US foreign policy
For Sudan, breaking ties with its radical past is a ‘delicate balancing act’
Last week the Obama administration eased a 20-year trade embargo against Sudan, a nation the US still considers a sponsor of foreign terrorist organizations. Now, as the North African country looks to part with past alignments and improve US relations, it’s finding that battling extremism at home can be tricky business.
America’s policy on hostages may have cost the life of James Foley
A would-be defector from ISIS says he offered to help return hostage James Foley in exchange for asylum and cash long before Foley’s death. But the government reportedly refused to negotiate, highlighting what critics say is a confusing and counterproductive policy on captured Americans.
Ripples of the US shutdown reach all the way to Asia… when it comes to foreign policy
For the third time, President Obama has put off visits to Asia for domestic political reasons. But a former White House advisor says that does not mean the administration is giving up on its commitment to ‘rebalance’ American foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific region and away from the Middle East.