What is behind Iran’s latest seizures of expatriates visiting from the United States? An insecure regime fearful of close ties with the West.

CFR’s Stewart M. Patrick previews major summits in the coming year.

The main uncertainty in the global economy next year will be China, which could become the source of the next economic shock, writes CFR’s Sebastian Mallaby.

Africa’s most populous country is holding tight elections amid a fierce insurgency and plummeting oil revenues. There are concerns that the vote could trigger a new round of instability, writes CFR’s…

Syria’s civil war poses an expanding threat to the region and beyond. Washington should seize the opportunity that still exists to weaken the Assad regime, writes CFR’s Elliott Abrams.