Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on August 14, 2019
If America has abdicated its global leadership role, are we now left with a free-for-all? People around the world, including Americans, have argued that the world can get along without US leadership. Today, they may want to scan the global landscape. While acute crises and violent conflict may not seem imminent at the moment, the […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Cipher Brief on July 25, 2019
The various sanctions the U.S. has imposed on Iran have exacted an economic toll far more onerous than what the Iranians and other observers anticipated. Unlike those imposed in the past by the U.S., the EU and the UN, these were done to cause real harm and pain to Iran’s economy. And they have, despite […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on July 17, 2019
Even if the pope’s views on climate change and social inequality might accord with a liberal political agenda, the added baggage isn’t worth it. In his papal encyclical, “Laudato Si’” (“Praise Be”), issued in May 2015, Pope Francis reminded humanity of its responsibility for stewardship of the planet, including addressing the challenge of our times, […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on June 18, 2019
After last week’s tanker attacks in the Gulf of Oman, Tehran will need to undertake a sober assessment of its options, which are few, and its prospects, which only get worse. Last week’s attacks on two oil tankers outside the Strait of Hormuz show that for now Tehran is choosing from a very limited playbook […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on June 1, 2019
The world would be well-advised to keep in check its hopes of much-needed diplomacy to address the region’s brewing crisis until actually seeing substantive follow up from the pre-Eid al-Fitr summits of Arab and Muslim leaders in Mecca. For three days starting May 30, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz hosts Arab and Muslim leaders […]