American-Iranian Détente Could Benefit Both, Alarm Arabs
The United States could benefit from responding favorably to Iran’s overtures even if their Arab allies will have doubts.
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.
Merkel Wins Personal Victory But Loses Ally
Conservatives are within reach of an absolute majority, but their liberal friends are crushed.
Republican Infighting Escalates as House Votes to Repeal Obamacare
Seasoned conservatives know the repeal will fail, but they are beholden to the far right.
Syrian Regime Admits War at Stalemate, Suggests Ceasefire
Syria’s government recognizes that it cannot win the war but neither, it says, will the opposition.
Dutch to Miss Deficit Target Despite More Austerity
More spending cuts and tax increases will more allow the Netherlands to keep its deficit under 3 percent.
Bavarian Win at Liberals’ Expense Should Alarm Merkel
The German chancellor’s allies do well, but at the expense of her liberal coalition partners.
Syrian Rebels Seek to Cuff Off Regime Access to Aleppo, Homs
A rebel offensive north of the capital Damascus threatens the regime’s ability to supply operations in the north.
As Congress Debates, Military Prepares for Syria Strike
American warships steam into the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
Labor Gives In, Netherlands to Buy F-35 Warplanes
The social democrats earlier blocked the F-35.
“Misconception” Radicals Dominate Opposition: Syria Expert
Elizabeth O’Bagy believes that the rebels in the south of Syria are still “fighting for core American principles.”
For Russia, Syria the Last Straw in Long List of Grievances
The Russians feel they have been betrayed by the West time and again.
Obama Officials Make Case for Syria Strikes Before Senate
Secretary of State John Kerry warns senators against the consequences of inaction.
French Leave Little Doubt About Assad’s Culpability in Gas Attack
The French say only Assad and top members of his regime could have ordered a chemical weapons attack.
Syrian Rebels Suspected of Deploying Chemical Weapon
Syrian opposition fighters have the means of delivering chemical weapons and perhaps the weapons.
Merkel Appeals to German Voters to Stay the Course
After “four good years,” why vote her coalition out of office?