1,757 Results for:
Filters

May 2, 2024

United States
How U.S. Water Infrastructure Works

The sprawling U.S. water system is central to the nation’s economy, but chronic underinvestment, increasing demand, and the consequences of climate change have revealed the system’s weaknesses.  

A deep blue river flows between rust-colored mesas.
Backgrounder by James McBride and Noah Berman Renewing America

January 30, 2014

Financial Markets
The Rise of Islamic Finance

After growing to a $1 trillion asset class in Muslim countries, Islamic finance is poised for an era of globalization.

A Bank Islam branch office in Malaysia
Backgrounder by Mohammed Aly Sergie

April 18, 2024

Palestinian Territories
What Is Hamas?

The Palestinian militant group struggled to govern the Gaza Strip before launching a surprise attack on Israel in 2023. Now facing Israel’s military campaign to destroy it, Hamas’s future is in doubt…

Gun-toting Hamas militants ride a vehicle amid a massive crowd of the group's supporters
Backgrounder by Kali Robinson

October 1, 2008

United States
The U.S. Financial Regulatory System

A look at the current U.S. financial regulatory framework, delineating the different agencies tasked with monitoring U.S. financial institutions and their respective roles.

Backgrounder by Lee Hudson Teslik

April 24, 2024

Cuba
U.S.-Cuba Relations

Cuba has long been a major foreign policy challenge for the United States. President Biden is the latest U.S. leader to grapple with how to balance democracy promotion with the desire for a better bi…

A man shows U.S. and Cuban flags at his house in Havana.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

February 1, 2010

Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Al-Qaeda’s Financial Pressures

Financial pressures have weakened al-Qaeda’s tactical abilities, but analysts say affiliated networks are finding new ways to raise and spend money, complicating efforts to squeeze a savvy foe.

Backgrounder by Greg Bruno