Political volatility among the world’s leading oil producers suggests deeper causes for recent price spikes.

The United States has long tried to compel Syria to adjust its behavior, but rarely with any result. This backgrounder examines the current U.S. policy options toward Syria.

Iraq’s provincial elections provide signals about the maturity of the country’s political system, as well as highlight new power brokers in the provinces.

Amid sluggish growth and high unemployment, the economy has emerged as the central issue of the 2012 presidential campaign, as the candidates debate the role of government in jumpstarting the economy…