by Richard Schulman Strong differences among policy professionals regarding President Trump’s precipitous withdrawal of US protection of its Kurdish allies underlines the fact that the administration has no well-thought-out Mideast policy. Indeed, confusion and recriminations are now widespread within the administration itself, the US military, congressional Republicans, and the general public. The White House is […]
What should have happened in Syria
by Richard Schulman President Trump is meritoriously fulfilling a campaign pledge to exit the US from Mideast engagements in Syria, but he could perhaps have done this in a way that was protective of our Kurdish allies, acceptable to our Turkish allies, and beneficial to US honor and reputation. The US would have come out […]
US seeks to head off Turkey break with free trade offer
Trade correspondent L.C. reports: The idea of a US-Turkey Free Trade Agreement was raised this week by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). He spoke about the possibility after meeting with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, with whom the President asked him to meet. The prospect of an FTA was presumably also the White House’s idea. […]
Strategic caution required in Khashoggi affair
“Politics ain’t beanbag,” as the saying goes, and that goes especially for Mideast politics, where terrorism and murder of opponents are the coin of the realm. Saudi citizen, journalist, Muslim Brotherhood member and its leading propagandist Jamal (“James”) Khashoggi knew this well. He reportedly gave his cell phone to his fiancee waiting outside, set his […]
Second tranche of US-China tit-for-tat tariffs goes live in ten days
Trade correspondent L.C. reports: The US and China have announced the unleashing of the next tranche in tit-for-tat tariffs, covering $16 billion in each country’s exports, to begin on August 23rd. The US tariffs are set at 25% and are being imposed under trade law Section 301. The Chinese tariff rate will also be 25%. […]
