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Al Monitor

Al Monitor

Newspaper | United States | Centre-Left

Engagement Insights

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Discussions from Al Monitor

Geopolitics

How might the ongoing conflict in the Middle East affect our country's energy prices and security?

Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war: - Oil prices soar - Oil prices surged 10 percent after Qatar reported "extensive" damage to the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility following Iranian strikes, sparking fears for global energy supplies. The price of European gas also jumped 35 percent after Tehran carried out attacks on Qatar's huge Ras Laffan LNG facility. - Iran warning, Hormuz toll

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Geopolitics

What should the U.S. government's role be in responding to threats made by political leaders?

With a few exceptions, congressional Republicans were silent on Tuesday as the clock ticked down on President Trump's threat to wipe out Iranian civilization unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. Why it matters: Republicans in Congress have shown unwavering loyalty to Trump, and the president's threat against Iran appears to be no exception to the long-standing pattern of limited GOP resistance. Driving the news: Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) said in a post on X that "I do not support the destruction of a "whole civilization." That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America." Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) posted Trump's threat "cannot be excused away as an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations with Iran.""This type of rhetoric is an affront to the ideals our nation has sought to uphold and promote around the world for nearly 250 years. It undermines our long-standing role as a global beacon of freedom and directly endangers Americans both abroad and at home," Murkowski added."The United States does not destroy civilizations. Nor do we threaten to do so as some sort of negotiating tactic," Republican-turned Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley (Calif.) said. Kiley added that Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight of the war. Zoom in: GOP leaders in the House and Senate have not publicly weighed in on Trump's remarks. Congressional Democrats have been sounding the alarm about the threat, with some lawmakers floating impeachment or even removal via the 25th Amendment. The bottom line: Congress has been out of session since March 27, and GOP lawmakers have been able to avoid uncomfortable questions in the Capitol hallways. Some Republicans have welcomed the comments: The official Senate Republicans' X account warned Iranians to take Trump "at his word."

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Geopolitics

How do changes in Saudi oil production and pipeline flow affect our energy supply and prices?

By Enas Alashray and Yomna Ehab CAIRO, April 9 (Reuters) - Attacks on Saudi energy facilities have cut the kingdom's oil production capacity by around 600,000 barrels per day and the throughput on its East-West pipeline by about 700,000 bpd, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Thursday, citing an official source at the energy ministry. The attacks, including previous strikes on some facilities, also disrupted operations at key oil, gas, refining, petrochemical and electricity sites in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Yanbu Industrial City, SPA said

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Geopolitics

What are the potential effects of attacks on journalists in conflict zones on media freedom and public safety?

CAIRO, March 28 (Reuters) - An Israeli strike on a media car in southern Lebanon killed at least two Lebanese broadcast journalists, Lebanon's Al Manar TV reported on Saturday. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reports. (Reporting by Jaidaa Taha, Maya Gebeily and Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Joe Bavier)

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Geopolitics

How can the international community best support civilians affected by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East?

G7 foreign ministers Friday urged a stop to attacks against civilians in the Middle East war and urged Iran to immediately restore freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. A joint statement, released in the name of all G7 members, including the United States, called for "an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure"

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Geopolitics

What are the benefits and challenges of increasing France's defense spending?

By John Irish PARIS, April 8 (Reuters) - France plans to add a further 36 billion euros ($39 billion) to its defence spending between now and 2030 under an updated military planning law that expands its nuclear arsenal and boosts missile and drone stocks. The increase, proposed despite one of the euro zone's biggest budget deficits, reflects mounting security pressures from wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and growing uncertainty over U.S. commitments to NATO under President Donald Trump

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