Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 9, 2019

Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE: IRGC's 'Terrorist' Designation Raises U.S. Stakes Over Iran

The U.S. designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) marks the first time Washington has officially used that label on a foreign state institution.

"It underscores the fact that Iran's actions are fundamentally different from those of other governments," U.S. President Donald Trump said in an April 8 statement.

His secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said the move was aimed at increasing pressure on Iran and diverting some of the financial resources it allegedly uses to fund terrorism and militant activities.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 9, 2019

Why Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Was Just Labeled a Terrorist Organization by the U.S. -- Nick Wadhams, Margaret Talev, Fortune/Bloomberg

Trump's latest Iran decision sets a dangerous precedent -- Jonathan Cristol, CNN

Revolutionary Guards: Iran ideological force with major clout -- AFP

Trump Offers Clarity on Iran's Terrorism Aims -- Eli Lake, Bloomberg

Yemen provinces adrift after

Houthis ousted -- Saeed Al-Batati, Asia Times

Is Israel ready for fundamental political change? -- Tania Krämer, DW

What a Difference 16 Years Doesn't Make in Iraq: We Asked the Experts -- Adam Lammon and Carlos Roa, National Interest

Is Saudi Arabia on track to become a nuclear power? -- France 24

What does the battle for Tripoli mean for Libya and the region? -- Patrick Wintour, The Guardian

West’s favorite strongman set to take Libya -- Vijay Prashad, Asia Times

Voting and loathing in South Africa -- Tafi Mhaka, Al Jazeera

America’s latest ‘red scare’ is overblown. China is not intent on world domination -- Tom Plate, SCMP

Moon’s mission impossible: To get Trump to ease sanctions -- Andrew Salmon, Asia Times

A Battle for India’s Soul -- Shashi Tharoor, Project Syndicate

Prince William’s Lawyer Tries to Suppress Rumors of Affair -- Lachlan Cartwright and Tom Sykes, Daily Beast