Iraq’s Shiite leadership finally selects a candidate for prime minister to replace the embattled Ibrahim al-Jaafari. But experts are not impressed with the new candidate’s credentials.

Backgrounder: Economists say Iran’s mismanaged energy sector and falling oil prices could have consequences for its economy.

Western efforts to rebuild Iraq have focused on military and political progress but revival of civilian infrastructure lags badly.

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 socie…

This publication is now archived. Will Iraq’s January elections occur on schedule?President George W. Bush and Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi insist they will. The Iraqi government has an i…