FAQs on the Economic Impact of COVID-19, Strained US-Iraq Relations, and More

March 25, 2020

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Has the COVID-19 pandemic caused a recession in the U.S. economy? Should the federal government help private companies? As Congress moves to enact a new $2 trillion stimulus measure, Jay Shambaugh answers questions about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy and the fiscal and monetary policy tools that may be used in response to the crisis.

As Iraq seeks to form a new government, its relationship with the United States has entered a rocky stage with members of the Iraqi parliament going on record to recommend expelling U.S. troops from the country. Michael O’Hanlon and Sara Allawi explain the recent tensions and argue that no matter the current circumstances, the partnership should be preserved.

“Even as we heed the CDC’s advice on social distancing, policymakers need to see opportunities to bring historically disenfranchised communities closer to the systems they’ve been excluded from. The war against the virus and the war against structural racism can be fought at the same time,” Andre Perry writes.

Over the weekend, Brookings President John R. Allen responded to discriminatory rhetoric on the coronavirus by President Trump and others by sharing a letter of unity sent to Brookings colleagues.

The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars.

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