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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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The Sad Decline of the ICRC

by Elliott Abrams January 21, 2025

Once the model international organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did precisely nothing for Israeli hostages. The United States should review why it is contributing over $600 million.

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Human Rights
Why Amnesty International Suspended Its Israel Branch
The Israel Branch of Amnesty International has been suspended by Amnesty's top brass for the crime of asserting Amnesty's calumnies against Israel are false.
Post by Elliott Abrams January 7, 2025 Pressure Points
Donald Trump
Donald Trump and the Houthis
The Biden administration has played defense against the Houthis. It's time to make their weapons supplier, Iran, pay a price for attacks on the U.S. Navy.
Post by Elliott Abrams January 3, 2025 Pressure Points
U.S. Foreign Policy
Mitch McConnell's Foreign Policy Wisdom
Sen. Mitch McConnell has an important new article in Foreign Affairs (January-February 2025 issue) entitled “The Price of American Retreat: Why Washington Must Reject Isolationism and Embrace Primacy.”
Post by Elliott Abrams December 16, 2024 Pressure Points
  • Venezuela
    Falling for Maduro’s Lobbyists
    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. 
    Post by Elliott Abrams November 28, 2024 Pressure Points
  • 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.
    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.
    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.
    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. 
    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.
    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.
    Post by Elliott Abrams October 11, 2024 Pressure Points