Research Briefing
Power struggle in Iran
This note looks at the internal politics of Iran and, in particular, the recent split in the conservative camp between supporters of Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei and the President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
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Research Briefing
Iran’s nuclear programme: an update
Shortly after taking office, US President Obama gave negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme one year to produce results, promising to push for a new set of United Nations sanctions if there was no progress. The E3+3 countries, France, Germany and the United Kingdom plus China, Russia and the United States reached agreement on a fourth round of sanctions in June 2010 This note looks at Iran’s nuclear programme, the effects of UN, US and EU sanctions and possible alternative approaches to the problem.
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Research Briefing
CDC Group PLC (formerly the Commonwealth Development Corporation)
This note describes the current purpose and structure of CDC, and discusses its financial performance and contribution to international development.
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Research Briefing
Progress of the Afghan conflict: recent commentaries
This note is a compilation of excerpts from a variety of official and think tank publications on the progress of and outlook for the west’s strategy in Afghanistan.
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Research Briefing
The International Criminal Court: new crimes and a new Prosecutor
As the International Criminal Court (ICC) moves towards opening its fourth trial, its jurisdiction is being widened and its most public face, the ICC Prosecutor, is about to be replaced at the end of his term.
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Research Briefing
Equatorial Guinea: a quick introduction
Equatorial Guinea is often cited as a classic example of the ‘resource curse’ which can strike poor countries with weak formal institutions when oil is discovered. This note provides a brief introduction to Equatorial Guinea, including UK and EU relations with the country.
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Research Briefing
Uprising in Tunisia
This note describes the background to the riots in Tunisia, the recent series of events leading to the flight of the president, the interim government and progress towards elections.
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Research Briefing
In brief: Arab uprisings 2011
A very brief survey of developments in the Arab world in 2011
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Research Briefing
Unrest spreads to Syria
This note looks at the background to the recent unrest in Syria and analyses briefly the threats to the regime and its sources of strength, and the position of western governments towards the regime.
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Research Briefing
In brief: Burma’s ‘discipline-flourishing democracy’
This note reviews developments in Burma since the November 2010 elections.
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Research Briefing
Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill
This briefing on the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill has been prepared for the second reading debate on the Bill in the House of Commons. This is due to take place on 7 June 2011
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Research Briefing
Progress in Egypt?
The note looks at the constitutional referendum held in Egypt and on political developments in the country.
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Research Briefing
Declaration 25 of the Treaty on European Union: Danish Territories and whaling
Denmark has invoked Declaration No. 25 TEU in support of the whaling activities of its territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Denmark’s reliance on this Declaration at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has prevented the EU from presenting a more united stand on whaling issues at the IWC.
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Research Briefing
The European Union at the United Nations
In May 2011 the United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of Resolution A/RES/65/276, which granted the EU the right to speak at the United Nations. This Note looks at the background to the vote and the issues involved.
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Research Briefing
Hamas, Fatah and the Middle East Quartet principles
This note briefly considers the Middle East diplomatic Quartet, composed of the US, the UN, the EU and Russia, and its three principles governing engagement: the renunciation of violence, the recognition of the State of Israel and the acceptance of previous diplomatic agreements.
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