World Bank Group

How to Tackle Venezuela’s (and the World’s) ‘Odious Debt’ Problem

Venezuela could be a test case for reforming international finance’s lending to authoritarian governments.

Foreign Investment in Syria’s Reconstruction Carries Terror Finance Risk

Saudi Arabia and Qatar aim to reap the commercial rewards of rebuilding Syria now that the devastating civil war has ended and sanctions on Damascus have been lifted. Gulf investments are being deployed...

Kicking and Screaming Against America and Israel

REVIEW: ‘Kicking the Hornet’s Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump’ by Daniel E. Zoughbie

Without Conditions, Qatari Aid to Lebanon Isn’t Helpful

Qatar wants to help a struggling Lebanon undo the damage wrought by the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah. The 13-month-long conflict, which Hezbollah launched in the immediate aftermath...

The mission behind Trump’s Board of Peace is simple — and critics keep getting it wrong

President Trump is making big moves the world over. From nabbing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro to threatening the conquest of Greenland to pushing for a Ukraine-Russia cease-fire,...

Peace with Israel: Lebanon’s Path to Economic Revival

Peace with Israel would dramatically reduce security risks, transforming Lebanon from a volatile “frontier market” into an attractive regional hub. An unconditional peace treaty with Israel,...

How Qatar Can Help Lebanon

Hezbollah’s efforts to regenerate have seemingly reached a critical juncture. In one of the most escalatory actions since the ceasefire took effect in Lebanon last November, Israel eliminated Hezbollah’s...

US, Israel await Hamas answer after peace deal push

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on September 29 and unveiled a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war during a joint press conference....

The Saudi-Qatari Competition for Influence in Syria

With the Syrian state still in its formative stage, lacking a defined political identity, two Gulf monarchies – Qatar and Saudi Arabia – are seeking to dominate Syria. This competition will only intensify...

Hezbollah continues exploiting Canadian vehicular theft and money-laundering schemes

Last week, the Canadian government issued its 2025 report assessing money laundering and terrorist financing risks in Canada. The report noted that Hezbollah was using both illicit and otherwise...

India can unite Global South with developed world

Delhi has closer Africa connection than Washington, is less vulnerable to ‘predatory lending’ charge than Beijing

The complicated case of Nauru, which stood up to China

Some of Nauru’s decisions made on principle, for example recognizing Taiwan, likely hurt Nauru’s economy. Nauru doesn’t just recognize Taiwan, it has stood up to China in diplomatic venues in ways some Western diplomats could only dream about.

Upcoming Paraguayan Election a Bellwether for Taiwan’s International Standing

The outcome of this month’s hotly contested Paraguayan election will likely determine whether Asuncion maintains diplomatic relations with Taipei or switches recognition to Beijing, a move that would...

Missing the Mark

Reassessing U.S. Military Aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces

The White House Is Bending the Law on Syria Sanctions

Below the Belt and Road

Corruption and Illicit Dealings in China’s Global Infrastructure

Federal lawsuits target both Iran and private firms for allegedly financing Taliban and Al-Qaeda operations that killed U.S. troops

On December 27, 2019, more than 500 members of American military families, including over 100 Gold Star families, filed two lawsuits: one against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and another against eight multinational...