In The News

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....

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,...

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...

US Allies, Trump and Syria: Atlantic

Uri Friedman November 15, 2019
The United States withdrew about 50 US Special Forces from Syria in October and “generated a wave of angst across the world about the United States unceremoniously dumping its allies and terminating the international system it has led for more than 70 years,” writes Uri Friedman for the Atlantic. The abrupt, chaotic withdrawal compounded a humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of Kurds have died, more...

Scarborough Shoal: Rappler

Jose Antonio A. Custodio November 14, 2019
China has repeatedly harassed foreign ships in the South China Sea. “The harassment of the Liberian registered tanker the Green Aura by Chinese naval and coast guard elements off Scarborough Shoal has generated a huge amount of debate and discussion, especially with regard to the manner in which the Duterte administration attempted to sweep it under the rug,” reports Rappler. “The man of the hour...

Vindman Deposition

November 11, 2019
Nations must carefully assess the motivations behind any request from foreign leaders as well as the benefits for their country and the common good. Supporting or targeting a citizen of another country for questionable purposes, can jeopardize bipartisan support. In congressional testimony, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander S. Vindman detailed how he consistently issued warnings – advising the...

Hill Deposition

November 9, 2019
Fiona Hill oversaw interactions pertaining to Europe and NATO as well as Russia, Turkey and Ukrainewas with the National Security Council as. a senior director with the National Security Counci since early 2017. During that time, she observed sloppy security practices, manipulations, internal score setting and targeted leaks to undermine colleagues along with lack of transparency in...