On August 2, 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which significantly expands U.S. sanctions against Russia while enacting modest new sanctions on Iran and North Korea.
Energy Geopolitics
New Law Marks Significant Increase In US Sanctions On Russia, Stays The Course On Iran, North Korea
By JAIMIE BOUCHER, EYTAN FISCH, WILLIAM SWEET, JR. | SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLPSign up and get Breaking Energy news in your inbox.
We will never sell or share your information without your consent. See our privacy policy.What To Expect From The State Department’s Annual Counterterrorism Report
By Matthew Levitt, Katherine Bauer, and Aaron Y. Zelin
Areas of focus will likely include a damaged but still dangerous Islamic State, a regrouping al-Qaeda, and the wide network fielded by Iran and its proxy Hezbollah. The U.S. Department of State is expected on July 19 to release its annual counterterrorism report, which will look back at the global terrorist threat and the response… Keep reading →
The Ceasefire And U.S. Interests On The Jordan-Syria Border
By David Schenker
By setting limits on Iranian deployments in southern Syria, Washington could insulate Jordan from problems on the border and encourage Iranian caution in the east, potentially decreasing the likelihood there of a U.S.-Iran clash. If the U.S.-Russia-Jordan ceasefire agreement announced July 7 for southwest Syria holds, it would be an important new development in the… Keep reading →
Senate Passes Russia And Iran Sanctions Legislation
By THAD MCBRIDE, CHERYL PALMERI | BASS, BERRY & SIMS PLC
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill mandating sanctions against Russia and Iran and a 30-day congressional review period should the president attempt to reduce those sanctions.
Whatever the two leaders discuss at the G20 summit, the Trump administration must work urgently to develop a new Syria strategy that articulates a clear vision for the country’s future and the U.S. readiness to protect it. On July 7, U.S. president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin will meet on the sidelines of… Keep reading →
Washington should back the winning side, represented by the new crown prince, but it must also be mindful of shifting family dynamics and tread carefully. The appearance of a smooth switch in crown princes last week is at odds with reports that the former heir apparent is now under armed guard, confined to his palace… Keep reading →
Gulf Crisis With Qatar Challenges The United States
By Simon Henderson
Extremely tough conditions set by Saudi Arabia and the UAE for resolving the diplomatic rift with Qatar could force Washington to choose sides in the crisis. The list of thirteen demands to which Qatar must respond within ten days appears to reflect longstanding desires — although not publicly stated until very recently — by Riyadh… Keep reading →
Washington should avoid the appearance of taking sides in the rivalry between the Saudi crown prince and his younger cousin, the deputy crown prince. A profusion of royal decrees on June 17 appears to have further marginalized Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef and confirms the political ascendancy of King Salman’s son Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad… Keep reading →
Resetting U.S.-Gulf Ties: Beyond Summits And Arms Sales
By Michael Eisenstadt
A sustainable reset will require greater consultation prior to policy initiatives, a greater willingness among GCC states to work together, and a U.S. willingness to reassume a leadership role by fashioning security policy frameworks for its partners. President Trump’s attendance at the recent summits in Riyadh was a first step toward resetting relations with America’s… Keep reading →
Growing Risk Of International Confrontation In The Syrian Desert
By Fabrice Balanche
Various players have been rushing to secure their spot in former Islamic State strongholds that will be strategically important to the next phase of the war. Note: Click on map for high-resolution version. The May 18 U.S. airstrike on pro-regime forces heading for Syria’s southern al-Tanf border crossing marks a turning point in the war.… Keep reading →
