All Foreign Policy
Three reasons Putin will march into eastern Ukraine. And three he won鈥檛.Putin and Obama agreed Friday to seek a 'diplomatic path' to resolve the crisis. But what Putin intends is unclear. Here are reasons for and against his sending forces into eastern Ukraine.
Obama: Belligerent Russia poses 'testing' moment for Europe, USObama, in Brussels, warns Russia of further isolation if it 'stays on course' in Ukraine, but precludes Western use of military force. His speech urges defense of the post-World War II 'architecture of peace.'
At nuclear summit, Obama calls for global 鈥榓rchitecture鈥� to secure materialsThe summit, which wrapped up Tuesday in The Hague, featured a number of announcements by countries, including Japan, taking steps to reduce or eliminate their supplies of nuclear materials.
Amid Russia crisis, Obama reluctantly 'pivots' back to EuropePresident Obama has turned away from Europe during his presidency, but if he is going to have any success in isolating Russia, he'll need to work hard to reestablish European ties.
Russia reset? Obama heads to Europe with Ukraine very much on his mindUkraine鈥檚 foreign minister warns the chances of war with Russia are growing. As President Obama heads to meetings with European leaders, some lawmakers urge sending military equipment.
Most Americans support Obama on Ukraine 鈥� tentativelyWith a Russia-designed referendum on the future of Crimea Sunday, President Obama faces his toughest foreign policy challenge. Most Americans warily support the steps Obama has taken.
Ukraine crisis: EU, US poised to slap tough sanctions on RussiaThe sanctions the EU is considering suggest the depth of alarm over Russia's actions regarding the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Western powers insist the referendum set there for Sunday is illegal.
Ukraine crisis: Does John Kerry see glimmer of hope with Russia?Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to take two messages to his meeting in London Friday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Ukraine: US, allied pressure yet to sway Vladimir PutinUS officials say 'significant sanctions' are having an impact on Russia as it tightens its grip on Crimea. But former Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Russia is unlikely to give up its hold.
Ukraine crisis: What鈥檚 the point of US military activity near Russia?The modest US show of force is intended more to reassure new NATO members rattled by the crisis in Ukraine than it is designed to send Russia into retreat with its tail between its legs.
Ukraine crisis: What can US sanctions against Russian elites achieve?Under the right conditions, sanctions against individual Russians can be effective over time, experts say. The question, as the US moved Thursday to impose such sanctions amid Russia's Ukraine gambit, is whether such conditions exist.
Obama Ukraine proposal: Enough punch to forestall a Russian Crimea?Obama phoned Russia's Vladimir Putin Thursday to discuss a US proposal for resolving the Ukraine crisis. Earlier, the US moved to begin a regimen of sanctions against Russia. Will those be enough to prevent Russia's annexation of Crimea?
Crisis in Ukraine: After day of Paris talks, a dramatic change in toneSecretary Kerry said the intensive talks in Paris produced a commitment from all sides to resolve the Ukraine crisis through dialogue. 'I'd rather be where we are today than yesterday,' he said.
US talks Russia sanctions, but would they make any difference?The US has very few levers it can pull to punish Russia for its actions in Ukraine. Europe has much closer ties to Russia but so far appears loath to consider 'crippling sanctions.'
Netanyahu at White House: With clock ticking, Obama reengages in MideastA US deadline is fast approaching for reaching a 'framework' agreement in the Middle East, and Obama, before meeting with Netanyahu, said 'tough decisions' are needed from both sides.聽
Is Ukraine crisis proof that Obama's 'lead from behind' policy failed?With Secretary of State Kerry traveling to Kiev Tuesday to demonstrate US support for Ukraine, critics of Obama's foreign policy doctrine are hoping the trip signals the end of 'lead from behind.'
Pro-Israel lobby presses for new US sanctions on Iran, but gingerlyAIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobby, wants Congress to put more pressure on Iran, a.k.a. new sanctions, to abandon its nuclear program. But it doesn't want to pick an open fight with Obama, who opposes such sanctions for now.
Crisis in Ukraine: As Russia surges, is US still a 'superpower'?The US and its European allies are threatening economic sanctions against Russia over its military incursion into Ukraine. But the crisis raises questions about a new cold war and the US as the lone superpower.
Crisis in Ukraine: Obama鈥檚 options appear limitedPresident Obama said there would be 'costs' if Russia intervened militarily in Ukraine, which could include refusing to attend a G8 summit in Russia this summer. But the US has other important interests in maintaining a working relationship with Russia.
Crisis in Ukraine: Obama warns Russia of 'costs' of interventionPresident Obama said violation of Ukraine鈥檚 territorial integrity would be 'deeply destabilizing' and warned Russia of unspecified 'costs' for military interference. But US options appear limited.
