| H1 Financial Times COMMENT: Why it is time for America to start talking to its enemy Silence has amplified misunderstanding and empowered radicals in Tehran. The US has nothing to lose from talking, writes Philip Stephens. Moderate Islamists as Reform Actors: Conditions and Programmatic Change SWP A 98-page German research paper examining the implications of the rise of reforming Islamist parties for the 'Greater Middle East' Iraqi Perceptions of the War: Public Opinion by City and Region
Source: Center for Strategic & International Studies Full Paper (PDF; 709 KB) Washington Post New World Disorder By David Ignatius, We're all multilateralists now, but we inhabit a world that makes the Cold War seem like the good old days. Don't Abandon Us By Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqis, for all our determination and courage, cannot succeed alone Rice Presses Iraqi PM on Aid: No U.S.-Iran Session At Conference on Iraq Rice Meets With Syrian CounterpartNo U.S.-Iran Session At Conference on Iraq Projectile Bomb Attacks Hit Record High in Iraq Number of armor-piercing weapons used increases despite U.S. efforts to crack down on supply that military commanders say is coming from Iran. Guardian Rice breaks the ice with Syria, but not Iran Iraq conference backdrop for high level discussion where US praises Damascus's counter-insurgency effort. UK and US must leave Iraq, says British general A retired British army general says Iraq's insurgents are justified in opposing the occupation. Ha’aretz Benn A very, very painful response Israel did not make a serious effort to achieve peace with its neighbors, due to the belief that the Arabs wouldn't dare challenge its military superiority. This is the most interesting finding in the Winograd Committee's interim report. Iran's Nuclear Programme IISS
An article assessing the prospects for a diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue CFR Should Regime Change in Iran be Part of US Foreign Policy?
Taking Threats Off the Table Before Sitting With Iran By: Ray Takeyh | The Boston Globe
As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with her Iranian counterpart this week in Egypt, the prospects of talks between the two enduring foes seem closer than before. However, for such negotiations to succeed, Washington must be prepared to adjust an important aspect of its rhetoric. Asia Times What Muqtada wants
All that the Sadrists want is a timetable for a US withdrawal from Iraq, says Nasr al-Roubaie, Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's top man in government. This struggle, he tells Pepe Escobar, is both "peaceful and armed", and there is a possibility of an Iraqi shadow cabinet being formed uniting Sadrists and Sunni nationalists. But whatever happens, Muqtada remains the kingmaker. Conferencing Iraq's futureMuch of the attention at the Iraq security conference now under way in Egypt will be on the interaction between Iran and the US, and over Tehran's concerns that it might be ambushed by the US over its nuclear program. But Iraq is the core issue, and Iran has the opportunity to emphasize its pivotal role in defining that country's future. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi Priorities, Not Delusions By: Dmitri K. Simes | The National Interest Those who hoped that the Democrats’ victory in November would launch a major foreign policy debate are disappointed. Setting aside the immediate issue of Iraq, which obviously requires the nation’s attention, neither presidential candidates nor the Congress nor the media have shown much interest in a serious conversation about the direction of U.S. foreign policy. Theodore Dalrymple Violently imposing a socialist or Islamic society is justified in the same way by Marx and Sayyid Qutb: if people were really free, they’d accept this fate instantly, joyously... more» Iraqi Lawmakers Demand US Pullout The TimesIt is hard to see what talks can achieve The Iraqi government couldn’t stop the sectarian violence if it wanted to and it can’t run the oil industry Bronwen Maddox Commentary: Bush was the debate's real loser From The Atlantic Monthly, statecraft and stagecraft: David Samuels interviews former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, and George Schultz Ha’aretz - U.S. presents Israel, PA with detailed demands Israel fears confrontation with U.S.; demands include opening passages, upgrading PA armed forces Benchmark Document / Israel concerned by Washington's demands THE BENCHMARK DOCUMENT IN FULL Time The Most Influential People in The World Here's our list of the 100 men and women whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world RFE/RL Russia Will Not Notify West Of Troop Movements Interview: US Ambassador Nicholas Burns Says Iran Must Negotiate Daily Star Editorial Israeli commissions should look at the big picture for a change What can be done at Sharm el-Sheikh By Ghassan Atiyyah The perils of sectarianism in opposing Iranian power By Toby Jones After the Winograd report, will Olmert survive? By Shlomo Avineri Why Israel is After Me By: Azmi Bishara | Los Angeles Times
I am a Palestinian from Nazareth, a citizen of Israel and was, until last month, a member of the Israeli parliament. But now, in an ironic twist reminiscent of France's Dreyfus affair — in which a French Jew was accused of disloyalty to the state — the government of Israel is accusing me of aiding the enemy during Israel's failed war against Lebanon in July. The Winograd Report Mainly Provokes Arab Disdain By: Rami G. Khouri | The Daily Star
A combination of vindication, disdain, and renewed concerns about Israeli militarism are the dominant reactions in the Arab world to the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission released Monday in Israel. Christian Science Monitor Iraq drives US-Syria talks Secretary of State Rice met in Egypt Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Moalem, who called their discussion 'frank and constructive.' Can US sustain Anbar success? While Al Qaeda in Iraq has been largely driven out of Ramadi, the US is hoping to build on the gains by fixing basic services and mediating tribal hostilities. Report: Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan aided Iran Evidence released this week shows his nuclear-secrets network may still be active. France's stark choice of direction Sunday, the nation will choose either Ségolène Royal or Nicolas Sarkozy to be its president. William Arkin On Plan B, Look to Ronald Reagan
Nuclear Energy: Balancing Benefits and Risks 51 pages; PDF. Council on Foreign Relations (via MIPT Terrorism Info Center) A Full-Court Press Against Nuclear Anarchy Source: Center for StrateFull Paper (PDF; 103 KB) gic & International Studies 21 Solutions to Save the World: Flip the Switch | H2 The Economist Leader The battle for Turkey's soul If Turks have to choose, democracy is more important than secularism Turkey Secularism v democracy ABD'den sert uyarı: Ordu ya da başkası seçim sürecine müdahale etmemeli IHT Editorial Turkey's democracy Washington needs to leave Turkey's generals in no doubt where it stands. Washington Post Turks Find Much to Like in Ruling Party Turkey wrestles with social transformation brought to the fore by crisis over the coming elections. Practical and Religious Concerns Underline Annoyance With Elites NYT Turkish Islamists Hope to Ride Competence to Victory NPR Diane Rehm Show Turkey May 1, 2007 Real Audio Windows Media Mark Parris, Yasemin Congar, Zeyno Baran Morgan Stanley Turkey A Perfect Mess Washington Institute Turkey's Economic Future and the AKP By Meral Varis Kiefer Asia Times The week that transformed Turkey For the first time in the 85-year history of the Turkish republic, a ruling political party has stood up to the military's claim to the role of political arbiter. At the same time, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is avoiding outright confrontation with the military. Having called early parliamentary polls, Erdogan can strengthen his position, but the underlying tension will not disappear overnight. The uncertainty diminishes Turkey's ability to play an effective role in the stabilization of Iraq and the turbulent region. - M K Bhadrakumar [Yorum] Kemalistler neden AK Parti'ye savaş açtı? Turkey's Creeping Coup D'Etat By: Amir Taheri | New York Post AKP wants to wrest control of mosques, religious shrines and endowment businesses from the state, and transfer these assets to private foundations controlled by Islamists. If such a scheme succeeds, AKP would secure a permanent base from which to challenge the state when other parties are in power. Daily Telegraph Turkey's militant Muslims worry West The generals, not the politicians, are true keepers of the Ataturk flame and they will not stand idly by if the Turks try to return to their old Islamic ways, warns Con Coughlin UPI Analysis: The roots of Turkey’s crisis Weekly Standard Turkish Crisis
The Turkish dilemma seems to run much deeper than a conflict between secularism and religious radicalism.
by Stephen Schwartz OxAn TURKEY: Stability doubts despite early elections move Fears of an Islamic Agenda in Turkey
AB Türklere haksızlık yapıyor Dan Hannan AKP ile ilgili soru işareti var AB'nin gözü Türkiye'deki gelişmelerde Köşk tartışması dünya basınında FT COMMENT AND ANALYSIS: In Ataturk's shadowDemocracy and secularism, concepts that seem perfectly complementary in the west, are at odds in Turkey. Al Hayat Two Revolutionary Projects in Lebanon and Turkey Hassan Haydar - Despite the differences between the two regimes in Lebanon and Turkey, the similarity lies in their attempt to break the shackles of the law and annul the role of the legislative institution. Guardian Q&A: Turkish political crisis RFE/RL Turkey: A Divided Country Struggles For Identity Turkish Parliament Confirms July 22 Election Turkish Govt Wins Backing for Constitutional Reform Erdoğan desteği hak ediyor ama laik bir ülkede – Turkey where secularism is a threat to democracy Daily Mirror Can Turkey Make the Transition to an EU Democracy? (Shining Light In Dark Corners) Google News Kurdish Kurdish Media Kurdistan: Under Construction
The Conservative Voice Turkey warns against fait accompli over Kirkuk Bütün Kürdlerin bakışları Erbil’de Iraklı sözcüden Barzani'ye gönderme: Dış politikayı Bağdat kontrol eder Lice'de çatışma: 1 şehit Danimarka: ''Roj TV yayınlarında suç unsuru yok" PKK’nın merkez bankasına baskın PKK’nın kalpazanlık şebekesine yapılan operasyonda 52 milyon YTL ve 6 milyon dolar değerinde piyasaya sürülmeye hazır sahte YTL ve döviz ele geçirildi. Sahte paraların bugüne kadar bir operasyonda yakalanmış en büyük miktar olduğu bildirildi Kirkuk: Too Many American Friends? The Kurds build a healthy society; why can't the Palestinians? American Thinker - Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber
Yunan basını: Türkiye'de kriz doruğa tırmandı Sarkozy: Türkler Kapadokyalı Türkiye düellosu Talat iktidarı Rumlar’a ‘Mülk senin’ kozunu verdi KKTC’yi içten vuracak ‘sinsi plan’ işleme kondu Kıbrıs'ta çözüm uzaklaşıyor Greek foreign minister says chances for Cyprus resolution declining Report blasts Cyprus’ PKK links
Cyprus Mail Hurşit GÜNEŞ Sarko ile Sego: kim kazanacak? LA Times Jewish support for Armenians The Armenian Genocide debate pits moral values against realpolitik Sammy Ofer subject in Turkish refinery deal lawsuit Globes, Israel – Turkish officials indicted for helping Ofer win oil tender Athens hopes for stability in Turkey
Kathimerini A neighbor’s crisis Kathimerini The Ankara Declaration The News – International U.S. commission finds obstacles to religious freedom in Turkey 'Doping yaptım!' Olimpiyat şampiyonu halterci Halil Mutlu, geçmişte doping kullandığını itiraf etti, "O zaman herkes alıyordu" dedi. BBC 4 Mayıs 2007 Basın Özeti Is Public Reason Counterproductive?
Source: Cornell Legal Studies Research Paper (via SSRN) The debate over the proper role of religion in public life has raged on for decades and shows little signs of slowing down. Proponents of restrictive accounts of public reason have proceeded under the assumption that religious and deep moral disagreement constitutes a threat to social stability that must be tamed. In contrast o this “scary story” linking pluralism with the threat of instability, there exists within political theory a competing, “happy story” according to which pluralism affirmatively contributes to stability by creating incentives for groups to moderate their demands. Whether the scary story or happy story is a more accurate reflection of our reality is a difficult empirical question, but one that ought to matter a great deal to discussions of public reason. Acting as if the scary story were true when the happy story is in fact operating will lead proponents of public reason to stifle the healthful effects of robust pluralism, degrading the quality of public deliberation and ultimately undermining stability. In other words, if the happy story turns out to be the right one, restrictive accounts of public reason may turn out to be counterproductive, hastening the very deliberative and social harms they aim to forestall. | H3 Seçim 22 Temmuz'da. Önseçim zor, son söz liderlerin Yine atananlar seçilecek Güler Kömürcü ‘ABD, Gülen’i yollama hazırlığında...’ İkinci sandık çok zor İki sandıklı seçimde anlaştılar AKP'yi yakan 367’ye 184'lük ayar Ankara'da ittifak senaryoları Siyasî kriz Türk dış politikasını vuruyor Ertuğrul Özkök Laik-İslamcı savaşını kim kazanır Ahmet Hakan Kaygılı yurttaş için bildiri yayınlıyorum Güneri CIVAOĞLU Pazara 367 sürprizi Taha AKYOL İki iyi haber Cengiz Çandar 22 Temmuz’un anlamı... Birand Tam bir güç kavgası yaşanıyor Sorun nispi temsilde mi? İsmet Berkan AKP'de Anayasa telaşı Murat Yetkin Asker itibarı M.Ali Kışlalı Serdar Turgut Anayasa böyle yazılamaz Bu sitede çok derin bağlantılar var MAHMUT ÖVÜR Merkez sağda 'derin' sıkışma ERGUN BABAHAN Nasıl bir seçim dönemi?
Şamil Tayyar Hüseyin Çelik Hesap vermedim bilgi verdim Bilal Çetin Vaatlerin yerine şikayetler mi alacak? Milliyet TÜRKİYE RAHATLADI İBRAHİM KARAGÜL Amerika AK Parti'yi gözden çıkarır mı? MUHARREM SARIKAYA Gece pazarlığı... ASLI AYDINTAŞBAŞ Çirkinlikler diyarından
Hodri meydan! Hasan Celal Güzel Fikret BİLA Siyaset tam bir arapsaçına döndü Hasan CEMAL Cunta ve darbe! Yeni Şafak Önce görevsizlik kararı istedi Polis Şurası'nda terfi kaosu PKK'ya gazete kuran Kanaltürkçü Büyükanıt'la Bakan Gönül'ün hararetli sohbeti Taha KıvançDurumu bilgilerinize arz ederim Fehmi Koru Biz bu maçı alcez... NAZLI ILICAK Cumhurbaşkanı'nı halk seçebilecek mi? Nasuhi Güngör Demokrasi TSK’ya da lazım KORAY DÜZGÖREN Bürokrasinin istediği cumhurbaşkanı tipi... Gülay Göktürk Ara bilanço EMRE AKÖZ Zaten seçtirmezler!
Demokratik enkaz Erdal Güven Mustafa Ünal Sandık ayarı Tamer Korkmaz Anayasa Mahkemesi acilen halkı kapatmalı Hüseyin Gülerce Gün, düşmanlığa düşman olma günüdür... Faik ÖZTRAK Mağduriyet değil, alternatifsizlik mevcut istikrarsızlığı sürdürür Berat Özipek DYP ve ANAP: Dönülmez akşamın ufkundasınız 367 Murat Belge Derya SAZAK 1 Mayıs zulmü [Yorum - Doç. Dr. Serap Yazıcı] Yargısı hukuka bağlı olmayan devlet! Yalçın Doğan El Selam’dan Le Figaro’ya Kopun artık bu gruptan! Haluk Şahin Mehmet Metiner "Laiklik" ve "Türklük" Oktay Ekşi Kör dövüşü bitmedi... Bekir Coşkun Bir büyük Türk büyüğü... Tufan Türenç Bu ülkenin çocuğu olmanın yükümlülüğü Emin Çölaşan Seçim oyunu... Milyonlar saf dışı bırakılırken Özdemir İnce Gelecek için yararlı dersler Bu soruların cevabını bilen var mı? Mehmet Y Yılmaz Seçim günü denize girmek isteyenler Mehmet Tezkan Erdoğan’ı Başbakan yapan kadınlardı.. Şimdi en büyük korkusu kadınlar oldu Necati Doğru CHP İstanbul’da birinci parti olabilir! Eser Karakaş Olan bitenlerde AB kilit kavram mı? A cabal power of judges by Prof. MUSTAFA ŞENTOP* MEHMET OCAKTAN Öyle bir karar ki… CHP davet ediyor, DSP Anavatan-DYP'ye göz kırpıyor Baykal DSP şartı ’umut kırıcı’ 'Sol blok' arayışı Rahşan Ecevit Baykal siyasi şov yapıyor Genç Parti 'bütünleşmek için' ortak arayışında CHP: Genç Parti ile ittifak yok Seçime tek parti girecekler mi? Anayasa şaşkınlığı Şakir Süter Depremci hukukçu! 'Hikmet Abi' formülü Mumcu Genelkurmay bildirisi AKP için iyi oldu Mumcu "Birleşme yeni isimle olur" 22 Temmuz sol oyları etkileyebilir Meclis 16 Mayıs sonrası çalışabilir mi? Cumhurbaşkanının görev süresi ve vekâlet sorunu
ALPER SEDAT ASLANDAŞ Adana'da 10 bin kişilik cumhuriyet yürüyüşü Zincirbozan: Questioning the traps set in the past The Alevi connection FİKRİ AKYÜZ Mustafa Balbay'ın "lanet"i! Barçın Yinanç Ferai Tınç 1 Mayıs demokrasinin neresinde? Gila Benmayor Erken seçimde 25 yaşı düşünen kadını düşünecek mi T.C. tarihinde hükümetlerin bitiş nedenleri YSK: Takvimi bugün ilan edeceğiz Ağar ve Mumcu işbirliğini görüştü Rauf Tamer Birikmiş notlar Nurcu övgüsüne hızlı soruşturma İlnur Çevik Will of the people can't be challenged ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM
Belirsizliklerin bitmesini bekleme dönemi
Güngör URAS Halk için önemli olan 'pahalılık' Yıllık enflasyon inişe geçti Salih Neftçi Dışarısı neden olanlara ılımlı yaklaştı? Ercan Kumcu Dikkatli olun panik yapmayın Metin MÜNİR "Carry trade" nedir? Finansal istikrara odaklanma
Uğur Gürses Beklenti yönetiminin iflası!
Uğur Civelek OKAN MÜDERRİSOĞLU
Sosyal Güvenlik Reformu'nu erteleme seferberliği başladı
Deniz Gökçe
Fakirlik sınırı neden bir dolar? |
| THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN The Aussie ‘Big Dry’ Climate change is the first issue in a long time that could really scramble Western politics, as it has already done to politics in Australia. Editorial Family Values, Betrayed Closing the door to family-based immigration would be unjust and unworkable, and a mockery of the values that conservatives profess. | H5 Washington Post New World Disorder By David Ignatius, We're all multilateralists now, but we inhabit a world that makes the Cold War seem like the good old days. Projectile Bomb Attacks Hit Record High in Iraq Number of armor-piercing weapons used increases despite U.S. efforts to crack down on supply that military commanders say is coming from Iran. Don't Abandon Us By Hoshyar Zebari, Iraqis, for all our determination and courage, cannot succeed alone Rice Presses Iraqi PM on Aid: No U.S.-Iran Session At Conference on Iraq Rice Meets With Syrian CounterpartNo U.S.-Iran Session At Conference on Iraq Senior al-Qaeda Insurgent Leader Killed Editorial The French Choice Sunday's presidential election could shake up a country badly in need of change. Editorial Skilled Masses Keeping the world's talent in America THE IMMIGRATION reform debate has largely revolved around immigrants who do jobs Americans are not willing to do. But what about immigrants who do the jobs Americans are not able to do? Rewriting History By Charles Krauthammer, In his new book, George Tenet writes as if he assumes no one remembers anything. Israeli Protesters Demand That Prime Minister Resign U.S. Identifies Dead Insurgent As Group's Propaganda Chief: Military Draws Links to Kidnappings by Al-Qaeda in Iraq If Democrats Want to Help the Poor . . . By E. J. Dionne Jr., The anti-poverty report issued last week by the Center for American Progress brings together some of the most pragmatic ideas on poverty reduction. Lost in the Fog With Commander Guy By Eugene Robinson, Is George W. Bush even trying to make sense anymore? GOP Field United On War, Divided On Social Issues GOP Rivals Debate Iraq War, Social Issues Sarkozy No Favorite in Paris Suburbs Harsh Comments During 2005 Riots Still Anger Many in Minority Areas Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatens to nationalize country's banks and largest steel producer, accusing them of unfair practices. | H6 Guardian Rice breaks the ice with Syria, but not Iran Iraq conference backdrop for high level discussion where US praises Damascus's counter-insurgency effort. UK and US must leave Iraq, says British general A retired British army general says Iraq's insurgents are justified in opposing the occupation. Sarkozy plays the race card - and our establishment cheers Martin Jacques: The French presidential favourite's pandering to the far right is indulged because of his pro-US stance and neo-liberalism. Leader Showdown on Sunday Ségolène Royal put up the best performance of her campaign in a television duel with Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday night. Royal wins praise for TV debate - but fails to close gap Sarkozy remains favourite despite rival's strong show. Crowds rally for Olmert to quit
Thousands of Israelis gather at mass rally in Tel Aviv to call for the resignation of the PM over his failings in last year's war in Lebanon. The break-up of Britain Norman Tebbit Sold out by its political class, Britain is in dire danger of disintegration. Only a strong leader can save us. The United States of stenography John Nichols May 03 07, 09:00pm: Press freedom: On paper, the American press is remarkably free. So why don't US journalists use that freedom to speak truth to power? The bank the world needs Nancy Birdsall: The World Bank is in desperate trouble - but it is still the best institution to address international challenges such as climate change. The blogging revolution Iain Dale: Press freedom: thanks to the internet we now have the most independent press and media in the history of the world. Gender politics Madeleine Bunting: Nicolas Sarkozy's request for Ségolène Royal to 'calm down' is a flashback to an era when women were to be seen but not heard. |
| H7 Taking Threats Off the Table Before Sitting With Iran By: Ray Takeyh | The Boston Globe
As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with her Iranian counterpart this week in Egypt, the prospects of talks between the two enduring foes seem closer than before. However, for such negotiations to succeed, Washington must be prepared to adjust an important aspect of its rhetoric. Asia Times What Muqtada wants
All that the Sadrists want is a timetable for a US withdrawal from Iraq, says Nasr al-Roubaie, Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's top man in government. This struggle, he tells Pepe Escobar, is both "peaceful and armed", and there is a possibility of an Iraqi shadow cabinet being formed uniting Sadrists and Sunni nationalists. But whatever happens, Muqtada remains the kingmaker. Conferencing Iraq's futureMuch of the attention at the Iraq security conference now under way in Egypt will be on the interaction between Iran and the US, and over Tehran's concerns that it might be ambushed by the US over its nuclear program. But Iraq is the core issue, and Iran has the opportunity to emphasize its pivotal role in defining that country's future. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi Priorities, Not Delusions By: Dmitri K. Simes | The National Interest Those who hoped that the Democrats’ victory in November would launch a major foreign policy debate are disappointed. Setting aside the immediate issue of Iraq, which obviously requires the nation’s attention, neither presidential candidates nor the Congress nor the media have shown much interest in a serious conversation about the direction of U.S. foreign policy. Theodore Dalrymple Violently imposing a socialist or Islamic society is justified in the same way by Marx and Sayyid Qutb: if people were really free, they’d accept this fate instantly, joyously... more» Slouching Towards '2084' By: Suzanne Fields | The Washington Times The threat today is not a dictatorship of politics, but one of religious theocracy, not of surveillance cameras or deathly state interrogations, but of the imposition through intimidation of a perversion of religion. A novel called "2084" would confront this perversion of Islam. BBC 'Deal struck' at UN climate talks Experts at a UN climate change summit reach a deal on how to combat global warming, delegates say. CO2 row threatens climate report Billions face climate change risk Q&A: Climate change Time The 2008 Formula by William Kristol (Commentary)
To get elected, the next President will have to both represent change and be hawkish on the war The World Bank's Real Problem
TIME It's not just the Wolfowitz mess. The bank also needs to figure out why it still exists Why You'll Miss Tony Blair (The Well / World) He is leaving Downing Street as an unpopular failure. He deserves better Iraq War May End With an Isolationist US by Leon Hadar Setting the Table,
With All the Options by Peter Dyer | H8 IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq US Papers Friday: Communications Breakdown
Iraqi Lawmakers Demand US Pullout BBC Iraq conference turns to security Delegates at a major international conference in Egypt are to discuss ways of combating violence in Iraq. Analysis: Iraq summit endorses 5-year compact U.S.-Syria relations complicated by Hariri probe McClatchy Rice asks Syria to close its border with Iraq Rice Meets with Syrian Foreign Minister at Iraq Conference Washington Times Rice offers incentive to Damascus (Nicholas Kralev) By Betsy Pisik No Syrian will participate in an international trial of suspects in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a senior foreign ministry official said yesterday. He also warned that Lebanon is on the brink of civil war. Syrian Endgame Wall Street Journal SyriaComment Will There be a War this Summer? Daily Star Editorial Israeli commissions should look at the big picture for a change What can be done at Sharm el-Sheikh By Ghassan Atiyyah The perils of sectarianism in opposing Iranian power By Toby Jones After the Winograd report, will Olmert survive? By Shlomo Avineri DEBKAfile’s exclusive Kurdish intelligence sources report: Iran has released former FBI agent Robert Levinson, 59, held since March 11 The Economist Saudi Arabia and al-Qaeda The bad guys keep on coming Mubarak's Son Says He Has No Intention to Rule Egypt Syrian Military Buildup Worries Israel Iran can target missile at US, Europe in less than eight years: US Time Postcard: Tehran (Postcard: Tehran.)
Despite a culture that thrives on lavish weddings, men and women are officially barred from celebrating together. How some Iranians skirt the law in order to tie the knot Iraq Sunni Bloc Says Weighing Leaving Government No Immediate Debt Relief for Iraq | H9 Ha’aretz - U.S. presents Israel, PA with detailed demands Israel fears confrontation with U.S.; demands include opening passages, upgrading PA armed forces Benchmark Document / Israel concerned by Washington's demands THE BENCHMARK DOCUMENT IN FULL Schiff The conspicuously absent issue In the saddle again? After reading the Winograd Committee's scathing report, Ehud Olmert launched a heroic struggle for survival this week. Tzipi Livni collapsed under the pressure. An unnecessary war Benn A very, very painful response Israel did not make a serious effort to achieve peace with its neighbors, due to the belief that the Arabs wouldn't dare challenge its military superiority. This is the most interesting finding in the Winograd Committee's interim report. Rosner Reality overtaken by events Until the fate of Israel's government and prime minister becomes clear, there will likely be little progress in U.S. efforts to advance diplomacy in the region. Meanwhile, Syria continues an unprecedented buildup on its front with Israel. Micro-manager The chief of staff should balance his attention to detail with the need to see the big picture. 'The intelligence didn't reach the troops' PM, Kadima fear Labor will quit gov't due to Winograd backlash Sources: Evidence on Bishara case sufficient for indictment Rosner Bush, Rice, Olmert, Livni: the State of affairs ANALYSIS: May 3 rally stands apart in historical significance Daily Alert.org - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel – The Economist Israel A prime minister on the edge Israel and its neighbours When's the next war? Debka Despite Syrian military border build-up, Israel has no plans to attack but stands ready to ward off a surprise Syrian strike Why Israel is After Me By: Azmi Bishara | Los Angeles Times
I am a Palestinian from Nazareth, a citizen of Israel and was, until last month, a member of the Israeli parliament. But now, in an ironic twist reminiscent of France's Dreyfus affair — in which a French Jew was accused of disloyalty to the state — the government of Israel is accusing me of aiding the enemy during Israel's failed war against Lebanon in July. The Winograd Report Mainly Provokes Arab Disdain By: Rami G. Khouri | The Daily Star A combination of vindication, disdain, and renewed concerns about Israeli militarism are the dominant reactions in the Arab world to the preliminary report of the Winograd Commission released Monday in Israel. To Rabin Square By: Ari Shavit | Haaretz For eight months the country's residents allowed their leadership to ridicule them. They did not join the reservists' protest en masse; they did not put the prime minister, whose moral authority was lost, under political siege. Forward Ehud Olmert Is Not Solely To Blame Martin van Creveld Jerusalem Post Editor's Notes: A searing indictment By DAVID HOROVITZ A non-ideological critique, Winograd exposes incompetence at the highest level of the system. Lessons of Winograd [ SHLOMO AVINERI, One on One with Amir Taheri on how to deal with Iran Column One: The fruits of Hizbullah's victory [ CAROLINE GLICK Judge in trial of former AIPAC staffers rips prosecution... From one 'Big Lie' to another
[ DANIEL PIPES, Washington Times Israeli inquiry aftershocks By Ariel Cohen The Winograd Commission diagnosed -- correctly -- the main disease of the Israeli politico-military elite: lack of a strategic doctrine "in the fullest sense of the term." Editorial Was Olmert the problem? David Makovsky Olmert After Winograd: A Battle for Survival Yedioth Ahronoth Livni around for now Despite foreign minister's recent statement that Olmert should resign following Winograd report, prime minister seems inclined not to fire Livni, as long as they remain on same page regarding government policy 'Syria arming intensely' Deputy Defense Minister discusses ups and downs of Israel's regional situation with AJC Preserving Humanitarian Principles While Combating Terrorism: Israel's Struggle with Hizbullah in the Lebanon War - Daniel Taub (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Conference of Presidents Statement on the Winograd Commission Report Reviving Hitler's "Big Lie" to Vilify the Jewish State - Daniel Pipes Former CIA Director Blames Arafat for Being "Barrier to Peace" – Israel's Dilemma: A Discredited Prime Minister and Unappealing Alternatives By: Frida Ghitis | World Politics Watch If Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is looking for someone in Israel willing to stand up and fight for his political survival, the only place he may find that person is staring straight into the mirror. Olmert's survival looks like the longest of long shots, and yet, the road ahead looks anything but clear for his political opponents. |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Iraq drives US-Syria talks Secretary of State Rice met in Egypt Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Moalem, who called their discussion 'frank and constructive.' Can US sustain Anbar success? While Al Qaeda in Iraq has been largely driven out of Ramadi, the US is hoping to build on the gains by fixing basic services and mediating tribal hostilities. Report: Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan aided Iran Evidence released this week shows his nuclear-secrets network may still be active. France's stark choice of direction Sunday, the nation will choose either Ségolène Royal or Nicolas Sarkozy to be its president. White House seeks expansion of federal domestic-spying powers Officals say reform needed to deal with new technology, but Senate committee has doubts. Daniel Schorr: Fabricating inspiration during a war ASIA The Economist Japan's foreign policy Abe blows Japan's trumpet, cautiously FT WORLD NEWS: China's economic rise puts strain on US-Taiwan ties Asia Times New energy to Japan's diplomacy
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has just returned from an extensive tour of the Middle East to shore up relations with a region vital for meeting Japan's energy needs. Meanwhile Trade Minister Akira Amari visited Central Asia to help diversify energy-hungry Japan's uranium suppliers. - Hisane Masaki JIIA Collective Self-Defense: Key to a Larger Security Role for Japan Sino-Japanese Relations: The Impact of Wen's Visit Sino-Japanese Relations and the 'Wen Jiabao Effect'
IDSA
An Indian commentary on Wen Jiabao's recent visit to Japan George Bush and Northeast Asia: Anticipating the Final Two Years
Stimson Center From Seed, an article on The China Experiment: Inside the revolution to green the biggest nation on earth. The negotiations over the third part of the United Nations report on climate change are expected to be particularly tough. China and the US are already trying to water down the final version, arguing that immediate action may be futile and too costly. ICG Indonesia: Jemaah Islamiyah’s Current Status | H11 IHT Europe's integration problems By H. D. S. GREENWAY / The Boston Globe European countries are rethinking their models for immigration. EU and NATO seek to quell Russia-Estonia spat Officials from the two organizations fear that the dispute could jeopardize an EU-Russia summit meeting later this month. Tough dog, selective bark By ROSE GOTTEMOELLER
Putin talks tough, but has left himself room for maneuver. Midterm elections could set tone for Blair's resignation Sarkozy and Royal in homestretch
By KATRIN BENNHOLD AND ARIANE BERNARD Commentators agreed the debate did not give Royal the boost she needs to overtake Sarkozy. EUROPE European press review Analysis: German govt-Muslim summit polarized Sarkozy the American? By: Olivier Guitta | The Weekly Standard Until recently, Sarkozy was content to be labeled as pro-American. But that was then, now Sarkozy is singing to a different tune. France says Goodbye to May 1968 : Amir Taheri The Economist France The final countdown Charlemagne Winning by degrees Europe's universities are the reluctant and unlikely pioneers of public-sector competition Missile Plan for Europe Seen as Shield Against Iranian Ambitions Washington Times What, America worry? "Anti-Europeanism" is one thing. Concern for the future of Europe is quite another. This week, our friends at the venerable British magazine the Economist confused the two. Transatlantic Security: NATO and Missile Defense OSCE Reports on Access to Information Nicholas Sarkozy in his new book comes across as an unusual, audacious politician, a risk-taker and pragmatist... more» The EU Climate Strategy: Building Blocks for International Climate Policy after 2012 SWP Missile Defense in and for Europe? SWP France and the Middle East Crises FRIDE To Palestine, via 'Mecca' and 'Beirut'
FRIDE Europe in Global, Innovation-Based Competition IFRI | H12 RFE/RL Russia Will Not Notify West Of Troop Movements Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov has said Russia will no longer inform Western partners of possible troop movements across its territory Georgia Mulls Twofold Increase In Military Spending Kosovo: Security Council Remains Divided On Status Middle East: Sharm El-Sheikh 'Very Good' First Step For Region Russia's reinvented empire | George Schöpflin
EurasiaNet Aiming to Reduce Russian Role in Caspian, Azerbaijan Builds Economic Ties with Asia Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s late-April trip to South Korea underscores how Asian states are becoming an increasing factor in the Caspian Basin energy equation. Aliyev is intent on exploiting the growing oil & gas needs of China, South Korea, Japan and other nations to weaken Russia’s ability to use energy issues as a lever of geopolitical influence. Armenia: Opposition Blasts Governing Party over Alleged Campaign Irregularities Google News Azerbaijan Unlike Yeltsin, Putin Has Luck On His Side By: Anders Aslund | The Japan Times Russian President Vladimir Putin's assertive foreign policy stance of recent years reflects the confidence that comes with a booming economy. In 1999, the year before Putin succeeded Boris Yeltsin as president, Russia's GDP was a paltry $ 200 billion. By last year, it had reached $ 1 trillion. Imperially Deluded By: Mart Laar | The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) Flush with petrodollars, and amid disarray in the Western camp, Russia's hopes of restoring its lost empire are rising. Vladimir Putin's annual address to both houses of the parliament, delivered last week, was just the latest signal. EU Protests Over Russian Attacks on Ambassadors By: Ian Traynor | The Guardian The confrontation between Russia and Estonia over second world war graves and monuments spread to the international stage yesterday with protests to the Kremlin by the European Union, attacks on European diplomats in Moscow, and calls for the cancellation of an upcoming EU-Russia summit Outside View: NATO much closer to Russian border |
| H13 The TimesIt is hard to see what talks can achieve The Iraqi government couldn’t stop the sectarian violence if it wanted to and it can’t run the oil industry Bronwen Maddox Commentary: Bush was the debate's real loser
Progress as US talk to Syria and Iran At an conference on Iraq, Condoleezza Rice had a 30-minute meeting with her Syrian counterpart, the first for two years Comment: Olmert survives, but future is bleak Even if the Israeli PM survives the current crisis, a series of emerging challenges is likely to force him from office Japanese PM breaks pacifist taboo Shinzo Abe says constitution must be revised to make way for a "New Japan", a hint at reform of pacifist postwar charter Bridge over troubled waters gets go-ahead Saudi Arabia and Egypt are putting the final touches to an ambitious transcontinental project linking Africa and Arabia Leader Black and White Opposed ideas which no theatrics can obscure have invigorated French politics Royal battling Sarkozy momentum A terrible, wasteful misjudgment Tony Blair’s support for Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon was wrong. And we said so Mary Ann Sieghart Olmert survives but protests grow Prominent al-Qaeda chief killed Reagan wisdom speaks down the years Ronald Reagan challenged diplomatic assumptions and took on the enemies of freedom Gerard Baker The perfect stage manager to the end Tony Blair is the only prime minister for more than 60 years to leave office at a time of his own choice Ben Macintyre Why Tebbit is right not to forgive the ex-terrorist Lord Tebbit’s sentiments should be applauded, they are pragmatic politics of a type imprudently abandoned by governments Oliver Kamm Wall Street Journal Fresh Fuel for Iraq Debate Democrats are using their control of Congress to investigate the Bush administration's case for invading Iraq, adding fuel to the intensifying political battle over the war. Gagging Shaha Riza
Why won't the World Bank let her have her say? The American Century
We have what it takes to compete with India and China.
By LEO MELAMED Imperially Deluded
Putin's vison of Europe's past, and future.
By MART LAAR World Bank Rolls
Nearly 1,400 employees make more than Condi Rice. | H14 Financial Times COMMENT: Why it is time for America to start talking to its enemy Silence has amplified misunderstanding and empowered radicals in Tehran. The US has nothing to lose from talking, writes Philip Stephens. Radical Iraqis' isolation grows COMMENT: Ulster has economic lessons for the Middle East Business not only provides the jobs that underpin peace but is also a force for moderation, writes David Freud. COMMENT AND ANALYSIS: Drilling minds Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum explains how he plans to ensure his emirate keeps on defying the image of Arab stagnation and inefficiency. COMMENT: A flawed but fruitful marriage A government divided between Blair and Brown almost certainly worked better than if either had been on his own, writes Martin Wolf. WORLD NEWS: Candidates turn backs on the world Cool Sarkozy weathers Royal's anger By keeping his cool, Nicolas Sarkozy seemed to have done enough yesterday to emerge unscathed from his televised debate with Ségolène Royal, preserving his... US missile shield plan suffers setback US plans to install a missile defence shield in Europe suffered a domestic setback after a congressional committee refused to provide funding for development of the contentious system. Wolfowitz in last-ditch ethics appeal Hank Paulson said that the US-Sino relationship was ‘tremendously important’, but that China ought to pick up the pace of its economic reforms. Russia has warned that tensions with Estonia could increase following violence in both countries, even as Estonia expressed its hope that relations were becoming calmer. Thousands call on Olmert to go Netanyahu calls for Olmert to go Saudis stall over debt write-off for Baghdad United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said yesterday that creditor nations including Britain, Saudi Arabia and China had pledged to waive $30bn of Iraqi debt, approximately 60 per cent of what Baghdad estimates it owes other countries. Editorial Bigness for its own sake is not enough It is lonely at the top of conglomerates at the moment. Citigroup is feeling vulnerable to a bid by activist hedge funds to break it up in response to its lagging... Editorial Britain's monetary transformation Ten years ago, Gordon Brown, the chancellor, granted the Bank of England operational independence to set interest rates. The verdict, now due, is that the move has... WORLD NEWS: China's economic rise puts strain on US-Taiwan ties | H15 Los Angeles Times Editorial Surge or purge? Is the surge working? Is there any hope in Iraq? Why Israel is After Me A democracy for Jews only How Israel uses its government to deny Palestinians full democracy. By: Azmi Bishara | Los Angeles Times
I am a Palestinian from Nazareth, a citizen of Israel and was, until last month, a member of the Israeli parliament. But now, in an ironic twist reminiscent of France's Dreyfus affair — in which a French Jew was accused of disloyalty to the state — the government of Israel is accusing me of aiding the enemy during Israel's failed war against Lebanon in July. Rice, Syrian leader talk; Iranians balk Israel's Premier Prevails Over His Critics By: Richard Boudreaux | Los Angeles Times Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert won critical backing from his party Wednesday night, beating back a move by his highest-ranking deputy and other party dissidents to oust him in the wake of a damaging report on the conduct of last summer's war in Lebanon. Agencies assess warming's effects Review is expected to identify security threats that may erupt if global temperatures continue to rise. |
| H16 American Politics NOONAN: An Incomplete Field; First impressions of the GOP's 2008 candidates... Newshour Former CIA Director Tenet Responds to Memoir Criticism For McCain, It's Good to Be Alive - Byron York, The Hill
Giuliani Beats Up on the Little Guys - Steve Kornacki, New York Observer
Republicans' Second Tier Worth Watching - Howard Fineman, Newsweek
Hillary's in a Three-Way Race - Dick Morris & Eileen McGann, NY Post
McClatchy Clinton joins effort to revoke war authorization GOP presidential candidates introduce themselves in first debate Iraq war plays complex, sobering role in McCain's campaign realclearpolitics – ABC’s The Note – US News Political Bulletin Early Bird GovExec The Economist The candidates: Rudy Giuliani Secret Service give Obama early security The Secret Service has put Democrat senator Barack Obama under its protection, the earliest that such provision has been made for a candidate. | H17 Daily Telegraph Royal's womanly ways didn't work The electorate has decided gender is irrelevant and seems unlikely to be seduced by mere presentation and spin, says Karine Lisbonne de Vergeron. Leader Olmert clings to office There are two things for which politicians deserve to be severely punished. The first is failure to achieve the goals of war. The second is the debauching of the currency. Painful goodbye as voters turn on Blair 'Invaders' must leave Iraq, says general A former commander of the SAS has been accused of endangering the lives of British troops by agreeing that Iraqis should resist the "invaders" of their country. New forum to debate climate change The gradual shift in US policy on climate change, which will accelerate as soon as President Bush departs the scene, will make China's resistance to worthwhile measures even less defensible. When 'Great Satan' met 'Axis of Evil' Encounter highlights America and Iran's awkward relations. PM set for ambassador role in Africa Tony Blair is to become a roving ambassador in Africa and the Middle East when he leaves Downing Street in an attempt to rebuild his tarnished reputation. It is 'the Cinderella asset' that's Lord Browne's greatest loss Reputation management is not just another form of crisis management. If done properly, it's crisis prevention, says Jeff Randall. | The Bush administration has ended its diplomatic quarantine of Syria by having the Secretary of State meet her counterpart from Damascus during a conference in Egypt that the US hopes will be a first step towards restoring stability to Iraq Voters delivered a critical final verdict on Tony Blair as he prepared to announce his departure timetable as Prime Minister next week The 100 most influential people of the year Leading article: An unwanted education legacy: class divisions The Economist Bagehot After Downing Street Europe's universities are the reluctant and unlikely pioneers of public-sector competition |
| H19Military Intelligence Terrorism FBI AGENT POSED AS AL QAIDA RECRUITER... Sympathy for the Spy-Masters: MI-5's Mission Impossible
The Human Dimension is Key to Controlling Proliferation of WMD
American Physics Society, Stimson Center The Economist Waiting for al-Qaeda's next bomb Britain: terror and security | Paul Rogers
Time Moms And Martyrs (The Well / World)
More and more Palestinian women are signing up to become suicide bombers. But are they really choosing to die? Awkward Truth of Scientist's 'Nuclear Supermarket' By: Bronwen Maddox | The Times of London
As the US hands over the $600 million a year it has promised Pakistan, it might ask itself this: was this really not enough to buy a single interview with A. Q. Khan? Rogue Pakistani Scientist Still Actively Involved in Proliferation By: Kim Sengupta | The Independent
The clandestine network trading in nuclear material and technology set up by rogue Pakistani scientist A Q Khan is still very much in business and actively involved in proliferation, a new report has claimed. Tenet's Treachery By: Robert Scheer | The Nation That a small band of neoconservative rogues had insinuated themselves into the highest levels of the US government was known to the chief of the Central Intelligence Agency, a man rewarded by President Bush with the Medal of Freedom precisely because he provided respectable cover for the chicanery that drove the Iraq debacle. Pity that it took a $4 million book contract for Tenet to come clean. Commentary: Uncovering America’s missing sleeper cells Outside View: Blocking terror finances Persian Gulf oil still at risk to violence | H20 Slate Friedrich Hayek argued that one of the most important effects of extensive government control was psychological: “an alteration of the character of the people”... more» In no democracy, rich or poor, has the place of labor – its power and share of income – declined more dramatically than in the U.S.... more» An imperial apologist who peddles poisonous fairytales, or a our finest living historian? Niall Ferguson does tend to get strong reactions... more» The writer you might guess to be best equipped to respond to 9/11 is Don DeLillo. His novel is at last out, and it does not disappoint... more» The plane that won't die ... or fly
It's called the Osprey, but unlike the formidable bird of prey after which it's named, the V-22 helicopter-plane has trouble getting off the ground, let alone helping the US Marine Corps win the war in Iraq - which it is supposed to start doing in September The New Republic A master narrative for Iraq Fouad Ajami's learned writings help us understand Iraq's religious struggle (and its social and economic consequences) through the centuries. by Martin Peretz | H21 The Economist Survey of cities The world goes to town After this year the majority of people will live in cities. Human history will ever more emphatically become urban history 'Don't ridicule this' Quentin Tarantino explains why Death Proof is his most 'real-life' film. The truth about RSS Supermarket tabloids and gossip columns still sell the illusion that stars live in a different world from the rest of us; but the Internet has created a new reality, and we’re all living in it together. Wimps, wussies and W. By Mark Dery How Americans' infatuation with masculinity has perilous consequences.
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