- Pakistan Faces Debt Restructuring Challenges
Pakistan faces fundamental issues in restructuring its debt under the IMF’s Common Framework, as its foreign debts exceed its capacity to pay. A compelling case has been made for Pakistan to restructure its external debts since it lacks sufficient reserves and faces a looming debt burden it cannot sustain. (Brad W. Setser, Council on Foreign Relations)
- Democratic Split over Israel-Hamas War
There is a growing democratic split over the Israel-Hamas war, which is about to spill onto the US House floor. President Biden’s initial response to the war sparked some of the harshest criticism from his party’s progressives and people of color. (Justin Green, Axios)
- FBI Warns of Increased Risk of Terrorist Attacks
The FBI has warned of a higher risk of attacks by radicalized individuals and small cells, involving mass stabbings/shootings, likely to increase further as the Israel-Gaza war continues. (FBI Sit Rep)
- Hamas-Israel War Derails Regional De-Escalation
The Hamas-Israel war has derailed regional de-escalation but not destroyed it. Israel should not expect public support from its Arab partners. Additionally, Washington’s strong support for Israel has raised the public cost of moderate Arab states’ strategic alignment with the US. (Brandon Friedman, Foreign Policy Research Institute)
- Israel’s Goal of Destroying Hamas Doubtful
Even if Israel succeeds in its goal of destroying Hamas, post-Hamas Gaza governance remains uncertain. Possible options include the Palestinian Authority or an interim administration run by the UN and Arab states, who might not be willing to serve as Gaza’s white knight. (Daniel R DePetris, Royal United Services Institute)
- BRI is more Than Just an Infrastructure Project
There is a more farsighted aspect to the Belt and Road Initiative: the project endeavors to increased Chinese diplomatic influence, stimulate growth internally and externally, and help to situate China at the center of a new global economy that will characterize trade flows for decades, if not centuries. (Zachary Fillingham, Geopolitical Monitor)