| H1 New York Times Obama Takes Iowa in a Big Turnout as Clinton Falters; Huckabee Victor Senator Barack Obama was lifted to victory by a high turnout. On the Republican side, Mike Huckabee defeated the better funded Mitt Romney. CFR Haass: Pakistan Faces ‘Prolonged Difficult Future’
A Blow to Clinton and Romney - Adam Nagourney Out With the Old, In With the New - Peggy Noonan, OpinionJournal Slate Hope Inc. How Obama's message found its mark. John Dickerson Sunnis Divided in Anbar Province By: Alexandra Zavis | Los Angeles Times The tribal leaders who helped calm the area want a share in the provincial council dominated by a rival Sunni bloc, saying they are the true representatives of the region's inhabitants. BBC Iran 'could restore ties with US' Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, says relations with the US could be restored in the future. Christian Science Monitor Opinion: Why US strategy on Iran is crumblingGulf states no longer want to isolate Iran. By Marc Lynch As oil passes $100, the question: will it stop? If the global economy slows, oil prices will fall. But probably not until after March. IHT America's promise By WILLIAM S. COHEN AND SAM NUNN The U.S. is not well served when those who wish to lead have every incentive to avoid facing up to tough issues. Washington Post Crooked Roads to Democracy By Charles Krauthammer These are hard days for democracy. That is not a reason for giving up on it. Time Exit Al-Qaeda. Enter the Militias? The U.S. can look back with content on 2007 as the year it put al-Qaeda on the run in Iraq. But Shi'ite militias have consolidated their power and may be a bigger long-term threat Gen. Petraeus: Iran No Longer Aids Iraq Militants Gareth Porter Rice and Gates Divided Over Iran's Role in Iraq Report: US Forces on Standby for Pakistan Nukes Oil Firms Wanting Iraq Deals Must Register NYT DAVID BROOKS The Two Earthquakes I’ve been through election nights that brought a political earthquake to the country. I’ve never been through an election night that brought two. PAUL KRUGMAN Dealing With the Dragon It’s a very good bet that the biggest foreign policy issues for the next president will involve the Far East rather than the Middle East. By WILLIAM DALRYMPLE Benazir Bhutto was apparently the victim of Islamist militant groups that she allowed to flourish under her administrations in the 1980s and 1990s. The Economist Pakistan The world's most dangerous place Nothing else has worked: it is time for the world's most dangerous place to try democracy Pakistan A country on the brink The assassination of Benazir Bhutto seems to assure a turbulent election campaign and strengthen the likelihood of an unstable government America and the Middle East Yo, anyone who fears Iran Bush is heading off for a tour of the Middle East. He will not be greeted as a conquering hero Washington Institute Raising the Costs for Tehran
The oil price Peak nationalism Oil keeps getting more expensive—but not because it is running out Guardian Leader Crude lessons from the $100 barrel Oil price: Throughout the decade-long rise in oil prices there has been a lot of what analysts call "noise": factors which have less to do with supply and demand and more to do with rumour and anxiety Parameters: Winter 2007 - 2008 Issue Islamists Are Not About to Seize Power in Pakistan - Amir Taheri Incumbent Regimes and the "King's Dilemma" in the Arab World CEIP This 28-page US paper examines the dilemma facing reform-minded leaders in the Arab world FT $100 oil defies the economic outlook Energy Filter: A combination of forces has finally sent oil from $60 a year ago to $100 today, but it is hard to see it being sustained, writes Ed Crooks The greening of globalisation Making globalisation an ally of the environment depends on getting the prices right and then letting the market, where possible, work A strategy to help Afghanistan kick its habit The replacement of the illicit economy requires viable options. Both the US and the EU assist their farmers Edmund Phelps and Graciana del Castillo Facing the choice of ‘true or failed’ democracy The snap election called by Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s outgoing president, will be a critical test of the former Soviet republic’s democracy Jerusalem PostPA rejects Israeli demands for a demilitarized Palestine PA officials: Such statements pose an imminent threat to PA efforts to consolidate power; reiterate call for withdrawal to '67 borders. Ha’aretz – Bush: Settlement expansion 'impediment' to Mideast peace Meetings of the minds and Shmuel Rosner (Washington) , By Aluf Benn (Jerusalem) Editorial Unmilitary force The IDF was not acting like an army even before the war: It had never readied operational plans for the possibility of war with Hezbollah. That is a shocking finding given that Israel initiated the war. Lebanese politics / A decisive one-third minority After Iowa: Is there room for both McCain and Giuliani? Domino effect in the Balkans Vote Barack Obama, a global candidate for a global age
By Dominique Moisi Britain's Key Weapon in Afghanistan: The Bribe by David Chandler CSIS Press Briefing: Presidents Middle East Trip
The Clock Ticks for Iraq's Time Bomb by Sami Moubayed
The celebratory fireworks over New Year were something new for Iraq. The suicide bombers were not. Similarly, the problems faced by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki remain the same. But in trying to appease the regional Sunni community by working towards rapprochement with Iraq's Sunnis, while also protecting the Shi'ites and pleasing the Kurds, there is a heightened sense of urgency, and hopelessness. Daily Telegraph Don't believe all you read about China The flaws in the Chinese financial system, states Richard Spencer, are why Beijing does not dare to re-patriate its foreign exchange reserves. Independent Hamish McRae: India is more important to us than China Time Why Pakistan Matters YaleGlobal The Invisible Hand of GlobalizationBillions of economic decisions from entrepreneurs, consumers and investors are a force beyond the control of regulators
| H2 CDI, WSI Iraq, Iran and Turkey: A Regional Approach by John Newhouse Terror attack in the heart of Diyarbakır ABD Dışişleri Bakanlığı"Türkiye'nin yanındayız"
Kurds Might Withdraw From Iraqi Government Over Article 140 - Interview Five killed in Turkish car bomb attack Scores also injured in car bomb blast outside five-star hotel in Kurdish-dominated city of Diyarbakir NYT Bomb Blast Kills 5 in Kurdish Area in Turkey CSM Turkish trials spur reform of police and judiciary Allegations of misconduct in two murders - one of an outspoken journalist - have heightened debate. Report: Turkey, Syria disputing over drawing water from Euphrates ... [US FOREIGN POLICY AFTER NOVEMBER 2008] What’s next: Realism, liberal institutionalism or something in between like realistic Wilsonianism? (2) by MEHMET KALYONCU* Die Welt Warum die Türkei in die EU muss Von Zafer Senocak After 'wasted year,' Turkey turns attention back to economic reform - International Herald Tribune Gül'e iki general eşlik edecek BBC Monitoring Quotes From Turkish Press 3 Jan 08 Google News KurdishMedia Kurdish Kurdish Aspect BBC Monitoring Güneydoğu'da AKP'nin burnunu sürteceğiz PKK ile aramızdaki fark sadece silah Kirkuk Council Issues Referendum Timetable Diyarbekir’de bombalama! Hedef: Kürd Milleti ve Kurdistan Ahmet Türk: Güneyliler yanılıyor PKK'dan kaçtı, çarpıcı itiraflarda bulundu
Kurds Might Withdraw From Iraqi Government Over Article 140 - Interview Iraqi Kurd Parliament Approves Kirkuk Article Extension Iraqi Paper Reports Talks With US Officials, Cleric's Remarks on Article 140 The Beginnings of a Kurdish Response to Turkish Annihilation Policy? British discussion: Twin approach to the Kurdish question 21’inci Neron tutuklandı Terörist bizim insanımız Erdoğan'ın en önemli sınavı BEŞİR ELBEKR Birisi Türk, birisi Kürt
TUNA BEKLEVİÇ 4 ilde Hizbullah operasyonu: 44 gözaltı
Iraqi Kurdish Paper Interviews Head of Washington Kurdish Institute Iraqi Kurdish Press Highlights 3 Jan 08 Iraqi Kurdish PM Said Likely to Stay in Post Despite Naming of Contenders Turkey keen on energy deal with Iran Bursa'da 14 kilo C-4 patlayıcıyla yakalandılar "Cross-Border Operations Damage Tukey's Economy" Gül: Dünya terör örgütünün çirkin yüzünü görüyor DTP'den Diyarbakır'daki saldırıya kınama Survey Reveals Best Selling Weekly Paper in Iraqi Kurdistan Capital Yekgirtu TV Voted Best Local TV in Iraqi Kurdistan Region 5 Killed, 68 Hurt in Turkey Car Bombing BBC Five killed in Turkish car blast İnegöl'de 14 kilo C-4 ele geçirildi Polisin dikkati sayesinde Van'da facianın eşiğinden dönüldü PKK internet sitelerinde tehdit etmişti
Washington Post Bombing Targets Troops in Turkey's Kurdish Area; 5 Civilians Die Syrian, Turkish Officials Discuss Economic, Water, Energy Issues Syria's Deputy Premier Wants Further Development of Relations With Turkey Syria and Turkey to Establish Joint Company to Develop Oilfields Turkish President Praises Syria Ties at Talks With Visiting Deputy Minister PKK’nın öldürdüğü 11 Eylül’ün 13 katı Bu da İran ve Irak'ın 'Ege Sorunu' Org.Büyükanıt, Diyarbakır'a gidiyor Allowing Turkish bombings a dangerous strategy Adnan Mufti: Disputes with Baghdad "normal"
Konya, Mersin, Diyarbakır ve İstanbul'da terör örgütü Hizbullah'a yönelik geniş çaplı operasyon düzenlendi Gül'e ABD ziyaretinde istihbaratçı tuğamiral eşlik edecek Sami KOHEN Demokrasi için seçim yetmiyor... [Yorum - Prof. Dr. John L. Esposito] Butto'dan sonra Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Ferai Tınç AB, Kıbrıs’ta bölünmeyi Euro ile tamamladı Gül: Kıbrıs'ta çözüm Yunanistan'ı kapsar Murat Yetkin
Kıbrıs’ta çözüm için yeni girişim Serdar Turgut Gelecek Avrupa'da
Talat: Kapsamlı çözüm olmazsa yeni çözüm arayışları gündeme gelir
Büyükanıt: Her şey yolunda... Sceptic on Turkey to chair EU "wise people" group - International Herald Tribune ŞELALE KADAK 100 konuda AB'nin günlük hayatımıza etkileri! Zafer Senocak says Europe should incorporate Turkey EP’s Ruijten: “Turkey Should Concentrate On Reforms” Talat'a 'A tipi' protokol Lale Akgün'den 2007 Değerlendirmesi Armenia Election Monitor 2008 » Blog Archive » Levon Ter Petrosian & Armenian-Turkish Relations Talat ABD ziyareti öncesi Gül'le görüştü Sandzak Islamic Official Urges Support for Serbian Riyaset on Turkish State TV Sweden Supports Turkey's E.U. Membership Bid, Ambassador KADROLAŞMA YANITI Türk Masonlar ABD ve Rusya ile yarışmış Paşa’nın ‘koyu’ sohbetleri Turkish Christians to hold international faith congress 'Hizbullah' davası skandalı Sigaranın dumanı İsmet Berkan 'Sigaramın dumanı, yoktur yarin imanı'Hasan Celal Güzel Başbakan Erdoğan'ı destekliyorum
Haluk Şahin Hurşit GÜNEŞ Yasakla çözülür mü? İşkenceye Yüce Mahkeme tescili Barış yemeği İntihale hapis geliyor Ece TEMELKURAN Haysiyet meselesi Erdoğan'ın Alevi atağı 'Alevilere yönelik somut çalışma yok' Muhalif basına ’ruhsatlı’ baskı 'Tehdit yok, Dink ile hassasiyetler paylaşılmıştı' Ecevit'in arşivi açılıyor Nur Vergin Hoca’dan sorularıma hem telefon geldi hem de yazılı cevap...REHA MUHTAR'IN YAZISI İÇİN TIKLAYIN... ’Harem selamlık’ otopark Turkey bans cigarettes in bars | World | Reuters Turkey Plans to Manufacture Own Rifles, Build Warships Sokağa izmarit atan bile ceza ödeyecek 4 Ocak 2008 Basın Özeti | H3 Diyarbakır’da patlama: 5 ölü Taha AKYOL Kürt milliyetçiliği ve terör Gül: ABD'nin desteği olmasa da Türkiye bu operasyonu yapacaktı Askeri servise bombalı saldırı DİYARBAKIR'DA HAİN SALDIRI Terörün son çırpınışları Terörün son çırpınışı Türkiye her şeyi göze almıştı ABD ile ilişkiler tarihinin en doğru zemininde Davutoğlu rules out ‘bargain' with US over PKK Cengiz Çandar Washington’da Türkiye için fast food diplomasi mi Cevdet Aşkın Bush-Gül görüşmesine siyasi açılım sinyali Fethullah Hoca'dan kadrolaşma yanıtı Erdoğan'dan iflas uyarısı! Ahmet Taşgetiren En az 10 yıl daha mı? – Mehmet Metiner Kuzey Irak izlenimleri 5 Şamil Tayyar Dağlıca’dan mektup var Ertuğrul Özkök Arkadaşımdan itiraz var Türkiye’ye açılan hava koridorunu kapatın Birand Şimdi cesur adım gerekiyor Ferai Tınç AB, Kıbrıs’ta bölünmeyi Euro ile tamamladı Gül: Kıbrıs'ta çözüm Yunanistan'ı kapsar Murat Yetkin Hukukçular sivil anayasa taslağını destekliyor MGK sonunda öğrendi M.Ali Kışlalı Hasan CEMAL Muhafazakâr bir partiye karşı ilerici bir sol parti! Fikret BİLA Köşk sohbetleri Anayasa taslağı Başbakan'da Bülent Kenes ‘Golden age’ of Turkish-US relations beginning only now Ali Bulaç Self-criticism; lessons learned Taha Kıvanç 'Yılın en tuhaf yazısı' Fehmi Koru Hükümetin dış politikayla sınavı ALİ BAYRAMOĞLU 'Eski dengeler'le değil, 'siyaset'le TAMER KORKMAZ Kirli Propaganda'ya karşı gerçeğin ta kendisi! YASİN DOĞAN Terör savunulamaz KORAY DÜZGÖREN 2008'in geleceği 2007'den bellidir ama... İlnur Çevik President should not be treated like a PM in US
Nagehan Alçı Biri Abdullah Gül’ü durdursun (2)
Mustafa AKYOL
Hüseyin Gülerce Clinton, Meclis'te ne demişti? Mümtazer Türköne Muhalefetin anayasası Sebahattin Önkibar Abdullah Gül'ün ABD ziyaretinin perde arkası... Gül ABD’de BM’nin daha aktif olmasını isteyecek İhsan Dağı Kemalizm ile nereye kadar? Serdar Akinan Karnınızdan konuşmayın..! Güler Kömürcü Anlamadınız (Mis)understanding of secularism among higher education students in Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jan 03, 2008 How I became a 'so-called' Turk? - Turkish Daily News Jan 03, 2008 [Yorum - Alev Alatlı] Buna da şükür!
Ahmet Hakan Geleceğini pazarlayan adam Oktay Ekşi Sayı her zaman yetmez Yalçın Doğan Hırsızlık omerta ile aynı Özdemir İnce Ecnebi ya da kökü dışarda destek Mehmet Barlas Gerçeği görmezden gelince sorunlar da yok olur mu? Alevilik tarikat mı? Mezhep mi?
Namık Kemal Zeybek Tarih niçin sevilir? Murat Belge MUHARREM SARIKAYA Nasıl değişecek? ERDAL ŞAFAK En zor reform ERGUN BABAHAN 32'nin sırrı EMRE AKÖZ Umur Talu Onlar da köle! "Astsubay, uzman çavuş, sivil memur, aşırı iş yüklenmiş bankacı, mevsimlik işçi, çocuk tarım işçisi, sendikasız HASAN BÜLENT KAHRAMAN Kesir ve devir: 2008 NAZLI ILICAK No smoking MAHMUT ÖVÜR YAVUZ DONAT Mehmet Altan Roma mı, Osmanlı mı? Eser Karakaş Normalleşme ve Altan’ın üç yazısı Nasuhi Güngör Bu projeler yürümez denildi ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM Enflasyonda patinaja devam mı? 'Sosyal güvenlik reformu yapmazsak Türkiye 20-30 yılda iflas eder' Ercan Kumcu Üretimi teşvik etmek Erdal Sağlam Yokuşun inişi! Uğur Gürses Güngör URAS Gıdada enflasyon yüzde 12.42 İBRAHİM KAHVECİ VIEW OF THE DAY: View of the Day: Martin Majdanluk, Baring Turkey is one of his preferred markets."Political risk has diminished, with the AKP comfortably winning the elections and the Abdullah... After 'wasted year,' Turkey turns attention back to economic reform - International Herald Tribune Turkey faces challenge raising growth in 2008 Hasan Ersel Her veri bilgi midir Enerji faturası 40 milyar doları aşacak Enflasyon hedefin iki katını aştı Elektrik fena çarptı
İktidarın konutlarda yüzde 15 olacağını söylediği elektrik zammı iletim, dağıtım ve perakende hizmet bedellerindeki artışla yüzde 19.7'yi buldu ŞEREF OĞUZ Dört nala ihracat Deniz Gökçe
Petrol ve altın tırmanırken! |
By WILLIAM DALRYMPLE Benazir Bhutto was apparently the victim of Islamist militant groups that she allowed to flourish under her administrations in the 1980s and 1990s. | H5 Washington Post In Iowa, Obama Wins, Clinton Concedes Huckabee Wins Caucus For Republicans in Iowa Editorial A Revealing Start in Iowa The first votes in the 2008 presidential race favor proponents of change in both parties. Crooked Roads to Democracy By Charles Krauthammer These are hard days for democracy. That is not a reason for giving up on it. In Praise of $100 Oil By: David Fleischaker | The Washington Post
Oil at $100 will hasten the development of more fuel-efficient vehicles, because -- even if Congress fails to require them -- consumers will demand them. It will also give confidence to investors otherwise reluctant to bankroll new technologies and the infrastructure needed to diversify our portfolio of transportation fuels and vehicles. Musharraf Delivers a Fierce Denial Pakistan's President Blames Assassinated Rival for Being Incautious 5 Myths About How Americans Vote In Pakistan, Sharif Steps Forward Former prime minister attempts to recast himself as a viable leader capable of uniting factions The Conventional Wisdom Defied Libyan Exiles Hopeful | U.S., Libya Sign Accord The List: Reasons to Skip the Beijing Olympics Results for Both Parties Are, Surprisingly, Pretty Unsurprising Israeli Operations Kill 9 in Gaza Palestinians' Deep Strike With Katyusha Rocket Called an 'Escalation' Bush Seeks Ideas on Stimulating Economy State of Union Speech May Detail Proposal Judge Him by His Laws By Charles Peters An examination of bills championed by Barack Obama uncovers impressive evidence of his character and ability. A Whiff of Revolution From Iowa By E. J. Dionne Jr Wisely, Democrats as a group are fighting for the middle ground and the independents. Wake-Up for Nuclear Security As superiors ignore him, whistleblower tapes nuclear security guards literally asleep on the job CIA in 2003 Planned Destruction of Tapes Congresswoman Argued Against the Move Outside the Echo Chamber: __ Eugene Robinson | H6 Guardian Obama and Huckabee triumph in Iowa upsets Hillary Clinton relegated to third place in Democratic presidential caucuses Musharraf denies accusations
Pakistan's president denies regime was complicit in Bhutto's murder Leader Crude lessons from the $100 barrel Oil price: Throughout the decade-long rise in oil prices there has been a lot of what analysts call "noise": factors which have less to do with supply and demand and more to do with rumour and anxiety Bhutto's death has averted a mullah-military Pakistan Shashi Tharoor: Her greatest legacy may be that the Islamists suspected of her killing will be further isolated from the army and power Biofuels 'worse than oil and coal' Using biofuels could have a greater environmental impact than fossil fuels, according to experts Vanity trade sent oil price to record high Maverick oil trader's 'vanity trade' first to push price of a barrel of crude over the crucial benchmark of $100 |
| H7 Incumbent Regimes and the "King's Dilemma" in the Arab World CEIP This 28-page US paper examines the dilemma facing reform-minded leaders in the Arab world Iraq: Casualties and the Surge Iran's Dangerous Nuke Game - Peter Brookes, New York Post en Copyright 2008 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:36:12 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.01 Counterterrorism Blog: Raising the Costs for Tehran William Hartung & Joshua Muravchik: When Hawk Meets Dove Iranian Nuclear Program Remains Major Threat CNS Sarkozy And The Syrian Regime Randa Takieddine - The French president tied the formation of the international tribunal with pressures on Syria since he is aware that this remains Damascus’s obsession. Sarkozy wastes no time since he is in haste to find solutions, to implement his reforms, and to get what he was promised. He has no appreciation for those who are dishonest with him, or disappoint him or obstruct his efforts Asia TimesA slap in the face for Parliament The move by the Iraqi government to push a resolution through the UN Security Council to extend by another year the legal cover for foreign troops to operate in Iraq has been declared by many in the Iraqi Parliament as illegal. It is also expected to increase violence and deepen sectarian tensions. - Dahr Jamail A look into Pakistan's political future Dr Hassan Abbas
Noted Pakistani scholar and political figure Abbas, who served in the administrations of both Benazir Bhutto and President Pervez Musharraf, believes Bhutto's party will win a majority of seats in February's elections. And if Musharraf steps down, a transition to a democratically elected civilian government will certainly lead to better relations with India, Afghanistan and Iran, Abbas tells Kaveh Afrasiabi. McClatchy Should America dump its man in Pakistan? Bhutto Killing Breeds a Failing Nuclear State By: Frederick Kempe | Bloomberg News Two months ago I suggested that, amid the Bush administration's focus on Iraq's present dangers and Iran's future perils, Pakistan was most likely to produce a so-called black-swan event Pakistan's Postponement - Washington Post editorial
Time Out in Pakistan - New York Post editorial
Postponed Elections Will Benefit Musharraf - Bronwen Maddox, London Times
U.S. Needs to Get Tough with Pakistan - Peter Galbraith, Boston Globe CAP Getting Pakistan Right: Postponed Elections Are an Opportunity CSIS The Security Impact of the Bhutto Assassination New Statesman As long as Musharraf is in power, Pakistan will not be stable The west has often regarded the civilian dimension of Pakistani politics as a hindrance to its security priorities Pakistan is Not a Pro-Western Democracy - Justine Hardy, National Review Nathan Gardels: PAKISTAN AFTER BENAZIR BHUTTO Francis Fukuyama: ON BENAZIR BHUTTO
Australia Can Broker in Pakistan - Bruce Haigh, Canberra Times
Dumb And Dumber in Pakistan - Reuben Johnson, Weekly Standard
Inheriting the Bhutto Brand Name - Haroon Siddiqui, Toronto Star Musharraf Must Go By: Bill Richardson | The Boston Globe
President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan must go. Rather than waging the "unstinted" war against Al Qaeda that he promised, he has become a source of instability that terrorists are exploiting. Time to Go By: Alan Mendoza | The Guardian Postponing the elections is the latest misguided decision by Pakistan's dicator. The west should not support him any longer. Benazir Bhutto: An Imperfect Feminist By: Adele M. Stan | The American Prospect However disappointing Bhutto was in her actions on behalf of Pakistan's women, she was a potent symbol of their potential empowerment. And symbols matter. Commentary: Absurdistan? By ARNAUD DE BORCHGRAVE There is a fresh and sordid postscript to Benazir Bhutto's assassination. Tainted by her husband Asif Ali Zardari's penchant for graft and corruption, Bhutto was twice fired as Prime Minister (1990 and 1996). Her closest friends now say she did not appoint Zardari to succeed her as party leader in case of death. The political testament Zardari read on television was his recent creation, not hers. WSJ Islamist Politicians Emerge as Power Brokers Some Islamist politicians are emerging as key figures in Pakistan. Musharraf needs these pro-democracy lawmakers to help mobilize popular opinion against militants fueling violence.
A Dynasty isn't a Democracy - Rosa Brooks, Los Angeles Times
| H8 IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq stratfor Oil Firms Wanting Iraq Deals Must Register Sunnis Divided in Anbar Province By: Alexandra Zavis | Los Angeles Times
The tribal leaders who helped calm the area want a share in the provincial council dominated by a rival Sunni bloc, saying they are the true representatives of the region's inhabitants. BBC Iran 'could restore ties with US' Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, says relations with the US could be restored in the future. Shi'ite Praises Anti-Insurgent Militias in Iraq Pentagon: Too Soon for Next Iraq Assessment Ayatollah open to U.S.-Iran ties Pentagon Plans Kuwait, UAE Arms Sales US General: Iraq Security Gains Tenuous Rival Shi'ites in Iraq Try to Make Peace Rice meets Libya's top diplomat
The US secretary of state holds talks with Libya's foreign minister - the first such formal meeting in 36 years. New Year Begins Unhappily In Iraq Key Figures About Iraq 2008: A Look Ahead at the Iraq War Iraq Shiite Politician Criticizes Gov't (AP) Iran Makes Arrest Over Putin Assassination Rumor: Report Iraqi lawmaker may face charges Colleagues seek to lift the immunity of Sunni leader Adnan Dulaimi, who has been accused of complicity in attacks Hizbullah Wants Veto in Lebanon – Daily Star Lebanon's politicians are ruining their country without even saying why Pakistan and Lebanon, the same struggle By Hiram Chodosh The Rodeo Ride of Manipulating Middle East Politics By: Rami G. Khouri | The Daily Star
Four events in different places -- Pakistan, Israel, the U.S. and wherever Osama Bin Laden makes his home these days -- provided a gloomy but instructive start to the new year in the matter of Al-Qaeda-linked terrorism: The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan, a new audio tape by Osama bin Laden, Israel telling the world that Al-Qaeda is making inroads in Palestine, and US presidential candidates riding the terrorism horse like clowns at a rodeo. Damascus May Have Just Lost the Arabs By: Michael Young | The Daily Star Two things happened this New Year's holiday to reinforce Lebanon's deadlock. The first was the fighting early this week between Hariri partisans and Shiite supporters of Amal and Hizbullah in the mixed Basta neighborhood; the second was the nature of the celebrations welcoming in 2008, a substantial amount of which involved machine-gun fire. Yemen's Intifada By: Jane Novak | World Press Yemen is facing instability unseen since its 1994 civil war. A war with Shiite rebels in the northern Saada province left over 50,000 internal refugees. The rebellion ended in June but threatens to reignite as neither side has fully implemented the cease-fire conditions. Political blogging
Saudis lead campaign for release of prominent blogger | H9 Ha’aretz – Bush: Settlement expansion 'impediment' to Mideast peace Meetings of the minds and Shmuel Rosner (Washington) , By Aluf Benn (Jerusalem) Editorial Unmilitary force The IDF was not acting like an army even before the war: It had never readied operational plans for the possibility of war with Hezbollah. That is a shocking finding given that Israel initiated the war. Lebanese politics / A decisive one-third minority After Iowa: Is there room for both McCain and Giuliani? Domino effect in the Balkans Jerusalem PostPA rejects Israeli demands for a demilitarized Palestine PA officials: Such statements pose an imminent threat to PA efforts to consolidate power; reiterate call for withdrawal to '67 borders. Palestinians Who Prefer Israel - Daniel Pipes Yedioth Ahronoth Bush slams settlement build
Week before embarking on historic visit to region, US president voices concern that Israel's ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank hinders peace talks, says visit 'absolutely' about efforts to contain Iran's influence 'Rockets will reach Tel Aviv' Netanyahu warns withdrawal from West Bank leaves central Israel exposed to rocket threat Daily Alert.org – Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Israeli raids in Gaza kill nine At least nine Palestinians are killed in Gaza by Israeli forces amid some of the fiercest fighting in weeks. Intelligence Report on Iran, Not Annapolis, at Top of Israel's Agenda for Bush Visit – Israel viewed poorly among media
Published: Jan. 3, 2008 at 6:00 PM
JERUSALEM, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- A new study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem says that despite a recent disengagement, Israel is still looked at as an oppressor and an occupier. Lantos a Giant among Men - Editorial (San Francisco Chronicle) CSM What Palestinians will do with $7.4 billion About 70 percent of the money from international donors will pay public salaries, while 30 percent is expected to be used for development, food relief, and other assistance. Palestinian militants strike deeper into Israel Ahead of President Bush's trip to the Middle East, Israel intensifies operations in Gaza and the West Bank. |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Opinion: Why US strategy on Iran is crumblingGulf states no longer want to isolate Iran. By Marc Lynch As oil passes $100, the question: will it stop? If the global economy slows, oil prices will fall. But probably not until after March. THE MONITOR'S VIEW What to do when oil hits $100 a barrel Congress must be bolder in forcing oil substitutes for transportation. It did that for electric utilities. Opinion: Good deeds deserve big headlines ASIA Daily Telegraph Don't believe all you read about China The flaws in the Chinese financial system, states Richard Spencer, are why Beijing does not dare to re-patriate its foreign exchange reserves. Independent Hamish McRae: India is more important to us than China Water and Energy Futures in an Urbanized Asia CSIS
This 65-page US report explores the complex simultaneous phenomena of rapid urbanization, resource management and the broader public policy challenges and opportunities in Asia Chávez, China Cooperate on Oil, but for Different Reasons By: Sara Miller Llana and Peter Ford | The Christian Science Monitor One country's motivation is political, the other's pragmatic. Venezuela is seeking a strategic geopolitical alliance, China a steady supply of energy. The Political Gap Narrows in Malaysia By: Anil Netto | Asia Times Malaysia's ruling coalition is plummeting in credibility as unfulfilled promises, religious disputes and economic issues erode support in what is expected to be an election year. Redder Than the Real Thing By: Ian Williams | The Guardian
Taiwan's brand of democratic socialism succeeds and improves on the Chinese model. Taiwan shows it is possible to combine prosperity and democracy, and indeed practice socialism -- or at least European style social democracy -- in a Chinese culture. N. Korea Misses a Deadline - USA Today editorial
Diplomatic Charade with N. Korea - Nicholas Eberstadt, USA Today
China tightens grip on internet with video ban In the latest clampdown, all sites that provide video programming or allow users to upload video must obtain a permit | H11 IHT America's promise By WILLIAM S. COHEN AND SAM NUNN The U.S. is not well served when those who wish to lead have every incentive to avoid facing up to tough issues. Going for broke By PHILIP BOWRING Why are state funds so focused on foreign financial assets? Time to get tough By PETER W. GALBRAITH Bush should insist that Pakistan become a real ally in the war on terrorism. Walker's World: Europe set to slow in 2008
By MARTIN WALKER
There are more euro banknotes in circulation than U.S. dollars, and its stock markets are worth more. Europe should be on a roll. But it isn't. Here's why. EUROPE European press review The Case Against Kosov Independence By: Raju G.C. Thomas | The Japan Times Kosovo's march toward independence is gathering pace, but success will bring bloodshed to every region with concentrated ethnic minorities. France Sarkozy's testing year ahead Europe's Philosphy of Failure By: Stefan Theil | Foreign Policy (subscription required) In France and Germany, students are being forced to undergo a dangerous indoctrination. Taught that economic principles such as capitalism, free markets, and entrepreneurship are savage, unhealthy, and immoral, these children are raised on a diet of prejudice and bias. Rooting it out may determine whether Europe’s economies prosper or continue to be left behind. Europe's workers want compensation for loss of purchasing power
Belgium Means Nothing to Me By: Hanspeter Born | World Politics Review One party that explicitly favors the break-up of Belgium is the Flemish secessionist party Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest). Based on the results of the June elections, Vlaams Belang represents the third largest political party in Belgium as a whole and the second largest in Flanders, where it enjoys the support of roughly 20 percent of voters. Showcase train project ‘too complex’ A multi-billion euro scheme aimed at getting Europe’s trains to run seamlessly from one country to another is unnecessarily complex and has been poorly managed, it is claimed German unemployment falls to six-year low German unemployment fell to a six-year low last month, more than double the fall economists had predicted, underlying the strength of Europe’s largest economy. | H12 RFE/RL Gas-Rich Turkmen Shiver In The Cold Turkmen authorities have boasted for years about the country's vast natural-gas reserves. But a cut-off in gas supplies to Iran has highlighted Turkmenistan's export commitments -- and reminded the citizenry that despite official promises of free gas for all, many have been left in the cold Georgia: Disgraced Media Baron to Remain in Presidential Race Two days before Georgians go to the polls, media tycoon and alleged coup conspirator Badri Patarkatsishvili announced his intention to stay in the presidential race. Google News Azerbaijan [Fbis] OSC: OSC Analysis: Putin Defends Proliferation of Controversial State Corporations Karimov’s Meaningless Win The Economist Incumbent Islam Karimov has been confirmed as the overwhelming victor in Uzbekistan’s presidential election. As he faced no serious opposition, the result was never in doubt and the authorities have not even sought to justify Mr Karimov’s apparent violation of the two-term limit imposed by the constitution. Facing the choice of ‘true or failed’ democracy The snap election called by Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s outgoing president, will be a critical test of the former Soviet republic’s democracy |
| H13 The Times Leader In the Black Car drivers, and businesses, should learn to cope with $100 oil Hurrah for the $100 jackpot For some reason there are gloomy faces over the high oil price. Cheer up: consider all the advantages Gerard Baker Wall Street Journal Inflation Fears May Trump Rate Cuts The Fed may not have the freedom to ease monetary policy as much as it did during the 2001 slump. The Fed's view that inflation is a bigger risk now could mean either fewer rate cuts than anticipated or a quicker reversal of the cuts. Oil and the Dollar Perhaps the biggest factor contributing to rising oil prices has been largely overlooked: the decline in the value of the dollar. Criminalizing the CIA
The CIA should answer questions about its handling of interrogation videotapes, but the proper venue for those answers is Congress. | H14 Financial Times Huckabee and Obama win Iowa Republican Mike Huckabee and fellow underdog Democratic Illinois senator Barack Obama, surged to victories in the Iowa caucuses, the first contest of the US presidential nominating race Libya makes first visit to US in 25 years Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, welcomed her Libyan counterpart to the state department, the first such visit in more than 30 years High oil costs must spur fuel efficiency, says IEA Oil at $100 a barrel should remind consuming countries of the need to improve fuel efficiency, the International Energy Agency said $100 oil defies the economic outlook Energy Filter: A combination of forces has finally sent oil from $60 a year ago to $100 today, but it is hard to see it being sustained, writes Ed Crooks A cloudy future for computing It is possible to imagine a world where data are stored centrally but accessed on myriad local devices. The promise, and risks, are considerable The greening of globalisation Making globalisation an ally of the environment depends on getting the prices right and then letting the market, where possible, work ANALYSIS: Bullish on bullion The silver lining in sterling’s decline Despite concerns about elevated inflation expectations, UK inflation is less of a threat than inflation in the eurozone, the US or emerging markets, writes Willem Buiter Business growth is not an end in itself Samuel Brittan on the economic slowdown The present danger is to confuse a straightforward economic slowdown with the saturation of wants, writes Samuel Brittan A strategy to help Afghanistan kick its habit The replacement of the illicit economy requires viable options. Both the US and the EU assist their farmers Edmund Phelps and Graciana del Castillo Bush, forgotten man of 2008 The president will have to acquire, if he has not already, the hide of an armadillo to endure the insults thrown his way as the election year unfolds, writes Jurek Martin He must endure insults, writes Jurek Martin Facing the choice of ‘true or failed’ democracy The snap election called by Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s outgoing president, will be a critical test of the former Soviet republic’s democracy | EditorialOil price hits $100 Does Wednesday's uptick mark the start of an oil shock? Sunnis Divided in Anbar Province By: Alexandra Zavis | Los Angeles Times
The tribal leaders who helped calm the area want a share in the provincial council dominated by a rival Sunni bloc, saying they are the true representatives of the region's inhabitants. 'Swimming in a Sea of Death' by David Rieff Sunnis divided in Anbar province |
| H16 American Politics Barack Obama's breakthrough victory The Illinois senator with magnetic appeal still faces a formidable foe in Hillary Clinton. But his decisive win in Iowa propels him toward the Democratic nomination
The End of Inevitability
Obama in the driver's seat.
by Fred Barnes JOHN O'SULLIVAN: The race is slightly open on the Democrat side and wide open on the Republican side. “Is the Choice Huckabee or McCain?” AN NRO SYMPOSIUM: What does Huckabee mean for conservatism? “One Night in Iowa” Primary roadmap
Find out about key primaries in the race for the White House
The Pre-Election Paradox
Some 70% say U.S. is a mess, while 84% say they're happy. The Economist The presidency George Bush's last year Making Republicans nervous Michael Tomasky US elections 2008: Mike Huckabee's Iowa win throws the GOP into disarray, and may force it to coalesce around one of the other major candidates. Obama's big moment Michael Tomasky US elections 2008: By offering Democrats a fresh start, Barack Obama triumphed in Iowa. Hillary Clinton needs a new message if she is to recover The 16-Year Itch
Voters seem unusually willing this year to entertain candidates lacking in Washington experience.
By MICHAEL BARONE If Oscar ran the primaries ... Patt Morrison: Why do we choose presidential candidates in a way that we would never let Hollywood get away with for the Oscars? The Seinfeld Campaign
So far, the 2008 presidential contest seems to be about nothing.
By FRED BARNES realclearpolitics – ABC’s The Note – US News Political Bulletin Early Bird GovExec Swamp Gas The Swamp | H17 Daily Telegraph Don't believe all you read about China The flaws in the Chinese financial system, states Richard Spencer, are why Beijing does not dare to re-patriate its foreign exchange reserves. Leader Oil and troubled waters The surge in oil prices and the rising euro have demonstrated the need for Britain to continue to manage its own economy. A disgraced PM is Pakistan's best hope Who killed Benazir is arguably of less concern for Pakistan's long-term survival than how the country ultimately comes to terms with her assassination, says Con Coughlin. Average energy bill to hit £1000 a year The average household energy bill will soon approach a record £1,000 a year with a decision by one of the main power suppliers to increase its charges significantly. | H18 Independent Hamish McRae: India is more important to us than China Musharraf tries tea and cakes to counter critics America's future in the hands of Iowa's undecided The wind had cut to the bone and the hoarse voices of candidates had showed the strain of a mid-winter campaign as they made a final appeal for wavering voters at phone banks and impromptu rallies Oil: The power to shock |
| H19Military Intelligence Terrorism Parameters: Winter 2007 - 2008 Issue Pakistan's nuclear ambitions Scholars and the military share a foxhole, uneasily: At Harvard, some faculty and activists have been troubled that the university’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy helped revise the counterinsurgency field manual. 9/11 Commission: White House Obstructed Investigation by Glenn Greenwald The 2010 NPT Review Cycle So Far: A View from the United States of America; Dr. Christopher A. Ford, United States Special Representative for Nuclear Nonproliferation; Wilton Park, United Kingdom 3 January 2007 + Report
1. Defense Trade: State Department Needs to Conduct Assessments to Identify and Address Inefficiencies and Challenges in the Arms Export Process. Air Force's Secret Weapon in Battle on Birds A bird can bring down a F-15E fighter if it flies into the air intake. That's why pilots scrape carcasses off their jets and send them to scientists at the Smithsonian, who are working to protect birds -- and pilots -- from collisions. The P-5 and Nuclear Nonproliferation
CSIS A 41-page US report addressing the contribution that the UN Security Council's permanent five members can make to prevent nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism DNI Directive Prescribes Evaluation of Employee Performance "Performance Management System Requirements for the Intelligence Community Civilian Workforce," Intelligence Community Directive 651, November 28, 2007 In-sourcing the Tools of National Power for Success and Security War, or crime, in cyberspace (By Austin Bay) | H20 Slate Hope Inc. How Obama's message found its mark.
John Dickerson Is $100 Oil a Big Deal? Why would it be so much worse than $99?
Michelle Tsai The Inside-Outsider Can the CIA tapes investigation truly be an independent one? Dahlia Lithwick The Economist Survey Open up A special report on migration Despite a growing backlash, the boom in migration has been mostly good for both sending and recipient countries, Fences, Amnesty, or the Status Quo? The Future of Immigration Reform in America The 2007 International Privacy Ranking Source: Privacy International Watch the Price of Carbon! CEPS A 3-page commentary highlighting the environmental damage that would result from substituting pure carbon for hydrocarbon Earthquakes claim 709 lives in 2007
Source: U.S. Geological Survey | H21 The pleasure principle: Michael Hirschorn on why newspapers should try giving readers what they want, not just what editors think they need. editor as curator: As newspapers expand their online operations, will editors continue to have an active — and valued — role in the journalistic process? From The New York Observer, an end of an era as Times kills recording room. Fit to print? The New York Times is intent on ripping up its own ethical rulebook and shooting itself in the foot by hiring a notorious rightwinger William Kristol. From American, soccer’s import battle: Will England establish quotas on the number of foreign players allowed on each Premier League team? From New English Review, baseball and cricket are regarded as the "national pastime" in America and Britain respectively although both have long fallen behind American football and basketball in the United States and soccer in the U.K. “I’m a person who gets energized by deadlines, even when I’m well past them,” says lunatic editor Bill Buford... more» |
