Michelle Kurilla

The Arab League

Founded as a loose confederation of states in 1945, the Arab League has struggled to overcome dysfunction and disunity among its members.

Backgrounder by Jonathan Masters and Mohammed Aly Sergie May 25, 2023

United States

What Happens When the U.S. Hits Its Debt Ceiling?

As the U.S. government grapples with another deadline to increase its debt ceiling in 2023, economists warn that a possible default could have disastrous economic consequences.

Backgrounder by Noah Berman May 25, 2023 Renewing America

Middle East and North Africa

Yemen’s Tragedy: War, Stalemate, and Suffering

Yemen’s internal divisions and a Saudi-led military intervention have spawned an intractable political, military, and humanitarian crisis.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson May 1, 2023

Top Stories on CFR

Middle East and North Africa

Turkey’s Growing Foreign Policy Ambitions

Turkey’s geography and membership in NATO have long given the country an influential voice in foreign policy, but the assertive policies of President Erdogan have complicated its role.

Backgrounder by Kali Robinson June 1, 2023

United States

What Does the U.S. National Guard Do?

The National Guard is a special part of the U.S. military that answers to both state governors and the president. While it began as a “strategic reserve,” the guard has grown into a pivotal partner in military operations.

Backgrounder by Anshu Siripurapu and Noah Berman May 26, 2023

Pakistan

Pakistan in Crisis, With Sadanand Dhume

Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a South Asia columnist for the Wall Street Journal, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the political, economic, and climate crises roiling Pakistan.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and Sadanand Dhume May 23, 2023 The President’s Inbox