STORIES
Alayna Treene 16 hours ago
NATO: Russia's nuclear threats are unacceptable
NATO hit back at Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat of targeting the alliance's member countries with new "invincible" nuclear weapons, calling Russia's aggression "unacceptable and counterproductive," per the AP.
NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu, pointing to Russia’s “aggressive actions” in Ukraine and military preparation around Europe, said on Friday, “NATO is pursuing a twin-track approach to Russia; strong deterrence and defense, combined with meaningful dialogue.”
Richard Haass Mar 1
EXPERT VOICES
As U.S. leadership dims, the world is drifting away from democracy
The news that China’s constitution will be amended to permit Xi Jinping to serve additional terms as president is only the most recent instance of a disturbing trend: Not just democracy but the rule of law and respect for civil society and individual liberty are in decline around the world. One reason is that the United States is failing to set an example that many wish to emulate.
The U.S. has removed the promotion of democracy and human rights from its foreign policy agenda. Its silence on these issues gives repressive regimes a free pass to crack down. But our increasingly divisive domestic politics are also part of the problem.
Adham Sahloul Feb 27
EXPERT VOICES
UN's Syria ceasefire already hobbled by flaws
On Saturday the UN Security Council voted unanimously in favor of a ceasefire in Syria, amid an escalation of attacks by pro-Assad forces on Eastern Ghouta that has left at least 520 dead and 2,500 injured in the past five days. The resolution provides for a 30-day nationwide ceasefire, weekly UN aid convoys and medical evacuations, but has several glaring weak points.
The problems:
- The ceasefire does not apply to ISIS or al-Qaeda, which raises fears that Russia and Assad will invoke the limited presence of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, an al-Qaeda affiliate, to continue the campaign against Eastern Ghouta.
- No enforcement mechanisms are spelled out, even though the Syrian government has violated past ceasefires and Russia is an unreliable guarantor.
- The violence in Eastern Ghouta is already a direct violation of existing de-escalation agreements backed by Russia, Turkey and Iran in the Astana framework.
P.J. Crowley Feb 27
EXPERT VOICES
Olympics end with North Korean diplomacy stuck at the starting line
Notwithstanding Pyeongchang’s proximity to the North Korean border, a mere 40 miles, the Winter Olympics concluded without incident. That in itself is no small achievement.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in earned a diplomatic gold medal by enticing Pyongyang to join the festivities rather than disrupt them. North and South Korean athletes carried the torch in the opening ceremonies. The North Korean cheerleaders retained their enthusiasm even as the joint women’s hockey team lost every game. And North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, sent a high-level delegation that included his sister.
What’s next: There may be a meeting between the North and South leaders, which wouldn't hurt. But after two weeks of sprints, jumps and triple axels, relations between Washington and Pyongyang haven't changed much.
Haley Britzky 6 hours ago
The U.N. cease-fire in Syria that didn't happen
Since the United Nations Security Council voted almost a week ago on an immediate 30-day cease-fire in Eastern Ghouta, 103 more people have been killed, Al Jazeera reports.
Why it matters: U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley said at the vote last week that eyes would "be on the Syrian regime, Iran and Russia," and that Assad must "for once, allow humanitarian access to all of those who need it" in Ghouta. But residents say no aid has been allowed in, and no cease-fire has been implemented.
Bill Bishop of Sinocism 8 hours ago
Between the lines on China's move to scrap term limits
The announcement of the planned State Constitution amendment to allow the PRC president to serve more than two terms rattled people inside and outside China.
Between the lines: It was not a surprise but rather the extinguishing of the last shred of hope that Xi would adhere to some of the institutionalization and norms, however squishy some have been, developed since 1978.
Bill Bishop of Sinocism 8 hours ago
D.C. visit from Xi's emissary unproductive so far
Senior Chinese emissary Liu He's visit to D.C. to restart talks on the Comprehensive Economic Dialogue has not proven fruitful so far, my sources tell me.
What I am hearing: Thursday’s meetings with U.S. government officials were difficult and so far Liu has not gotten the U.S. to agree to restart the CED talks, something the Chinese are very eager to do.
Hardin Lang 9 hours ago
EXPERT VOICES
U.S. pressure needed to prop up imperiled Syrian ceasefire
The Assad regime continues to flout the UN Security Council’s resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria. Meanwhile, a Russian plan for a humanitarian corridor into Eastern Ghouta has collapsed amid renewed fighting, a sign that Moscow is not yet serious about reigning in their client in Damascus.
Why it matters: The 400,000 civilians trapped in Eastern Ghouta and over a quarter million Syrians in other remote and besieged areas are in acute need of humanitarian assistance. That aid will remain out of reach.
Steve LeVine 9 hours ago
How a Trump trade war could slow down the global economy
Europe is preparing 25% tariffs on U.S. goods from Levi's to Harley Davidson bikes in a sign of brewing retaliation for President Trump's imposition of a levy on foreign steel, and economists are warning of a sharp hit to the global economy and markets.
Why it matters: Economists tell Axios that, should Trump proceed with his 25% steel tariffs, and tit-for-tat retaliation cascade, there is serious risk of a blow to global GDP growth, which the International Monetary Fund had forecast at 3.9% for 2018 and 2019.
Michael Kugelman 13 hours ago
EXPERT VOICES
Pakistan navigating risks of terrorist financing watchlist
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) passed a motion last week to return Pakistan to its watchlist for nations that have not done enough to tackle terrorist financing. Pakistan will formally be added to this “grey list” in June.
Why it matters: FATF’s decision is not a purely symbolic move. It has real and problematic consequences for Pakistan's economy and foreign relations.
WORLD
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