Middle East Institute
Senior fellow at the Middle East Institute where he focuses on the Levant and North Africa; former US ambassador to Syria (2011-2014)
PROFILE
Robert S. Ford
Guest
FROM Robert S. Ford
To the Point
The Struggle for Peace in a Polarized World Syria's civil war has dragged on for five years, killing hundreds of thousands and turning millions more into refugees. UN-sponsored peace talks were scheduled to start today, but they've been delayed until Friday. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other regional powers disagree about which rebels should be at the table. Russia still supports President al-Assad. The Obama administration says Assad must go, but is resisting calls for military action. Is it time for the US to assert its Superpower status or pursue continued restraint in a multi-polar world.
Recommended
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
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
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
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?