Israel’s Netanyahu delays judicial reform after mass protests
The prime minister said he wants to “avoid civil war through dialogue.” Powered by WPeMatico
Biden finds his limits on Israel
The political crisis engulfing Israel is exposing the limits of American influence on the country — limits that are, to some degree, self-imposed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to overhaul Israel’s judiciary is the most direct cause of the recent chaos — prompting huge protests and strikes, with even Israeli military members speaking out in opposition. Netanyahu’s goal: make changes to Israel’s judicial system that would, among other things, let Israeli lawmakers override court rulings — a move that…
The military’s blame game over the Chinese spy balloon spills into the open
A disagreement between top military leaders as to why the U.S. didn’t instantly shoot down the Chinese spy balloon as soon as it appeared on radar in late January has spilled into public view — and the GOP is seizing on it. Last week, a four-star general told senators that he wasn’t directly asked for his advice until days after the object had headed over land. Yet a Pentagon spokesperson later told POLITICO the general did provide recommendations and updates…
Ottawa hangover: After triumph of Biden visit, reality bites back at Trudeau
OTTAWA — Ottawa’s cocktail scene creates some surreal partymates. Once Air Force One was wheels up from the Canadian capital Friday night, Justin Trudeau headed to an invite-only afterparty joined by plenty of people who are hurrying to end his longish run as prime minister. Trudeau may have scored plenty of wins and lots of photo ops during Biden’s two-day visit. But the afterglow already looks to be fading for a third-term government mired in controversy, blamed for cost of…
Putin is trying to distract with fresh nuclear threat, Western officials say
U.S. and European officials do not believe Vladimir Putin intends to transfer tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus anytime soon, according to three senior officials involved in diplomatic conversations about Moscow’s recent threat. Putin announced on Saturday that he planned to send the battlefield weapons across the border to store in a facility that is under construction and would be ready in July. If such a shipment happened, it would mark the first time Russia’s nuclear weapons have existed outside of…
Harris seeks to reset U.S.-Africa relations on 3-nation tour
ACCRA, Ghana — For Vice President Kamala Harris’ first trip in office to Africa, the goal is nothing less than the resetting of relations between the United States and the countries she’s scheduled to visit. Fearful that China has gained a huge economic foothold on the continent, the Biden administration is trying to not just loosen that grip but encourage more American businesses to invest in African nations. Harris’ arrival Sunday marks the latest, most high-profile effort to achieve those…
Biden’s FAA nominee bows out, after senators waver
President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration withdrew his nomination on Saturday evening, following nine months in limbo and amid concerns from senators in both parties over his background and relative lack of aviation experience. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg tweeted late Saturday that Phil Washington, the CEO of Denver International Airport, has decided to take himself out of the running. “The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington’s transportation & military experience made him an excellent…
Israel’s leaders must find compromise on legislation that is tearing country apart, White House says
The White House on Sunday urged “Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible,” as widespread unrest broke out in Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister for objecting to judicial reforms that Netanyahu is seeking to enact. “We are deeply concerned by today’s developments out of Israel, which further underscore the urgent need for compromise,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. “As the President recently discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu,…
Senate’s new budget boss is also a climate hawk
There’s a sharp-elbowed progressive atop the Senate Budget Committee, with big ideas about corporate greed, the environment and shaking up Washington. And it isn’t Bernie Sanders. No, it’s Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Islander who’s notorious for skewering Republicans (while quietly working with them) and challenging Democratic leadership every two years to give up their gavels. Not to mention the hundreds of “Time to Wake Up” speeches he’s given on climate change. Don’t forget “The Scheme,” a book and oratory series…
Crypto sector sees an existential moment in the U.S.
Crypto businesses have warned for months that the Biden administration is quietly moving to push them out of the U.S. Now, with the collapse of three crypto-friendly banks, they say the evidence is piling up. The Federal Reserve and other top regulators are cautioning banks about crypto’s risks. The SEC is threatening to sue the largest digital asset exchange. And White House officials recently questioned whether digital tokens had any “fundamental value.” The $1 trillion crypto industry is going on…