In The News

China Separates Muslim Children From Families: BBC

John Sudworth July 5, 2019
A parent’s love for a child is unconditional, and anxiety is intense during separations when parents can’t be sure of a child’s safety. In the western region of Xinjiang, China is placing Muslim adults in detention camps, sending children to boarding schools, and indoctrinating young and old to reject their faith and embrace Chinese culture and language. China imposes tight controls on the region...

Iran Breaches Nuclear Fuel Limit: Business Insider

Alexandra Ma July 1, 2019
Inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Agency confirm Iranian reports that the country has exceeded a limit on its enriched uranium hexafluoride as outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal. The United States withdrew from that Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions. Iran initially abided by those limits as requested by the European Union, but announced a change of...

Ending America’s Endless War: Foreign Affairs

Bernie Sanders June 29, 2019
Senator Bernie Sanders, a 2020 Democratic candidate for the US presidential election, has long opposed US intervention in the Middle East, starting with his vote against the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In an essay for Foreign Affairs, he outlines the history of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and warns of consequences far more severe in a potential war with Iran. Syria, Iraq, Israel and the Persian...

US-Japanese Defense Pact: Japan Times

Tomohiro Osaki June 25, 2019
US President Donald Trump relies on equivocation and impulsivity during negotiations and staff planning – to mask his intentions, seek leverage, and keep adversaries and allies on edge. A report suggested that Trump suggested terminating the 1951 defense pact with Japan, calling it “one-sided.” Yoshihide Suga, chief cabinet secretary, pointed out that Trump issued a denial and the two countries...

US Isolated in Iran Crisis: The Hill

Lawrence J. Haas June 24, 2019
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, the two countries jockey for international support. The United States withdrew from an international agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear weapons development and re-imposed sanctions despite Iranian compliance. The United States has since accused Iran of sabotaging oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, dispatching more troops and military...

Political Prisoners in Turkey: Al-Monitor

Diego Cupolo June 21, 2019
Since a 2016 coup attempt, the Erdogan regime in Turkey has been sensitive about any opposition, viewing valid criticism as a challenge to its policies and control. “Sixteen people are facing life imprisonment without parole for allegedly organizing and financing the 2013 Istanbul Gezi Park protests,” reports Diego Cupolo for Al-Monitor. “A 657-page indictment issued on Feb. 20 charged the...

Taking on Tehran: Project Syndicate

Richard N. Haass June 18, 2019
Iran has been public enemy number one for the Trump administration, with the United States withdrawing from the nuclear deal brokered by former President Barack Obama and imposing harsh sanctions. Iran’s oil exports and the economy as a whole is experiencing a harsh slowdown. Other nations abide by US policy, but the Iranian regime may outlast the US pressure due to its inimitable institutional...