This publication is now archived. What are the motivations of Iraq’s suicide bombers?They vary, experts say. While some, like the Jordanian head of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, are longtim…

This publication is now archived. What is the status of Iraq’s insurgency? Despite some political progress, Iraq’s insurgency shows few signs of waning, experts say. The most recent attack—a series o…

This publication is now archived. What is the post-election security situation in Afghanistan?It is still generally unstable, experts say, despite a successful September 18 parliamentary poll, Afghan…

This publication is now archived. IntroductionRussia’s oil exports are up, its currency is strong, and its gross domestic product (GDP) growth has hummed along at a 7 percent clip for the seventh yea…

This publication is now archived. IntroductionAzerbaijanis go to the polls November 6 to vote in parliamentary elections that experts fear will be neither free nor fair. Authorities in recent weeks h…