Regardless of the victor in this week's Afghan presidential elections, some analysts say Western forces must remain committed to the counterinsurgency effort to strengthen the state against a growing Taliban threat.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities was a relatively easy benchmark to meet, analysts say. Many are unsure whether the country can withstand a complete U.S. pullout in less than two years.

The Iranian government's response to public uproar over the presidential polls is raising questions about its power base and stability. Experts say the turmoil poses tricky questions for U.S. policymakers hoping to engage Iran's government.

A pro-Western coalition appears to have defeated Hezbollah in Lebanon's parliamentary vote, but analysts say the group will likely continue to be a power broker in Lebanese politics.

After a year of electoral turmoil in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Guinea, tiny Ghana managed to run a free and fair presidential election. Is it an anomaly, or a trend the outside world can encourage?

The latest political crisis in Thailand is another setback to democratization in Southeast Asia. It signals potential new headaches for U.S. policymakers who had come to rely on the region's stability.

The resignation of South African President Thabo Mbeki has exposed a rift in the ruling ANC party, raising questions about the future of one of the continent's champions and a regional powerbroker.

Passage of a long-awaited election law has renewed hope that Iraq can find political solutions to its many problems. But some Western observers still see trouble on the horizon.

Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, takes office amid growing ire against  U.S. military actions in Pakistan. Seven years after 9/11, is Islamabad still committed to counterterrorism?

Angolans headed to the polls on September 5 for their first election in sixteen years. The country is in the midst of a remarkable oil boom, but average Angolans remain among the world's poorest.

The Beijing Olympics have displayed Chinese pride and prowess in staging a world-class event, while leaving a residue of disquiet about the government.

South Asia, despite its many functioning democracies, continues to be torn by conflict and vulnerable to military intervention in politics.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources examining China's rise and the Olympic Games.

Alongside feats of athletic prowess, China's brand of authoritarian capitalism will be on display in the much-anticipated Beijing Olympics.

As a new round of sectarian violence grips Kirkuk, experts doubt provincial elections will bring lasting peace.

Concerned that a U.S. drawdown in Iraq will leave a power vaccum, Arab Gulf countries are looking for ways to prop up their neighbor.

A move to indict Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir meets a sharp response from Arab and African leaders and raises questions about the future of Sudan's peace process.

Maoists are set to form a new government in Nepal, with signals from Washington of a policy shift on engaging blacklisted groups elected to power.

Seoul's conservative government is struggling to reconcile its foreign policy goals with the popular sentiments of its people.

As the date of Zimbabwe's run-off election approaches and violence spreads, questions hang over regional mediation efforts, which so far show little promise.