Letters From the February 20, 2017, Issue Letters From the February 20, 2017, Issue
Cold war, hot takes… Peace as realpolitik… High note … The gratitude cure…
Feb 2, 2017 / Our Readers
Trump Is Just Fine With Harsh Repression in Egypt Trump Is Just Fine With Harsh Repression in Egypt
The regime of dictator Sisi is taking unprecedented measures against political prisoners, but Trump thinks he’s a “fantastic guy.”
Feb 1, 2017 / Sharif Abdel Kouddous
The History of the State Department’s Dissent Channel—and How Trump Is Trying to Squelch It The History of the State Department’s Dissent Channel—and How Trump Is Trying to Squelch It
If the administration continues this crackdown, we may soon find out what a nation without career diplomats looks like.
Feb 1, 2017 / Hannah Gurman
The Friends and Foes of Détente The Friends and Foes of Détente
The January 28 phone conversation between Presidents Trump and Putin signified their quest for a new détente, and its enemies quickly struck back.
Feb 1, 2017 / Stephen F. Cohen
Trump’s Harvest of Shame Trump’s Harvest of Shame
The goal of his Muslim ban is to stampede the public into accepting even more extreme measures in the name of self-defense.
Jan 31, 2017 / William Greider
The Xenophobic Lie Behind Trump’s Ban on Syrian Refugees The Xenophobic Lie Behind Trump’s Ban on Syrian Refugees
Trump isn’t alone in promoting the idea that desperate civilians fleeing the carnage pose a security threat.
Jan 31, 2017 / Joshua Holland
Trump’s Muslim Ban Hurts US Troops and Helps Islamist Extremists Trump’s Muslim Ban Hurts US Troops and Helps Islamist Extremists
The president has enraged Middle Eastern allies who are carrying the brunt of the fight against ISIS.
Jan 30, 2017 / Juan Cole
John Kerry Was One of the Most Significant Secretaries of State in the Last 50 Years John Kerry Was One of the Most Significant Secretaries of State in the Last 50 Years
Can his legacy survive the Trump administration?
Jan 30, 2017 / Stephen Schlesinger
The Liberal, Postwar ‘Order’ Is Dying—and That’s a Good Thing The Liberal, Postwar ‘Order’ Is Dying—and That’s a Good Thing
Decades of unchallenged pre-eminence have left Americans fearful of change but also greatly in need of it.
Jan 25, 2017 / Patrick Lawrence
Don’t Expect Mexico’s Elites to Stand Up to Trump Don’t Expect Mexico’s Elites to Stand Up to Trump
They’re too dependent on US aid, so will have to renegotiate NAFTA on his terms—even though the agreement has done far more damage to Mexico.
Jan 25, 2017 / Greg Grandin