The China Backlash
Belt and Road Blowback in Laos?

Another Chinese worker is killed in Laos, as China’s infrastructure initiative triggers local unrest and violence.

Dumb and Deadly
Europe’s Costly Diesel Mistake

Europe’s foolish mistake in promoting diesel over gasoline has had grievous public health consequences for the entire continent.

ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
In Defense of Development
Why We Need Foreign Aid

American security depends on development as well as diplomacy and defense.

Haute Finance
U.S. Tries to Outlaw Shell Companies

With Xi and Putin weaponizing finance, this is a smart move by Senators Grassley and Whitehouse—and comes not a moment too soon.

The French Vote
Low Turnout and Macron’s Partial Victory

By electing Emmanuel Macron, the French have voted to throw the bums out. But the low turnout suggests that he could be next.

JASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images
Dog Days
Pumphrett Finds Work for Idle Hands

Volume nine of The Pumphrett Papers.

Strategy and Policy
Obama Official: Obama Was Weak on S. China Sea

Harsh words from a former staffer for the former President, along with some advice to the current Administration on how not to repeat the same mistakes.

© Getty Images.
AFTER ISIS
The Coming Conflict Over Eastern Syria

The Russians claim to have killed ISIS’s leader and U.S.-backed forces close in on Raqqa, but the time to make difficult decisions in Eastern Syria is fast approaching.

Turkey Today
Turkish Opposition Politician Marches Against Erdogan

Too little, too late? Yes, Erdogan is breaking norms left and right as he consolidates power. But the protesting politician’s party enabled this overreach.

© Getty Images
In Memoriam
Helmut Kohl (1930-2017)

Kings get monuments when they die. Democratic leaders usually slink off into obscurity once they are out. Helmut Kohl deserves the former fate.

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