MARCH 1, 2020
In this edition of Comm(Unity), we look at U.S.-Saudi relations, the 2011 Fukushima disaster and NASA’s successful rover landing on Mars.
Weekly Episode
On our latest episode — Dr. Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, joins Megan Torrey, to talk about the Iran Nuclear Deal, America’s potential return to the negotiating table and his hope for the future of U.S.-Iran relations.
Stream Now
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Read Dr. Parsi’s most recent article on Iran’s rejection of the EU proposal for talks with the US and why it’s problematic, but not surprising
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Weekly Article Roundup
Follow along with the CTWAC staff on this week’s article roundup:
At the outset China might look like a winner in Myanmar’s coup, but take a deeper look at how this assumption is an oversimplification
Arguably, China is in fact the ‘biggest loser’ in this situation
In late November 2020, a group of Eritrean soldiers open fired on Ethiopian congregants attending mass in the Tigray region
Read this new report that chronicles the massacre with eyewitness accounts
The U.S. intelligence community confirmed that Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, approved the Khashoggi killing
So why should the U.S. maintain close ties with Saudi Arabia?
WRITTEN BY RICHARD HAASS
Learn what the labor and environment chapters in the USMCA could mean for the inclusion of gender in future trade agreements
Read more in this four-part analysis on trade and gender
How can cultural differences impact pandemic response effectiveness around the world? The answer might lie in ‘tight’ vs. ‘loose’ nations
Look at how understanding social norms might lead to better response
WRITTEN BY MICHELE GELFAND
Weekly Entertainment
READ
Uncover the long-term crisis management lessons of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster through analysis of 300+ interviews
LISTEN
President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen sit down for a series of conversations about life, music and enduring love for America
STREAM
This film is based on the non-fiction book with the same name and follows the survival of a girl amid the reign of Khmer Rouge in Cambodia
LEARN
An interactive simulation by NPR shows us why herd immunity is important–and what stands it its way
COOK
In case you’re not on TikTok or haven’t heard, a simple baked feta and tomato pasta has taken over the Internet. This (almost) one-pot meal is as genius as it is delicious.
Global Good News
NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover successfully lands
ICYMI: NASA landed its Perserverance Mars Rover at the end of February. Follow along with the rover, nicknamed “Percy”, and its adventures on its verified Twitter page. Location? Jezero Crater, Mars.
Read More.
Weekly Cartoon
Check in next week for another CTWAC exclusive cartoon:
We have a lot of programs this week. First up, join us tomorrow to discuss women’s leadership in response to the pandemic, kick off Women’s History Month and celebrate in advance of International Women’s Day. We can’t wait to see you there!
Nicole Struth
Director of Education & Special Projects
Image Credits: [1] JCPOA: Wikimedia commons; Trita Parsi: from speaker; [2] MBS: U.S. Secretary of Defense via Flickr, cropped from original size; [3] Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen: Rob DeMartin; [4] Feta Pasta: Andrew Bui via delish.com; [5] Perseverance on Mars: NASA; [6] Cartoon: Caroline Schaefer; [7] Nicole Struth: Caroline Schaefer
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