US: When Billionaires Shred People’s Healthcare

The repeal of “Obamacare” is an alarming story about the quasi-dictatorial powers that billionaires have in the U.S. political system.

See the comments/join the conversation. Read more »

Media Terror: Press Freedom in Turkey and Russia

Media freedom in important G-20 economies — Turkey, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Mexico — leaves much to be desired.

Read more »

Iran, Trump and Bannon’s War in the Middle East?

For the first time, migration policy is used as an instrument of foreign policy. Delinking migration from foreign policy must be a priority for Trump’s opponents

Read more »

“Now Let US Pray,” Or: Converting Melania to Mother Mary of the Masses

There’s an image makeover in progress for the First Lady in the Trump Administration.

See the comments/join the conversation. Read more »

The Make America Great Again (MAGA) Military

Trump plans to boost annual U.S. defense spending by more than Russia’s entire defense budget.

See the comments/join the conversation. Read more »

Counting the Troops Under Trump

How do U.S. troop numbers stack up against ally and rival nations at the start of the Trump Administration?

Read more »

Iran’s Surprisingly Strong Geopolitical Hand

While the short-term outlook still looks uncertain for Iran, the larger fundamentals hugely favor it.

See the comments/join the conversation. Read more »

Walking a Tightrope: China Maneuvers Between Saudi Arabia and Iran

The Saudi royals hope to turn China away from Iran during a state visit.

See the comments/join the conversation. Read more »

Trump and Germany: On Trade Imbalances and Exchange Rates

Germany should point out to Trump that it is his own irresponsible macroeconomic policies that make the dollar strong and the euro weak.

See the comments/join the conversation. Read more »

China Vs. the Koreas: Food’n’Nukes

Unpacking the THAAD-Lotte-North Korea-China controversy.

Read more »