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

Rising demand stands to increase the strain on the already taxed U.S. power grid. Without intervention, the system could become even more susceptible to terrorist attacks and acts of nature.

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…

Iraq’s failing economy helps feed the cycle of violence there. Beyond restoring security, however, experts disagree over how to resuscitate it.

Backgrounder: U.S. debate over treatment of detainees hinges on interpretation of the Geneva Conventions.