Category: Blogs

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New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2019

Sanctions are effective—if used correctly

By Brian O’Toole

Ilhan Omar is spot on that sanctions are not a one-size fits all solution to the United States’ problems. But her critique of sanctions as a failed tool in the foreign policy playbook misses the mark.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

UkraineAlert

Nov 1, 2019

Is Nord Stream 2 a done deal?

By Melinda Haring

The controversial natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany—Nord Stream 2—cleared its last obstacle this week.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2019

Argentina’s election: The international implications of a Fernández government

By Frederico Fróes

Supporters of President Mauricio Macri hope that the new Fernández government will follow a moderate and pragmatic agenda, yet there is no doubt that it will be a departure from the current course, with regional and international repercussions

Argentina Elections

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2019

Iraq’s government cannot reform itself

By Samir Sumaidaie

The Iraqi government, as it is constituted now and despite all past and present promises and claims to the contrary, does not have the political will or the capacity to deliver good governance. That is why the first demand of the protesters is for the government to step aside and be replaced—hopefully peacefully by constitutional steps—by an emergency administration.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

IranSource

Nov 1, 2019

Why the Islamic Republic of Iran keeps taking hostages

By John Limbert

After forty years, the evidence should be clear to even the most benighted. The hostage-taking of 1979-1981 was an unmitigated disaster for Iran and its people.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Oct 31, 2019

Iraqi protestors unite behind demands, not sectarian identities

By Rana Abdulhadi

Protests in Iraq are not new. At several times during the past few years, the Iraqi people have taken to the streets against corruption, unemployment, and poor public services.

Corruption Iraq

MENASource

Oct 31, 2019

Will protests herald a new era in Iraqi politics?

By Dara Salam

The defining feature of the protests in Baghdad which started on October 1 and spread to other cities in southern Iraq is that they were neither led nor called for by a religious authority (also known as the marja’iya) or another leader. When the first wave of protests began in multiple cities, the protesters’ message […]

Corruption Iraq

MENASource

Oct 31, 2019

With Abdul-Mahdi offering to resign, what’s next for Iraq?

By Middle East programs

Atlantic Council experts react to the announcement of the Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi resigning. Abbas Kadhim is the Director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council. “In his address to the Iraqi people on October 31, President Barham Salih referred to Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi’s offer to resign if the two major parliamentary blocs […]

Corruption Iraq

UkraineAlert

Oct 31, 2019

Another one to watch

By Melinda Haring

Ukraine needs more people with rich experience like Leonid Antonenko's to dig into the data and speak out.

Civil Society Corruption

UkraineAlert

Oct 31, 2019

Mariupol forum puts eastern Ukraine on investors’ maps

By Andy Hunder

Zelenskyy and his team delivered a clear and concise message in Mariupol: they are committed to their people in eastern Ukraine.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics