The crisis in Crimea may represent something more than just another low point in Moscow’s relations with the United States and its allies, says Russia expert John R. Beyrle.

Yemen could be edging toward civil war, particularly if the military gets involved in both sides of the conflict, says Yemen expert Gregory Johnsen, but the United States has limited ability to influ…

While North Korea has been condemned by a UN panel for crimes against humanity, its ally China is focused on denuclearization, not human rights, says CFR’s Scott Snyder.

Upheaval in Iran’s neighbor and ally Syria as well as power struggles at home create Iranian vulnerabilities the United States can exploit in a region pushing for democracy, says CFR’s Ray Takeyh.

A new regime in Damascus could threaten Iran’s support of Hezbollah and deprive Tehran of its one ally in the region, so it’s counseling the Assad government to hang tough, says Iran expert Karim Sad…