French Labor Reforms Once Again Underwhelm
François Hollande likens joblessness to a “state of emergency” but walks back earlier liberal reforms.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Republicans Push Back Against Trump’s Pessimism
Few of the candidates dispute Donald Trump’s declinism. But other Republicans are pushing back.
British Labour Party Leader Harkens Back to 1980s
On everything from union rights to the Falklands, Jeremy Corbyn seems to be living in the past.
West Lifts Sanctions as Iran Complies with Nuclear Deal
Iran’s compliance prompts European countries and the United States to lift sanctions on its economy.
Why a Western “War of Ideas” with Islam is Futile
Islamists don’t distinguish between ideology and theology, making a discussion pointless.
Falling Oil Price Forces Russia to Squeeze Spending
Russia’s rainy-day funds are running out of money, necessitating 10-percent budget cuts.
Republican Criticism of Obama Foreign Policy Hysterical
Candidates accuse the Democratic president of deliberately weakening the United States.
Russia Helps Assad Reconquer Syria’s Heartland
Russian airstrikes are enabling the regime to retake territory from Syria’s least fanatical rebels.
Big Republican Donors Still on the Fence
Bigwigs are waiting for the first voting contests to provide fresh evidence about who is electable.
In State of the Union, Obama Defends Foreign Policy
The president dismisses as “hot air” claims that America is weaker and the world more dangerous.
Italy’s Renzi Stabs Central Europeans in the Back
The Italian leader’s stand against a Russian natural gas pipeline turns out to be entirely self-serving.
Merkel Shifts on Immigration But Maybe Not Fast Enough
The German leader talks tough, but time to stem mass defections to the far right is running out.
Britain’s Cameron Hopes to Call Summer EU Referendum
The British leader hopes to win a vote on EU membership after reaching a deal on new terms.
Catalonia’s Mas Steps Down to Stave Off Snap Elections
The leader of Catalonia’s largest party steps aside to prevent a collapse of the independence movement.
There is No “Silent Majority” Waiting to Elect Cruz
Republicans won’t win the presidential election this year only by raising evangelical, white turnout.