Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan cannot expect others to believe in the integrity of his struggle for justice while a public perception exists that he is applying different standards for some of his close aides and associates. Indeed they seem to be calling the shots in the governance of this regime both overtly or covertly.

Dr. Julien Benoit discusses five important moments in paleontology you may have missed during 2018, and what they mean – particularly for Africa and its place in the story of human origins.

Democracies survive if political norms and traditions are upheld. So the recent actions of GOP legislators in Wisconsin and other states to hamstring incoming Democrats put democracy at risk.

In short, Pakistan’s diplomacy is on trial for sure; it, of course, should help its neighbors and also work together with the US for peace in Afghanistan. But one would hope – that for the short-term objective of accommodating US plans – it does not walk into a booby trap in an already explosive situation.

Saudi Arabia has its problems but it could withstand lower oil prices without feeling too much of a pinch.

Advisors of exceptional stature and competence cannot be found through tenders, they have to be companions in the political fight. Big egos are usually rather a hindrance than an asset in the search for good advisers.

The first President Bush had some impressive foreign policies wins, but could he be best remembered for getting the US entangled in Iraq?

Leaders must have the ability to be flexible and to change their plans to match the reality of the emerging situation, domestic and foreign. They must be capable of embracing change and treating uncertainty and ambiguity as the new norm otherwise the nation will face problems.

Forest management is not a cure-all for wildfires, although it can help reduce the chances of massive burns. Making this happen will require broad collaborative efforts and more money.

A price increase from current levels hinges on action from OPEC+. Saudi Arabia has already signaled that it intends to lower exports by 500,000 bpd in December, and that further action might be forthcoming from OPEC+.