Once the Covid-19 pandemic has subsided, the new Israeli government will face serious flaws in, among other things, the territorial dimensions of President Trump’s “Deal of the Century” — namely, the drawing of borders, the enclaves, the territorial exchanges and the annexation of large parts of the West Bank. Continue Reading
The risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic in the Middle East are not confined to the immediate health effects; they will also have severe repercussions on already collapsing economies in several Mideast countries, and on the millions of displaced individuals who have fled regions affected by war. Continue Reading
The outlook for Mexico’s economy is bleak. The pandemic has compounded existing economic problems, and López Obrador’s response to the crisis could make Mexico’s recovery that much more difficult. Continue Reading
Even before the pandemic, Mexico’s health care system was in crisis, with shortages of medical supplies, drugs, and personnel. A president that is downplaying the outbreak, brandishing amulets to “protect” him from the virus, isn’t helping matters. Continue Reading
So far, in the face of a pandemic the political assets of populists may lead to their undoing. But at the end of the day, if conditions under the López Obrador administration significantly change for the worse, faith in a liberal democracy and strong democratic institutions may be restored. Continue Reading
China’s educational institutions are continuing to lose autonomy, with General Secretary Xi Jinping asserting that universities must “serve the Communist party in its management of the country” and that “adherence to the Party’s leadership is essential to the development of higher education in the country.” Continue Reading
The killing of Qassem Suleimani marks an important – and fraught – moment in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The stage is set for an ugly tit-for-tat that risks escalation, with Iran acting through its proxies in the Middle East. Continue Reading