foreign-policy21.95 min read
Rubio’s Gulf pitch: selling Trump’s Iran deal to wary partners
15 days ago•Source: The Washington Post
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23.195 min•17 days ago
Rubio Heads to Gulf Allies as Iran Deal Position Draws Scrutiny
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the Gulf—meeting UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain—to press allies on the Iran nuclear deal, a high-stakes mission as critics question his hawkish stance and Vice President JD Vance has largely steered public debate on Iran, potentially reshaping U.S. diplomacy amid a fragile Tehran ceasefire.
4.675 min•29 days ago
Democrats Push U.S. to Reopen Gaza Medical Corridor for Cancer Care
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US tightens nonimmigrant visas by screening for fear of returning home
The State Department issued new nonimmigrant visa rules requiring missions to ask applicants whether they fear returning to their home country, and to deny U.S. travel documents for those who say yes, a move that could curb asylum claims, according to a cable reviewed by The Washington Post.
US to press Iran for detainee releases in new peace talks
The Trump administration plans to request the release of Americans detained in Iran as part of upcoming negotiations aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli war, with the talks set to begin in Pakistan and progress potentially delayed if the discussions prove difficult.
Libertarian billionaires back deregulated 'freedom cities' in Greenland as geopolitics collide
Tech billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are backing a plan tied to Trump’s Greenland gambit to create deregulated 'freedom cities' in Greenland to access rare earth minerals, but Greenlandic sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and NATO/Danish concerns complicate the effort. Analysts say true security would come from partnerships and governance that respect self-determination rather than annexation or libertarian experiments.
Trump Admin Reviews 55 Million Visa Holders Amid Immigration Crackdown
The U.S. State Department plans to review all 55 million foreign visa holders for issues like overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, or support for terrorist organizations, as part of a broader security initiative.
Marco Rubio's Appointment as Secretary of State Signals Shift in US-Latin America Policy
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Florida Senator Marco Rubio to lead the State Department, signaling a potential revival of the Monroe Doctrine in U.S. foreign policy. Rubio, known for his strong stance against China and Iran, is expected to focus on Latin America, where China's growing influence poses a challenge. With extensive experience in the region, Rubio aims to curb Chinese influence and strengthen U.S. ties by promoting American business interests and supporting pro-American leaders. This approach could enhance U.S. strategic advantages in its "benign neighborhood."
"Turning the Tables: Using Russia's Frozen Assets to Support Ukraine"
The REPO Act, which would allow the US to seize and transfer Russia's frozen sovereign assets to Ukraine, is criticized as an act of economic war that could backfire. Critics argue that this move could escalate tensions with Russia, hinder prospects for peace, and damage US credibility in the global economy. They warn that such actions could lead to retaliation, de-dollarization, and a broader erosion of international law, ultimately advocating for the rejection of the bill as a step towards fixing broken foreign policy.
"Push for Peace: Saudi Arabia and Biden's Efforts to Secure Palestinian State Amid Israel-Gaza Conflict"
The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have proposed a multistage plan to end the Israel-Hamas war, including the creation of a Palestinian state, but neither Israel nor Hamas has agreed to it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes a Palestinian state, prompting a deepening fissure between him and President Joe Biden. The plan envisions a series of phases over 90 days, including hostage releases and prisoner exchanges, with the hope of achieving normalized relations between Israel and Sunni Arab nations. However, the challenge lies in overcoming opposition from Israeli leadership, addressing the security threats, and navigating the complexities of the conflict.
Global Poll Reveals Overwhelming Backing for Arming Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan
A poll commissioned by the Ronald Reagan Institute found strong public support for arming Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The survey, conducted by Beacon Research and Shaw & Co., revealed that 59% of respondents support U.S. military aid for Ukraine, while 30% oppose it. Support for arming Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan increased when framed within the context of the Reagan doctrine, which promises to support allies against aggressors. The poll also found that 77% of respondents favored increased military spending, and 67% expressed concern that congressional budget cuts could reduce military capabilities. Additionally, the survey showed that only 41% of respondents favored U.S. military intervention in Mexico to counter drug cartels, while 46% opposed it.
"Panda Diplomacy: China's Offer to Bring Pandas Back to the US Gains Momentum"
China's President Xi Jinping has expressed willingness to send more pandas to the United States, signaling a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations. The statement came during a conference in San Francisco where Xi and President Joe Biden met. Pandas have historically been used as a diplomatic tool by China, and their absence in the U.S. in recent years has raised concerns. While specific details about the timing and location of future panda arrivals were not provided, Xi hinted that California may be the next state to receive them. However, it should be noted that any new pandas sent would not be the same ones previously in the U.S. as panda leases have expired.
"Canada reaffirms support for humanitarian truce, calls for international cooperation"
Canada has clarified its stance on a "humanitarian truce" in the Israel-Hamas war, three days after abstaining from a UN resolution calling for one. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the need for an agreement from all parties to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, the release of hostages, and the provision of essential supplies to Gaza. The shift in Canada's position comes amid criticism of its support for Israel and reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire. Joly's speech also outlined Canada's foreign policy principles of defending sovereignty and engaging in pragmatic diplomacy to mediate international conflicts.