In The News

Politics Overshadow NATO Anniversary: Spiegel

Matthias Gebauer, Konstantin von Hammerstein, Peter Müller and Christoph Schult December 2, 2019
Preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary, NATO is under attack by some members. French President Emmanuel describes “brain death” and US President Donald Trump chastises allies who do not contribute 2 percent of GDP to defense. Jens Stoltenberg, general secretary of NATO, admits that the allies disagree on some issues, but agree in “substance.” Analysis from Spiegel Online describes two NATOs...

Accelerationism Inspires White Supremacism: Vox

Zack Beauchamp December 1, 2019
Due to their own failures and insecurities, white supremacists emphasize otherness, resenting minorities and trends toward greater equality. While some of the most extreme have views that overlap with the alt-right movement, they express impatience and embrace an ideology of accelerationism, which “rests on the idea that Western governments are irreparably corrupt,” explains Zack Beauchamp. The...

Saudi Arabia’s Aramco IPO and Peace: Ozy

Sanjay Kapoor November 28, 2019
Trade is supposed to help secure peace, though trade in oil has been linked to war. So analysts mull over Saudi Arabia’s plans for the world’s largest initial public offering. The Saudi Aramco IPO announcement followed soon after the September 14 drone attack on a refinery in Abqaiq. Investors expect stability and so Saudi Arabia, unlike the United States and Israel, did not rush to blame Iran. “...

US Bills South Korea $5 Billion: Korea Times

Do Je-hae November 20, 2019
South Korea hosts US bases and more than 25,000 troops, contributing to the costs. The Trump administration wants the country to pay $5 billion for maintaining that presence. South Korea suggests that the request lacks specifics, showing a lack of respect for allies. “Such concerns were greatly magnified by a recent meeting between U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris and a high-profile Korean lawmaker,...

Quid Pro Quo on Ukraine Aid: Washington Post

Aaron C. Davis November 20, 2019
President Trump is described as “the boss,” who issued orders and demands, at times vague and other times specific, with little interest in details or how his cowed staff carried out the orders. That was according to congressional testimony by US Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland for the presidential impeachment inquiry. Official US policy supports Ukraine in its war with Russia....

Hong Kong Standoff: South China Morning Post

Sum Lok-kei, Karen Zhang, Gary Cheung, Chris Lau and Danny Mok November 19, 2019
Hong Kong’s peaceful protests over one law, allowing extradition of those charged with crimes to China, began in June and has since disintegrated into use of force, violence and resentment over any Chinese control at all. Riot police have surrounded Polytechnic University, trapping protesters and other occupants inside, using teargas. Police warn all will face punishment. Parents urge a peaceful...

Lawful Settlements in West Bank? New York Times

Lara Jakes and David M. Halbfinger November 19, 2019
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reversed 40 years of US policy by suggesting Israeli settlements in the West Bank do not violate international law. The move dashes Palestinian hopes for a peace settlement providing land for their own state. The New York Times suggests the internet is to influence politics in Israel, lending support to Benjamin Netanyahu and prompting need for a third election....