Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on April 8, 2020
The president of the world’s most powerful, richest and technologically-advanced nation apparently can’t be bothered with the mundane duties of a shipping clerk. In a recent press briefing, US President Donald Trump was asked why he hadn’t ordered the federal government to do more to respond to the pleas of state governors for more help […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on March 30, 2020
Never before in history has mankind been better positioned than today to confront a health challenge like the coronavirus and its economic effects. With nearly every government and populace around the world now mobilized to combat the coronavirus pandemic, the sort of broad-based international coordination often seen in previous global crises remains glaringly absent, and it’s holding […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Cipher Brief on January 16, 2020
Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ruler of Oman and the Middle East’s longest serving ruler, died on January 10 after nearly 50 years in power. Oman, under Qaboos rule, transformed from an undeveloped country in the 1970’s, to a country known as ‘the Switzerland of the Middle East’ at the time of his death. Oman […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on January 31, 2020
Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan is a far cry from what Palestinians have wanted for decades. But it’s time to be realistic. Following President Donald Trump’s long-awaited unveiling of his “deal of the century” Middle East peace plan on January 28, the Palestinians now confront an existential moment: find a way to make it work or […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on January 13, 2020
Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman effectively managed an impossible challenge — keeping his nation at peace in the world’s most volatile region. Despite knowledge of his illness, I was stunned and saddened by the death on January 10 of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman. I had come to know Sultan Qaboos, who ruled […]