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.

This publication is now archived. What are the contents of Iraq’s interim constitution?The 62-article document signed March 8 is designed to provide a legal framework for the country’s transitional g…

This publication is now archived. Who’s in charge of Iraq now?The U.S.-led occupation government has begun to gradually hand over power to the interim government named June 1, but it will remain the …

This publication is now archived. Who controls Iraq’s government?The Interim Iraq Government (IIG). Under the terms of an annex to Iraq’s temporary constitution--the Transitional Administrative Law (…

This publication is now archived. How much authority can Iraq’s interim government exercise?President Bush said May 24 that the interim Iraqi government taking over for U.S-led occupying authorities …