Ellen Laipson interviewed on Global Dispatches regarding Syrian refugee crisis
Syrian refugee crisis has finally made it to Europe’s doorstep. Over the past several weeks, masses of refugees have made their way to southeastern Europe, mostly en route to Germany and other countries in northern Europe. After four years of conflict, the Syrian refugee crisis is suddenly a crisis for Europe. Here with me to […]
Op-ed by Laicie Heeley in Reuters on Iran deal
Though a majority in the Senate may vote against the Iran nuclear agreement, the deal is now expected to survive. On Wednesday, President Barack Obama gained enough support in the Senate to sustain a presidential veto. But that’s not the same as getting a majority in Congress to sign on to support the deal. In […]
Op-ed by Michael Krepon in Defense One on Iran deal
Supporters of the Iran deal argue they have secured verifiable, significant reductions in Iran’s ability to make nuclear weapons. Opponents accuse the deal’s backers of wishful thinking. It’s fatuous, they argue, to think that Tehran is willing to forgo the bomb. Instead, the Iranian leadership will cheat on its obligations. Or wait patiently until constraints expire. […]
Michael Krepon quoted in Tablet Magazine on the Iran deal
Last week, Tablet asked readers and friends what they want to hear from President Obama in his live webcast to the Jewish community on Friday afternoon. We received many responses. -snip- Michael Krepon, co-founder of the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C. Here’s what I’d like the president to say: “I’d like to depart from my usual talking points. […]
Why Salafists in Lebanon Have Become Disempowered
Once considered rising political players in Lebanese politics, the Salafists who were active in aiding the Syrian rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime are now in retreat. After three years of monitoring their activities, a recent visit to their mosques and homes showed clearly that the weight and power of Hezbollah and its cooperation with […]
Iraq’s Future Is About Much More Than the Islamic State
For months, the critical issue for Iraq has been its capacity to win back territory in its western provinces controlled by the so-called Islamic State (IS). The focus abroad has been on building an international coalition to support Iraqi forces; enabling various Kurdish militias to do their part in the war against IS; and strengthening […]
Op-ed by Ellen Laipson in World Politics Review on Iraq
For months, the critical issue for Iraq has been its capacity to win back territory in its western provinces controlled by the so-called Islamic State (IS). The focus abroad has been on building an international coalition to support Iraqi forces; enabling various Kurdish militias to do their part in the war against IS; and strengthening […]
Op-ed by Barry Blechman in The Hill on Iran deal
Three dozen retired American generals and admirals are the latest group of experts to collectively endorse the Iran nuclear agreement. They join, among others, 100 former ambassadors, 29 scientists, 60 US national security leaders, and 11 retired high-ranking Israeli security and military officials. All believe, as I do, that the Iran deal is a very […]