1. So the mantra of the day seems to be to improve the situation in Gaza without directly helping Hamas. But how to do that? There is one immediate short-term idea that is better than all the others. Give Gazans permits to work in Israel. 2. It’s a good way to get cash into the hands of Palestinians in Gaza who have been completely vetted by Israeli security. Far from a solution to Gaza's problems but a good step.

1. As talks begin in Vienna, the Biden Admin is committed to ultimately getting to a “longer and stronger” deal with Iran. Here’s why the only realistic way to get there is first by mutual return to the JCPOA & why arguments about leveraging Trump’s sanctions don’t make sense. 2. First, for any tough negotiation to work you do need leverage. But you also need some level of confidence on both sides (trust is too strong a word) that an agreement will be implemented. Otherwise there is no negotiation at all.