| H1 McClatchy U.S. report: Iran halted nuclear weapons drive in 2003 Iran was attempting to build a nuclear weapon but halted the effort in the fall of 2003 and doesn't appear to have restarted it, the declassified key judgments of a comprehensive new U.S. intelligence report said Monday National Intelligence Estimate — Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities (PDF; 134 KB)
Office of the Director of National Intelligence --Statement by the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence on NIE Key Judgments (PDF; 25 KB) Text: White House Reaction to Iran Report New York Times U.S. Finds Iran Halted Its Nuclear Arms Effort in 2003 A new assessment by American intelligence agencies, which concludes that Iran’s weapons program is on hold, contradicts a report two years ago that Tehran was working inexorably toward building a bomb U.S. Showed the World Exhibit A, Iran as Nuclear Threat; Now Exhibit B Upends It Ha’aretz – J'lem sources: U.S. losing sense of urgency on Iran Olmert, Barak, and Livni briefed on intelligence assessment stating Iran froze nuclear weapons program ANALYSIS: Iran nuke study pulls military option off the table The Americans failed to explain how they reached their new conclusions regarding Iran's nuclear program by Shmuel Rosner and Aluf Benn Slate Nuclear Meltdown We're not going to bomb Iran. Fred Kaplan stratfor geopolitical diary Questions Raised by the NIE CEPS Kosovo and the Principles of Just Secession Washington Post U.S. Finds That Iran Halted Nuclear Arms Bid in 2003 Intelligence reports find that while Tehran continues to develop an enriched uranium program, it apparently has not resumed moving toward nuclear capability. ANALYSIS A Blow to Bush's Tehran Policy By Peter Baker and Robin Wright Washington Institute Speaking about the Unspeakable: U.S.-Israeli Dialogue on Iran's Nuclear Program Guardian Leader A managed election Russia The Times No wonder they like Putin The West should stop its finger-wagging. The Russian people know what they want and their message is clear Norman Stone UPI Walker's World: Putin's paper tiger By MARTIN WALKER The decisive but predictable victory of Putin's United Russia Party was based on a new ideology of Russian nationalism and on a massive feel-good factor, but neither is as secure as it looks. Winning the Right War Source: Survival (via The Brookings Institution) More than six years after the start of the ‘war on terror’, America and its allies are less safe, their enemies stronger and more numerous, and the war’s key geographic battleground, the greater Middle East, dangerously unstable. Full Paper (PDF; 802 KB) Is Syria an Ally or Adversary of Radical Sunni Movements? - Eyal Zisser (Institute for Contemporary Affairs/Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Independent The Big Question: Why is Eta killing people in France, and will it ever lay down its arms? OpenDemocracy The mysteries of US empire, Fred Halliday The narrative of the United States's long-term decline or retreat is open to detailed challenge on the basis of the historical record and current realities Financial Times COMMENT: For nations, small is beautiful People tend to treat countries that split up a bit like married couples. It is a sad event. But since the traditional disadvantages of being a tiddly country are disappearing, you are just left with the advantages, writes Gideon Rachman COMMENT: Russia is crucial to action over a nuclear Iran Moscow likes the status quo, says Philip Gordon. Even the threat of a US military strike on Iran might, from a Russian perspective, be seen as “win-win-win” COMMENT: Oil prices could help beat the subprime problem Daniel Gros asks if Opec can aid global economy Five Questions Concerning the Latest NIE - Thomas Joscelyn, Weekly Std Guardian Learning to live with Putin's Russia Charles Grant Whatever role the president takes in the future, the group of people running Russia today will remain in charge for the foreseeable future Putinomics Anders Åslund The main question about Russia's economic policy in Vladimir Putin's third term is how fast it will deteriorate A positive state Agim Ceku Scaremongering over the consequences of a free Kosovo is unfounded. Independence will allow the entire region to mature Putin's election meddling is baffling: it can only backfire
Anna Matveeva: The president's strength is such that manipulation of votes is sure to leave him weaker. But the west should bite its tongue Jerusalem Post Three tracks emerging to keep peace process alive Post learns parallel efforts will include bilateral negotiations, implementation of road map stages and enlistment of int'l support. Our World: Our friends the Syrians [ CAROLINE GLICK , Annapolis: 1 cheer, 1 yawn, 1 cynical shrug [ BARRY RUBIN The Times Water shortages 'likely trigger for wars' UN chief Ban Ki Moon warns that the world faces crisis because of pollution and the poor management of water resources, Salon Why Bush's troop surge won't save Iraq The influx of U.S. troops brought a relative lull in violence -- but the failing state remains in political chaos and is headed for collapse.
By Juan Cole The emperor's new peace plan Barring a miracle, Bush's Annapolis charade will make matters in the Middle East much worse.
By Gary Kamiya Lebanon in Precarious Drift as Parliament Fails to Elect President CEIP WINEP Elections in Lebanon: Implications for Washington, Beirut, and Damascus Like Iraq, US Intel on Iran Faulty Sadr Tells Bush to Get Out of Iraq Kevin Drum Why Was the NIE Released? ..Part 2 National Intelligence Estimate about Iran’s Nuclear Program by Farideh Farhi Miracle: Honest Intel on Iran Nukes: Ray McGovern A World of People on the Move Antonio Guterres The 21st century will be defined by the movement of people from one country and continent to another. The number living outside their homeland already stands at some 200 million, the same as the population of Brazil, the fifth largest country in the world. Will the Security Improvements in Iraq Endure? Wall Street Journal – Time US Spies: Iran Stopped Building The Bomb Der Spiegel Bali Conference: US Seeks Alliance with China and India to Block Climate Protection | H2 Karayılan ABD’ye kafa tuttu: Tehditlerle tuz-buz olmayız Merkel Says German Christian Democrats Oppose Turkey's EU Bid Lale Sarıibrahimoğlu Deceiving the public on arms purchases Arabs and Kurds Reach Accord in Kirkuk K. Irak Yönetiminin Yola Getirilmesi için Ekonomik ve Siyasi Baskı Yeterli Olur" FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EU, TURKEY AND THE KURDS Ali KÜLEBİ Fethullah Gulen: A Man Loved and Feared in Turkey Asharq Alawsat EDM POOR, LESS EDUCATED TURKISH WOMEN MORE LIKELY TO COVER THEIR HEADS Washington Times Debating Turkey and the EU (Tulin Daloglu) Google News KurdishMedia Kurdish Kurdish Aspect BBC Monitoring PJAK Official Comments on Blockade Against PKK, Turkish "Plot" “Washington yönetimi, Kürtlerle gelişen müttefik ilişkilere büyük önem veriyor”
Türkiye ve Batı Stratejik Bir Kavşakta mı? Negroponte sees Kirkuk referendum delayed to 2008 10:20 MHP'li generaller: Mehmetçiği karla savaştıracaklar The Kurds militarily claim the Kirkuk oil fields? German Press Views Situation After Military Strike in North Iraq Approved Iraqi Kurdish Article Analyses Turkey's Importance to West
"DTP kapatılırsa şiddet devam eder" diyen Leyla Zana'dan yine tahrik eden açıklamalar... İBRAHİM KARAGÜL Kürtlerle ortak tarihi yeniden inşa etmek! Kerkük yönetimini paylaştılar Peşmerge ağır silahlarla donatıldı Yapılamayacak olanı bilmek
Türker Alkan Demirtaş: Toplantı bitsin Türkiye’ye döneceğim Mehmet Yılmaz PKK ile mücadelede taktik ve strateji Ahmet Turan Alkan Kürt meselesinde "çözüm" ve zihnî boyut PKK ASALA’nın yanında Azerilere karşı savaşmış
Old mistakes and new opportunities (1) by DOĞU ERGİL* PKK'nın planına karşı üçlü işbirliği Zana: Öcalan’ın rolü son derece önemli
'Öcalan'dan yardım alınabilir' Yusuf KANLI So, Turkey takes action on PKK Turkey's mlitary operation in Iraq: Limited incursion or full ... Hüsnü Mahalli Elçiye zeval olmaz! Mahir Kaynak Proje İadesi istenen PKK'lı AP'de Karayılan: Barışta ısrarcı olacağız! Prominent Kurdish Politician Discusses Iraq-Kurdistan Oil Dispute Turkey's Kurdish Rebels Announce Seven Disarmament Conditions - Website Iraqi Kurd Official Discusses Turkey, PKK, Kirkuk, Oil Deals US says Iraqi Kurds' efforts against PKK insufficient Iran Blames Kurds for Terror Attacks Nefes aldırılmıyorTürk Silahlı Kuvvetleri’nin geçen Cumartesi günü Çukurca’dan başlattığı nokta operasyonları öncesinde bölgede başlayan askeri hareketlilik artarak devam ediyor Gül'den muhalif liderlere öğütler Pakistan'a 'dost' tavsiyesi Iraqi Kurdish Press Highlights 3 Dec 07 Kurdish Weekly Banned in Iran Sebahat Tuncel ile polis arasında miting tartışması European Parliament to host Kurdish conference DTP'li milletvekili bildiri dağıtamadı Silaha sarılmak çözüm değil MUHAMMED NUREDDİN [HABER İZLENİM] 5 katlı kitapçıdaki Pakistan Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Atina'dan dostluk eli İlter Türkmen AB-Kıbrıs etkileşimi Cami kubbesi çan kulesini geçmesin Merkel Says German Christian Democrats Oppose Turkey's EU Bid
Ariana FERENTINOU
Babacan, kapatılan Türk derneğini de ziyaret edecek İadesi istenen PKK'lı AP'de Babacan Atina'da güven artıracak KKTC'lilerin Güney'deki alışverişine kısıtlama Atina'dan Türkiye'ye yasadışı göç suçlaması Turkey ranks 31st among European states in purchasing power Türkiye'ye bir kez daha imtiyazlı ortaklık önerisi Using Britain’s experience in Turkey’s fight against terrorism
Murat Yülek Azerbaijan: Challenged but on the rise atv-Sabah ihalesi: Nurol-Carlyle'den süre uzatma talebi ATV-Sabah'a tek teklif bile gelse ihale ertelenmez Nurol çekildi, Sabah-atv'de iki talip kaldı Fatura şirketten rapor müdürden Hastaneler ağır hasta 4 Aralık 2007 Basın Özeti | H3 İşte AKP'nin DTP'yi Güneydoğu'da silme planı Malatya cinayetlerinde bir tuhaf telefon trafiği Katliam dosyasında ilginç telefon trafiği Yayınevi katliamı davasında ihmal iddiası İşte tartışmanın nedeni Anketlere göre türbanlı oranı arttı mı azaldı mı? Sırrı Sakık Devlet değil, demokrasi istiyoruz DTP’li Türk, İspanya Anayasası�nı istedi!.. PKK'nın derin troykası - Haşim Söylemez [Yorum - Prof. Dr. Ergun Özbudun] Sivil anayasa tartışmaları eleştiriler ve cevaplar (1) Ergin Yıldızoğlu Restorasyon ve çözülme ERDAL ŞAFAK Muhatap adayları İstanbul'da tehlikeli tahrik Ahmet Taşgetiren Milletin devletinde... ŞAHİN ALPAY - Alevilik resmen tanınıyor mu?
MUHARREM SARIKAYA 'K.Irak insansız yasak bölgesi...' Bütçe görüşmeleri başlarken
Murat Yetkin Operasyon şimdiden amacına ulaştı
Hasan Celal Güzel Cüneyt Ülsever Sınır ötesi harekát Enis Berberoğlu İhbar imzasız denetimi MİT’ten Kuzey Irak'ta PKK ve peşmerge dosyası 3 Aralık 2007 Ayrılığın kimseye faydası yok Güneri CIVAOĞLU Sınırda İsrail örneği Zana: Kürt sorunu Öcalan ile mutabakatla çözülür Zana'nın Öcalan sevgisi Lagendijk'ı kızdırdı Cengiz Çandar 'Ortadoğu pazarı'ndan pazarlıklar Ahmet Taşgetiren Ak Parti'nin en büyük gelecek yatırımı EMRE AKÖZ Tam bir kafa karışıklığı Yazici Diyarbakır'ı alacağız Din ve vicdan özgürlüğü çıkmazı
İsmet Berkan Siyasal simge olarak başörtüsü
Nuray Mert Güler Kömürcü Bu sorunun cevabı bizi aşar Cevdet Aşkın Peşmerge Genelkurmay'dan rahatsız oldu, Kandil'in gözü ABD'ye döndü Taha AKYOL Pakistan dersleri
Gül, "Pakistan'ın geleceği bölge için hayati" dedi. Peki Pakistan neden bu kadar önemli? Ruşen Çakır yazıyor 'Ben bakanken af gündeme gelmez' Alevi devrimi - İbrahim Doğan Serdar Turgut AKP’nin yeni hedefi Ekrem Dumanlı Horrendous scenarios on division along ethnic lines Taha Kıvanç Orak-çekiç, sayın muhbir vatandaş ve bayan okur Fehmi Koru Anketler yalan söyler mi? ALİ BAYRAMOĞLU Türk siyasetinin yol ayrımı Ali Bayramoğlu Para, iktidar ve denetim... KÜRŞAT BUMİN 'Tarih bize bir laboratuvar olarak hizmet edecekse...' Ertuğrul Özkök Türban nefreti, nefret türbanı Ahmet Hakan M Ali Birand Türban, mini etek modası gibi yayılıyor Cüneyt Ülsever Sınır ötesi harekát Enis Berberoğlu İhbar imzasız denetimi MİT’ten Oktay Ekşi Bu hiç yakışmadı Dünya'nın bize bakışını değiştirdik ERDAL ŞAFAK Muhatap adayları ERGUN BABAHAN Gazetecilik ve doğrular EMRE AKÖZ Tam bir kafa karışıklığı Umur Talu HASAN BÜLENT KAHRAMAN NAZLI ILICAK Ekşi rejimin teminatı mı? MAHMUT ÖVÜR YAVUZ DONAT
Fethullah Gülen�den başörtüsü konusunda ilginç yaklaşım: �Dinin öncelikli meselesi değildir� [Yorum - Herkül Millas] Mahalle baskısı ve uluslaşma
Enflasyon TÜFE'de % 1.95, ÜFE'de % 0.89 Inflation rate 8.4%, higher than expected ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM Şirketlere uluslararası disiplin ve denetim geliyor
Ercan Kumcu Kambiyo rejiminde serbestlik Erdal Sağlam İhracat nasıl rekor kırıyor?
Mahfi Eğilmez Koç'un 2008 ciro hedefi 50 milyar dolar
Enflasyon ve para politikası
Bütçedeki gevşemenin maliyeti... Bidder wants Turkey's ATV tender extended -source Lagendijk: DTP, PKK için tam güvence vermeli |
| H4 New York Times U.S. Finds Iran Halted Its Nuclear Arms Effort in 2003 A new assessment by American intelligence agencies, which concludes that Iran’s weapons program is on hold, contradicts a report two years ago that Tehran was working inexorably toward building a bomb Europeans See Murkier Case for Sanctions Candidates Hold to Their Stances on Iran In Iran, Group of ‘Mothers’ Criticizes Nuclear Policy A Microscopic Insurgent By MARK D. DRAPEAU Cholera is a grave threat for the American project in Iraq, but also an opportunity to capture the hearts and minds of the population. Putin Basks in Election Win Despite Broad Criticism Pakistani Rivals Threaten Boycott of Elections | H5 Washington Post U.S. Finds That Iran Halted Nuclear Arms Bid in 2003 Intelligence reports find that while Tehran continues to develop an enriched uranium program, it apparently has not resumed moving toward nuclear capability. ANALYSIS A Blow to Bush's Tehran Policy By Peter Baker and Robin Wright VIDEO: Hadley on Iran's Weapons Editorial In Russia, the backward march to czarism continues.In Russia, the backward march to czarism continues. Military Weighs Recruiting Afghan Tribes to Fight Taliban Europeans Call Russia Vote 'Not Fair' Landslide Win by Kremlin Bloc Followed Official 'Abuse of Power,' Two Groups Say Bhutto, Sharif Joining Forces to Press Musharraf For Fair Elections Chávez Chastened in Venezuela Vote Rejection of Bid for More Power Shows Limits of Support Bush Steps Up Attacks on Congress Unpopular President Seeks a Way to Keep Democrats on the Defensive We the Paranoid By Eugene Robinson | H6 Guardian US gives shock verdict on Iran Intelligence agencies say Tehran halted weapons programme in 2003 Read the full report Leader A managed election Russia: Vladimir Putin yesterday came under a hail of fire abroad for rigging the weekend's parliamentary elections 'Russian election unfair' Report decries violation of international standards but president says result reflects trust in him Learning to live with Putin's Russia Charles Grant Whatever role the president takes in the future, the group of people running Russia today will remain in charge for the foreseeable future Putinomics Anders Åslund The main question about Russia's economic policy in Vladimir Putin's third term is how fast it will deteriorate A positive state Agim Ceku Scaremongering over the consequences of a free Kosovo is unfounded. Independence will allow the entire region to mature Putin's election meddling is baffling: it can only backfire
Anna Matveeva: The president's strength is such that manipulation of votes is sure to leave him weaker. But the west should bite its tongue A dangerous fantasy Oliver Kamm: Indulging Iran's regime will only heighten its penchant for nuclear duplicity and terror The globalisation of ideas Brian Whitaker: Ideologies and values are no longer limited by cultural and geographical boundaries. With time, this should prove to be a good thing Osama bin Laden's true priorities Thomas Hegghammer: Despite what policymakers have been saying since 9/11, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a crucial front in the war on terrorism Down but not out in Caracas Seumas Milne Venezuela's Bolivarian revolution suffered a setback in the form of the referendum defeat. But it's far from finished Russia hands Putin a blank cheque David Hearst: Yesterday's election result gives the Russian president more room for manoeuvre, but it does not solve his main problem: what to do next This crisis demands a reappraisal of who we are and what progress means George Monbiot: Outdated figures have been hiding the full extent of climate change. But I am still advocating action, and not despair Joined-up thinking on oil Daniel Litvin: The Bali summit: Two conferences this week offer opportunities to develop oil production and commit to a reduction in greenhouse emissions Price of crude falls on hopes of cuts by Opec Oil prices fell again amid speculation that Opec would agree to increase output when it meets tomorrow in Abu Dhabi Australia signs up to Kyoto deal to end 10-year exile Australia joined countries committed to tackling climate change by signing the Kyoto agreement on CO2 emissions
Bali conference Q&A Nawaz Sharif barred from fighting Pakistan election · Criminal charges rule him out, officials declare
· Former PM asks Bhutto to join poll boycott in protest Amis fires another salvo in Islam row Martin Amis has condemned an 'abject failure' by Muslims to vigorously denounce suicide bombings |
| H7 McClatchy U.S. report: Iran halted nuclear weapons drive in 2003 Iran was attempting to build a nuclear weapon but halted the effort in the fall of 2003 and doesn't appear to have restarted it, the declassified key judgments of a comprehensive new U.S. intelligence report said Monday A Way Out of the Impasse BICC
This 6-page German policy brief proposes a new strategy for addressing Iran's nuclear programme Newsweek: Rice offers Wolfowitz a job. Al Hayat Syria's 'Advances' in Annapolis Walid Choucair - It is in Syria’s interest to make advances to the moderate Arab states, since it will be hosting the Arab summit next March which, if it is to be held, requires a relaxation of tensions between Damascus and these countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Lebanon in Precarious Drift as Parliament Fails to Elect President
CEIP Lebanon: Al-Hariri's Masterstroke By: Dominic Moran | ISN Security Watch
The anti-Syrian majority in the Lebanese parliament appears on the cusp of a major political coup which could undermine the unity of the Hizbollah-led opposition Daily Star Enough is enough: Aoun has no right to gamble with Lebanon's future Without Russia, the US faces Middle Eastern frustration
By Waleed Sadi America's militarized foreign policy is a failure
By Jeffrey D. Sachs The Middle East's 40 Largest Public Companies The Brittle Culture of Islam - Robert Spencer, Human Events Partition Iraq into 3 states
Deseret News Ahmedinejad schmoozing with Gulf leaders
| H8 IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq stratfor US: Iran Halted Program, Could Still Make Nukes US Says Too Soon to Trust Iran on Iraq BBC US Democrats want rethink on Iran Democrats call for a rethink of Iran policy as a report says Tehran is not at present developing nuclear weapons. Iran report frustrates US hawks Iran proposes Gulf security pact Q&A: Iran and the nuclear issue Justin Webb's blog
Spies say they got Iran's nuclear plans wrong - hold the war!
Iran 'expels Canada ambassador' Iran expels Canada's envoy to Tehran, says a Canadian minister, after a spat over diplomatic representation Iran Wants Economic, Security Pacts With Gulf Arabs UPI Feature: Cooperation helps pacify Hit Along the banks of the Euphrates River and just 30 miles from the Anbar provincial capital of Ramadi sits a success story in U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Iraq. Analysis: Egypt's new anti-terrorism law By SHAUN WATERMAN The Egyptian government is drafting a new anti-terrorism law that will replace the country's 26-year-old state of emergency. In the process it is going to have to redefine its relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood -- which, though illegal, is still the most powerful opposition group. US General Cites 25-30% Reduction in Foreign Fighters Entering Iraq Guards of Sunni MP Handled Explosives: Iraq Sex trade
The ordeal of Iraqi girls who become prostitutes in Syria
Sarkozy says colonial rule unjust France's President Sarkozy says during a visit to Algeria the colonial system was "profoundly unjust". The Outrageous Case of the 'Qatif Girl' By: Frida Ghitis | Miami Herald
When you listen to the stirring arguments of Muslims who demand progressive reform in their societies, it's impossible to miss the fact that many of the most outspoken and courageous among Islam's critics are women. Iraqis in Syria face food shortages Saudi Eyes Relaunch of Israel Talks With Syria, Lebanon Syria Is Reaping Benefits From Annapolis | H9 Ha’aretz – U.S. intelligence: Iran halted nuclear weapons work in 2003 U.S. intelligence report says Tehran is less determined to develop nuclear arms than previously thought J'lem sources: U.S. losing sense of urgency on Iran Olmert, Barak, and Livni briefed on intelligence assessment stating Iran froze nuclear weapons program ANALYSIS: Iran nuke study pulls military option off the table The Americans failed to explain how they reached their new conclusions regarding Iran's nuclear program by Shmuel Rosner and Aluf Benn Poll: Do you trust the new intelligence on Iran? Editorial Bring them home, gradually Polls show that some 20,000 settlers at least would at this point like to vacate communities east of the fence, if they receive enough compensation Jerusalem Post Three tracks emerging to keep peace process alive Post learns parallel efforts will include bilateral negotiations, implementation of road map stages and enlistment of int'l support. Our World: Our friends the Syrians [ CAROLINE GLICK , Annapolis: 1 cheer, 1 yawn, 1 cynical shrug [ BARRY RUBIN Olmert: No Commitment to a Specific Timetable for Negotiations Yedioth Ahronoth Rice: US to boost PA aid Fuses in Gaza By: Jackson Diehl | The Washington Post Listening to the sometimes soaring Annapolis rhetoric about a Middle East peace, it was easy to forget that Israel is at war with the winners of the last Palestinian general election, that rockets fired by Palestinians are detonating in southern Israel nearly every day and that 1.5 million people of the future Palestinian state are living under what amounts to an Israeli military siege PINR "The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process After Annapolis"
December 04 2007
Full text of report Inside Palestine
CEIP A 21-page special issue examining the most pressing concerns for the Palestinians Daily Star America's militarized foreign policy is a failure
By Jeffrey D. Sachs IT OFTEN takes electric shock treatment to get the Middle East off its dead center of inertia. The lightning success of the first Gulf war in 1991 produced just that, unsettling all the old presumptions. (By H.D.S. Greenway, Boston Globe) Israeli Officials Hail US Report on "Delay" in Iran's Nuclear Programme Israeli minister's killer jailed
An Israeli court jails a Palestinian for life for murdering ex-ultra-nationalist minister Rehavam Zeevi Daily Alert.org – Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Top Israeli Downplays Target Date for Peace By: Joel Greenberg | The Chicago Tribune
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday played down expectations for a peace agreement with the Palestinians by the end of next year, a target set at a U.S.-sponsored Middle East peace conference last week The Saudis' New PR Man By: Dan Senor | The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
The news out of the Annapolis Mideast summit last week was bizarre. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was spinning for the Arab League. Before the end of the first day he was tracking down U.S. presidential candidates and members of Congress, mostly strong advocates for Israel. |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Dollar slips, euro gains credibility as viable rival But to take the place as banker to the world, the euro may still need to prove itself. United Russia wins, Putin sees 'moral mandate' in vote Vote virtually eliminates all opposition to Kremlin policies. In Bali talks, a cheer for Australia US remains only developed country not to have signed on. THE MONITOR'S VIEW A Muslim-Christian handshake Positive Christian response to recent Muslim outreach must be one of many steps to peace. Hugo Chávez suffers a blow to his 'revolution' Venezuela's voters reject reforms that would have ended presidential term limits and make country a socialist state. ASIA DAVID BROOKS The Dictatorship of Talent A meritocratic corpocracy is on the rise in China. Pakistan on the Brink: Regional Perspectives and Implications
MIT-CIS A US analysis focusing on the regional implications of a continued status quo or deterioration in Pakistan's political situation Pakistan: Conflicted Ally in the War on Terror
CEIP Secrets of Shell and Rolls-Royce Come Under Attack From China’s Spies By: James Rossiter | The London Times
Sustained spying assaults on Britain’s largest engineering company and on the world’s second-biggest oil multinational occurred earlier this year as part of a campaign to obtain confidential commercial information, sources said The Olympics Take Beijing By: Tom Scocca | Slate With less than 10 months to go to the Olypics, plenty of the Beijing's objectives still sound improbable: finishing four more subway lines, teaching English to clerks and cab drivers, curbing the citizens' ubiquitous spitting. The goal of fixing the city's air quality may be inspiring the most skepticism. China's 'See-No-Evil' Brand of Diplomacy Has Got to Change By: Andreas Ni | The Daily Star
Ever since its founding, the People's Republic of China has adhered to a foreign policy of non-interference in other country's internal affairs -- or so it claims. But with China's rapid ascent and ever-closer integration with the outside world, this doctrine has become increasingly anachronistic Chinese companies expand overseas Many investors are controlled by the government but that does not mean a co-ordinated strategy is being rolled out | H11 IHT UN envoy to visit Athens and Skopje to revive talks on a name dispute The initiative comes a month after Greece and Macedonia began a new round of negotiations over what the former Yugoslav republic of two million people should call itself. Sarkozy faces an uphill battle as a reformer By JOHN VINOCUR An agent of change, President Sarkozy faces a major challenge with affirmative action. A roadmap on climate change By JOHN F. KERRY AND JONATHAN LASH We should all not just pray for success at the international climate meeting in Bali, Indonesia, but work to make it a reality. The climate for terror By ALEXANDER T. J. LENNON AND JULIANNE SMITH As climate-induced migrations rise, so will cultural tensions. Unsaintly ambiguity By JAMES CARROLL The beatification honors one side of a wicked war, while continuing to demonize the other. Lashing justice Muslims who wonder why non-Muslims are often baffled and angered by some governments' interpretation of Islamic law need only look to the cases of two women threatened with barbaric lashings. EUROPE European press review FT Special Report Germany Economic future depends on freedom from the US • Download a click and carry PDF of this special report NGOs Argue Against Further Indecision on Kosovo By: Elitsa Vucheva | EU Observer
The delay in working out a solution on Kosovo's future is hindering efforts to improve the lives of its people and creating tensions that could eventually result in violence, according to a report published by two NGOs on Monday. Europe and the U.S: Confronting Global Challenges CEIP Czech Commentary Sees Kosovo Independence As Precedent for Other Regions Greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe 2007 Coming Home To Roost By: Daniel Gros | The Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
The decision by France, after Nicolas Sarkozy's rise to the presidency in May, to make mortgage payments tax deductible might keep the French housing bubble inflated a little longer. But it is unlikely that the French real estate sector can sustain its upward momentum much longer. Prices have already increased by more than those in the U.S. Ousted PM vows to unite rivals
The outgoing Belgian PM wants to unite Dutch-speaking and Francophone parties | H12 RFE/RL Google News Azerbaijan IHT NYT Putin hails result of Russian vote, but monitors pass a harsh verdict The results, while a triumph for Putin, also usher in a new era of political instability for Russia. UPI Walker's World: Putin's paper tiger By MARTIN WALKER The decisive but predictable victory of Putin's United Russia Party was based on a new ideology of Russian nationalism and on a massive feel-good factor, but neither is as secure as it looks. EDM UNITED RUSSIA “WINS” A CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY IN THE STATE DUMA
- RUSSIA HAS VOTED AS ORDERED, NOW WHAT?
BBC Kremlin insists election was fair Vladimir Putin's office rejects concerns over the conduct of polls which gave Russia's ruling party a landslide. Press sees tainted Putin triumph Putin Rides the Cronies to Victory - Uwe Klussmann, Der Spiegel Reviving the Cold War in the Middle East By: Robert Freedman | The Daily Star
Since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, American-Russian relations have been on a downward spiral. From the Russian side this has been caused not only by Iraq but by additional factors as well. One is the expansion of NATO to the borders of Russia along with the possibility that both Georgia and Ukraine might join that Western defense organization Russia: Georgia in the Kremlin's Crosshairs?
Stratfor From New Statesman, a special section on Vlad the Great: Putin has dismantled the fragile democracy of the 1990s, but has never been more popular; an article on the modern Russian paradox: Ironies behind the elite’s confused thinking; and whether in pro-western or pro-Moscow states, repression and corruption are flourishing among Russia's neighbours. Portrait of a reluctant democracy: Der Spiegel presents five regional snapshots of a nation with eleven time zones, pinning its hopes on one man. An article on Putin’s last realm to conquer: Russian culture. An article on Putin and the dawn of the New Authoritarians. Saviours of nations, but at what cost? Why Putin's and Chavez's policies and style of leadership are perceived positively at home while openly condemned by so many abroad. |
| H13 The Times US intelligence: Iran froze nuclear plans years ago The findings contradict a previous assessment and appear to undercut President Bush's repeated and ominous warnings Neighbours still fear Tehran threat No wonder they like Putin The West should stop its finger-wagging. The Russian people know what they want and their message is clear Norman Stone Water shortages 'likely trigger for wars' UN chief Ban Ki Moon warns that the world faces crisis because of pollution and the poor management of water resources Mind the other guys' backs Why are our troops in Iraq? Its seems to be purely to protect the other British soldiers Mick Hume Viva, Venezuela A vote that has denied Chávez the pleasure of denying democracy Wall Street Journal Economy Is Key Issue for Voters Economic concerns are seizing a top spot in many voters' minds as falling housing prices, rising gasoline prices and health-insurance worries are supplanting anxiety over terrorism and the war in Iraq. Iran Stopped Nuke Work in '03 A U.S. report concludes that Iran halted development of atomic weapons in 2003, a finding that could undercut calls from Bush administration hawks for military strikes. Venezuelans Rain on Hugo
Its voters have earned the U.S.'s attention--and its active support. | H14 Financial Times COMMENT: For nations, small is beautiful People tend to treat countries that split up a bit like married couples. It is a sad event. But since the traditional disadvantages of being a tiddly country are disappearing, you are just left with the advantages, writes Gideon Rachman COMMENT: Russia is crucial to action over a nuclear Iran Moscow likes the status quo, says Philip Gordon. Even the threat of a US military strike on Iran might, from a Russian perspective, be seen as “win-win-win” US lowers rating of Iran nuclear threat US intelligence downgraded its assessment of the risks posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions with a surprise declaration that Tehran halted its nuclear weapons programme in 2003 and may not have restarted it WORLD NEWS - IRAN: Intelligence review raises fresh doubts Ahmadi-Nejad silent on Iran's nuclear aims Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, Iran's president, yesterday told Gulf Arab leaders he sought greater economic and security ties with the region. Absent from his remarks,... Gates in Kabul amid al-Qaeda fears Amid growing US concerns that al-Qaeda may be regrouping in Afghanistan as it is weakened in Iraq, Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, arrived in Kabul for meetings with US commanders and government officials BETWEEN THE LINES - QUENTIN PEEL: Putin's predictable victory could be a blessing or a curse WORLD NEWS - RUSSIA POLL: Relations with west suffer following 'unfair' elections FT Special Report Saudia Arabia Saudi Arabia The government has to prevent a repeat of the economic stagnation that followed heady days of the first oil boom. Click and carry PDF Foreign policy: Walking diplomacy's tightrope FT REPORT - SAUDI ARABIA 2007 - FRONT PAGE: Confidence masks underlying issues Natural resources: World likely to rely on Saudi oil in the future Editorial Hillary Clinton is wrong on trade For the developing countries whose best chance of prosperity is through trade, her new thinking would be a calamity Putin brushes off criticism over elections Editorial Putin’s power While there are still Russians who hold democratic values, they are a minority and they are not the people in power Editorial Chávez at bay Unless he starts to deliver competent governance, Sunday’s referendum defeat will mark the beginning of the end for the Venezuelan leader WORLD NEWS DIGEST: Saudis hold 200 over 'oil raid plot' | H15 Los Angeles Times Iran has no nuke program, U.S. intel says Bush draws skepticism with hands-off approach to Mideast U.S. presses Iraq on reconciliation Editorial Obama: not a Manchurian candidate The ugly insinuation that Obama is a stealth Muslim spotlights a new American hatred. Immigrants are a boon, not a curse By Max Boot Republicans should stop treating millions of people who want to better their lives as a threat. Apocalypse! Again! Gregory Rodriguez: The Puritanical roots of our fatalism and anxiety over American exceptionalism. |
| H19Military Intelligence Terrorism UK: National CCTV Strategy (56 pages; PDF) Source: Home Office via Statewatch.org Pentagon Chief Says State Dept. Should Do Nation Building, Not Military Fact Check on War Spending CIA to Critics: We Get Off Our Tails to Spy Covering up the trail of dead Iraqis How the Pentagon has used "tactical perception management" to obscure the killing of Iraqi civilians by U.S. forces.
By Dahr Jamail NYRB Iraq: The Hidden Human Costs By Michael Massing
In no other war have so many books by soldiers appeared while the fighting was still going on—accounts written not just by generals like Tommy Franks but also by lieutenants, sergeants, reservists, and privates. Such works have been largely ignored by the mass media, which is too bad, for they provide a grunt's-eye view of the war that is often far richer, and rawer, than anything available in our newspapers or on TV. Slovak and Hungarian police, after a months-long operation, have arrested three people for trying to sell half a kilogram of enriched uranium — enough to make a "dirty bomb". An interview with Bob Drogin, author of Curveball: Spies, Lies, and the Con Man Who Caused a War. Rigging Pakistan's Election? By: Robert Novak | The Washington Post
While Bush calls Musharraf "a loyal ally in fighting terrorists," the Pentagon and the CIA have not been happy with Pakistan's record against al-Qaeda. That's why the U.S. government pressed Musharraf to permit Bhutto to return from exile and share power as a more dependable foe of the Islamists. 'I Will Never Leave Guantanamo' By: Sabin Willett | The Boston Globe
We are all getting older. Guantanamo is now far older than any World-War-II POW camp. Hope fled the sunless gloom of Camp Six long ago | H20 Slate Nuclear Meltdown We're not going to bomb Iran.
Fred Kaplan The 2007 Report on the World Social Situation: the Employment Imperative (PDF; ) Source: United Nations Amirul Ahsan, Michael Skully and J. Wickramanayake (Monash): Determinants of Central Bank Independence and Governance: Problems and Policy Implications. An essay on Governing the Governors: A Clinical Study of Central Banks. Fed up: We've been told not to imagine a world without the Federal Reserve — maybe we should. Greenspan was a very bad Fed chairman: A review of Les incendiaires: Les banques centrales depassees par la globalisation by Patrick Artus. Council Report Argues for New Policies to Protect National Security Interests from Consequences of Climate Change
Source: Council on Foreign Relations Full Report (PDF; 236 KB) Greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe 2007 Boston Globe Editorial Planet's fate hinges on our choices The People We Have Been Waiting For By: Thomas L. Friedman | The New York Times The final report of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was just issued and got far too little attention, concluded that since the IPCC began its study five years ago, scientists had discovered much stronger climate change trends than previously realized. A New Green Economics By: U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon | The Washington Post We have read the science. Global warming is real, and we are a prime cause. We have heard the warnings. Unless we act, now, we face serious consequences. Polar ice will melt. Sea levels will rise. A third of our plant and animal species could vanish. There will be famine in Africa and Central Asia. Solar Power as the Next Great Investment Bonanza By: David Pauly | Bloomberg News Now that you've blown your next two years' bonuses on subprime mortgages and homebuilder stocks, you need a recovery strategy. Look no farther. Solar power. | H21 Google’s much-hyped project to digitize 32 million books sounds like a good idea. Why are so many people taking shots at it?... more» For Joseph Conrad, art requires a courageous recognition of the antagonisms that make life so enigmatic, burdensome, fascinating, dangerous – and full of hope... more» There an air of eternal youth about France, a sense still that this is a land where every new season brings a harvest of genius... more» The most important economist of the 20th century may have been Keynes. Joseph Schumpeter may be the economist for the 21st... more» In their views on drugs, abortion, religion, marriage, and divorce, today’s teens and young adults are in many ways be more culturally conservative than their parents... more» Once in a while there comes along a man in perfect tune tune with the intellectual zeitgeist. Edward Said... more» From TNR, an article on how the decline in book reviewing isn't some esoteric concern — it's a major loss for our culture Not buying the e-book hype: Once again, the industry has misread what readers want Search finds Google bottom of league Journalists in Iraq: A Survey of Reporters on the Front Lines
Source: Project for Excellence in Journalism In the Shadow of Globalization: Changing Firm-Level Employment Practices and Shifting Employment Risks in the United States
Source: UCLA School of Law, Law-Econ Research Paper (via SSRN)
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