Barack Obama's inauguration as forty-fourth U.S. president occurs at a time of global economic crisis, with multiple conflicts raging in the greater Middle East. Yet he enters office amid high expectations at home and abroad.

With increasing terrorism and worsening relations with rival India, Pakistan poses a grave threat to stability in South Asia. Yet experts say the West has no choice but to forge closer ties with Islamabad.

North Korea has resisted efforts to divulge the full scale of its nuclear program, despite U.S. concessions, but President-elect Barack Obama faces little alternative to the troubled policy of engagement.

Lawlessness in eastern Congo has reached a critical juncture. Analysts fear the crisis in the enormous country, which borders nine others, could spread across the region.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources on Iran.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources on Iraq.

As Washington embarks on a strategic review of the mission in Afghanistan, a new Saudi diplomatic initiative has raised the once unthinkable prospect of talks with the Taliban. Meanwhile, pessimism and frustration test the patience of NATO allies.

Official optimism runs high amid improved security and a growing role for Iraqi forces, but analysts caution against premature celebrations.

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

High food prices have swelled the number of people going hungry around the world. Food aid is also a culprit, say some experts.

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.

U.S. military activity in the Pakistani border region is complicating an already tense relationship between Washington and Islamabad.

U.S. efforts to negotiate a long-term security agreement with Iraq are dividing Iraqi political parties and raising questions about the future of U.S. operations.

As Afghanistan makes a new pitch to foreign donors, some question whether its government is ready to shoulder a greater share of development.

Renewed fighting in South Sudan has experts fearing a civil war that could spiral beyond Sudan's borders.

As the United States and the world focus on Pakistan's western border and tribal lands, the peace along its eastern border with India remains fragile.

International relief agencies say promises by Washington and Baghdad to adopt policies addressing Iraq's growing humanitarian needs have failed to materialize.

Lebanese leaders agreed on steps toward political reconciliation, but experts say the road ahead contains many potholes.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources to help explain the array of issues surrounding Israel's 60th anniversary.

Experts warn of a humanitarian tragedy in Myanmar, but the country's government continues to block widespread access for aid workers.