Latest in Rex Tillerson
The Gulf crisis continues but new reports shed light on how it started, Israel was consulted on the Syria ceasefire but doesn’t like the outcome, and the United States recertifies Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA.
The Trump administration has backed Russia’s latest plan for Syria, Iraq turns to rebuilding and reconciliation, Erdogan faces new opposition a year after the coup attempt, and Saudi Arabia will continue to receive British weapons after High Court decision.
Erdogan finally gets his constitutional reforms, Tillerson can’t convince Russia to give up Assad, and State Department officials are wary of the Pentagon’s plan for Yemen.
Six components of Tillerson's Asia trip require careful reading: his assurances to allies; “20 years of failure”; sanctions; military options; negotiations; and the all-important China audience of one, Xi Jinping.
In his written answer, Tillerson is clearly speaking of denying China access “if a contingency occurs” and the artificial islands “pose a threat to the United States or its allies and partners.”