Pompeo’s Silence Creates a ‘Crisis of Morale’ at State Department
“The rank and file are very disturbed by the inability, the refusal, of the secretary of state to defend his own people,” says former diplomat Nicholas Burns.
Articles That Had an Impact
From the State Department to the U.N. to Turkey, India, and Pakistan, Foreign Policy’s reporting helped make a difference.
A Rocky Year for U.S. Diplomacy
Whether it was confrontations with Iran and China or the never-ending Ukraine imbroglio, 2019 was a tumultuous year for American foreign policy.
U.S. to Ramp Up Counterterrorism Efforts in Sahel Region
Despite years of U.S. and international efforts to fight terrorism in the area, extremist groups are gaining ground.
Turkey Pitches Plan to Settle 1 Million Refugees in Northern Syria
Questions arise as to whether Erdogan’s $26 billion megaproject is intended to clear his border of Kurds.
State Department Outlines Dramatic Scale-Down of U.S. Presence in Iraq
Critics say the move will open the door to increased Iranian influence and worsen Iraq’s slide into chaos.
Will Anyone Pay for Uncle Sam’s World Expo Pavilion?
A last-ditch scramble by Trump’s chief diplomat reveals frictions with Congress over how the State Department spends its money.
Russia Proposes Moving U.N. Meetings to Europe
Protesting U.S. visa delays for United Nations-based Russian diplomats, Moscow says some U.N. meetings should be held in Geneva or Vienna.
U.S. Bureaucratic Blunder Could Cost Somalia Desperately Needed Debt Relief
U.S. ambassador considers resigning over the issue, which could harm U.S. anti-terrorism mission and aid programs there, officials say.
Trump Administration Blocks Another Critic from Speaking Abroad
The Denmark incident reveals how skittish the U.S. State Department has become when engaging with experts who have criticized the president’s policies.
Senior Democratic Senator Demands Answers on Pompeo Call Clampdown
Menendez accuses Trump administration of obscuring communications with foreign leaders in wake of impeachment inquiry.
State Clamps Down on Officials Joining Pompeo’s Calls
A Democratic lawmaker says the lack of transparency and record-keeping will keep the public in the dark.
Pompeo’s Departure Is Restoring the State Department’s Swagger
The U.S. secretary of state appears to have one foot out the door—and that’s exactly what U.S. diplomats have been waiting for.
With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus
The bipartisan House move seeks to bolster support for U.S. diplomats as Ukraine impeachment inquiry puts heat on the foreign service.
Diplomats Who Testified in Impeachment Inquiry Get Lifeline Through Legal Fund
Donors across the United States have provided more than a quarter of a million dollars so far.
State Department Misled Congress on Ouster of Ukraine Ambassador
A new trove of State Department emails sheds fresh light on events surrounding the impeachment inquiry.
U.S. Diplomacy’s ‘Gordon Problem’ Goes Way Beyond Gordon Sondland
With the ambassador’s headline-making testimony, the Ukraine impeachment inquiry shed unprecedented light on the difference between political appointees and career diplomats.
Pompeo Thrust Into Impeachment Spotlight
The secretary of state takes flak from both chambers on Capitol Hill as his nominee for deputy gets grilled as well.
Warren’s Plan to Rebuild the State Department Doesn’t Go Far Enough
Adding 8,000 foreign service officers won’t solve America’s diplomatic problems. State needs to prioritize data science, expand strategic planning, and encourage mid-career training, too.
Trump Administration Targeted Career Diplomat, State Watchdog Says
Recent reports reveal a pattern of political retaliation, some without consequences, in Trump’s State Department.
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