All Foreign Policy
Why both Iran and US have taken hits from nuclear deal withdrawalOn the world stage, the use of brute strength is value-neutral only in rare instances. More often it catalyzes opposition, resentment, or active resistance. Yet it is still used.听
Challenge to US sovereignty? In polls public accepts constraints on power.To engage in world affairs multilaterally, are Americans willing to give up any sovereignty? For many years, polls have indicated that they are, putting the public consistently at odds with political leaders.
Is Trump's rewrite of NAFTA hurting a partnership?President Trump has long characterized NAFTA as "the worst trade deal ever." But it was also envisioned as a political partnership that enhanced regional stability.
Palestinian refugees: Can Trump 鈥榙isruption鈥� alone solve complex issue?Efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute have been stymied so long that the Trump philosophy of 鈥渄isruption鈥� would seem to be a perfect fit. But the complexity and emotion of the Palestinian refugee issue may require a step further.
What sanctions on Turkey say about Trump's brand of diplomacyTurkey's economy was already reeling when President Trump imposed toughened sanctions in a dispute over the detention and trial of an American pastor. The president's choice of such action is both unusual and telling, analysts say.
Why US talks with the Taliban are suddenly on the tableIs it as simple as the existence of a common enemy, ISIS? Some see a more complex motive: a US foreign-policy bureaucracy, wary of an uninterested and unpredictable president, trying to maintain a commitment to Afghanistan.
First LookWhite House assembles Middle East policy team to rollout peace planPresident Trump's Middle East policy team is soon to roll out, headed by聽Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt. The team will be responsible for Mr. Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, a delicate diplomatic venture that would need to unite a divided Middle East.
Can Pompeo, appearing in Asia, carry off role of trusted seller?Is the United States a trustworthy partner or a retreating power? That question is on the minds of many in Asia as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touts the evolving US policy toward China and the region.
After the summit: No new cold war, but no warming of ties eitherPresident Trump's remarks in Helsinki created a political firestorm at home. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the summit sent strong signals about the future of US-Russia ties and Moscow's behavior.
First LookAfter walk-back, Trump defends summit performanceAfter being strongly criticized for questioning US intelligence findings of Russian meddling, President Trump delivered a rare admission of error, but later defended his overall performance.听
First LookIn tactical shift, US open to direct talks with TalibanThe US had previously only been open to talks with the Taliban if they included the Afghan government. The goal of any future discussion would be to encourage negotiations between the Afghan government and the militant group, US officials said.听
How strong a Europe does US want? In Trump era, that's still the issue.In Trump's interactions with NATO allies, the blunt talk, often-poor chemistry, and awkward optics grab headlines. But the underlying dichotomy of US policy goals in Europe has a familiar ring.
First LookTrump claims NATO allies will up spendingFrench President Emmanuel Macron聽quickly disputed President Trump's claim made during a surprise pivot in which he declared the alliance a "fine-tuned machine" but Mr. Trump did not give details on the agreement.听
NATO: Does old squabble over costs mask US shift away from Europe?US presidents have long wrestled with the question, Is NATO worth it? A consensus might be: Yes, though Europe should pay more. But leaders there are concerned that something more fundamental is at play.
Backdrop for Putin summit: A pattern of Trump disrespecting allies?European officials looking back at the contentious Group of Seven summit and Trump's cozy follow-up in Singapore wonder what his NATO-Putin program means for US-European relations.
First LookUS wants North Korea denuclearized in a year, but concerns remainNational Security Adviser John Bolton said Sunday the United States has a plan for the dismantling of North Korea's nuclear program. But the timeline comes amid reports the North Koreans are lying about committing to full denuclearization.
First LookTrump and Putin to discuss US-Russia issues, international relationsThe July summit in Finland will also offer the Russian president a chance to persuade聽Washington to lift some of the sanctions it imposed on Russia and to restore 'full-fledged relations based on equality and mutual respect.'
Refugee crisis: While some follow US as it disengages, others leadFor years, the US set an example as the largest resettler of refugees and largest donor of funds to meet the needs of the displaced. Its withdrawal from that humanitarian enterprise has consequences.
US exits UN rights body: Principled, or another retreat?Under President Trump, the US has backed away from global institutions and agreements. Now its exit from the Human Rights Council, critics say, has deprived the group of a voice for needed reforms.
Despite murky details, summit sends NK clear message: Welcome to the clubMany nuclear policy analysts are bemoaning the statement鈥檚 lack of specifics. But the summit itself recast North Korea as a hermit kingdom no more 鈥� and signaled a faster sunset of American power in Asia.
