Weekly Focus articles are the centerpiece of our analysis. Focusing on a particular topic in politics or public policy, these articles place issues in a historical context, analyzing effects and consequences through to the present day. These articles feature additional source to allow for greater investigation by interested readers.
President Obama approaches the podium. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Jackson.
March 2, 2026
President Obama laid out his vision for combating the spread of terrorism in a major foreign policy and security speech on Wednesday, the second day of the White House’s Summit on Countering Violent Extremism. The President’s remarks, and the sterilized name of the summit itself, both underscored the administration’s explicit and controversial strategy to disassociate religious faith from terrorism in its fight against organizations like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
February 23, 2026
In a recent high profile investigation, Chinese billionaire Liu Han was found guilty of organized crime and murder, resulting in his execution. Liu had been a highly successful businessman and his company primarily focused on mining and telecommunications. However, his business was purportedly run in a mafia-like fashion by illegally monopolizing goods in several areas and terrorizing local businessmen into submission. Liu also had very strong ties to recently-disgraced, former Security Chief of China Zhou Yongkang who is now under investigation. Liu’s execution does not bode well for Zhou’s future.
February 18, 2026
As the world continues to grapple with dramatically lower oil prices, economic and political implications for certain major oil producers are beginning to materialize. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest petroleum exporter, were more prepared for the global downturn than others. Unlike many oil producers, the Saudi’s are capable of running a government deficit for an extended period of time due to extremely large monetary reserves. However, not all oil producers have this luxury, and countries that have a high dependence on oil production have begun to suffer. The countries that have been hit the hardest are not only dependent on oil production, but have pre-existing political tensions that set the condition for unrest and upheaval.
February 5, 2026
The death of Saudi Arabian King Abdullah has prompted a number of glowing eulogies from fellow world leaders, somewhat contradicting the actual record of his reign. On the foreign policy front, Abdullah had close relations with the United States. However, his commitment to fighting terrorism seemed undermined by the House of Saud’s close connection with Wahhabism, the ultra-conservative form of Islam that forms the basis of the country’s laws. The two allies did not always agree: Abdullah wanted the US to attack Iran, and he attempted to stem the tide of the Arab Spring that swept the Middle East and North Africa.
February 2, 2026
During the annual State of the Union Address, President Obama outlined a detailed tax reform plan as part of a major policy push to support the middle class. Although it is not a complete tax overhaul, it would constitute a significant reallocation of tax burdens through closing a series of loopholes, raising certain rates, and creating new taxes altogether. However, Democrats will be quick to point out that it is not a tax hike, as the plan also calls for creating new loopholes with the newly generated revenue.
