The anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, virtually unknown before the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s government, has leveraged his family name to become one of the most influential Shiite leaders in m…

This publication is now archived. IntroductionAs Iraq prepares to hold elections for a new government, cfr.org looks at the country’s rapidly expanding media options. "Iraqis are avid listeners, watc…

Despite a spotty record of effectiveness, Western states continue to promote UN sanctions in cases ranging from North Korea to Iran. But the UN Security Council is more divided than ever about implem…

This publication is now archived. What is the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)?A U.S. government program that gives development aid in the form of grants to poor countries that adopt economic and p…

Nuclear power remains an important source of electricity in the United States, but many are concerned security at nuclear plants is inadequate to thwart terrorist attacks.