Backgrounders

Current political and economic issues succinctly explained.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

Author: Jonathan Masters

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has become the most dangerous al-Qaeda affiliate and is attempting to exploit the ongoing political unrest in Yemen. This Backgrounder profiles the group and looks at U.S. counterterrorism operations against its members.

See more in Yemen, Terrorism

Authors: Roya Wolverson and Christopher Alessi

An undervalued Chinese yuan remains a contributing factor to the U.S.-China trade imbalance, but experts warn that labeling China a "currency manipulator" will not rein in mounting U.S. deficits.

See more in United States, China, Economics

State Sponsors: Iran

Author: Greg Bruno

The U.S. government designates Iran as the "most active state sponsor of terrorism," which feeds concerns about Iran's growing nuclear program.

See more in Iran, State Sponsors of Terrorism

The Taliban in Afghanistan

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

Ten years after being toppled from power in Kabul, the Taliban remains resilient in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and complicates U.S. efforts to wind down the Afghan war.

See more in Afghanistan, Terrorism

Nuclear Power Safety Concerns

Author: Toni Johnson

Damage to Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has reignited debate over the safety of nuclear power and highlighted questions over aging power plants, safety procedures, and waste disposal.

See more in Japan, Disasters

Author: Toni Johnson

A decade after 9/11, U.S. Muslims grapple with their place in American society in the face of concerns about homegrown terrorism and questions by non-Muslims over the threat they might pose.

See more in United States, Religion and Politics

The Debate Over Generic-Drug Trade

Author: Toni Johnson

The global drug industry has fought to prevent developing nations from making low-cost, generic versions of drugs under patent, but the demand for such alternatives is could rise with increasing healthcare costs and growing incidence of chronic disease.

See more in United States, Drugs

Confronting the Cyber Threat

Author: Jonathan Masters

Foreign governments, non-state actors, and criminal networks are targeting the digital networks of the United States with increasing frequency and sophistication. U.S. cybersecurity has made progress, but relies heavily on the private sector to secure infrastructure critical to national security.

See more in United States, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure

Islam and Politics in Pakistan

Author: Jayshree Bajoria

Pakistan is bracing for more turbulence in the wake of Osama bin Laden's killing. This Backgrounder looks at how state support for Islamist militants has led to growing religious intolerance in society.

See more in Pakistan, Religion and Politics