Foundation for the Defense of Democracies
Jonathan Schanzer is Vice President for Research at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a DC-based think-tank studying terrorism in the Middle East. A former terror finance analyst for the US Treasury, Schanzer is the author of several books on the Middle East, including Hamas Versus Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine and State of Failure: Yasser Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Unmaking of the Palestinian State.
The US and Iran: Diplomatic relations turn icy again Responding to his first challenge from the world's most volatile region, President Trump has invoked economic sanctions against Iran. That's apparently what he meant when he said Iran was "on notice" after it tested a ballistic missile last weekend. It's not clear if he plans more to come. But there are stark warnings of possible escalation, unintended or otherwise, as Trump continues to keep Washington guessing, along with the rest of the world. During his campaign he promised to be "unpredictable," and today he tweeted that, "Iran is playing with fire." Iran says he has a lot to learn.
Nuclear Development and Middle East Stability President Obama says Iran's nuclear program has been "halted" -- but a final settlement seems far in the future. Talks about the program will resume next month, with Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States back at the table. Their deadline for a real deal is the end of June — but there's talk of another extension. Senate Republicans, and some Democrats, want tougher sanctions, claiming that will encourage Iran to make new concessions, but Obama has threatened a veto. House Speaker Boehner has injected Israel into the mix by inviting Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress -- while he's running for re-election. Are domestic politics in all three countries threatening diplomacy with nuclear weapons at stake?
War Fever: The Temperature Is Rising... Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee today about the threat from ISIL, or ISIS.
Praying for Peace in a Hostile Climate Pope Francis visited the Middle East at the end of May. Now he's following up by inviting leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to "pray for peace" in the Vatican this coming Sunday. The Pontiff from Argentina is injecting a new perspective into the heart of diplomacy at a time of increasing tension. Yesterday, Israel announced more settlements in the West Bank, in response to recent "unity" between the Palestinian Authority and its "terrorist" rival Hamas. We hear how all these developments reflect changes in the region. Are Israel and the Obama Administration further apart than ever?
Islamophobia and Foreign Policy Mitt Romney and other Republicans are being criticized for fostering hostility toward Muslims. Governor Romney is said to have “insulted” Palestinians. President Obama is said to be doing the same thing more subtly, with 17% of Americans believing he’s Muslim himself. Is the political culture encouraging an atmosphere of hostility? Is it a function of the foreign policy agenda of both political parties?
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.