Explainer

Iranian forces take part in National Persian Gulf Day in the Strait of Hormuz on April 30. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the crucial waterway as a riposte to U.S. pressure.

How Dangerous Are U.S.-Iran Tensions?

Washington cites Tehran’s “warnings” in deploying a carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf. The question is whether the threat is real.

Explainer |
Sri Lankan officials inspect St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, north of Colombo, after multiple explosions targeting churches and hotels on April 21.

What’s Behind the Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka?

Coordinated blasts recall the island country’s violent past.

Explainer |
Special counsel Robert Mueller leaves after a closed meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Capitol in Washington on June 21, 2017. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

How to Read Between the Lines of the Mueller Report

Here’s what to expect from the long-awaited—and now heavily redacted—probe into Trump’s Russia ties.

Explainer |
,
An Indonesian election commission worker arranges ballot boxes in preparation for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Surabaya on March 18. (Juni Kriswanto/AFP/Getty Images)

What’s at Stake in Indonesia’s Elections?

The world’s third-largest democracy goes to the polls.

Explainer |
Julian Assange gestures to the media from a police vehicle on his arrival at Westminster Magistrates court in London on April 11. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Julian Assange’s Legal Trouble, Explained

The WikiLeaks founder is in British custody and faces extradition to the United States.

Explainer |
Load 10 More Articles

Latest

What Will India Look Like If Modi Returns to Power?

Universities Aren’t Ready for Trade War Casualties

The Heart and Hypocrisy of the American Empire

Britain Is Making Sexual Harassment a Hate Crime

Who Will Speak for the Tatars?
See All Stories

Want unlimited access? Subscribe today.