All Foreign Policy
For US, Russia, challenge of deep chill is to keep cool and take small stepsTillerson and Lavrov meet this weekend in Manila, and the climate could hardly be icier. But by dusting off cold war diplomatic skill sets, some analysts say, areas of cooperation can be found.
Why US needs more than its own sanctions to sway Venezuela's MaduroThe US moved quickly to sanction Nicol谩s Maduro. But sanctions are especially difficult to wield effectively in divided Latin America, some experts say, noting they are more likely to succeed as part of a broader carrot-and-stick solution.
First LookPutin announces 鈥榩ainful鈥� cuts in US embassy staff while urging cooperationRussian officials say the expulsion of Russian diplomats in 2016 by the US was the trigger for last week's massive cuts to US embassy personnel in Russia,聽while indicating that the door for constructive cooperation remains open.聽聽
Nuclear diplomacy: Can Trump isolate Iran without isolating US?President Trump seems determined to pull the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, fulfilling a campaign pledge. It would be consistent with his actions on other international agreements, but analysts and officials warn it could leave the US at odds with its allies.
First LookRussia trims down number of US diplomats in response to new sanctionsThe Kremlin responded to sanctions aimed at punishing Russia for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election with their own restrictions, arguing that the sanctions create an 鈥榰nfair鈥� advantage for the US economy.聽
What US response to Jerusalem crisis says about Trump-era Mideast diplomacyOnce again, the US has intervened to try to quell Israeli-Palestinian violence. But that hasn't stopped experts from questioning the prospects of Trump's goal of an 'ultimate deal' on Mideast peace.
Points of ProgressA disrupter at UN: Can new chief shake up bureaucracy to speed progress?Secretary-General Ant贸nio聽Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal, says the world has made progress 鈥� on hunger, poverty, education 鈥� but he's impatient for more. His approach: We can do better.
First LookAmerican travel to North Korea soon to be banned, officials sayMotivated by the recent death of university student Otto Warmbier, the restriction will affect the nearly 1,000 Americans who travel to North Korea annually.
First LookTrump, concerned about leaks, has a private conversation with PutinIn the midst of Russian meddling investigations, President Trump's top advisers say there's a lack of clear policy when it comes to dealing with Moscow and President Putin.聽
First LookTrump administration extends Iran nuclear deal with cautionAfter a series of discussions Monday, the Trump administration officially extended the Iran nuclear deal, although not without casting doubt on Iran's commitment to the deal's terms.
First LookUS considers new sanctions on Chinese banks to address North Korea threatNext week, US and Chinese officials will convene to discuss economic policy. That meeting will heavily influence what kind of pressure the US will put on China to address tensions with North Korea.
Trump is back in Europe: Why the continent suddenly appealsAccepting a flattering invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron offered more than just a respite from Washington. It was a chance to nurture a relationship that both leaders are coming to value, built on 'common issues of deep importance.'
Sanction China over North Korea? The case for and against.'Secondary sanctions' on countries doing business with Iran helped bring that country to the table, say some analysts. But China's own concerns over North Korea likely outweigh any fears of lost trade with the US, say others.
First LookSecretary Tillerson heads to Qatar to ease crisis and restore damaged tiesIn his first shuttle diplomacy mission, US Secretary聽of State Rex Tillerson聽wants to explore possibilities for bringing all sides of the Qatar crisis to the negotiating table.
Trump hasn't changed Syria policy. To defeat ISIS, some think he should.Even as the US, through its allies, becomes a de facto occupier of more Syrian territory and faces an increasing risk of clashes, its policy is not addressing the root causes of the civil war, some experts say.
First LookThreat of North Korea missiles strains US-China relationsIn the wake of North Korea's nuclear missile launch, the US looked to China for a response. But China is hesitant to risk its relationship with North Korea, which relies on China for 90 percent of its trade.
First LookWhy is Poland sending 'cheering crowds' to greet Trump?Poland has promised President Trump a friendly welcome as he enters the country, but tensions run high as Polish officials will likely seek Trump鈥檚 willingness to confront Putin about Russia鈥檚 aggression in Ukraine.聽
First LookUS announces arms sales to Taiwan, China cries foulOn Friday, China strongly urged the US to cancel an arms sale with Taiwan on the grounds that it goes against the 鈥榦ne-China鈥� policy, which President Trump had promised to honor.聽
To confront a rising China, what is Trump offering Asian allies?White House visits this week from India鈥檚 Modi and South Korea鈥檚 Moon highlight the still unanswered question of whether Trump will have a policy to replace Obama鈥檚 Asia pivot.
First LookGOP senator to stop weapons sales to Gulf region until Qatar crisis heads toward resolutionSen. Bob Corker (R) of Tennessee warned Monday that the conflicts within the Gulf Cooperation Council inhibit the group from effectively eradicating ISIS.