Washington Watch Articles From 2026
Marco Rubio’s Paean to White Christian Nationalism
In the days following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s February speech to the Munich Security Conference, the press reviews were glowing. Unlike President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance—both of whom had delivered remarks before European fora using “insulting,” “harsh,” or “threatening” language—Rubio was praised for his “respectful tone” that eased the concerns of America’s European allies.
The Impact on the Many Fronts of This War Will Continue
The costs associated with any war—losses of lives, treasure, and security—are to be expected. And so it is with the US-Israel war on Iran. It was unnecessary. It has been massive. And it has been waged without any clear objective or strategic purpose. Though only a few weeks old, and still too early to project how it will play out, early signs of this war’s costs and consequences are worrisome.
Beware of War’s Unintended Consequences
In February 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell went to the United Nations to present the George W. Bush administration’s case against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. His remarks were directed at two audiences: reluctant allies and unconvinced Americans.
What Jesse Jackson Did for Arab Americans & Palestine
Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away last week, was a larger-than-life figure who made enormous and consequential contributions to American life. He registered millions of voters laying the groundwork for a substantial increase in the number of Black elected officials across the country.
Trump’s Venezuela Gambit
President Trump might be popping corks to toast what he called “one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.” Celebrations, however, are premature. In reality, the assault on Venezuela and the kidnapping and transfer of President Maduro to New York to stand trial in US court are by no means a done deal. On closer scrutiny, more questions than answers are apparent