Between Iraq and a Hard Place
Magazine article — September/October 2014
“Between Iraq and a Hard Place,” by David Cortright, Sojourners, September/October 2014.
Blue Sky II: Progress and Opportunities in Implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Report — April 2014
The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly in 2006, presented a watershed moment for the institution that has historically faced fundamental divisions on counterterrorism issues, which has limited cooperation among member states. This report reflects on the United Nations’ performance on counterterrorism issues since the adoption of the Strategy in 2006, and in particular, developments since the 2012 review. It offers a strategic analysis of the changing counterterrorism landscape since the last review. The report concludes with a set of practical recommendations for the UN and member states to strengthen UN counterterrorism capacities, particularly through internal coordination, responsive programming, improved reporting, and strategic communication.
A Good Deal with Iran
Blog post — 25 November 2013
“A Good Deal with Iran” by David Cortright, Sojourners, 25 November 2013.
Getting Back to Basics?: Renewing the Mandate of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for 2014-2016
Policy brief — November 2013
The policy brief discusses the role of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the opportunities presented by the renewal of its mandate before the end of this year to further strengthen and clarify its role in the multilateral counterterrorism framework. It explores recent changes in the multilateral counterterrorism architecture, including the establishment of new entities within and outside the United Nations with a focus on countering terrorism and violent extremism.
Suspending Sanctions: A Strategy for Reaching Diplomatic Agreement with Iran
Blog post — 18 September 2013
“Suspending Sanctions: A Strategy for Reaching Diplomatic Agreement with Iran” by George A. Lopez and David Cortright, Peace Policy, 18 September 2013.
The G8’s Counterterrorism Action Group: Leaving Takes Leadership
Newsletter article — June 2013
This article focuses on the role of the G8 as a global leader on countering terrorism, with the foresight to step away and let others, such as the Global Counter Terrorism Forum, take the lead on counterterrorism capacity building.
Preventing an Iranian Bomb
Magazine article — June 2012
“Preventing an Iranian Bomb” by David Cortright, Sojourners Magazine, June 2012.
Reshaping United Nations Counterterrorism Efforts: Blue-Sky Thinking for Global Counterterrorism Cooperation 10 Years After 9/11
Report — March 2012
This report provides concrete suggestions for strengthening international counterterrorism efforts over the next decade, including three specific, costed options for a single UN counterterrorism coordinator. The report details 22 recommendations aimed at helping the United Nations to better exploit its comparative advantages in countering terrorism and to enhance the productivity of its partnerships with other counterterrorism actors, including states, regional intergovernmental bodies, nongovernment experts, and civil society.
Failed Sanctions on Iran
Magazine article — 2 February 2012
“Failed Sanctions on Iran,” by David Cortright, Foreign Policy in Focus, 2 February 2012.
Multilateral Counterterrorism: Harmonizing Political Direction and Technical Expertise
Newsletter article — December 2010
This brief, published by the Stanley Foundation, finds that input from technical experts is essential to keep those who set the agenda from putting all the attention on a narrow set of current hot spots and missing opportunities to prevent future hubs of terrorism from emerging.
