All Foreign Policy
New refrain in Washington: Is this the Saudi Arabia we wanted?US policymakers had long sought a more assertive Saudi Arabia. But there's a growing concern outside the White House about the ambitious and untested Saudi crown prince, who is increasingly confronting Iran.
Trump's approach to human rights? It's personal, critics say.Many presidents have been inconsistent on highlighting human rights abuses, excusing strategic allies and lambasting foes. But critics say Trump appears to be guided more by his personal feelings for the nation's leader.
First LookCommerce and travel to Cuba under new restrictionsThe Trump administration announced new restrictions for US citizens who wish to travel to Cuba and blacklisted a number of Cuban companies with ties to the military. Short of cutting off relations, the new restrictions hope to end the flow of US money to the Cuban military.听
First LookNATO looks to increase troop numbers for Afghan training missionsUS commanders say NATO troop numbers fall short of what is needed to promote security and train police forces in Afghanistan.
First LookIn China, Trump focuses on trade and North KoreaDuring his visit to China, Trump is expected to focus on the nature of trade relations between the two countries and to promote unity when dealing with the threat from North Korea.听
First LookPresident Trump softens tone toward North KoreaWhile in Seoul, Mr. Trump calls North Korea to "make a deal," but says will not rule out the military option.听
First LookSale of US arms to Japan reinforces Trump's North Korea policyDuring his visit to Japan, President Trump announced that the US will help arm Japan with state of the art missile defense systems. The move further cemented the friendship between the two leaders and presented a unified front against North Korea.听
As Trump takes off for Asia, region watches for a post-'Pivot' planThis weekend is the start of the longest presidential trip to Asia in a quarter century. But if the Trump administration's priority on the region is clear, its strategy is anything but. Asian leaders will be watching for clues throughout the 12-day visit.
First LookIn the name of peace, Mattis calls for diplomatic solutions in Korean crisisUnited States secretary of defense Jim Mattis joins聽South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo in聽committing to a diplomatic solution to the North Korea problem as聽they visit the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone.
First LookIndia tells US it wants to keep its diplomatic ties to North KoreaUS Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with Indian officials in New Delhi, India on Oct. 25, 2017. The meetings aimed to deepen relations between the two democracies and discuss series of issues across Asia.听
First LookUS to withdraw from UNESCO, claiming anti-Israel biasThe US owes about $550 million in back payments since it聽stopped funding the educational, scientific, and cultural agency of the United Nations after UNESCO voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.听
First LookTrump looks for a way out of periodic review of Iran dealUS officials are focusing on finding a way for Trump to avoid looking as if he is approving the accord every 90 days.
First LookUS asks Cuba to reduce its embassy staff based in WashingtonFollowing by a series of mysterious attacks on US spies based in Cuba, the Trump administration is expected to ask Cuba cut down its embassy staff by 60 percent.听
First LookSecretary Mattis looks to strengthen military partnership with IndiaIn an effort to eradicate terrorism and stabilize Afghanistan, the US and India are working out a deal to expand India's navy to shore up surveillance in the Indian Ocean, among other initiatives.
First LookTrump expands travel ban to include more countriesThe Trump administration announced a new set of travel restrictions which include more countries and were crafted with more input from outside the White House.
Trump's diplomatic dance on Iran: What's his next step?President Trump may yet walk away from the nuclear deal with Iran as he has long threatened. But another option is to stay in it and press US partners for changes, a solution akin to his handling of the DACA policy. He says he's made his decision.
First LookTrump makes decision on Iran nuclear deal, stays quiet on detailsPresident Trump hints that he may not certify Iran or continue the Iran nuclear deal, leaving world leaders wary of what comes next if the deal does not continue.
First LookTrump's promise to 'totally destroy North Korea' creates confusion throughout AsiaLeaders throughout Asia struggled to interpret President Trump's remarks on North Korea to the UN on Tuesday. Some nations took it as reassurance that the global pressure on North Korea will continue, while others heard it as a promise of war.听
Trump's nationalist vision: Does it promote or endanger peace?The president, addressing the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, laid out a nationalist basis for international interaction and lashed out at a group of 'rogue nations' led by North Korea and Iran.
Trump visits UN: As a global leader, can the US do more with less?The president is attending the opening of the General Assembly with roughly half the delegation brought by past administrations. Some might see a shrinking superpower. But Trump officials say the US can be more 'efficient' and still lead.
