A dozen unarmed activists are standing up against one of the world’s most powerful militaries. By Margaret Knapke ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – Many people, armed only with moral and political convictions, would be too intimidated to confront an army or navy directly. But not all. Twelve nonviolent human-rights activists with the international […]
Two Visions Collide on Ocean Use: Nationalist Raptors and Multilateral Environmentalists
The ocean holds the answer. By Shafraz Rasheed | May 27, 2025 ( Foreign Policy in Focus) – The rise of nationalist leaders epitomized by Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, cuts to UN climate funding, and dismissal of multilateralism as “globalist” interference has sparked a pivotal question: Can international cooperation survive in an era […]
Siege Politics: Netanyahu’s Crisis-Driven Grip on Power
Even mild criticism produces splenetic reactions from the Israeli leader. By Imran Khalid | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – By now, it should surprise no one that Benjamin Netanyahu prefers the echo chamber of his own making to the international chorus demanding accountability. The Israeli prime minister, clinging to office as tenaciously as […]
Trump and Bukele: The Few Repressing the Many
The two authoritarian leaders are joining hands to assault human rights and democratic norms. By Margaret Knapke | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – On March 15, President Trump’s rendition of immigrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador stunned the world. They include 23 alleged members of MS-13 and 238 Venezuelans allegedly belonging […]
Is a U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal Coming Soon?
Trump promises a deal by mid-June, but many obstacles remain. By Tarique Niazi The second round of Iran-U.S. talks on April 19 successfully concluded in Italy. The Omani embassy in Rome hosted the talks, which went on twice as long as those held in Oman on April 12. Most importantly, Iran and the United States […]
China Displaces the U.S. as Global Leader in Research, with 9 of top 10 Institutions
Nine of the world’s top 10 research institutions are now Chinese. By Imran Khalid ( Foreign Policy in Focus) – In the last decade, a profound shift has taken place in global academia that has fundamentally altered the hierarchy of scientific research. China, once considered a peripheral player in cutting-edge science, has now ascended to […]
Gaza’s Water Infrastructure, deliberately destroyed by Israel, Desperately needs to be Rebuilt
Thousands of Palestinians have died because of Israeli efforts to choke off Gaza’s water supply. Immediate aid — and long-term infrastructure repairs — are essential to save lives. By Niku Jafarnia | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – The current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas does not include provisions that will aid in […]
Iran’s Axis Crumbles as Hezbollah Falters and Assad Falls.
Iran faces a sobering recalibration of its regional ambitions
The Turkish Role in Assad’s Downfall: By supporting the rebels who overthrew the Syrian leader has Ankara bitten off more than it can chew?
By Philip Balboni | ( Foreign Policy in Focus ) – After tenaciously holding on to power for more than a decade of war, the government of Bashar al-Assad crumbled in two weeks of limited fighting. Overwhelmed by a surprise blitzkrieg assault, the Syrian army seemed to melt away in the face of a surprisingly […]