What is behind Iran’s latest seizures of expatriates visiting from the United States? An insecure regime fearful of close ties with the West.

Iraqi Kurds have enjoyed virtual autonomy for more than two decades, but formal independence might finally be in reach due to changing realities facing Iraq and Turkey, writes CFR’s Steven A. Cook.

President Park Geun-hye’s scandal has intensified the need for constitutional revisions that would enable South Korea to better manage leadership crises, writes CFR’s Scott Snyder.

The Zika virus is spreading to North America, and U.S. delays in approving research and funding could lead to a public health disaster, write Larry Brilliant and CFR’s Laurie Garrett.

The Revolutionary Guards are involved in maintaining domestic order, projecting Iranian influence in the Mideast, and presiding over major business interests. They are poised to take on a bigger role…