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When War and Peace Collide

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April 24, 2025 - Earlier today, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged responsibility for a March 19th tank strike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, that tragically resulted in the death of a Bulgarian aid worker affiliated with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and injuries to nine others. According to the IDF, the strike was based on a misidentification during a high-pressure operational environment. The site, later identified as a U.N. guesthouse, was not recognized as such at the time of the incident. The situation underscores the extraordinary challenges that arise in densely populated conflict zones, where both military and humanitarian actors operate under difficult and often unclear conditions. The IDF has committed to investigating the circumstances and improving procedures to avoid similar outcomes in the future. International organizations, including the United Nations, have voiced concern over the growing risks to humanitarian personnel in conflict areas. I...
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Addressing Economic Barriers to Strengthen Our Future

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April 17, 2025 - There’s nothing more American than the belief that if you work hard, you should be able to build a better life. Yet today, millions of our fellow citizens are doing everything right—working long hours, raising families, serving their communities—and still find themselves stuck in cycles of hardship that threaten their dignity and potential. A recent Forbes article by Aisha Nyandoro highlights a reality that too many Americans know firsthand: for far too long poverty in our country doesn’t just mean earning less, it often means paying more. From inflated fees and fines to limited access to affordable services, low-income Americans face obstacles that make it difficult to move forward, no matter how determined or disciplined they are. This isn’t just a financial problem. It’s a test of our national character. When hardworking Americans are punished by the very systems meant to support them, it’s time to take a step back and ask: are we living up to our founding promise...
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The World's Supply of Soft Drinks, Candy, and Face Creams Depend on the Outcome in Sudan

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April 10, 2025 - Today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held a hearing concerning allegations made by Sudan related to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in West Darfur. While legal proceedings continue, the larger issue at hand is clear: rising instability in Sudan has created ripple effects with global consequences, from displacement and violence to serious disruptions in trade and economic cooperation. Since 2023, over 24,000 lives have been lost and more than 14 million people displaced in the region. But this crisis isn’t just a distant tragedy it has a direct impact on American businesses and supply chains. Why Stability in Sudan Matters to the U.S. Economy Sudan plays a strategic role in global trade, particularly through the export of essential goods like gum Arabic, a key ingredient used by American companies in soft drinks (like Coke and Pepsi), candies (like M&Ms and Gummy Bears) snack bars (like Clif Bar and Nature Valley) multivitamins, cough syrups, face creams,...
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Why U.S. Leadership in Crisis Response Matters More Than Ever

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April 2, 2025 - A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, claiming over 2,700 lives and leaving thousands more injured or displaced. In a nation already burdened by civil conflict since 2021, the disaster triggered a rare and temporary ceasefire—scheduled to last until April 22—as both government and opposition forces shift focus toward emergency response. This humanitarian emergency lays bare a sobering reality: while natural disasters are sudden, the devastation they cause is often worsened by long-standing challenges like poverty, political instability, and underdeveloped infrastructure. In Myanmar’s case, access to clean water is dangerously limited, health systems are overwhelmed, and many rural areas remain unreachable. In these moments, the ability to respond quickly and effectively, often with international support, can make the difference between stability and chaos. But it’s not about the U.S. footing the bill. American leadership in global development ...
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Peace Through Strength: The Case for Safe and Strategic Humanitarian Access

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March 27, 2025 - Across global conflict zones, humanitarian workers are risking their lives to provide food, medical care, and critical supplies. In the Middle East, Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, and beyond, escalating violence has made it increasingly difficult for aid organizations to safely operate putting vulnerable civilians at risk and threatening long-term regional stability. In recent weeks, reports from aid organizations like the World Food Programme warn of growing shortages in the Middle East that could leave tens of thousands without essential food in a matter of weeks. Tragically, even humanitarian convoys have come under fire, and multiple aid workers working under respected, internationally recognized groups such as the World Central Kitchen have been killed or gone missing. This is not about assigning blame or taking sides in a complex conflict. Rather, this is about reaffirming a universal principle: humanitarian workers must be protected, and life-saving aid for ...
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War and Peace: A Delicate Balancing Act

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March 20, 2025 - This week, Hamas ended a temporary ceasefire with a barrage of rocket attacks on Israeli territory, an act of aggression that shattered a fragile calm. In response, Israel launched military operations targeting Hamas strongholds, including in Beit Lahia and Rafah. Civilian casualties have unfortunately risen, as is often the case when terrorist groups embed themselves within population centers, using civilians as shields. The loss of innocent lives is tragic, and it underscores the complexity of ensuring peace while holding violent actors accountable. Terrorism Thrives Where Opportunity Dies This conflict is a stark reminder of a deeper, global truth: where poverty and despair take root, extremism often follows. The situation in Gaza is not just a humanitarian concern, it’s a national security issue. Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic services create the perfect storm for radical groups like Hamas to recruit, entrench themselves, and destabilize regions. Long-...
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How U.S. Global Engagement Pays Off at Home

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  March 14, 2025 - As the U.S. government looks to optimize its budget and focus on priorities, the proposed adjustments to the 2025 International Affairs Budget, which includes critical programs like the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), present an important opportunity to rethink how global investments can align with American interests. While these adjustments reflect a desire for fiscal responsibility, it’s essential to consider how strategic foreign aid can strengthen both American economic growth and national security. Strategic Investment for Stability and Security In Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee settlement for Rohingya refugees is facing a dire situation, with food rations slashed and aid dwindling. With cuts to international aid, the humanitarian conditions worsen, pushing vulnerable populations into even more desperate circumstances. While the situation is heartbreaking, it also highlights the broader reality: when global instability arises, ...
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