This report discusses executive authority to authorize force in the crisis involving the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIL or ISIS), which raised significant concerns for the United States.

This report looks at the recent conflict in Syria, particularly casualty estimates and an assessment of possible future scenarios. A large part of the report looks at U.S. policy towards Syria, including how Congress will handle humanitarian dilemmas, security of Syrian Weapons of Mass Destruction, and how the country is open to opportunities for terrorism recruitment. It also looks at key developments that have occurred during the conflict, including supports of the Asad government, political dynamics, and minority communities. The report ends with a look at the Syrian economy and current/possible sanctions.

This report discusses the situation immediately following the completion of the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq on December 18, 2011, when relations among major political factions worsened substantially, threatening Iraq's stability and the legacy of the U.S. intervention in Iraq. It includes an overview of historical and current political, military, and governance issues as well as an analysis of Iraq in relation to the other nations in the region.

Syria, governed by President Hafiz al-Asad from 1970 until his death in June 2000, is a prominent player in the Middle East scene. Within the region, a number of borders disputes, problems of resource allocation, and political rivalries have caused frequent tensions between Syria and its neighbors. In particular, the Syrian Golan Heights territory, which Israel has occupied since 1967, has been one of the most intractable issues in the Arab-Israeli dispute.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about the Syrian and Israeli jets which have engaged in their first aerial dogfights.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story about fighting which raged along the Golan heights for the eight consecutive day.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story of two Arab foreign ministers who say that they have some good news for president Nixon about prospects for Syria's entry into the Middle East Peace talks.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story of Israeli newspaper who carried front page stories reporting that State Secretary will arrive in Tel Avid to attempt to break the stalemate between Israel and Syria.

Script from the WBAP-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, relating a news story of Kissinger before leaving Madrid said that United State and Spain found a substantial identity of views.