America's challenges.

• Position: MIDDLE EAST 2013 - Brief article

IRAN

Under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran continues to defy the United Nations with its suspected nuclear weapons program. The U.S. has imposed tough economic sanctions to force Iran to change course. Israel has threatened to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails.

ISRAEL

The Israeli-Palestinian peace process remains stalled despite encouragement from the United States. One of the most difficult issues in any political settlement is the status of Jerusalem (above). The ancient city is holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

EGYPT

After the 2011 ouster of authoritarian President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians elected Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood (above, center) in the country's first democratic presidential election. Morsi has said he will respect Egypt's Christian...