Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on December 23, 2018
Can America’s democratic institutions — Congress, courts and the media — constrain Donald Trump and ensure the survival and continued prosperity of the world’s oldest democracy? Rational observers, US allies and even America’s adversaries are left to wonder where President Donald Trump’s erratic foreign policies and unpredictable decision-making will now lead after the departure of […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on December 18, 2018
It would be hard to find the leader of any close American ally in recent history with a cloud over his head as the one over Mohammed bin Salman today. The December 14 Senate votes to end US military aid for Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen and to condemn Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on November 14, 2018
Washington’s frequent use of economic sanctions for all matter of offenses could end up diminishing their utility over the long term and empowering bad actors. America’s latest round of sanctions on Iran’s primary hard currency earner will be felt not only by the Iranian government, but also by Iranian people. Previous sanctions, imposed after Washington […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Cipher Brief on October 29, 2018
Saudi Arabia and its crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, (MbS) are confronting a crisis. How they manage to extricate the kingdom will have potentially long-term consequences for the kingdom, its relationship with the U.S. and for its image worldwide. It is tempting to exaggerate such situations. In this case, the drip, drip, drip of information […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on October 18, 2018
The US must lead with a principled position following Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination, but this will require a type of diplomacy not yet seen in this administration. Information about the shocking and brazen torture and execution of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi spills out now with stomach-churning regularity. All indications point to Saudi Arabia’s top leadership’s culpability. […]