Presidents

• A new book examines the nearly 80-year history and growth of the pro-Israel lobby, describing it as the most powerful foreign policy lobby in U.S. history. • The authors argue that from Harry Truman to Donald Trump, most U.S. presidents have succumbed to the lobby's demands due to fears of domestic political defeat. • This influence is cited as a primary reason why presidents have abandoned foreign policies that their senior advisers believed were in the best interests of the United States.

Chief Iranian negotiator says key waterway will ‘not return to prewar conditions’ after 60-day window; both sides sign memorandum of understanding extending truceReaction: Donald Trump’s Iran deal met with anger, relief and incredulityAnalysis: Trump’s Iran deal is result of unrealistic ambitions for an untenable warPakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said earlier in the day that the agreement between the US and Iran agreement was taking “immediate effect” after being signed by both sides.He said on social media that “as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade”. Continue reading...

Cuts to family planning aid are linked to an 11% increase in deaths during pregnancy and childbirth in some countriesWhen Republican presidents win power in the US there is a stark consequence for many pregnant woman around the world – a significant rise in maternal mortality as aid is withdrawn, a new study has found.Global family planning aid typically drops under Republican presidents and then rises again by 48% once Democratic presidents are elected, the research, published in BMJ Global Health, finds. Continue reading...