For all the uncertainty about what will happen next on the military and diplomatic front in the Iran war, there is certainty about what has already happened on the economic front. And it is not good. The world has seen a spike in oil prices that has been moderated so far by large drawdowns in … Read more
Despite the ceasefire and tentative progress toward a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, the Persian Gulf has remained perilously volatile. In the past 24 hours alone, several rounds of fire have been exchanged between US and Iranian forces in the region. Though both sides appear to view the incidents — which may have … Read more
Beginning last week, waves of protesters taking part in nation-wide strikes gathered on the streets of Nairobi to demand the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum reduce its state-controlled fuel price. What initially began as a labor initiative soon grew into violent demonstrations, pitting thousands of protesters against Kenyan police officers, who fired live ammunition on … Read more
The emerging deal between the United States and Iran represents an existential danger to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future. With his coalition fracturing and elections approaching, Netanyahu can’t survive a peace that leaves Hezbollah intact and Iran’s nuclear program deferred. The only path that may keep his future viable now runs through Lebanon. … Read more
Last week, there were genuine signs that the United States and Iran might be edging toward an agreement to formalize the ceasefire that has tenuously held since April 7. Then, the U.S. launched a new round of attacks on Iran and the week ended with the White House saying there would be no final determination … Read more
The the Republican-led House voted on Wednesday to pull U.S. forces from Iran As the Iran war enters its fourth month, the Republican-led House voted on Wednesday to end the war with Iran, with four Republicans backing Democrats in the push against President Donald Trump. The 215-208 bipartisan vote to adopt the war powers resolution is … Read more
Amid the U.S. war on Iran and the looming prospect of conflict with Cuba, Democrats are gearing up for an especially bitter fight over next year’s Pentagon budget. As Punchbowl News reported Tuesday, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) will introduce an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2027 to cut $150 billion … Read more
The House of Representatives successfully passed a resolution Wednesday that would direct President Donald Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities with Iran absent congressional approval. The legislation passed by a vote of 215-208, with all Democrats voting in favor. They were joined by four Republicans. Seven members, including six Republicans, missed the vote. … Read more
As the government’s standing plummets to an all-time low due to a reckless disregard for the welfare of its people, mass protests sweep across major Iran’s cities, including Shiraz, Tabriz and Tehran. Driven by a threat to their economic survival, the merchant class, or bazaaris, are leading the demonstrations. This is not a news report … Read more
Up until last week, it would have been unthinkable that a partner and mediating stalwart like Oman would be a target in Washington. Yet, here we are. President Donald Trump, in a characteristically offhand remark during a cabinet meeting, warned that Oman would “behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up.” … Read more