Potential political gridlock over raising the country's debt ceiling could threaten to delay progress on reducing the country's debt and rattle international confidence in the U.S. economy, experts say.

The New START treaty is due for a ratification vote today, clearing the way for future arms reductions talks with Russia along with continuing political battles over arms control.

The latest review of the Afghan strategy puts U.S. troop drawdown on track for July, but experts say President Obama has to balance assuring partners in the region of U.S. commitment to the war with increasing calls for withdrawal from some Democrats.

The Obama administration's compromise tax deal with Senate Republicans highlights ongoing debate about potential tradeoffs between tackling U.S. debt and bolstering the U.S. economic recovery.

Richard Holbrooke was an important figure in civilian efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and Pakistan. His death could leave a diplomatic void as the Obama administration seeks to reassert its counterinsurgency strategy, reports say.

The presidential commission on reducing the U.S. deficit fell short of the vote needed to advance to Congress, but analysts said it indicated some bipartisan backing for crucial cuts that would address the country's threatening debt picture.

Ireland's multibillion-dollar bailout failed to alleviate investor jitters about Europe's debt woes. Experts warn about the fallout for eurozone countries, the heavily indebted United States, and the global economic recovery.

With global food prices again soaring to record levels, experts say policies are needed to bolster agriculture production and reduce trade barriers, particularly by the United States.