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A Brief Analysis of Iranian Global Relations Part II: China, India, IAEA

April 20, 2012 by Emily Leave a Comment

In my previous post, I discussed two groups dealing with the Iranian nuclear problem: that which actively supports sanctions and that which objects to them. The issue, however, is not black and white: between the countries that actively support unilateral and multilateral sanctions and those that staunchly condemn them lies a third group of quasi-supporters that privately limit their financial interaction with Iran, despite public condemnations of Western sanctions. China and India (two of the five BRIC countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Less, Security Tagged With: Brazil, China, EU, Government, human rights, India, Iran, nuclear, nuclear weapons, oil, reform, Russia, sanctions, South Africa, trade

A Brief Analysis of Iranian Global Relations Part I: EU, Brazil, Russia, South Africa

April 12, 2012 by Emily Leave a Comment

America’s recent responses to Iran’s nuclear program have stirred debate in the international community. Some condone America’s struggle with the Islamic Republic by supporting sanctions and oil embargoes; others denounce American imperialism and refuse to support sanctions. The European Union countries and, surprisingly, the previously Iran-backing countries of Brazil and South Africa, belong to the first group that condemns Iran’s nuclear program. In an April 6, 2012 Al Arabiya article, “Iran’s Moment of Truth,” Hassan Barari discussed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Less, Security Tagged With: Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, economy, EU, Europe, foreign policy, Greece, human rights violations, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, nuclear, oil, Russia, sanctions, security, South Africa, trade

North Korea agrees to suspend nuclear activities

March 1, 2012 by Fernando 3 Comments

US State Department officials announced today that North Korea will be suspending uranium enrichment in what has been called an "important step to improve our bilateral relationship in the spirit of mutual respect for sovereignty and equality and to allow cultural, educational and sports exchanges with North Korea." (Source: NYTimes) Although specific details have not been announced, North Korea will be receiving an estimated 240,000 metric tons of much-needed food aid as part of the agreement, which includes a moratorium on the usage and testing of … [Read more...]

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Recent summit raises questions about North Korea’s growing nuclear program

January 13, 2012 by Emily 1 Comment

A summit the week of January 9 between South Korea and China raised discussion about a free trade agreement, diplomatic relations, and perhaps most importantly, North Korea’s nuclear program. As the two countries discuss the importance of a bilateral trade agreement, they will undoubtedly examine ways to confront the growing problem of North Korean nuclear proliferation. While both countries want peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, their views diverge on how to achieve these goals. Beijing’s foremost concern is protecting its own … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Less, Security Tagged With: aid, China, Food Aid, free trade, Government, humanitarian aid, Japan, North Korea, nuclear, nuclear proliferation, Peace, policy, refugee, Russia, sanctions, United States

U.S. Foreign Policy Alternatives in Iran Part 2: expanding upon recent success

January 9, 2012 by Emily 1 Comment

While President Obama’s new economic sanctions have already hit Iran’s oil sector, America and other states - both in the West and the Middle East - must continue to apply pressure if they wish to halt the growth of Iran’s nuclear program. First, America should continue to target specific financial institutions that directly support Iranian nuclear proliferation or terrorist groups. For example, America needs to pursue sanctions on banks Melli, Mellat, Saderat, and Sepah that financially support Iran’s nuclear program and the Qods Force, a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Less, Security Tagged With: Bahrain, dialogue, EU, foreign policy, Government, Iran, Islam, Middle East, military, nuclear, nuclear proliferation, Obama, sanctions, Saudi Arabia, security, terrorism

U.S. Foreign Policy Alternatives in Iran Part 1: From Carter to Obama

January 8, 2012 by Emily 1 Comment

On New Year’s Eve, President Obama enacted new sanctions against Iran in a repeated effort to halt the growth of Iran’s nuclear program. The imposition of sanctions, however, has long fueled controversy among American foreign policy officials. Recent failures, combined with the Carter administration’s failed attempt to resolve the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979 and the subsequent failure of the Reagan administration to restore diplomatic relations with Iran, have cast a shadow over American foreign policy in regard to the nuclear crisis. Some … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Less, Security Tagged With: diplomacy, economy, EU, Europe, foreign policy, Government, human rights, India, Iran, military, nuclear, Obama, oil, sanctions, technology, United States

Re-evaluating US-Pakistan relations

January 5, 2012 by Emily Leave a Comment

While Islamabad and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have historically served as American allies, Pakistan’s tense relations with the American government and military as well as with the Karzai regime have forced America to reevaluate U.S.-Pakistan relations. America’s approximately $20 billion in military and economic aid since 9/11 have served to support Pakistan’s weak government, incentivize Pakistan and its intelligence agency to combat terrorist organizations such as al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban, deter nuclear war between India and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Less, Security Tagged With: 9/11, Afghanistan, aid, foreign aid, foreign policy, Government, India, military, NATO, nuclear, Pakistan, Taliban, terrorism, war

After assassination attempt on Saudi ambassador, what’s next for American foreign policy towards Iran?

October 29, 2011 by Emily Leave a Comment

The recent Iranian assassination attempt on Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, raises questions about both the Iranian government’s true role in the plot and America’s evolving foreign policy in Iran. Despite growing American fears of Iran’s influence in the West, the U.S. must not act hastily in its response to the attempted attack. Before it decides on a definitive shift in foreign policy, the U.S. must evaluate the impact of a hasty retaliation. In considering its foreign policy options, America must evaluate the … [Read more...]

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Global Zero Summer Institute Here in D.C. Starting This Week!

July 18, 2011 by AIDemocracy Leave a Comment

Are you interested in foreign policy, meeting experts in the field, or preventing a nuclear disaster? On July 20th, 23rd and 25th Global Zero will be hosting a Student Institute at the George Washington University in Washington D.C. Global Zero is an international, non-partisan movement dedicated to achieving the phased and verified elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide. The movement includes more than 300 political, military, business, faith and civic leaders as well as hundreds of thousands of citizens. Registration is FREE. Please … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blog, Partners Tagged With: foreign policy, military, nuclear, nuclear weapons, students

What do you want to see from the upcoming G8 Summit?

May 25, 2011 by Rachel Merker Leave a Comment

This week, the leaders of the world’s eight most powerful economies—known as the Group of 8 or G8—will meet in Deauville, France, for the 37th annual G8 Summit. The G8, which includes France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada, was initially formed in 1975 to respond to the worldwide recession created by the first oil crisis. Since then, the G8 Summit has been a forum for these nations to come together to address global economic issues. Over time, that discussion has evolved to include matters such as … [Read more...]