Topic: Leslie Gelb

Global News Blog
Good Reads: Mexico’s rise, Lincoln’s precedence, and tomorrow’s truth

A round-up of this week's long-form good reads include a look at Mexico's competitive growth, the virtues of compromise in multiple administrations, and how facts 'decay.'

Opinion: Mubarak steps down. Will Obama step up?

Regarding the revolt in Egypt, Washington has so far taken an ineffective, middle-of-the road approach. Even as President Obama called for a credible path toward democracy, he must back the opposition protesters much more decisively.

Obama's pressure on Mubarak could cost US regional influence

As it increases pressure on Mubarak to resign, the US risks being seen as abandoning a longtime friend. The result could be the lasting mistrust of key Middle East partners.

Regime vs. protesters: Which will Obama back in Arab world?

It's a tricky moment for the US, as demand for reform spreads in the Arab world from Tunisia and Lebanon to Egypt and Yemen. Obama appears to be taking a dual track of backing the street protesters as well as regimes willing to undertake reforms.

Hillary Clinton winds up Mideast trip: no deal, some hope

Hillary Clinton, in Jordan, expresses confidence in Abbas and Netanyahu, but analysts warn of risks to US if talks falter. Israel is still resisting pressure to extend moratorium on settlement construction.

General McChrystal: Rolling Stone story a sign of frustration?

The remarks by General McChrystal in Rolling Stone magazine reflect mounting frustration all around with an Afghanistan war effort seemingly in growing disarray – although that doesn’t excuse the conduct, experts say.

Why US sees Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a security threat

A growing roster of US officials is arguing that a failure to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict fuels Islamic extremism, thus creating a security threat for the US.

Desiree Rogers leaves the Obama White House: Who's next?

Now that White House social secretary Desiree Rogers is leaving, critics say it's time for Obama to shake up the White House even more – starting with the inner core from Chicago.

How the elite print press blew Iraq war coverage

Power Rules

Longtime Washington inside Leslie H. Gelb prescribes common sense as the antidote to US foreign policy blunders.