Author: Michael Shank

What in the World? Pieces of Global Opinion

BBC NEWS 05/07/14 By Michael Shank A review of the best commentary on and around the world… Today’s must-read Yemen A nation in dire need of help – Yemen is facing the seemingly impossible task of trying to build a nation torn apart by an “Arab Spring-like revolution”, writes Michael […]

Civil Society Is Faltering in This Middle East Nation

POLITIX 05/07/14 By Michael Shank Trust is essential for any society to function. If it’s not there, political and economic progress is impossible. That’s exactly what’s happening in Yemen right now. From the public’s perspective in Sana’a where I spent the last week, the transitional government cannot be trusted, nor […]

How to Pull Yemen Back from the Edge

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT 05/06/14 By Michael Shank Yemen needs international support to overcome serious political and economic hurdles. SANAA, YEMEN – Building a nation after an Arab Spring-like revolution isn’t easy, especially when corruption is rampant, the population is starving and the country is running out of water. […]

Dirt on Our Hands

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT 04/29/14 By Michael Shank  and Daniel L. Davis Before allowing pride to further cloud sound judgment in global engagement, it is critical for America to bring back into balance an appropriate recognition of our country’s strengths – and a sober recognition of its weaknesses – […]

Why I’m Going to Yemen

HUFFINGTON POST 04/25/14 By Michael Shank Following on the heels of the “massive and unprecedented” U.S. drone strikes in Yemen this month, which killed scores of Yemenis, I’m headed there for a week’s worth of research. Admittedly, the timing isn’t great as al-Qaeda is likely keen to counter the Obama […]

Experts to Analyze Ukraine Crisis, Crimea Conflict

MASON NEWS 04/21/14 By Buzz McClain The drama of the conflict in Crimea comes to Arlington on April 23 when representatives from Ukraine and Russia share the stage during a program called “Beyond Crimea: The Evolution of the Crisis in Ukraine.” The April 23 forum will include — in addition […]

How to Resolve the Crisis in Ukraine

CDN 04/18/14 By Michael Shank WASHINGTON, April 18, 2014 — The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) urges Congress, the Obama administration and policymakers throughout the European Union to adopt  policies toward the Ukraine crisis that deescalate the conflict while providing a constructive path forward. The diplomatic deal struck this […]

Ukraine Diplomatic Deal: Necessary Next Steps

HUFFINGTON POST 04/17/14 By Michael Shank The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) urges Congress, the Obama administration and policymakers throughout the European Union to adopt policies toward the Ukraine crisis that deescalate the conflict while providing a constructive path forward. The diplomatic deal struck this week by diplomats from […]

The Dangers of Soft Power

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT 04/14/14 By Michael Shank The United States Department of Defense used it recently in Yemen and Pakistan. The U.S. State Department is using it right now in Afghanistan and Nigeria. The U.S. Agency for International Development used it in the last elections in Kenya. It’s […]