An end to Syria’s conflict seems unlikely in the near term, as a number of obstacles on and off the battlefield have stymied international diplomatic efforts, explains this Backgrounder.

Iraq’s provincial elections provide signals about the maturity of the country’s political system, as well as highlight new power brokers in the provinces.

Demands by Iraqi Kurds for greater autonomy have roiled their Turkish neighbors.

Saddam Hussein’s trial has entered its second phase as he faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity for a 1988 campaign against Iraqi Kurds. Experts hope the domestic court, despite diffi…