Boiling Down Obama’s Afpak Speech

[T]he U.S. government does not have the legislative authority to negotiate free trade agreements.

What perhaps remains unresolved, is how long the American electorate will allow Trump to reduce their country into a paranoia state, an empire of appalling tantrums and ragtag diplomacy.

The Brotherhood enjoys a wider reach inside the U..S and growing influence among a rapidly expanding Muslim community.

There may be no best solution, but only choices between different forms of horror.

The truth is that the Americans are pathologically unreliable and unscrupulously treacherous.

Washington now faces choices: proceed with the deal and adjust its conception of alliances in the region or succumb to legislative stagnation and reject or downgrade the deal.

[T]hreats from Washington may have strengthened a sense of unity and sovereignty among citizens who want peace.