This publication is now archived. Will Iraq’s transitional government be elected?We don’t know. The issue is at the center of a dispute that has emerged over the Bush administration’s new plan to ret…

This publication is now archived. What part can tribes play in Iraqi politics?Experts disagree. U.S. military officials have sought the cooperation of many local tribal leaders, but it is difficult t…

China’s military modernization agenda has led most other countries in the region to respond with defense plans of their own to balance China’s growing military capabilities.  

This publication is now archived. What is the status of Iraq’s constitution?After failing to meet the original August 15 deadline, Iraqi leaders pushed the due date to August 22. The 71-member consti…

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.

The economic climate and border security concerns have fueled the immigration debate in the U.S. congressional elections. This Backgrounder examines races where immigration is playing a role and the …