Greg Myre

The Syrian leader is in his strongest position in years. He can claim control of the biggest cities, but the rebels are still a threat in the countryside and the Islamic State holds eastern Syria.

When the Soviet Union collapsed on Christmas Day 1991, it appeared Moscow would no longer dominate U.S. foreign policy. A quarter-century later, Russia has emerged as a hugely divisive presence.

New United Nations sanctions against North Korea ban the export of monuments. The impoverished Asian nation has made millions by building statues for African nations.

Trump has financial stakes in multiple countries where he'll face tough foreign policy choices. How does he separate U.S. interests from his business interests?

No incoming president has started his term with the U.S. military engaged in four separate conflicts. Trump has offered few clues about his plans aside from a sweeping pledge to destroy ISIS.

Trump casually tossed out provocative foreign policy pronouncements during his campaign. From Vladimir Putin to the Taliban, many abroad are watching closely to see what Trump will do in office.

The U.S. often chastises African states on elections that are less than free and fair. With Donald Trump claiming the U.S. vote could be rigged, Africans are taking to social media to turn the tables.

The Iraqi army, bolstered by U.S. air power, is attempting to dislodge the Islamic State from the city where it declared its caliphate. The forecasts point to a long, tough battle.

Peaceful. Prosperous. The land of smiles. That's the image Thailand presents to the world. Yet it's also run by generals and has just lost its beloved king, who was a stabilizing force.

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee acknowledges that its choices are based on both achievements and aspirations. Sometimes those aspirations are realized, and sometimes not.

Peres served as prime minister three times, launched the country's nuclear program and won the Nobel Peace Prize. But his grandest goal, an Israel at peace with its Arab neighbors, eluded him.

Colombia's peace deal brings to a close rebel insurgencies in Latin America that began with Fidel Castro in the 1950s. In all those years, only two guerrilla groups ever toppled governments.

The U.S. went to war after Sept. 11 and has now been fighting for 15 years, the longest unbroken period in its history. Despite disappointing results, there's broad consensus it should continue.

As in London four years ago, American women are taking home more medals than their male counterparts. It's a trend that's likely to continue.

After several close games in the tournament, including one with Serbia, the Americans trounced the Serbs, 96-66, for the gold medal on Sunday.

Paul Chelimo ran the race of his life in the 5,000 meters and finished second. Then he was disqualified. Then he was reinstated. It was a strange race for a runner with an unusual back story.

Here are the athletes who struck an emotional chord, some for better, some for worse, at the Rio Games.

In an action-packed night on the track, Allyson Felix anchored a winning U.S. relay team, giving her six career golds, the most by any woman in track at the Olympics.

The Americans routed Spain, 101-72, Saturday as they defeated their opponents by an average margin of close to 40 points. They haven't lost an Olympic game since 1992.

Bolt anchored the 4x100 relay team to victory, giving him golds in three sprints in Rio, just as he did in the previous two Olympics. His nine golds ties the all-time record for track and field.