Dafna H. Rand joined Brookings to study the Middle East and North Africa. She highlights the urgency of ending the war in Gaza, the importance of Israel and its alliances, and criticizes the mistaken decisions of the U.S., such as the invasion of Iraq. She focuses on the U.S. influence in the region to promote prosperity and peace.
New tariffs raise residential construction costs in the U.S., reaching $30 billion in investment, exacerbating the housing crisis with high prices and rents, despite affordable housing policies.
President Trump signed an executive order to allow TikTok to remain available in the U.S. under a $14 billion deal, transferring the American operation to international investors, raising concerns about privacy and government intervention. Trump led negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the handover, leaving U.S. and other investors with majority control. The move raises uncertainties about user data protection, free speech, and government surveillance.
Policymakers must understand the relevance of China in U.S. drug supply chains, with a focus on diversifying supplies, reducing dependence on Chinese chemicals, and addressing drug shortages, especially in generics. China has a significant stake in drug inputs, but not as much in active pharmaceutical ingredients.
