As recent events have unfolded throughout the Middle East, it is increasingly clear that an in-depth understanding of the role of religious freedom—and the cultural and political role of religion itself—is crucial to advancing American foreign policy interests especially in that region.

British citizens facing great danger in Libya have a right to expect more than David Cameron's shambolic, incompetent government gave them last week.

Chinese foreign policy has not escaped the dramatic transformations in that key country in our region. The foreign policy of China has become more sophisticated and less dogmatic, characterized by its increasing reliance on soft power.

In CPD Advisory Board member Barry Sanders' article, "Sports and Public Diplomacy" he writes that America's greatest foreign policy challenge is combating violent extremism. Sports and public diplomacy can offer the growing population of youth around the world, whether or not connected to an extremist organizations or philosophies, an alternative to violent activity.

The Middle East's most populous country is gripped by a struggle to oust its ruler, creating a demonstration effect not just for the Muslim world, but the whole world. Efforts by President Hosni Mubarak to bottle up dissent have failed miserably.