- Social:
George Mason University
Adjunct professor of law at George Mason University; former chief counsel to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a key drafter of the Corker/Cardin Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act
PROFILE
Jamil N. Jaffer
Guest
FROM Jamil N. Jaffer
To the Point
Does ISIS Want a War with the West? Authorities now agree that Friday's assault on Paris was directed by ISIS in Syria, and it's widely expected that ISIS will strike again. It's not clear if a bold, new international offensive is under way or if ISIS is a losing movement trying to make itself relevant to the rest of the world. The danger is real either way, but there's dispute about how to respond — and how to prevent attacks in the future. The options include open warfare, invasive surveillance and diplomacy by Western powers and, more importantly, Syria's neighbors in the Middle East.
To the Point
The Iran Nuclear Deal Is Now Up to Congress Last week, the Obama Administration asked the UN Security Council to vote on the Iran nuclear deal. Today it got the unanimous vote it wanted. All 15 members endorsed the agreement to lift economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for limitations on Iran's development of nuclear technology. Now, Congress with 60 days to approve or reject it. Republicans and some Democrats are furious at the Obama Administration for asking the Security Council to go first . Opponents say the agreement could pave the way for Iran to make a nuclear bomb. Supporters say it's the best thing possible and much better than nothing. They warn that continued division within the US will have dangerous consequences for America's world leadership.
Recommended
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Trump plays scolder-in-chief with NATO allies At the opening of NATO’s dramatic new headquarters in Brussels today, President Trump acknowledged that Article 5 — promising that “an attack on one nation is an attack on all” -- has only been invoked one time: in the aftermath of September 11. But the President failed to provide what 27 other Alliance members have been waiting for: a re-commitment by America’s new leader to Article 5. Instead, they got a scolding.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?