.T. Schirano
(WebMemo #1312)
The U.S. should attempt to halt satellite distribution of this network and refocus its public diplomacy efforts in the Middle East.
January 11, 2007
President Bush's New Way Forward in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1304)
It is a calculated gamble, but one more likely to succeed than the alternatives.
2006 Research
December 19, 2006
Iraq Study Group is Wrong to Link Iraq to Israel
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1290)
The Iraq Study Group report's linking of progress in Iraq to progress on resolving the Arab–Israeli conflict does not stand up to scrutiny.
December 06, 2006
The Iraq Study Group Report: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
By James Phillips and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1278)
With one exception, the Iraq Study Group provides a thoughtful approach to moving forward in Iraq.
November 28, 2006
A Message for Maliki: Bush Must Make Clear Iraq's Responsibilities
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1264)
President Bush should use the two-day summit meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki to restore momentum to efforts to build a stable and democratic Iraq.
November 27, 2006
Gemayel Assassination Underscores Lebanon's Need for U.S. Support in Struggle Against Syria
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1262)
The assassination of Pierre Gemayel is another blow in Lebanon’s continued struggle for independence from Syria.
November 13, 2006
Countering Iran's Oil Weapon
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., James Phillips and William L. T. Schirano
(Backgrounder #1982)
To succeed in deterring Iran from developing a nuclear capability, the Bush Administration needs to maximize its leverage in this dispute by maintaining a strong military presence in the Persian Gulf, improving the Navy’s countermine capabilities, and creating contingency plans to minimize the effects of any disruption in the flow of oil.
November 07, 2006
Saddam Hussein Adjudged Serial Mass Murder
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1247)
Bringing Saddam and his henchmen to justice is a welcome milestone on Iraq’s grueling path from dictatorship to democracy.
October 05, 2006
The Dangerous Consequences of Cutting and Running in Iraq
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #1012)
A precipitous withdrawal of U.S. support would have disastrous results for Iraq, its neighbors, and U.S. national interests. The Administration needs to complete the training of Iraqi security forces, support Iraq’s new democratic government, and eventually turn the future of Iraq over to the only people who can ensure long-term success—the Iraqis.
September 29, 2006
Time for the Senate to Act on Iran Sanctions
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1227)
The Iran Freedom Support Act would extend the authority to impose sanctions on Iran.
September 27, 2006
NIE Confirms that the Outcome of the Iraq War is Critical to the War on Terrorism
By Peter Brookes and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1226)
According to the NIE, victory in Iraq is critical to the war against terrorism.
September 26, 2006
Bin Ladenism Lives, and So Probably Does Bin Laden
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1224)
A report that Osama bin Laden is dead is probably false, but, even if true, his death would have little impact on the war on terrorism.
September 11, 2006
Strong International Support Is Required to Build Peace in Lebanon
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1969)
The U.S. should seek to isolate and eventually disarm Hezbollah, shore up the Lebanese government, discourage Iran and Syria from meddling, and help rebuild Lebanon.
September 11, 2006
Iraq Is a Strategic Battleground in the War Against Terrorism
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1210)
Al-Qaeda has taken root in Iraq and has declared its plans to use that country as a staging area for exporting terrorism.
September 08, 2006
U.S. Military Policy in Iraq: "Cut and Run" a Disaster for the U.S. and the Middle East
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1207)
Abandoning the cause of freedom and democracy in Iraq would hurt Iraqis and Americans for decades to come.
August 30, 2006
Penalize Iran for Defying the U.N. Security Council’s Nuclear Deadline
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1203)
Push for sanctions in the Security Council and out of the U.N. framework.
July 26, 2006
International Intervention in Lebanon: Rules for a Dangerous Game
By James Phillips and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1178)
The United States should not send troops to Lebanon or endorse any plan for international engagement that lacks a clear, achievable approach to disarming Hezbollah.
July 18, 2006
Containing the Escalating Crisis in Lebanon
By James Phillips and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1165)
Hezbollah and Israel are locked in an escalating conflict that will not be resolved soon. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah—nor Hezbollah's Iranian and Syrian backers—is willing to accept a ceasefire on terms acceptable to the other. Hezbollah continues to launch cross-border rocket attacks, and Israel is determined to reduce the rocket threat as rapidly and effectively as possible through systematic air strikes and to secure the return of its kidnapped soldiers. Any proposed diplomatic solution must not merely seek a return to the status quo ante because that has become an inherently unstable and dangerous situation.
July 13, 2006
U.S.-Oman FTA Promotes Freer Trade and America's Strategic Interests
By Daniella Markheim and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1158)
On June 29, the Senate ratified the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and after a contentious and partisan markup session, the House Ways and Means Committee approved the pact for a full House vote in July. The agreement is contentious because of the perception that Oman is only weakly committed to protecting workers' rights. Not only is this a misconception, but the very structure of the FTA would promote stronger labor standards and their enforcement. Rejecting the FTA on questionable labor concerns will undermine continued reform of Oman's economy and send a strong negative message about America's commitment to freeing trade and bolstering economic development in the Middle East. Further, a vote against the FTA would also send a clear message that the U.S. values Oman little as an ally.
July 13, 2006
Iran and its Hezbollah Allies Escalate Their Aggressive Policies in the Middle East
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1159)
Yesterday's cross-border attack by Hezbollah (Party of God), the Lebanon-based terrorist group, which resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and the capture of two soldiers now held hostage in Lebanon, has opened up a volatile second front on Israel's northern border.
June 28, 2006
What Is Needed for Reconciliation in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1139)
On June 27th, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki emphasized that the new national reconciliation plan he had introduced to parliament two days earlier would not provide amnesty for anyone in Iraq who had killed either Americans or Iraqis in the name of insurgency or terrorism. "This is an international commitment, an ethical commitment: Whoever kills is not included in amnesty," he said.
June 27, 2006
U.S. Policy and Iran's Nuclear Challenge
By James Phillips
(Testimony #9999)
The efforts of the United States and its allies to dissuade Iran from pursuing its long-sought goal of attaining a nuclear weapons capability have so far failed to yield satisfactory results.
June 02, 2006
U.S. Policy and Iran's Nuclear Challenge
By James Phillips
(Heritage Lecture #942)
While pressing the diplomatic case against Tehran's nuclear ambitions at the U.N., the U.S. should discreetly support Iran's democratic opposition and boost security cooperation with regional states.
101759 942
May 31, 2006
Giving Iran One Last Chance
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1101)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's offer today to join multilateral talks with Iran over its nuclear weapons program is meant to call Iran's diplomatic bluff and mobilize international support for tough sanctions on Iran. But joining the talks entails several risks.
May 23, 2006
Prime Minister Olmert's Washington Marathon
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1089)
Today Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert makes his inaugural visit to the White House as Israel's top leader. High on the agenda will be discussions about Olmert's plan for Israeli withdrawal from much of the West Bank, the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories, the stalled peace process, and the Iranian nuclear issue. Olmert will address a joint session of Congress, a rare honor accorded only to America's closest allies. Most importantly, Olmert will seek to cement a close working relationship with President Bush, whom he has met only once before. Whether or not that effort is successful, expect no major agreements to arise from this visit.
May 11, 2006
Iran's Friends Fend Off Action at the U.N. Security Council: Here's Why
By James Phillips and Peter Brookes
(WebMemo #1071)
Iran has cultivated close relations with Russia and China.
May 05, 2006
Iran's Nuclear Ambitions are a National Security Issue that Go Beyond the Purview of International Institutions
By Baker Spring and James Phillips
(WebMemo #1065)
Iran's nuclear ambitions are a major threat to U.S. security.
March 31, 2006
Moving Beyond the U.N. Security Council's Slow Diplomatic Waltz on Iran's Nuclear Program
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #1025)
The Security Council issues a mild statement and threatens further consideration. That's not enough.
March 17, 2006
The Evolving Al-Qaeda Threat
By James Phillips
(Heritage Lecture #928)
To defeat al-Qaeda, the U.S. and its allies must not only destroy its leadership, but also destroy its ability to recruit replacements by discrediting its violent ideology. The United States must put as much effort into the ideological struggle as it did during the Cold War.
March 08, 2006
Nuclear Diplomacy: Keep the Pressure on Iran
By James Phillips and Brett Schaefer
(WebMemo #1010)
An IAEA referral may be in sight. What comes next?
February 24, 2006
Pulling Iraq Back from the Edge of Civil War
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #999)
The sectarian violence following the bombing of the Shiite shrine in Samarra has pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war and dealt a major setback to U.S. efforts to build a stable democracy—just as it was intended to do.
As bad as the current situation is, it underscores the point that most Iraqi factions are better served by sharing power in a broad-based government than by following the call of Islamic extremists on either side.
February 16, 2006
The Evolving Al-Qaeda Threat
By James Phillips
(Testimony #9999)
Al-Qaeda is a transnational Sunni Islamist terrorist network operating in over 60 countries around the world. At the center of the web is the core group, which I will refer to as al-Qaeda Central (AQC), a disciplined, highly-professional cadre of committed revolutionaries, which now probably consists of less than 1,000 dedicated members, and perhaps less than 500. Although it has become the most hunted terrorist group in world history since its September 11, 2001 attacks and has been severely degraded by substantial losses, it remains a resilient and potent threat to the United States.
February 06, 2006
Congress Should Withhold Funds from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #987)
There is a real risk that a Hamas-led PA will exploit UNRWA to further its anti-Israel agenda.
February 01, 2006
State of the Union 2006: Iraq and the War on Terrorism.
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #982)
The President names the enemy and lays the groundwork for a long-term strategy.
February 01, 2006
State of the Union 2006: Iraq and the War on Terrorism
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #982)
The President names the enemy and lays the groundwork for a long-term strategy.
January 27, 2006
Hamas's Victory: The United States Should Not Recognize or Aid a Terrorist Regime
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #971)
If Hamas won't give up violence, it does not deserve recognition or legitimacy.
January 24, 2006
Deconstructing Bin Laden's Latest Propaganda
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #965)
Osama bin Laden's latest audiotape message, broadcast by Al Jazeera on January 19, is ostensibly aimed at the American people but also addresses important audiences in the Muslim world.
January 06, 2006
Two Uncertain Elections Will Determine the Future of Israeli-Palestinian Relations
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #959)
Ariel Sharon's failing health and political turmoil in the Territories make for uncertain elections.
2005 Research
December 16, 2005
After the Elections: The Road to Political Stability in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #945)
Iraq's new leaders will have the opportunity to mobilize support to restore stability and security, promote national reconciliation, rebuild the economy and society, and complete the transition from dictatorship to democracy.
December 14, 2005
Countering Iran's Nuclear Challenge
By James Phillips, John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #1903)
No policy short of war is guaranteed to halt the Iranian nuclear program. The U.S. can frustrate Iran's nuclear plans and drive up the economic, diplomatic, and political costs of obtaining nuclear weapons by working with other countries to impose targeted sanctions on Iran, contain it, and deter it from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons.
December 12, 2005
Dispelling Myths About Iraq
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1904)
The bruising debate over U.S. Iraq policy often seems to stray far from the reality on the ground inside Iraq. Although Iraq's progress on the political, security, and economic tracks has been uneven and many difficult problems remain, there is considerable evidence indicating that there has been gradual progress across many fronts.
December 02, 2005
Dispelling the Myths About Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #932)
You've heard the pundits and the politicians. Now read the facts.
November 18, 2005
Zarqawi's Amman Bombings: Jordan's 9/11
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #919)
By killing dozens of fellow Muslims, Zarqawi may have changed the course of the war on terrorism.
October 14, 2005
Iraq Votes on a Malleable Constitution
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #883)
The referendum is an opportunity to build national unity. Approval would signal that Iraqis have passed another milestone on the road to stable democracy.
October 07, 2005
Bush Speech Clarifies the War Against Terrorism
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #878)
The target is "Islamic radicalism," rather than the more generic "terrorism."
October 06, 2005
Assisting Afghanistan After the Elections
By James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #985)
Although the Afghan elections went relatively smoothly, the U.S. and its allies cannot afford to be complacent. To stabilize Afghanistan and preclude a return to power by the Taliban and its terrorist allies, the U.S.-led coalition must help the nascent Afghan government to provide its long-suffering people with greater security, economic development, and enforcement of the rule of law.
September 16, 2005
Afghanistan's Elections and the Resurgent Taliban
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #847)
Cutting back the U.S. presence would be a dangerous gamble.
August 11, 2005
Dealing with Iran's Resurgent Hardliners
By James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #977)
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's installation as Iran's new president is a triumph for Iran's hardliners and will likely lead to a more assertive and uncompromising Iranian foreign policy. The United States should lead an international effort to contain Iran and support establishment of genuine democracy.
July 21, 2005
The London Bombings: How the U.S. and the U.K. Should Respond
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1871)
Although the July 7 London bombings were carried out by homegrown terrorists, the bombers were clearly part of a larger international network. The fact that British citizens carried out the attacks is a wake-up call for Britain. The bombings must result in a sea change in how America's closest ally deals with Islamic extremists.
June 23, 2005
Firm and Patient Realism Needed in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #770)
A politically driven pullout now would be a disaster.
June 17, 2005
Iran's Elections Serve Mullahcracy, Not Democracy
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #767)
Whatever the result of the vote, it is unlikely to alter Iran's political landscape or dramatically shift its hostile foreign policy.
June 01, 2005
Lebanon's Elections: The Beginning of the Struggle for a Stable Democracy
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #752)
A historic opportunity for democracy and the first of many challenges.
April 15, 2005
Slow But Steady Progress in Iraq
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #725)
Pessimists have been repeatedly wrong about the prospects for postwar political progress in Iraq.
March 28, 2005
Squeeze Out Syria to Build a Free Lebanon
By James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #966)
The Bush Administration has pushed Syria to comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559, calling for withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, and should maintain firm pressure on Syria to (1) withdraw all of its military and intelligence forces before the May elections, (2) halt its support of Iraqi insurgents, and (3) end its support of terrorism against Israel.
March 23, 2005
Forging a Common Transatlantic Approach to the Iranian Nuclear Problem
By John C. Hulsman, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1837)
A comprehensive Euro-American plan, with the U.S. offering carrots for a successful outcome while the Europeans pledge to threaten Iran with genuine sticks if the talks fail, would illustrate transatlantic cooperation at its best, increase the chances for genuine diplomatic success, and cut the Gordian knot by focusing, first and foremost, on the pressing Iranian nuclear question.
January 31, 2005
The Iraqi Elections—Taking Stock
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #646)
The elections were a success--so what comes next?
January 28, 2005
Stabilizing Iraq After the Elections
By James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #957)
To undermine the Iraqi insurgency and build stability in Iraq, the Bush Administration should encourage Iraqis to construct a federal system to facilitate power sharing and instill stability, build up Iraqi security services, and stress that an agreement for a drawdown of U.S. troops will be negotiated with the permanent government, which will be elected in December.
January 08, 2005
Palestinian Elections: A Milestone on the Road to Reform?
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #635)
Will election of a new Prime Minister revive peace negotiations?
2004 Research
November 24, 2004
Iran's Latest Nuclear Charade
By James Phillips and Baker Spring
(Executive Memorandum #951)
To avoid a charade like the 1994 Agreed Framework with North Korea, which masked a proliferation crisis while giving the proliferator the means to accelerate its weapons program, any European agreement with Iran on its nuclear programs should restrict Iran's access to nuclear technologies and materials. Iranian compliance should be verifiable, and noncompliance should automatically trigger broad-based economic sanctions.
November 19, 2004
Detoxifying Yasser Arafat's Disastrous Legacy
By James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #950)
Until a new Palestinian leadership has emerged that rejects Yasser Arafat's legacy of terrorism, there is little hope of achieving a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement. Washington should focus on incremental, short-term steps to reduce violence, facilitate Palestinian elections, and encourage Palestinian cooperation with Israel's planned withdrawal from Gaza.
November 09, 2004
Yasser Arafat's Disastrous Legacy
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #610)
Arafat's leadership leave the Palestinians in poverty and chaos with no easy way out.
November 04, 2004
Bin Laden's October Surmise
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #602)
What did bin Laden seek to convey in his latest video message?
October 15, 2004
The Battle for Fallujah is Crucial for Iraq's Future
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #588)
The Iraq government, with U.S. forces, must confront insurgents in Fallujah.
October 04, 2004
Pressure Sudan to Halt Oppression in Darfur
By James Phillips
(Executive Memorandum #943)
The Darfur crisis will end only after the Bashir regime is convinced that its repression of its own people will not be tolerated. It is past time for individual countries to impose sanctions on the Bashir regime and for the Security Council to follow suit.
September 20, 2004
The Volcker Oil-for-Food Commission: Is It Credible?
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #569)
What little is known of the Commission's staff and operations is not encouraging.
September 17, 2004
Kofi Annan's Iraq Blunder
By James Phillips and Nile Gardiner, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #567)
Kofi Annan's jibe undercuts efforts to stabilize postwar Iraq that have been endorsed by the Security Council.
June 30, 2004
The Oil-for-Food Scandal: Next Steps for Congress
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., James Phillips, and James Dean
(Backgrounder #1772)
Oil for Food is one of the greatest financial scandals of modern times. Not only should Congress threaten to withhold a portion of U.S. funding for the U.N. unless it is completely satisfied that the U.N. is fully cooperating with inquiries into the scandal, but the U.N. should be excluded from any leading role in shaping the future of Iraq.
June 25, 2004
Building a Stable Iraq After the June 30 Transition
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1771)
Insurgent violence is likely to intensify in the run-up to the American presidential election and the Iraqi national elections. The U.S. should rapidly build up, train, and equip Iraqi security forces; promote federalism to instill stability; bolster the Iraqi economy by streamlining the disbursement of aid; limit the U.N.'s role; and recognize the role to be played by the leaders of Iraq's majority Shiite population.
June 04, 2004
The United States Must Stand Firm at the UN Over Iraq
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #516)
A revised Security Council resolution may not pass muster with those on the Council whose interests differ from the United States' and Britain's. No matter their demands, Washington should not sacrifice its control over security matters.
April 21, 2004
Investigate the United Nations Oil-for-Food Fraud
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1748)
The abuse of the Oil-for-Food program was the result of a staggering management failure by the United Nations and has raised troubling questions about the U.N.'s credibility and competence. The Oil-for-Food debacle reinforces the need for sweeping reform of the U.N. bureaucracy and the need for an annual external audit of its accounts.
April 12, 2004
Three Middle East Summits
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #473)
The President has the opportunity to leverage Israel's proposed withdrawal from Gaza to restart the stalled peace process.
April 09, 2004
National Security Isn't Just about Terrorism
By James A. Phillips
(WebMemo #472)
A myopic, single-issue defense policy would leave the nation vulnerable. Fortunately, however, the federal government is fully capable of doing more than one task at a time.
April 08, 2004
Setting the Record Straight: Condoleezza Rice and the 9/11 Commission
By Helle Dale and James Phillips
(WebMemo #471)
National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice's strong performance in her appearance before the September 11 Commission should put to rest any notion that the Bush administration was complacent or inattentive to the terrorist threat facing the United States before September 11.
March 24, 2004
hl825: Iraq: One Year Later
By James Phillips
(Heritage Lecture #825)
One year after the onset of the war in Iraq, the United States, its allies, and the Iraqi people are better off, and the ouster of Saddam Hussein's regime pays strategic dividends that too often are glossed over by critics. On balance, the war has enhanced U.S. national security interests in the Middle East and has been a net plus in the war against international terrorism.
March 22, 2004
Iraq: One Year Later
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #453)
The United States is better off than it was before the war. Moreover, our allies are better off and the Iraqi people are certainly better off.
March 16, 2004
Spain's Retreat After The Madrid Bombings Rewards Terrorism
By James A. Phillips
(WebMemo #448)
The victory of Spain's new Socialist government is, unfortunately, a political triumph for radical Islamic terrorism and may well embolden Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to strike similarly in the future.
March 01, 2004
The U.N. Oil-for-Food Scam: Time for Hearings
By Nile Gardiner, Ph.D., and James Phillips
(WebMemo #438)
In effect the oil-for-food program was little more than "an open bazaar of payoffs, favoritism and kickbacks." The seriousness of these charges warrants investigation by the U.S. Congress and an independent U.N. commission.
January 22, 2004
A Limited Role for the United Nations in Post-War Iraq
By Dr. Nile Gardiner and James Phillips
(WebMemo #402)
An effective job by the U.N. in assisting with the electoral process in Iraq will help to restore its reputation on the international stage.
January 21, 2004
Compassionate Counter-Proliferation
By James A. Phillips
(WebMemo #395)
Last night's State of the Union speech clearly commits the Bush Administration to a policy of compassionate counter-proliferation. The outlaw regimes in Iran, North Korea, and Syria ignore this at their own peril.
2003 Research
December 16, 2003
Saddam Captured: Now Follow the Money
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #386)
Saddam's capture already has produced leads that have triggered more arrests and the further unraveling of his network of supporters.
October 07, 2003
To Build a Stable Iraq, Empower Iraqis, Not the U.N.
By James Phillips
(Backgrounder #1695)
The Bush Administration must be careful not to jeopardize the long-term prospects of a stable Iraq in a rush to obtain marginal increases of international aid for Iraq. At the U.N. Security Council, a bad deal is worse than no deal at all. Building a legitimate sovereign government in Iraq depends on obtaining the support of the Iraqi people, not the lowest-common-denominator support of the U.N. Security Council.
September 19, 2003
Bolster Freedom, Not Dependence, in Iraq
By James Phillips and Marc A. Miles, Ph.D.
(Executive Memorandum #900)
While the people of Iraq have been liberated from Saddam Hussein's political repression, they continue to be hamstrung by the economic repression he imposed. The United States should void these restrictions immediately and encourage the nascent Iraqi government to advance economic freedom to reinvigorate the economy. Moreover, Congress should approve the Administration's $87 billion supplemental appropriations request, which is sorely needed to stabilize Iraq, improve security against terrorist attacks, and finance reconstruction.
