Highlights of global hot spots as outlined Thursday by John Negroponte, the director of national intelligence, before the Senate Intelligence Committee:
Cambodia, which has seen a weakening of gains in democracy and human rights from the 1990s.
China, in the midst of explosive economic growth but facing rising unemployment and rural discontent.
Egypt, where the public remains disgruntled by economic conditions, the Arab-Israeli conflict and other issues.
Haiti, where the government is the weakest in the Western Hemisphere.
India, whose nuclear capability "entails obvious and dangerous risks of escalation."
Indonesia, with the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah still a significant foe.
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Iran, because of its potential to acquire a nuclear weapon and its inventory of ballistic missiles.
Iraq, with insurgent attacks expected to continue even if a national government emerges.
Nigeria, with the potential for oil-supply disruption and secessionist moves by regional governments.
North Korea, with its nuclear-weapons claims asserted to be true and its sales of weapons overseas.
Pakistan, which is a "major source of extremism" that threatens its government, neighbors and the United States.
Russia, which most likely will support the U.S. in counterterrorism and other shared interests, but whose cooperation may be harder to win on other matters.
Sudan, with the continuing conflict in Darfur.
Syria, for meddling in Lebanon and not trying to stop militants from crossing into Iraq.
Venezuela, which is forging close ties with Cuba and seeking good relations with Iran and North Korea.
