Michael A. Levi separates fact from fiction regarding the Keystone XL pipeline.

Captain Melissa Bert , USCG , says the Costa Concordia disaster provides an opportunity for a thorough reexamination of international safety regulations for passenger vessels.

Steven A. Cook says that if the world wants to see the end of Bashar al-Assad, it will likely require international intervention.

Frank G. Klotz argues that the United States has important national interests in Antarctica, and these interests must be fully understood and carefully considered, especially as the federal government looks for ways to reduce the deficit.

Michael Spence wants to rethink the role of the state in addressing the problems of instability and inequality that are endemic to free-market systems.

In addressing capitalism's critics, Sebastian Mallaby champions hedge funds as appealing alternatives to too-big-to-fail institutions.

Ray Takeyh says Iran's recent aggression is based on Tehran diligently pursuing a three-track policy that involves provocation of the international community and making noises about diplomacy as it relentlessly marches toward the bomb.

Yanzhong Huang discusses China's efforts toward achieving universal healthcare.

Elliott Abrams argues that President Obama will trumpet his commitment to Israel while wondering if it will attack Iran.

Peter Orszag questions whether the U.S. military budget cuts outlined by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will be fully implemented.

Micah Zenko and Emma Welch argue that while the Republican presidential candidates overwhelmingly describe the prospect of an Iranian nuclear weapons capability as "unacceptable" and endorse the use of military force if that were necessary to prevent an Iranian bomb, there is a complete absence of any details on how the use of force could accomplish this ambitious objective.

Micah Zenko says requests for humanitarian intervention by foreign governments and peoples happen all the time, and he examines why some requests are granted while others are ignored.

Max Boot argues that the current plan to downsize the U.S. military is a repeat of past mistakes.

Laurie Garrett says making a superbug that can infect thousands of people is easier than ever and examines if there is anything governments can do to prevent terrorists from learning how to make a devastating bioweapon.

Peter Orszag writes that investment in equipment and software is likely to remain a bright spot in the U.S. economy in 2012.

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon states, "Now that attention is turning to what women endure during war, it is time to ensure they get a say in the peace."

Captain Bradley S. Russell, USN and Max Boot argue that Iran must realize that by initiating direct hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, it risks American retaliation against their covert nuclear-weapons program.

Leslie H. Gelb explains why federalism is the best approach for creating a peaceful and independent Iraq.

Jagdish Bhagwati argues that while the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is being sold in the United States as evidence of American leadership on trade, the exact opposite is true.

Richard N. Haass argues that as China's future becomes increasingly uncertain, it remains very much in the world's interest that China be integrated into global arrangements.