In a lively discussion, Natalie Orpett, Daniel Byman, and Tyler McBrien tackle significant national security issues. They dive into escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, with insights on a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The trio also examines President Trump's unexpected policy shift regarding the Houthis in the Red Sea, questioning its long-term credibility. Legal complexities surrounding foreign gifts and the curious 'doodle ordinance' add a unique twist to their debate, blending humor with serious insights on governance and law.
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insights INSIGHT
India-Pakistan Conflict Dynamics
The India-Pakistan escalation was expected with India poised to retaliate firmly against terrorist attacks.
Both sides wanted to show strength yet avoid major escalation, resulting in a quick ceasefire.
insights INSIGHT
Trump Admin's Unexpected Leverage
The Trump administration succeeded in mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire despite limited leverage.
India likely wanted U.S. diplomatic cover to claim a political victory and de-escalate.
insights INSIGHT
China's Emerging Role in Kashmir
China's role in the India-Pakistan conflict is unclear but significant given its support for Pakistan.
Major power dynamics are increasingly influencing this regional conflict's alignment.
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This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Natalie Orpett, Tyler McBrien, and Daniel Byman to talk through the week’s big national security news, including:
“Borderline Behavior.” A major flare-up over the disputed region of Kashmir took place this past week, leading to a major exchange of hostilities between the nuclear powers of India and Pakistan before they agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire—one that is mostly holding, despite alleged violations on both sides. How durable a resolution does this seem likely to be? And what additional steps need to be taken to preserve peace?
“Parting Ways.” President Trump announced a major change to U.S. policies in the Red Sea this week, in the form of a ceasefire with the Yemeni armed group and de facto government Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis), in which they would cease attacks on U.S. shipping. But the credibility of this commitment is in doubt, as are the implications of U.S. actions for shipping through the Red Sea more broadly. What should we make of this major policy shift?
“First Class Problems.” President Trump announced this week that he would be accepting the gift of a luxury jet from the government of Qatar for use as Air Force One during his presidency, which would then be transferred to his foundation shortly before he leaves office in 2029. How big a problem is this? And how can he accept this gift, given that the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause prohibits “accept[ing]...any present…of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State”?
In Object Lessons, Tyler delighted in the Financial Times’s trolling of its own “Lunch with the FT,” in which Sam Altman’s kitchen and gross misuse of olive oil becomes a bizarre metaphor for OpenAI. Natalie delighted in some hometown, Pope-town pride (and some Lou Malnati's pizza). Scott delighted in discovering both Dolcezza and their affogato with decaf espresso, a dessert for those who crave flavor and excitement but who also like sleep. And Dan, in utterly failing his wife, delighted in reaping the benefits of her Mother’s Day gift: a little contraption that sits somewhere between wellness hack and medieval torture rack.
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