Although specific details remain elusive, the Special Operations Forces raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi offers a series of important lessons about U.S. counterterrorism efforts since 9/11, Daniel Byman argues.

Separately in the Washington Post, Byman explains that despite the U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria, a full comeback from the Islamic State is unlikely.

“It is crucial for young girls to have female mentors because research shows that it encourages them to persevere ahead, despite difficulties.” Shamika Ravi talks about the need for women in the field of economics in India and how women can be agents of change when they are empowered economically.

Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen spoke about the importance of gender and racial diversity in the U.S. government’s hiring practices for economists at a Brookings Economics Studies event.

The informal trade sector throughout West Africa, and particularly in Benin, represents approximately 50 percent of GDP and 90 percent of employment. Ahmadou Aly Mbaye examines the effects of Nigeria’s recent border closure on Benin’s economy, explains why Nigeria’s trade policies will incentivize smuggling, and offers a series of potential policy solutions.