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September 13, 2023

United Nations
What Is the UN General Assembly?

The General Assembly hosts a much-watched debate of world leaders annually. Its 2023 meeting is expected to emphasize climate change, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the war in…

A large UNGA sign is photographed in front of the United Nations buildings.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

August 15, 2023

United Nations
The Role of the UN Secretary-General

The United Nations’ top leadership position has broad authority to steer the organization’s agenda, but its impact has varied widely since 1946.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is escorted by staff at a displaced persons camp in Somalia.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

April 16, 2024

United States
Is Rising Student Debt Harming the U.S. Economy?

Higher education provides students many socioeconomic benefits and increases the global competitiveness of the United States, but mounting student loan debt has sparked a debate over federal lending …

Protestors hold "cancel student debt" signs outside the U.S. Supreme Court.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors Renewing America

April 18, 2024

Palestinian Territories
What Is Hamas?

The Palestinian militant group struggled to govern the Gaza Strip before launching a surprise attack on Israel in 2023. Now facing Israel’s military campaign to destroy it, Hamas’s future is in doubt…

Gun-toting Hamas militants ride a vehicle amid a massive crowd of the group's supporters
Backgrounder by Kali Robinson

April 3, 2024

United States
What Does the U.S. National Guard Do?

The National Guard is a special part of the U.S. military that answers to both state governors and the president. While it began as a “strategic reserve,” the guard has come to play an important role…

A member of the National Guard patrols the southern U.S. border in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Backgrounder by Anshu Siripurapu and Noah Berman

April 17, 2024

Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

Conceived as the principal defenders of the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has evolved into an institution with vast political, economic, and military power.

Members of the Revolutionary Guards attend a parliamentary session in Tehran.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

February 3, 2009

Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Eric H. Holder Jr., Attorney General

President Barack Obama’s attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr., has criticized some of the Bush administration’s counter-terrorism moves, calling for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center…

Backgrounder by Joanna , Associate Editor Klonsky