Ireland today ordered the removal of an Israeli diplomat from the country’s embassy in Dublin in protest at the use of forged passports in the killing of a Hamas official in Dubai. The Irish decision was the latest sign of diplomatic fallout following the murder of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, described by Israeli sources as the Hamas [...]

The practice of appointing campaign donors instead of state department professionals has a long tradition in the US. However, many had hoped that Obama would reduce such displays of patronage. That has not happened. Since taking office, Obama has made almost 80 ambassadorial nominations, of which 56% went to political appointees. “It is time to [...]