Lawlessness in eastern Congo has reached a critical juncture. Analysts fear the crisis in the enormous country, which borders nine others, could spread across the region.

Anthony Gambino, an expert on the Democratic Republic of Congo, discusses the recent escalation in conflict in eastern Congo and the necessity of training a professional Congolese army.

Executive Order

This report lays out a thoughtful agenda for U.S. policy toward the Democratic Republic of Congo, arguing that what happens there should matter to the United States--for humanitarian reasons as well as economic and strategic ones.

Listen to Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC), reflect on the recent changes in the ANC and the challenges that face South Africa.

Many countries are reducing or ending fuel subsidies in the face of high fuel costs and the spreading financial crisis. Though the cuts may prove unpopular, some experts say they could help ease global oil demand.

Session Three of a Council on Foreign Relations Symposium on International Law and Justice: Evolving Norms and U.S. Responses.

Session Two of a Council on Foreign Relations Symposium on International Law and Justice: Evolving Norms and U.S. Responses.

Session One of a Council on Foreign Relations Symposium on International Law and Justice: Evolving Norms and U.S. Responses.

Shantayanan Devarajan, chief economist of the World Bank's Africa region, discusses how Africa will be affected by the global financial crisis.

Rebecca Feeley, a researcher for the ENOUGH Project based in eastern Congo, discusses continuing conflict in the country and the motives of its most powerful rebel group.

Africa expert Princeton Lyman discusses current political upheaval in South Africa and the outlook for the country's economy.

The resignation of South African President Thabo Mbeki has exposed a rift in the ruling ANC party, raising questions about the future of one of the continent's champions and a regional powerbroker.

President Bush's AIDS initiative, reauthorized for another five years this summer, wins widespread praise even from those highly critical of other administration policies. Yet some health experts worry AIDS funding has grow disproportionately large compared with other U.S. development spending.

With oil supplies tighter than ever, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant concern.

Jamie Ekern of CFR's Center for Preventive Action discusses her observations of the Angolan parliamentary elections from Luanda.

Angolans headed to the polls on September 5 for their first election in sixteen years. The country is in the midst of a remarkable oil boom, but average Angolans remain among the world's poorest.

Gene Sperling, director of CFR's Center for Universal Education, discusses how Kenya's new government is approaching education policy.

Development experts have long lamented the negative effects of brain drain on Africa. Some economists now argue the benefits outweigh the costs.

Michael Clemens of the Center for Global Development says that the migration of skilled workers is not to blame for Africa's weak health systems.

A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org and The Economist.

Act

Experts worry Eritrea and Ethiopia could be on the brink of new conflict, potentially enmeshing Eritrea further in the Horn of Africa's many disputes.

A profile of an Algerian terrorist group that has aligned itself with al-Qaeda and is going global.

A move to indict Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir meets a sharp response from Arab and African leaders and raises questions about the future of Sudan's peace process.

The International Criminal Court has sparked controversy with its case selection and pursuit of justice in Uganda and Sudan.

Angola, Africa's top oil producer, is flush with money. Yet wealth remains concentrated in the hands of a very few, leaving the bulk of the population in poverty.

High food prices have swelled the number of people going hungry around the world. Food aid is also a culprit, say some experts.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy succeeded in forming a union of Mediterranean countries, but the bigger challenge of pushing through meaningful policy change lies ahead.

Knox Chitiyo, an expert on Africa at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses what kind of power-sharing government Zimbabwe's top security officials would consider.