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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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Will the United States Boost Maduro in Venezuela’s Election?

by Elliott Abrams June 2, 2024

A forced sale of CITGO oil company just days before Venezuela's July 28 presidential election would be a propaganda bonanza for the Maduro regime, and should be delayed by the United States government. Read More

Venezuela
U.S. Policy Toward Venezuela Takes a Body Blow
Biden administration policy toward Venezuela was based on negotiating regime political concessions in exchange for lifting sanctions. But repression is growing and the policy is failing.
Blog Post by Elliott Abrams July 10, 2023 Pressure Points
Middle East and North Africa
The Missing U.S. Ambassadors in the Middle East
The United States may soon be without ambassadors in Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. 
Blog Post by Elliott Abrams July 5, 2023 Pressure Points
Israel
The Biden Administration Ends Support for Research in the West Bank
The Biden administration decision to bar U.S. support for Israeli research institutions in the West Bank achieves nothing for Palestinians or for U.S. policy goals.
Blog Post by Elliott Abrams June 27, 2023 Pressure Points
  • Israel
    The Netanyahu Invitation and West Bank Settlement Expansion
    By refusing to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House, the Biden administration is foolishly strengthening the very forces it most often criticizes in the Israeli government.
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams June 26, 2023 Pressure Points
  • China
    Did Prigozhin Just Save Taiwan?
    Might the revolt by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner group teach Xi Jinping the lesson that invasions are too uncertain and risky, and lead him away from invading Taiwan? 
    Blog Post by Elliott Abrams June 25, 2023 Pressure Points