- Social:
freelance journalist covering global migration, refugees, and national security
Molly O’Toole is a senior reporter for Foreign Policy magazine, covering national security and politics. She is a former political reporter for Defense One.
PROFILE
Molly O'Toole
Guest
FROM Molly O'Toole
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Gang violence in El Salvador: the realities on the ground We look at the other part of Jeff Sessions’ order: people facing gang violence also won’t qualify for asylum. This mainly affects Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The US Agency for International Development says El Salvador has the world’s highest homicide rate for people under age 19. More than 500 were murdered in 2016.
To the Point
Presidential tweetstorms and the Russian connection President Trump is reportedly outraged at his staff because the political flap over false statements about Russian officials just won't go away. At the same time, he's added to all the drama with early-morning tweets of unverified charges that former President Obama "wiretapped" Trump Tower. FBI Director James Comey has raised the ante by asking the Justice Department to refute that claim—by the new President who's kept him in office. Today, cabinet members unveiled the amended version of his controversial travel ban. But the Trump agenda faces stiff competition for public attention.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What will Obama's foreign policy legacy be? President Obama gave his final address to the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday . He spent much of the speech talking about the need for international cooperation and diplomacy. He cited progress over the last eight years of his administration, including the Iran nuclear deal, t he Paris Agreement to combat climate change, and the thawing of relations with Cuba. But he also recognized that challenges remain for the international community, particularly in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria and doing more to accommodate millions of desperate refugees. How will the state of Syria affect Obama’s legacy? And will his predecessor carry on the policies he’s most proud of?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What Does ‘America First’ mean? Analyzing Trump and Clinton’s Foreign Policy Positions Presidential candidate Donald Trump gave a speech Wednesday on foreign policy, a day after winning five state primaries. His core philosophy is, according to his remarks, “America first.” Trump condemned globalization and nation-building; h e called the foreign policy of the Obama administration "a complete and total disaster." So how do Trump’s foreign policy positions differ from those of Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, who has been called more hawkish than any of the Republican candidates?
To the Point
Obama's Last-ditch Plan to Close Gitmo President Obama's first order as President was to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay. Today, he presented his latest case based on details drawn up by the Pentagon . Molly O'Toole covers national security and politics for Foreign Policy magazine.
To the Point
Guantánamo, the Constitution and Presidential Politics In 2008, candidate Barack Obama accused George W. Bush of abusing the power of the presidency to establish the prison at Guantánamo Bay. Now President Obama's accused of doing the same thing -- to close Guantánamo down. It's all about the authority of the Commander in Chief. But, Congress says the remaining inmates are too dangerous to be held in American prisons and has made the transfer illegal. The White House says executive action is "not off the table," which could light a political firestorm in time for next year's presidential campaign.
To the Point
House Passes Defense Bill Opposed by Obama The House today passed a defense authorization bill calling for $612 billion in Pentagon spending. The President says that's the right amount, but he's still threatening a veto. Molly O'Toole reports for Atlantic Media's online publication, " Defense One ."
To the Point
The Political Battle over Going to War The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, and President Obama has formally asked it to authorize limited warfare against ISIL , the so-called Islamic State. Republicans and Democrats agree on his objective — but they're divided about his proposal. The President's military action would last for just three years with no "enduring" ground combat, but he'd also leave in effect the many options given George W. Bush after 911 . For conservative Republicans, there are too many limits. For liberal Democrats, there aren't enough. As positions are being staked out on Capitol Hill, what would it really take to destroy the Islamic State?
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To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.