In The News

Iran Nuclear Talks: The 5 Options for What Happens If They Fail

Seyed Hossein Mousavian March 5, 2015
In an address to US Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized negotiations to end Iran’s nuclear program by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council along with Germany as it “doesn’t block Iran’s path to the bomb; it paves Iran’s path to the bomb.” The negotiations are making “unprecedented progress,” writes Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former spokesman for Iran’s...

Thai Coup Alienates US Giving China New Opening

Shawn W. Crispin March 5, 2015
After months of street protests, the Thai military ousted Prime Minster Yingluck Shinawatra’s elected government in May 2014, replacing her with General Prayuth Chan-ocha. Thailand has been a long-time strategic partner for the United States on many global initiatives, and US diplomats criticized the coup. “As the erstwhile allies drift apart, China has moved to fill the gap with economic aid and...

Netanyahu, Obama and the Geopolitics of Speeches

George Friedman March 4, 2015
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing US Congress, warned that a deal with Iran, under negotiation with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany, is inadequate. George Friedman, chairman of Stratfor Global Intelligence, writes that the issue at stake is larger than the nuclear deal under negotiation and outlines the history of US-Israeli relations: “the...

Boris Nemtsov: Liberal Martyr

March 3, 2015
The political atmosphere and debate in Russia is increasingly one-sided, and those who challenge Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian ways can expect a spew of aggressive, hateful, unchecked comments Boris Nemtsov was one of the few Russian politicians courageous enough to criticize Putin, and he was assassinated while walking near the well-guarded Kremlin. “Given the level of security in the vicinity...

China Expands Island Construction in Disputed South China Sea

Jeremy Page and Julian E. Barnes February 20, 2015
China has muted its claims, while quietly constructing artificial islands on top of four reefs, along with piers, a cement plant and landing place for helicopters, as shown by commercial satellite images, report Jeremy Page and Julian E. Barnes for the Wall Street Journal. “China appears to be building a network of island fortresses to help enforce control of most of the South China Sea – one of...

Russian Hearts, Minds and Refrigerators

Gideon Rachman February 19, 2015
Polls expose divisions among Russians over their government’s intervention in Ukraine: there is a nationalistic streak with 44 percent viewing Americans as the enemy, but also a practical side, with 19 percent suggesting Ukraine belongs to Russia, down from near 50 percent a year ago, reports Gideon Rachman for the Financial Times. Many observers do not expect a ceasefire to last. How far Russia...

New Contours

Nayan Chanda February 18, 2015
Good relations between countries can develop quickly with a few gestures. After President Barack Obama joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s Republic Day celebrations, some critics expressed concern about the two leaders linking up to contain China. Instead, China moved swiftly to improve ties with India. For emerging economies, an alliance with a larger power no longer locks them into...