Issues & Events
  • As Yemen starves, billions in donor funds fill the coffers of international aid agencies (1)

    As Yemen starves, billions in donor funds fill the coffers of international aid agencies (1)

    Dec 11, 2019 07:02

    The Yemeni Minister of Public Health and Population, Taha al-Mutawakel called on the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to clarify the fate of funds allocated to Yemen.

  • Finding a replacement for Adel Abdul Mahdi

    Finding a replacement for Adel Abdul Mahdi

    Dec 10, 2019 16:41

    According to Article 76 of the Iraqi constitution, the president charges the candidate, who is nominated by the grand coalition for the post of prime minister, with forming a cabinet. If the nominee cannot establish a cabinet within the given time, he must resign or be removed, and the president should appoint another person to form a cabinet in 15 days. But, Iraq’s constitution has not specified whether or not the nominee should be a person from the grand coalition.

  • NATO no longer serves American interests

    NATO no longer serves American interests

    Dec 10, 2019 16:37

    Quite simply, it makes no sense for U.S. taxpayers to subsidize the defense of nations capable of defending themselves. Shared interests will continue to justify military cooperation. However, the alliance as today constituted no longer serves American interests.

  • Why Tehran doesn’t talk to Washington?

    Why Tehran doesn’t talk to Washington?

    Dec 10, 2019 16:30

    The US president, Donald Trump, who during his presidential campaign more or less promised a non-interventionist foreign policy, continues to repeat the anti-Iran rhetoric, promoted by war capital Washington and his cabinet members, accusing Tehran of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the West Asia- North Africa region.

  • Too many risks for emerging markets to get lift from China data

    Too many risks for emerging markets to get lift from China data

    Dec 10, 2019 16:28

    Markets are waiting for China’s response after US President Donald Trump signed a bill backing Hong Kong’s protesters, a move that could complicate the signing of the phase one trade deal. China’s foreign ministry recently reiterated a threat of retaliation.

  • Impeachment of Trump appears inevitable in the House

    Impeachment of Trump appears inevitable in the House

    Dec 10, 2019 15:52

    The House Judiciary Majority appeared to telegraph its articles of impeachment by walking the Democratic witnesses through a series of high crimes, and asking if Trump committed them: abuse of power, bribery, obstruction of Congress and obstruction of justice. Later reporting by CNN appears to confirm these are precisely the articles Democrats are considering, with the ultimate say on the article’s structure being determined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

  • American exceptionalism is killing the planet

    American exceptionalism is killing the planet

    Dec 10, 2019 10:25

    Unfortunately, for America’s leaders, the real “fixes” remain global military and resource domination, even as those resources continue to shrink on an ever-more fragile globe.

  • Great uncertainties in UK election polls suggest fight against Brexit isn’t over

    Great uncertainties in UK election polls suggest fight against Brexit isn’t over

    Dec 10, 2019 10:22

    A poll for the Independent newspaper suggests a much smaller Tory lead, with the likelihood of a hung Parliament, meaning that no single party would command a majority after the election, and the main parties would set off on a scramble for coalition partners, presumably with two rival camps coalescing around support for and opposition to Brexit.

  • Persian carpets captivate collectors worldwide

    Persian carpets captivate collectors worldwide

    Dec 09, 2019 12:30

    In 2013, a collective sigh from the attendees of a Sotheby's auction in New York echoed throughout the room. A 17th-century Kerman carpet achieved $33.8 million — more than double its pre-sale estimate.