Here is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team has read this week.
Impeachment Saga: UW Federal Relations continues to monitor the impeachment inquiry, especially as Congress prepares to return from recess next week. The Government is currently operating on a Continuing Resolution due to expire on November 21st, meaning appropriations are still an urgent concern. However, focus has primarily been on the whistleblower complaint against President Trump and his actions towards Ukraine. The White House is resolved not to cooperate, which will drag out the inquiry. For the latest updates, you can visit the Washington Post (or any other major news outlet, really).
NIH Examining Racial Bias in Grant Awards: A 2011 study by economist Dr. Donna Ginther revealed proposals authored by Black researchers were significantly less likely to receive NIH funding. Since then, NIH has been examining how this phenomenon occurs, although they have yet to produce solid answers. Some likely factors include that grant reviewers must be awardees, meaning if less Black applicants are awarded, less Black scholars will sit on the review boards. Additionally, the research suggested biases in favor of the topics which tended to be proposed by White researchers. You can read the full story at Science Magazine.
Middle East Studies Program Continues: The Duke-UNC Middle East Studies Consortium will continue to receive federal funding, after being ordered to revise its curriculum by the Department of Education. The Education Department accused the University of promoting a “positive view of Islam” and not including enough perspectives on Christianity and Judaism, leading to anti-Semitic bias. The Department did say, however, that they will continue to closely monitor Middle East studies programs throughout the country which receive federal funding. The full story is available from the Washington Post.
Ethiopian Prime Minister wins Nobel Peace Prize: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize today for his efforts restoring diplomatic relations with Eritrea after years of hostilities, improving Ethiopian civil society, and empowering women. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been riddled with border conflict and ongoing tensions. Restoring diplomatic relations allows for families to reunite, and for greater cooperation between the neighbor countries on a variety of issues. Prime Minister Ahmed also lifted Ethiopia’s state of emergency, removed censorships on the media, and granted amnesty to thousands of political prisoners. Experts hope Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki will institute similar positive reforms, including reintroducing the Eritrean Constitution. Full story at the New York Times.
Turkey Begins Offensive in Syria: Despite global outcry, including bipartisan condemnation from the US, Turkey began its assault on Kurdish-controlled parts of northern Syria this week. Turkey considers the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls the area, to be a terrorist organization. Previously, US troops in Syria worked closely with the SDF in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). However, President Trump has now withdrawn all US forces from Syria, allowing Turkey to move forward with an offensive against the SDF and Kurdish groups in the area. Many members of the international community are also concerned with what will happen to ISIS prisoners, who are being held in the area. Members of both parties have warned of serious national security implications, and have urged President Trump to take corrective action to protect Kurds in Syria. For the latest developments, visit BBC.