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Policy Matters

Oct 30, 2019

Recent months have seen a number of dramatic developments in the Arabian Peninsula. The strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in mid-September sparked concern about regional security and global oil prices alike. In Yemen, the civil war that is seen by many as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to fuel...


Oct 23, 2019

In its efforts to reduce the number of asylum applications in the United States, the Trump Administration is seeking so-called “safe third country agreements” with Mexico and Guatemala.   What are “safe third country agreements?”   Does the 2016 agreement on refugees between the EU and Turkey offer any useful...


Oct 16, 2019

US Federal debt is at its highest level as a percentage of GDP since the World War II era.   What explains its recent acceleration?    Why should we be worried about the debt, especially given historically low interest rates?   What impact have the Trump tax cuts had on it?    And what, if anything, should we do to put...


Oct 9, 2019

In the last five years, we’ve seen a proliferation of body cameras for police officers.  They are seen by many as an important tool in ensuring accountability by discouraging misconduct – up to and including unjustified shooting of suspects – by police personnel. But could there be a negative side...


Oct 2, 2019

On November 5, Houstonians go to the polls to elect a mayor and a city council.   What are the likely results – especially for Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is seeking reelection?   In other political news, Houston was the venue for a September 12 debate among top Democratic candidates for their party’s nomination.  ...