http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/intel/RL32438.pdf

Provides an overview of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT), definitions of actions constituting torture, and requirements for countries, like the U.S., which signed the treaty. Also considers decisions made by British and Israeli authorities about what interrogation techniques constitute torture. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL34346.pdf

Describes the nature of recent friction between Israel and Egypt over alleged smuggling of weapons into the Gaza Strip by Hamas and how U.S. foreign aid has become involved in the dispute. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33530.pdf

Reviews recent developments, the U.S. role, and significant agreements and documents arising from previous negotiations. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists.

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB240/snie.pdf

Recently declassified national intelligence estimate from 1974 on the dangers posed by spreading nuclear arms technology and the prospects for various countries, including Israel, China, Japan, Argentina, and South Africa, of joining the nuclear club. Also warned of the dangers of theft of nuclear material by terrorists. From the Central Intelligence Agency, posted by the National Security Archive.

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RS22768_20071207.pdf

Describes the background to the conference, the participants, the joint understanding that was reached and the constraints that limit prospects for success. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org

http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB786.pdf

Offers analysis and data on trends in the use of military reserve forces by many of the leading military powers in the world. Covers Australia, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Russia. From the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/peaceworks/pwks60.pdf

Subtitled: From Geneva to Disengagement to Kadima and Hamas. Explores how public opinion acts as a domestic imperative on policymaking, looks for its channels of influence, and considers whether it can also be influential in a nondemocratic system. From the U.S. Institute of Peace.

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33530.pdf

Reviews Middle East developments since the end of the Gulf War in 1991 and the mixed results of peace negotiations between Israel, the Palestinians and other Middle East countries. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by the Federation of American Scientists

http://opencrs.cdt.org/rpts/RL33476_20070430.pdf

Reviews recent important political and military developments affecting Israel, especially the Hamas victory in January 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections and the war with Hezbollah forces last summer. Also reviews the basis of Israeli-U.S. foreign relations. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2007/0307_crisis_interfaith.html

Summarizes the chances for success of the interfaith peace movement in the Middle East and how recent events, including the Iraq War, the Israel-Hezbollah War, the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Danish cartoon controversy, and the remarks of Pope Benedict XVI have affected the situation. From the U.S. Institute of Peace

http://www.usip.org/pubs/specialreports/sr177.pdf

Traces the development of Israeli national security thinking about Palestinian statehood from total rejection to broad acceptance and the resulting implications for American foreign policy. From the U.S. Institute of Peace.