Who will replace Josette Sheeran? If history is any guide, it will be someone who has previously served under either President Obama or has a history of involvement with the Democratic party.
Presumably, after serving several years in various top positions in Washington, Leon Panetta understands how the imbalance between defense and civilian national resources undermines American long term security interests. But I do wonder if he'll be as forceful an advocate for the cause as Robert Gates.
You can tell that Libya is a top priority 0f the Obama administration because they are not spending this week patting themselves on the back for passing a strongly worded resolution. Rather, the Obama administration is doing the hard and often overlooked work of making sure the resolution is effectively enforced.
The Palestinians have forwarded a Security Council resolution condemning new Israeli settlement activity. The resolution clearly reflects American position on the settlement issue, but will the Americans veto it anyway?
Brookings Institution China Center Director Kenneth Lieberthal explains what will be driving the discussion between the United States and China.It is disappointing, though not unexpected, that human rights issues are sidelined.
The prosecutor of the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon has issued long-awaited indictments for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Harriri. This is a big enough deal that President Obama issued a statement late on a Monday evening.
The most famous former United States Ambassador to the United Nations (hint: he was a Republican president) is supporting the nomination of Joseph M. Torsella as U.S. Ambassador for Management and Reform. But will the Senate give him an up or down vote?
So now that he is nominated, he should start work any day, right? Wrong. This position requires senate confirmation and this senate has been particularly tough on Obama nominees.
