Council’s Recent Stories
World Nov 16
Background Briefing: What is the Islamic State?The self-proclaimed Islamic State is a militant movement that has conquered territory in western Iraq and eastern Syria. Find out more in this backgrounder.
World Mar 07
Background Briefing: What you should know about the Ukraine crisisUkraine's most prolonged and deadly crisis since its post-Soviet independence began as a protest against the government dropping plans to forge closer trade ties with the European Union and has since spurred a global standoff between Russia and Western powers.
World Feb 25
Background Briefing: What Is Boko Haram?Suspected members of the hardline Islamist group Boko Haram attacked a school in Damaturu, Nigeria, early Tuesday morning, burning or shooting 29 boys, but sparing the female students, news outlets reported. The Council on Foreign Relations offers this backgrounder on…
World Feb 07
Background Briefing: Why is Russia’s North Caucasus region unstable?A series of suicide bombings ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi has brought new attention to Russia's unstable North Caucasus region. Read more in this Council on Foreign Relations backgrounder.
World Sep 23
Background Briefing: What is al-Shabab?Al-Shabab, or “the Youth,” is an al-Qaida-linked militant group and U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization fighting for the creation of a fundamentalist Islamic state in Somalia.
World Jun 13
The Lengthening List of Iran SanctionsWith concern mounting over Iran's nuclear ambitions, some lawmakers and policy advocates see sanctions as the best option to halt Tehran's uranium enrichment program.