Human and energy security get elevated. USAID (and within it the Office of Transition Initiatives) gains. Conflict prevention and response get more focus and a dedicated bureau within State (which might in future absorb OTI?) Ambassadors get more authority and responsibility. Planning gets a push.
AID and State both get promises of more staff (but what about those budget constraints?). Innovation, partnerships, outcomes, government officials,and regionalization are all in, contractors and outputs are out.
Bottom line: it’s prettier and easier to read than most government reports, but it is going to be a while before we understand what is really important, if anything, and what isn’t.
President Trump’s decision to kill the Iran nuclear deal was an obvious failure. Lack of…
As I prepare to leave Kyiv Wednesday, here are notes on issues not covered in…
Western appeasement would be a serious mistake. Ending Putin's threat to Ukraine will prevent war…
Whatever the strengths and weaknesses on the Ukrainian side, Moscow will not implement whatever it…
We shouldn't expect world class museums, performances, and universities. When we find them, they merit…
I'll be speaking at the Kyiv School of Economics Monday, also via Zoom. Please join:…