Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at The Cipher Brief on August 11, 2021
The Biden administration faces an important decision point in its negotiations with Iran over rejoining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Decisions made now and the signals they send to Tehran will determine whether the two sides can reach an agreement. They also will determine whether any such agreement, if concluded, can outlast Mr. Biden’s […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on June 28, 2021
In America, the Catholic Church has seen a steady erosion of adherents to its teachings on a host of moral issues. Ignoring warnings from Pope Francis and the Vatican, US Catholic bishops earlier this month overwhelmingly approved drafting guidance that would deny the rite of communion to public officials who do not support the church’s opposition to […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on February 8, 2021
Joe Biden must contend with many parties and conflicting interests as he ponders his next moves in restarting negotiations with Iran on the nuclear accord. On February 4, US President Joe Biden visited the US State Department, located down the street from the White House. He went to deliver a foreign policy message much needed […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on January 11, 2021
In view of so many imperfections manifested throughout its history, America looks less like the “shining city on a hill” than a shadowy ghetto of hypocrisy. It is a well-established fact that America, as it approaches its 245th birthday, is a divided nation. Red versus blue, conservative versus liberal, right versus left, black versus white, rich […]
Published on by Gary Grappo
Published first at Fair Observer on December 14, 2020
One of the first jobs the Biden administration must tackle is America’s badly damaged reputation around the world. Joe Biden was not elected for his positions on foreign policy and national security. Few US presidential candidates are. In his debates with outgoing President Donald Trump prior to the election, those issues were hardly discussed. So, […]