In The News

West Bank on Ballot: New York Times

David M. Halbfinger April 8, 2019
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a last-minute campaign promise of extending sovereignty over the West Bank. Thus, voters in Israel have a clear choice, explains David M. Halbfinger for the New York Times: Do they want permanent control over the West Bank and 2.6 million Palestinians, continuing antagonism, or do they support genuine negotiations working toward a Palestinian...

Germany’s NATO Spending: Spiegel

Matthias Gebauer, Konstantin von Hammerstein, Christiane Hoffmann and Marcel Rosenbach April 3, 2019
Even the strongest organizations have disagreements over dues and approaches to problems, and this is true of NATO. NATO expects members to contribute 2 percent of GDP for NATO, but Europe’s economies are struggling. Germany spends less than 1.5 percent, attributed to lingering resistance to militarism that contributed to World War II. Meanwhile, members like Turkey and Italy drift in closer ties...

India Test Threatens Space Station: Washington Post

Rick Noack April 2, 2019
India became the fourth country in the world to destroy a satellite in low orbit, but in the process created space junk that threatens the International Space Station. India’s satellite was 186 miles and the ISS typically travels at least 205 miles from Earth, but the missile attack shot debris into higher space, explains Rick Noack for the Washington Post. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine...

Secret Nuclear Power Work in Saudi Arabia: Reuters

Timothy Gardner March 29, 2019
The US Department of Energy has approved authorizations for companies to sell nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, reports Timothy Gardner for Reuters. The companies requested anonymity, and the ultimate plan is to build two nuclear power plants. “Perry’s approvals, known as Part 810 authorizations, allow companies to do preliminary work on nuclear power ahead of any deal but not ship equipment...

Putin’s Moves in Venezuela: Bloomberg

Eli Lake March 27, 2019
Venezuela is in crisis with corruption, food shortages and power outages. The international community remains divided over a remedy. The United States supports new leadership, represented by Juan Guaido, president of the National Assembly, after a disputed election. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describes such support as a US-led coup and supports the Nicolas Maduro regime, in power...

Summary of Mueller Findings: New York Times

Mark Mazzetti and Katie Benner March 24, 2019
The investigation by a team led by Robert Mueller has concluded with the US attorney general releasing a four-page summary. The investigators found no evidence that the US president or his aides conspired or coordinated with the Russian government’s interference into the 2016 election. “Barr also said that Mr. Mueller’s team drew no conclusions about whether Mr. Trump illegally obstructed justice...

US Golan Heights Decision: Middle East Eye

Mohsen Abu Ramadan March 22, 2019
Israel has occupied large sections of Palestinian territory for more than 50 years, and the US president suggested on Twitter: “it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel and Regional Stability.” The stance reinforces policies of Israel’s prime minister before a...