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MENASource

May 1, 2020

Have COVID-19 and Iran tensions doomed Coalition anti-ISIS strategy?

By Seth Frantzman

After five years of a successful campaign against ISIS, the Coalition may be permanently crippled by tensions with Iran. Furthermore, the pandemic may serve as a convenient excuse for partners to wrap up their presence in Iraq.

Iraq Middle East

UkraineAlert

Apr 30, 2020

Putin must end Ukraine war if he wants sanctions relief

By Lisa Yasko

The Kremlin is calling for sanctions to be relaxed as part of the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, but Putin has shown no accompanying inclination to end Russia's six-year war in Ukraine.

Conflict Coronavirus

MENASource

Apr 30, 2020

The US military assistance program to the Lebanese Armed Forces must endure

By Nicholas Blanford

The US military assistance program has been a solid success in Lebanon and the LAF deeply appreciates the partnership. That partnership must endure as Lebanon faces an ominous future.

Lebanon Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 30, 2020

Idlib ceasefire is holding and could open door to long-term Syria solution, US envoy says

By David A. Wemer

The ceasefire negotiated between Russia and Turkey to halt fighting in the Syrian province of Idlib appears to be holding, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS Ambassador James F. Jeffrey said on April 30. “We have heard from many sources, even many Russian [ones], that there is a general feeling that this ceasefire is living up to expectations,” according to Jeffrey.

Conflict Coronavirus

UkraineAlert

Apr 30, 2020

Ukraine must continue electoral reform in 2020

By Harald Jepsen

Ukraine's fledgling democracy has made huge progress in recent years, but further reform of the country's Election Code is urgently required ahead of October's planned local elections, argues Harald Jepsen.

Democratic Transitions Elections

The future is here

Apr 30, 2020

Preparations for future treatment advance; Shell slashes dividend, Europe holds back on stimulus plan

By Atlantic Council

Efforts to find a vaccine for coronavirus registered some progress, with a focus on ramping up production even before any treatment is approved for human use. Energy giant Shell slashed its dividend and said changes to consumer behavior may be here to stay. The European Central Bank kept its powder dry on further stimulus measures.

Coronavirus

UkraineAlert

Apr 30, 2020

Broadening Ukraine’s foreign policy horizons in the post-coronavirus world

By Hanna Shelest

Ukraine's foreign policy has traditionally focused on the choice between Russia and the West, but the country could benefit from a more global approach to diplomacy with clearly defined regional strategies.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Apr 30, 2020

Hezbollah considers the United States, not Israel, its greatest enemy

By David Daoud

The Open Letter, Hezbollah's manifesto, reserves its highest level of opprobrium for America, labeling it the main root of evil and declaring the “confrontation with America” as the yardstick for all of Hezbollah’s other activities.

Lebanon Middle East

IranSource

Apr 29, 2020

US-EU tensions set to escalate over Iran’s coronavirus crisis

By Giorgio Cafiero and Maysam Behravesh

On top of strong disagreements with President Donald Trump’s decision to pull Washington out of the 2015 nuclear deal and re-impose stifling sanctions on the Islamic Republic in May 2018, America’s longstanding partners in Europe also oppose the Trump administration ramping up “maximum pressure” on Tehran amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

Iran Middle East

The future is here

Apr 29, 2020

US economy contracts as virus hits demand, business; European countries dig in for lengthy reopening

By Atlantic Council

The US economy contracted in the first quarter as the virus hit consumer demand and businesses closed. Economies from France to Spain and Greece set out plans for a lengthy and gradual reopening of their economies. Some early, tentative signs of an uptick in economic activity emerged, but consumers are likely to remain leery of travel and public events until a proven vaccine is in place.

Coronavirus
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