This publication is now archived. Does the new U.N. resolution resolve questions about Iraq’s status?To an extent. Resolution 1546, passed unanimously by the U.N. Security Council June 8, declares th…

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. What is the plan for the June 30 transfer of sovereignty to Iraq?It’s a work-in-progress. The date won’t change, U.S. and U.N. officials say, but much else remains u…

This publication is now archived. Why have Iraq’s Shiites opted to form a single electoral slate?Iraqi Shiites--some 60 percent of Iraq’s population--have never held political power and see the Janua…

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.