geopolitics
Is China the real target for Obama’s sweeping new carbon rules?
The US is no longer the biggest greenhouse gas producer in the world. And Obama’s aggressive new plan would only reduce global carbon levels by around one percent. So why is it being hailed? Because it could spur the rest of the world into action.The US is no longer the biggest greenhouse gas producer in the world. And Obama’s aggressive new plan would only reduce global carbon levels by around one percent. So why is it being hailed? Because it could spur the rest of the world into action.
Turkey’s political turmoil may be tied to its relations with Iran
Turkey’s government has been rocked by a corruption scandal this week, and protesters are calling for the prime minister’s resignation. While the details remain murky, a former US Treasury Department analyst says the problems are tied to Turkey’s involvement with Iran in a sanctions-busting scheme uncovered last year.
For Vladimir Putin, it’s been a very good year
President Vladimir Putin is in a gracious mood this holiday season. And why not? He snubbed the US by taking in Edward Snowden, he kept the US and its allies out of Syria, and prevented Ukraine from drifting westward. Maybe that’s why he’s pardoning so many high-profile opponents.
This handshake is being heard — or rather, dissected — around the world
It’s often the small signals that matter in diplomacy. And today had a doozy. President Obama greeted Cuba’s President Raul Castro, as Obama was making his way to the podium to speak at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. Did it mean something?