Marcus Aurelius Commentary

Quiet Diplomacy

Beijing is under a lot of pressure to stop defending North Korea. But is it lashing Pyongyang behind the scenes?

Kim III

Pyongyang’s nuclear antics are prompted by domestic turmoil, not schemes for global domination. While the West frets over proliferation, Kim Jong-il is worrying about his heir.

Forgetting Pyongyang

Kim Jong-il loves attention. Instead of going into crisis mode whenever he throws a temper tantrum, we should ignore him—while quietly reminding the Chinese that a nuclear-armed North isn’t in their interest.

Et Tu, Joe?

President Obama wants to “reset” our relations with Russia. But he could be sabotaged by skeptics in Congress—and Joe Biden.

When Bibi Met Barack

President Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu papered over policy differences at their meeting. But as America demands progress on Palestine and negotiates with Iran, will our relations with Israel be as cheery in the future?

Pyramid Schemes

Obama’s speech in Cairo will only lend credibility to a dictatorial regime and hamper his quest for a fresh start with the Muslim world.

Right-and Wrong

The GOP has made demonizing the world and defending torture its shibboleths. If it wants to curb Obama’s foreign policy, it needs a new approach.

Hamid & Asif's Excellent Adventure

While the Afghan and Pakistani presidents have photo-ops with President Obama, their people are coming to see them as little more than stooges for America.

Rangoon's Renaissance

Burma has recovered from the disastrous cyclone that ravaged it a year ago. That wouldn’t be the case if we had decided to invade the country.

Triple Threat

Instead of squabbling over trade and deficit issues, America, Japan and China should work together by creating a trilateral forum.

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May 21, 2013