Experts in the News

"Neither the U.S. nor Iran has a national interest in going to war after death of Soleimani. That would be a tragic 'March of Folly,'" writes Ambassador Edward Djerejian. "The U.S. needs to address the middle options — counterterrorism and confronting asymmetrical conflict — while leaving the door to diplomacy open."

“Targeting oil infrastructure could raise prices and bring worldwide economic pain and put Iran on the front burner,” which might be exactly the kind of message its leaders are looking to send, said energy fellow Jim Krane.

"There's no doubt Republicans will continue to control the Texas Senate and governorship in 2021, and thus all Democratic hopes of avoiding another GOP partisan gerrymander lie in taking control of the House," said political science fellow Mark Jones.

Marijuana prosecutions in Texas have dropped by more than half since lawmakers legalized hemp -- without providing the means to distinguish it from marijuana. “There are fewer Texans getting slapped with a criminal record for marijuana possession, something that is already legal in other states,” said drug policy fellow Katharine Harris.

With new Census data showing strong population growth in Texas, the state could gain as many as three congressional seats. "We retain our status as the second largest congressional delegation behind California, and we move closer to them because we are poised to gain seats and they will likely drop one," said political science fellow Mark Jones.