U.S. foreign policy is largely directed by presidents, but Congress does have considerable influence, as this CFR Backgrounder explains.

The U.S. government designates Iran as the "most active state sponsor of terrorism," which feeds concerns about Iran’s growing nuclear program.

Pakistan is bracing for more turbulence in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s killing. This Backgrounder looks at how state support for Islamist militants has led to growing religious intolerance in socie…

This publication is now archived. Is Pakistan an effective ally of the United States? Yes and no, experts say. President Pervez Musharraf accommodated U.S. requests for assistance after 9/11, e…