150 House Democrats Bolster Obama’s Position on Iran Deal

By Jim Lobe Thursday’s release of a letter signed by 150 House Democrats makes it significantly more likely that a nuclear deal negotiated between the P5+1 and Iran will survive a congressional challenge.

The Politics of AIPAC’s Anti-Iran-Diplomacy Letters

by Marsha B. Cohen Mitch McConnell did it, Harry Reid didn’t. Elizabeth Warren did it, Bernie Sanders didn’t. Al Franken did it, Tom Coburn didn’t. I’m referring to the signing of the latest letter, crafted by the American Israel Public… Continue Reading

Recess Appointments and The Politics of Diplomacy

All four of the ambassadors who received recess appointments from President Obama were considered fully qualified by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who approved their nominations and sent them to the full Senate for confirmation. All have been kept from taking up their diplomatic posts on by unilateral actions on the part of one or two senators, who prevented their appointments from reaching the Senate floor for the votes that almost certainly would have confirmed them. Continue Reading