I get along without you very well, was the message sent on October 12, 2017 by the United States to the international agency UNESCO. The U.S. announced it will withdraw from the UN's educational, scientific and cultural agency. The rationale for withdrawal was partly the mounting financial arrears at UNESCO, the need to make budget cuts, and for fundamental reform in the organization, but its real reason was disapproval and rejection of its "continuing anti-Israeli bias" Perhaps as a somewhat vacuous parting gesture, the U.S. will remain engaged as a nonmember observer state in order to contribute "U.S. views, perspectives. and expertise." The strong action is in line with stated views of candidate and President Donald Trump of the need to review U.S. multilateral commitments, not only in trade pacts, NAFTA, Trans-Pacific Partnership, but also regarding international organizations. Changes in U.S. policy can be expected on a variety of...(Read Full Article)