As the world’s largest democracy goes to the polls, this Backgrounder looks at the laws, major players, and issues, including economic reform, caste, and religion, that have shaped India’s politics.

A brief overview of the Israeli political system.

Religion’s place in the Iranian political system has long been debated among scholars, but a president who blurs the line has refocused attention on the topic

While some reports attribute Kenya’s postelection crisis to tribalism, most analysts see weak political institutions at the root of problems.

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…