WPR Articles Monday, Aug. 10, 2015 - Friday, Aug. 14, 2015

Angola’s Opposition Questions dos Santos’ Opaque China Deals

By: Francisco Galamas | Briefing

Last month, members of the main opposition party in Angola boycotted a vote in parliament on a private investment law because of transparency concerns. The rare display of dissent against President Eduardo dos Santos raised questions about recent loans from China and Angola’s economic ties with Beijing.

What the ‘Japan Option’ Tells Us About Iran’s Nuclear Prospects

By: Ellen Laipson | Column

Many observers suspect that Iran aspires to the “Japan option” for its nuclear program, combining the technical ability to build nuclear weapons with domestic and international prohibitions on doing so. If so, the history of Japan’s nuclear program offers insights into what to expect from Iran.

India, Thailand Taking Steps to Expand Ties

By: The Editors | Trend Lines

Last month, India and Thailand signed a series of agreements, including a tax avoidance deal and extradition treaty. In an email interview, Pongphisoot Busbarat, a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asia Institute, discussed India-Thailand relations.

Trial of Argentina’s Menem Last Hope for Justice in AMIA Case

By: Frida Ghitis | Column

A trial opened last week in Argentina focused on the deadly 1994 AMIA terrorist attack. When it ends, the one thing is certain: The killers will not be punished—they are not even on trial. Instead, Argentines might have a better understanding of why justice for the attack remains beyond reach.

Mexico’s Education Dispute Reflects Wider Obstacles to Reform

By: Paul Imison | Briefing

The ongoing fight over education reform in Mexico has often resembled a popular uprising rather than a labor dispute. Its main obstacles are the same ones holding back President Enrique Pena Nieto’s other ambitious but stalled reforms: corruption, patronage networks and the troublingly weak rule of law.

Border Dispute With Venezuela Takes Toll on Guyana’s Economy

By: The Editors | Trend Lines

Last month, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro formally requested that the U.N. mediate its long-standing border dispute with Guyana. In an email interview, Mark Kirton, senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, discussed Guyana’s relations with Venezuela and the impact of the territorial dispute on ties.

In Global Hot Spots, Mitigating Conflict May Be Best U.N. Can Do

By: Richard Gowan | Column

The U.N. was founded to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” But today, its goal often seems to be to make the scourge of war a little bit less dreadful. From Syria to South Sudan, the U.N. is currently focused on mitigating and containing conflicts rather than solving them.

Getting to Maybe: Next Steps in Normalizing U.S.-Cuba Relations

By: William M. LeoGrande | Feature

The re-establishment of diplomatic relations on July 20 concluded the first stage of the dialogue to normalize U.S.-Cuba ties. But myriad issues still divide the two governments, some of which are already under discussion, some of which are not and some of which can only be resolved by the U.S. Congress.

Japan Makes Three: India, U.S. Trilateralize Malabar Naval Drills

By: J. Berkshire Miller | Briefing

Last month, after years of hedging on the issue, India agreed to include Japan as a permanent participant in its annual Malabar naval exercises with the United States—a turning point for India’s role in the region, and also for the development of the trilateral relationship between the U.S., Japan and India.

Philippines Modernizing Navy to Counter Regional Threats

By: The Editors | Trend Lines

Last month, Australia gifted the Philippines navy two landing craft to help with the navy’s modernization and improve its ability to respond to natural disasters. In an email interview, Eric Wertheim, a defense consultant and author of “Combat Fleets of the World,” discussed the Philippines navy.

Party Divide on Use of Force Resurfaces in Iran Deal Debate

By: Michael A. Cohen | Column

Last week, President Barack Obama laid out his argument for supporting the Iran nuclear deal. But beyond that, Obama’s speech did something with even greater implications. It drew a sharp contrast between Democrats and Republicans on a much broader national security issue: the use of military force.

United Arab Emirates Raises the Stakes in Yemen, but to What End?

By: Peter Salisbury | Briefing

Surprising observers as much as Saudi Arabia had when it launched a campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen in March, the United Arab Emirates put troops on the ground in southern Yemen this month. But how long is the UAE willing to leave troops there, and do Riyadh and Abu Dhabi share the same goals?

Fallout From 1MDB Scandal Hits Malaysia’s Economy Hardest

By: Joshua Kurlantzick | Briefing

Since reports last month that Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund had allegedly transferred up to $700 million into the personal accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak, Malaysia’s normally placid politics have exploded. The scandal is now affecting Malaysia’s economy and distracting Najib from foreign affairs.

Sassou’s Power Grab in Republic of Congo Could Reignite Violence

By: Karina Piser | Trend Lines

Despite criticism from opponents, Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is seeking to amend his country’s constitution to allow him to seek a third term. While Sassou’s grip on the army means he will likely be able to force through the change, the risk of a return to violence cannot be ignored.

As Celebrity Pundits Rise, U.S. National Security Policy Suffers

By: Steven Metz | Column

A glance at the most popular sources of news today shows that celebrity status now equals political influence. This affects all aspects of American politics but is particularly true in the realm of national security, where policy debates are dumbed down, and complexity and ambiguity have faded away.