The world of world politics is filled with uncertainties. There are very few “facts” that are incontestable. For example, earlier this week, some Iranian officials claimed that members of the elite Revolutionary guard were in Syria as advisers to President Assad (it is not a secret that Iran supports the Syrian regime, but sending actual “troops” is a significant step since they may kill or be killed which ups the stakes involved). Now that claim is being denied. Which statement is true? Most likely the first statement, although the advisers are carefully disguised. Can another state act as if the Iranians have already intervened in the Syrian conflict? Not unless they have clear evidence. But should they ignore the Iranian interference simply because there’s no hard evidence?
The Economist has an incredible graphic on how social media mirrors the old imperial patterns. Some things never change, unfortunately.
US-China economic relations have become a hot issue in the US presidential campaign. Trade disputes between the US and China are not new, and both sides have used the World Trade Organization as an arbiter of trade disputes. Politicizing these disputes in the election campaign makes the ultimate resolution of the disputes more difficult.
World Politics News 
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