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Pressure Points

Elliott Abrams discusses U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the Middle East and democracy and human rights.

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Falling for Maduro’s Lobbyists

by Elliott Abrams November 28, 2024

Lobbyists seeking closer relations between the United States and the repressive Maduro regime in Venezuela are advancing their own interests in agreements that would damage the United States. 

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Israel
Sharon, Netanyahu, and the Lebanon Deal
Israel must act firmly to enforce the Lebanon agreement or it will collapse within months--and only Israel can be expected to enforce it.
Blog Post by Elliott Abrams November 27, 2024 Pressure Points
Australia
Australia, New Zealand, and Israel: Elections Have (Good and Bad) Consequences                           
While New Zealand's new government has taken a harder line against terrorist groups in the Middle East, Australia's has instead taken a harder line against Israel.
Blog Post by Elliott Abrams November 22, 2024 Pressure Points
United Nations
Guterres Shamefully Meets with Putin and Lukashenko
United Nations Secretary General Guterres went out of his way to travel to Kazan, Russia and meet with Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, bringing shame on his office.
Blog Post by Elliott Abrams October 25, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Lebanon
    Where is the Lebanese Zelensky, Part II
    My recent blog post "Where is the Lebanese Zelensky" elicited an interesting response suggesting that it is international support, not Lebanese voices opposing Hezbollah, that's missing today. 
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams October 18, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Lebanon
    Where is the Lebanese Zelensky?
    Lebanon may have an opportunity to escape from Hezbollah domination now, but only if Lebanese political leaders show courage that has thus far been missing.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams October 17, 2024 Pressure Points
  • U.S. Foreign Policy
    Empty Embassies
    The United States has dozens of vacant ambassadorial posts, largely because the Senate holds nominees in limbo for years. The system for appointing and confirming ambassadors is broken.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams October 11, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Venezuela
    What is the Real U.S. Policy on Venezuela?
    Despite the Biden administration's tough words about democracy in Venezuela, oil exports from that country to the United States are growing and Chevron's license was just renewed again.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams October 5, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Argentina
    Truth-Telling at Turtle Bay
    The speech by Argentina's President Javier Milei to the U.N. General Assembly was a rare and memorable case of truth-telling about the United Nations.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams October 2, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Human Rights
    A Conservative Human Rights Agenda
    The conservative human rights agenda developed by the Reagan administration offers useful lessons on how the United States can successfully promote democracy and human rights today.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams September 30, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Venezuela
    Time to Revoke the Licenses Permitting U.S. Oil Companies to Work in Venezuela
    General License 41 was promulgated by Treasury to help democracy in Venezuela. That has failed, and  the lack of transparency under Venezuelan law obscures facts that should be in the public record.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams September 26, 2024 Pressure Points