| H1 Newsweek Bush, in Private, Disowns the NIE - Michael Hirsh Slate Artificial Intelligence President Bush's cavalier dismissal of the NIE undermines our credibility, again. Fred Kaplan CFR Cordesman: Despite Gains, Future in Iraq, Afghanistan Remains ‘Uncertain’ Ten Commandments... of punditry. FP Passport. Wall Street Journal Toward a Nuclear-Free World By George P. Shultz, William J. Perry, Henry A. Kissinger and Sam Nunn The concept of mutually assured destruction has long outlived its usefulness. CSIS Towards a Grand Strategy for an Uncertain World AUDIO (02:12:47 mp3) | REPORT (pdf) Editorial In Search of Answers A law intended to open government jobs to former members of Saddam Hussein’s Baath Party may only reinforce the bumbling nature of President Bush’s ill-conceived adventure in Iraq Wall Street Journal In Iran Reversal, Bureaucrats Triumphed (now free) The recent sea change in Washington's perception of Iran marks a reversal of a different sort behind the scenes: After years in which Bush appointees and White House staff won out on foreign-policy matters, career staffers in the intelligence world have scored a big victory. Financial Times Leader Bush changes tone A determined effort by the US president to forge peace between Israel and the Palestinians is now the only way he can keep himself in the spotlight FT The zeitgeist of state capitalism Governments backed by huge reserves have found they have enormous clout in global markets. That is especially true in downturns, writes Jeffrey Garten CFR Gulf States Hesitant on Iran Threat Walter Laqueur The fate of fanaticism Christian Science Monitor Will Iraq playbook work in Pakistan? One tribal leader vows to raise a force of 600 to help fight an Al Qaeda-linked tribe in Waziristan. US pushes Iraq to clear more 'benchmarks' Signs of political reconciliation are emerging in Iraq, raising US hopes that a logjam has broken. Iran promises to come clean on its nuclear program Now, economy tops war in election Indicators like high oil prices and the slumping stock market have voters concerned. Washington Post Allies Feel Strain of Afghan War After more than six years of warfare, troop levels among issues dividing U.S., NATO countries Personal Approach Marks Bush's First Saudi Visit Arrival Coincides With Arms Deal Announcement National Security Archive In 1974 Estimate CIA Found that Israel Already Had a Nuclear Stockpile and that "Many Countries" Would Soon Have Nuclear Capabilities "A Look Back Reveals Forward Thinking"By Walter Pincus
The Washington Post The Geopolitics of Energy: From Security to Survival - Brookings ... The Times It's the economy, Ahmadinejad Oil at nearly $100 a barrel cannot keep Mahmoud Ahmadinejad safe in the presidency of Iran for ever Bronwen Maddox Iran's Latest Ethnic Revolt - Amir Taheri, New York Post Israel-Syria Treaty Key to Mideast Peace - Arlen Specter, Philadelphia Inquirer CRS "Emerging Trends in the Security Architecture in Asia: Bilateral and Multilateral Ties Among the United States, Japan, Australia, and India," January 7, 2008. "China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy," January 9, 2008 CRS "Kosovo's Future Status and U.S. Policy," updated December 28, 2007. Stratfor The Strait of Hormuz Incident and US Strategy
Helena Cobban Rhetorical high points of Bush's ME trip Al Baradei To Al-Hayat Old And Renewed Nuclear Fears Abdul-Qadeer Khan aided Libya and Iran…No information on Syrias nuclear program Imperial Hubris: Lessons for America By: Fritz Stern | The Guardian A bombastic leader, a country at war and a nation at war with itself? German history holds a cautionary tale for America. Spengler / Asia Times: Indiana Jones meets the Da Vinci Code — Islam watchers blogged all weekend about news that a secret archive of ancient Islamic texts had surfaced after 60 years of suppression. IHT The 'crisis' of U.S. education By WALT GARDNER If America's public schools are so bad, where does all that talent come from? WINEP America and the Middle East, circa 2008: Presidential Legacy, Electoral Politics, and Foreign Policy Listen as Michael Barone and Peter Beinart discuss U.S. policy in the Middle East in an election year. Apocalyptic Politics: On the Rationality of Iranian Policy Mehdi Khalaji examines how complex beliefs about the Hidden Imam, the spread of superstitions practices, and anti-rationalist trends affect the Iranian regime's policies and ambitions. Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy (PDF; 310 KB)
Source: Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists) FT Muslim nations can pursue knowledge Limiting knowledge to religious matters and an overemphasis on rote learning extinguishes the spirit of discovery, writes Abdullah Ahmad Badawi A dispiriting return to Europe’s trenchesI have detected deep frustration in Paris and Berlin with Gordon Brown’s unwillingness to engage the European Union, writes Philip Stephens An Empowered Middle East – Part II Humphrey Hawksley Reduced violence in Iraq could allow the US a graceful exit and reduce antagonism with Iran Daily Star Regional frustration would expose Lebanon to even more danger Arab Press Reactions to Bush Visit: 'An Absurd, Sadistic Image'
| Iran Paper Questions Viability of Gas Exports Amid Shortages FT WORLD NEWS: Iranian government faces criticism over winter gas supply shortages İran'dan Türkiye'ye özel gaz hattı Erdoğan: Iraq operations may be extended if needed LA Times Kirkuk referendum needed, Kurdish leader says Ömer Taşpınar 'Türk-Amerikan İlişkilerinde İyileşme Dönemi' Amerika sorumluluğunu yerine getiriyor IntelliBriefs: Turkey will not launch war against Kurds EDM TURKISH ALEVIS SPURN OVERTURES FROM AKP Washington Times Talking Turkey (By Tulin Daloglu) Lale Sarıibrahimoğlu Iraqi gas may be an alternative to gas from Iran Turkey pursues share of largest fund CSM Drain on the Mediterranean: rising water usage In a dramatic illustration of a broader regional crisis, a Turkish lake three times the size of Washington, D.C., has dried up in the past 15 years. Al Awsat Interview with Zaman Editor, Ekrem Dumanli İran gazı yolda, Rusya miktarı artırdı 'Medeniyet' çatışmasına son ABD Türkiye hatasını düzeltiyor Jackson Diehl Young blood for Turkish lobbying in Washington - Turkish Daily News Jan 14, 2008 Musevilerden Gül'e İslamcı basın şikâyeti BBC Monitoring Quotes From the Turkish Press 14 Jan 08 Çankaya'da sıkıntı yaratacak bir konuk Google News Fırat News Agency KurdishMedia Kurdish Kurdish Aspect BBC Monitoring Yalçın Bayer AKP, Güneydoğu’da neler yapıyor [HABER İZLENİM] Araplarla ilişkilerimiz Batı'daki gücümüzü artırıyor Barzani'ye dur ihtarı DTP's Baydemir: Diyarbakır is a fortress; we wouldn't give it away K. Irak'a Türk öğrenci göçü Türkiye, yeni Kerkük sürecinde en güçlü taraf olmaya aday – Baykal'ın Diyarbakır şifreleri – Termoslu bomba hâlâ içimizde patlıyor – PKK, sokak çocuklarını canlı bomba yapıyor Diyarbakır'da taziye kardeşliği - Yanıltan tercüme iddiası DTP's Baydemir: Diyarbakır is a fortress; we wouldn't give it away Hasan CEMAL Dağlıca davasına yakın markaj gerekiyor! Nuh Gönültaş Oy Dağlıca Dağlıca Hakan Aygün PKK'nın başı kim? Erhan Çelik Kürt sorunu, PKK terörü ve medyanın terö... Derya SAZAK Dağlıca dosyası DTP'li Yıldız: PKK bölgenin partisi DTP'ye 'kurallara uyun' hatırlatması Bombacının babası: Bu cennet vatana ihanet edilir mi? DTP'li vekilden provokatif açıklama: PKK, bölge partisidir DTP'li vekilden PKK'ya parti tanımlaması Er Yüce'nin yanlış tercüme ettiği iddiası KURDISH WAR: Arabs Unite To Fight Strategy Page Kurdistan leader rejects understanding pact KRG grants US-Kurdish bank Talabani, "Türkiye'nin, ABD ile petrol ve doğalgaz konusunda işbirliği yapması söz konusu değil" dedi DTP'li vekil PKK'yı siyasi parti olarak gösterdi Blood price for the US support to Turkey’s PKK operation: A ... Hasankeyf’i kurtarırken Türkiye’nin yarısını aldılar! PKK'nın tim sorumlusu teslim oldu Gila Benmayor Bedava arazi değil bedava fabrika verseniz gelmem Melih AŞIK PKK çözüldü mü? Most Iraqi Kurds Not in Favour of Article 140 Extension - Poll Kaçırılan askerler de Ramazan Yüce’yi suçladı DEP'li eski vekilin kardeşine PKK operasyonu M. Ali BİRAND Bugün, Gül ile Kahiredeyim... Şimşek'ten 1 trilyon dolarlık Dubai ziyareti
MELİHA OKUR Türkiye ve Mısır Irak'ta buluşacak! Kral, Sarkozy'yi havaalanında karşıladı "İyi ilişkiler Batı'daki gücümüzü artırıyor" PKK’lılara ’sosyal yardım’ Mısır'da Gül'e saray jesti Şii ve Sünni partiler Kürtlere karşı birleşti
Iraq political fight over Kurd oil deals
United Press International Kurds, Roses, and Thorns Iraqi Kurds need a sense of realism
Turkish Daily News Iraqi Kurdish Press Highlights 14 Jan 08 Iraqi Deputy Speaker Criticizes Turkish President's Talks on Kirkuk Turkish Premier Rules Out Kurdish Recognition in New Constitution Turkish General Criticized for Backing Students Drawing Flag With Own Blood No Promises Made to US in Return for Cooperation Against PKK - Turkish President Sünni ve Şiiler, Kürtlere karşı birleşiyor Identity and history (2) by Doğu Ergil Iraqi Kurds Concerned About Awakening Councils Near Kirkuk Region Hüsnü Mahalli Babasına bak oğlunu alma! Ceremony mourns victims of Iraq's "Anfal" genocide Çerkes araştırmacı 'Başbakanlık Osmanlı Arşivi'ni inceleyemez! Turkcell İran işi için tahkime gidiyor ‘Spent fuel from Turkey’s future plants becoming hot commodity’ Ambassador Ishtiaq: Turkey is an exemplary modern Muslim country Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Cypriot Minister Warns Turkey Against Impeding Cyprus Reunification Üçlü zirve mayısta Hadi Uluengin Üçlü zirveye doğru Ioannis KARALIS Rauf Denktaş AB sevdası ve Kıbrıs PKK’lılara ’sosyal yardım’ 'Yeni anayasada referansımız AB' Van der Linden calls for action on 301, minority rights Turkey and Spain: A strategic alliance? by EDUARD SOLER I LECHA* Yusuf KANLI 'Taiwanisation' of Cyprus Turkish premier pushes for EU entry during visit to Spain : Europe World Sami KOHEN Forum'dan beklenen... Kerim Balcı First Alliance of Civilizations Forum [1. MEDENİYETLER İTTİFAKI MADRİD FORUMU] Diyalog tek alternatif Sarkozy Türkiye sıkıntısı yaşıyor Gül: AB süreci hepimizin birinci öncelikli konusu 301'in Türkiye'ye faydası yok; mantalite değişikliği gerekiyor Hasan Kanbolat Turkish-southern Caucasus regional relations in 2008 Siz bana ben size güveneyim
Ermeni seçmenin oyu Giuliani ve Edwards’a
Turkish PM upbeat on French, German talks on EU bid -n Turkey through German eyes Piskopos'a Türk rahip tepkisi Dialogue only way to overcome Turkish Armenian disputes - Turkish Daily News Jan 14, 2008 Human trade equal to murder in new law İlter Türkmen Coca-Cola efsanesi Dink'in katilini ihbar 9 gün sonra kaydedildi İnanç için öldürdü ama ibadete zayıf Yakalanmadan 1 gün önce jandarmaya O.S. ihbarı Türkeş'i CIA kurtarmış Afganistan'da Türk devleti kuruyorduk Duruşma salonuna yine 'abilerin' gölgesi düştü Malatya'da 'soykırım'dan yargılama talebine RET! Thousands of cameras looking for trouble on the streets of Istanbul Malatya katliamı davası 25 Şubat’a ertelendi More:Atatürk film to be made in 2009 - Turkish Daily News Jan 14, 2008 İmamoğlu Yunanistan’ın ilk türbanlı avukatı Gene Bizans Murat Belge 40 bin YTL'ye villa 15 Ocak 2008 Basın Özeti | H3 Türkiye'nin 7 günlük gazı kaldı, kamunun santralları durdu Velev ki siyasî simge olsun, başörtüsünü yasaklamak mı gerekir? Erdal SağlamTürkiye’nin uranyum zenginleştirme merkezi olması gündemde Yeni türban çıkışı Operasyonlar Sürecek Terörle mücadelede sorumluluk ABD’nin Siyasi simge olsa bile çözeceğiz Gülen'e suikasti FBI önledi Dağlıca'da ifadeler ortaya çıktıkça soru işaretleri artıyor Serdar Turgut Enerji güvenliğinde stratejik ortaklık
Petrol dalaşı Malatya'da Emniyet Müdürü için şok iddia
Bir sanık: Günaydın'ın Emniyet Müdürü'yle oturup kalktığını duyduk Taha AKYOL Erdoğan ve Aleviler Kongre'ye yağmur gibi düşen türkler - Faruk Mercan İlnur Çevik Army could have sealed the Iraqi border before
Mustafa Karaalioğlu Siyasi simge Yalçın Doğan Özbudun: Türban yasağı kalkıyor Güler Kömürcü ‘Kurşuna dizilecek...’ Ekrem Dumanlı Dış politikadaki değişim anlaşılamayınca Fethullah Gülen ABD’ye neden gitti? Taha Kıvanç Amerika'da 'komplo' olur mu? Fehmi Koru Bir sebebi olmalı, ama ne? ALİ BAYRAMOĞLU TAMER KORKMAZ İBRAHİM KARAGÜL HAKAN ALBAYRAK AKİF EMRE İran üzerinden “İslam'ın İslam'la savaşı” Bize her gün bir meşgale lazım
İsmet Berkan Merkez Bankası'nı İstanbul'a taşımanın ne gereği var?
Murat Yetkin Gözden geçirilmeli Hasan Celal Güzel Ahmet Taşgetiren CHP de Sünnilerle buluşsun! AKP'den Alevi turları Enis Berberoğlu Doğru ama eksik kaldı Oktay Ekşi Din ve siyaset Özdemir İnce Safsata ve demokrasi Güneri CIVAOĞLU Ankara'dan tarih sökmek MHP'den 301 muhalefeti Osmanlı mı? Sünni mi? Otmanlı mı? Alevi mi? Namık Kemal Zeybek MUHARREM SARIKAYA Özgürlüğün bekçisi... ERDAL ŞAFAK Kosova ve Kıbrıs ERGUN BABAHAN Birey hakları ve başörtüsü EMRE AKÖZ Merkez Bankası taşınmalı mı? NAZLI ILICAK Acıyı bal eylemek MAHMUT ÖVÜR İstanbul için AK Parti'nin sürpriz isimleri kim? YAVUZ DONAT 301... Kucakta bulunan çocuk İhsan Dağı Turgut Özal'ın ANAP'ı 'ulusalcı' mı oluyor? Mümtazer Türköne Bayrağın kanı Leyla İpekçiÖrtünme 'zahir'dir, buyurun özü konuşmaya! BBP'den 301 raporu: 301 bahane, hedef Anayasal düzen
Mehmet Altan Alevi sorunu çözülüyor mu? Müdürlük için düğmeye basıldı
Berat Özipek Alevi açılımının izlemesi gereken yol haritası Aleviler ve Üçüncü Dünya demokratları
Nuray Mert AK Party to expand dialogue with Alevis Nuray Başaran Hangi Alevilik BOP üzerinden Alevilere operasyon RESUL TOSUN Aleviler AK Parti'ye oy verirdi ama Mahir Kaynak Alevi açılımı Bekir Coşkun Aleviler... Aleviler'den Erdoğan'a, ''Talep gelmedi'' tepkisi Biz de randevu istiyoruz ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM Taşıyalım mı taşımayalım mı? Hurşit GÜNEŞ MB'nin İstanbul'a taşınma konusu karmaşık Seyfettin Gürsel Merkez Bankası İstanbul'a taşınırsa ne olur Yaman TÖRÜNER Merkez Bankası İstanbul'a taşınabilir mi?
Koç, "Her an istikamet değiştirecek şekilde hazırlıklı ve tedbirli olmamız lazım” dedi
'Büyüme dibe vurdu tek haneli enflasyona rekabet gücü törpülenerek ulaşıldı' Türkiye'de Grev
Hükümetin planlarına karşı çıkan sendikalar eylemde Ercan Kumcu Gelişmekte olan ülkelerde politika alternatifleri Hükümet haklıysa Ankara boşalmalı Maliye'yle uyum için Ankara
Mahfi Eğilmez Düzeltme ve Türkiye Korkmaz İlkorur Eser Karakaş Danıştay, Petkim, tuhaflıklar Deniz Gökçe Dünya Bankası’na göre dünya nereye? Murat Yülek The government’s ‘action plan’ Güngör URAS Tarımda destek tapuya değil ürüne verilecek Ankara fumes over PM's plan to move central bank Lira climbs to 6-year high as Erdogan unveils government program Turkish appetite for gold unfazed by record prices |Reuters |
| In Obama’s Pursuit of Latinos, Race Plays Role As the Democratic presidential candidates court Hispanic voters, Barack Obama confronts a history of often uneasy and competitive relations between blacks and Latinos. DAVID BROOKS The Identity Trap All the rhetorical devices that have been a staple of identity politics are now being exploited by the Clinton and Obama campaigns against each other BOB HERBERT Politics and Misogyny With Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s win in New Hampshire, gender issues are suddenly in the news. Where has everybody been BOOKS OF THE TIMES; Candidate Clinton Scrutinized by Women | H5 Washington Post Allies Feel Strain of Afghan War After more than six years of warfare, troop levels among issues dividing U.S., NATO countries Personal Approach Marks Bush's First Saudi Visit Arrival Coincides With Arms Deal Announcement U.S.: 60 Insurgents Killed in Offensive Northern Drive Targets Al-Qaeda in Iraq Power Barometer: Bush In the Kingdom Bakshi: How the World Sees 'Change' Editorial Race in the Race Stop the distortions and the innuendo A Hand the Clintons Aren't Showing By Eugene Robinson One must question the Clinton campaign's motives in keeping the race issue alive. "A Look Back Reveals Forward Thinking" Bush Trip Revives Israeli Push for Pardon of Spy Back to Campus in Baghdad As levels of violence have fallen in nation, people return to their studies, turn thoughts to future Tiny Car, Tough Questions By Anne Applebaum The poor need a car of their own. The environment needs a break. What's a Nano to do? British Agency Defies Russia Two Cultural Offices Open Despite Order; Moscow Retaliates Obama's Farrakhan Test By Richard Cohen, President Non Grata By E. J. Dionne Jr., GOP candidates are trying to outdo themselves at being the anti-Bush. A Super Test of Strategy With 2,656 delegates at stake, mega-primary day puts a premium on careful allocation of resources | H6 GuardianNation-state politics can only fail the problems of the modern world Ulrich Beck: A European community based on the principles of cosmopolitan tolerance could form the template for a new global order Bush seeks Saudi support in Middle East peace talks · Meeting with king also urges action against Iran
· Hopes low as Palestinians and Israel argue key issues UK defies Russian order to shut British Council offices Standoff over future of British Council after Britain defied Kremlin order to close down council's regional offices
Leader: In praise of the British Council It's time to end Serb-bashing Neil Clark: The Serbs have been demonised because they have consistently got in the way of the west's hegemonic ambitions in the region The taint of association Brendan O'Neill: Western commentary circles are obsessed with jihadism, so how come they're so reluctant to talk about the radical Islamists in Bosnia? FBI wants instant access to British identity data Americans seek international database to carry iris, palm and finger prints ID cards for foreigners within three years Charlie Wilson's flaw Martin Woollacott: You don't expect good history from Hollywood, but this cold war comedy is shamefully cavalier with the truth about US backing for the mujahideen A green lining Dean Baker The fact that the US economy is nearing a recession means that efforts to introduce environmentally friendly policies may get some traction Seven killed in Kabul hotel attack
Taliban militants wearing suicide vests and armed with grenades and rifles attack city's five-star hotel Imperial Hubris: Lessons for America By: Fritz Stern | The Guardian
A bombastic leader, a country at war and a nation at war with itself? German history holds a cautionary tale for America. A museum of back-slapping will belittle our island story
Tristram Hunt: The absurd plan for a Soviet-style celebration of Britain's historic glories and empire is no way to forge a sense of heritage The long drip of change Brian Whitaker: Human Rights Watch published practical recommendations for dealing with 'honour' killings in 2004. What has happened since? Sporchi trucchi Philip Willan The CIA's anti-communist scheming in post war Italy is well-documented, but the plot thickens with new revelations about British involvement |
| H7 An Empowered Middle East – Part II Humphrey Hawksley Reduced violence in Iraq could allow the US a graceful exit and reduce antagonism with Iran Daily Star Regional frustration would expose Lebanon to even more danger To talk, or not talk, with the Taliban? By Michael Glackin Iraq's Sunnis Reclaim Lost Ground By: Sami Moubayed | Asia Times
For beleaguered Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, yesterday's friends have become today's enemies. The Kurds, who for a long time have kept Maliki in office, are thoroughly disenchanted. So the premier has turned to his traditional foes, the Sunnis, for support Al Awsat Bush's Letter to his "Dear Enemies" The U.S. Debt to Petraeus - McCain and Lieberman, The Australian
The Democrats’ Iraq Fairy Tale - William Kristol, New York Times
Peacemaking Requires Steady Mediation - USA Today editorial
Iran's Latest Ethnic Revolt - Amir Taheri, New York Post
Doomsayers on U.S. are Wrong - Michael Czinkota, Washington Times
Abu Dhabi: East Leans West - Judith Miller, City Journal Imagine a world without Islam! • 'The Middle East's Tribal DNA' by Philip Carl Salzman, Middle East Quarterly
No Plan to Fight Taliban, al Qaeda By: John Larmett | Miami Herald
Under the radar of the tragic assassination of Bhutto lies a major cause for the resurgence of al Qaeda both in Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan. Afghanistan now supplies 92 percent of the world's heroin-producing opium, and 36 percent of illicit opiates exported from Afghanistan transit through Pakistan en route to Europe, Asia and the U.S. U.S. Attacks UK Plan to Arm Afghan Militias By: Jerome Starkey | The Independent
General Cone, who is in charge of rebuilding the Afghan police force, is the second US commander to condemn the initiative. He said: "Anything that detracts from a professional, well-trained, well-led police force is not the answer." Afghans, Report for Duty - Ronald Neumann, New York Times
No Plan to Fight Taliban, al Qaeda - Weiner and Larmett, Miami Herald
Risks in New Tactic to Hunt al-Qaeda - USA Today
McKiernan to Run NATO Afghan Unit - New York Times
Attack at Luxury Hotel in Kabul Kills at Least 6 - Associated Press
Allies Feel Strain of Afghan War - Washington Post
Militants Escape Control of Pakistan - New York Times | H8 IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq stratfor BBC Arms move as Bush visits Saudis The Bush administration sets in motion a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia as the US president visits the kingdom. Middle East tour diary Gulf's wary path to democracy Iran's Jafari in Secret Talks with U.S. - London Times Need for U.S. Security Help Until 2018 in Iraq - New York Times
Iraq: 60 Insurgents Killed in Offensive - Washington Post
Feature: Taking on al-Qaida in Diyala (UPI) -- U.S. military forces are preparing to transition to the holding stage of Operation Raider Harvest. Gulf Prankster Probable Hormuz 'Threat' Source Analysis: Bush tries to 'sell' democracy By CLAUDE SALHANI (UPI) -- After tackling the Arab-Israeli dispute President Bush continued his Mideast tour flaunting democracy the way traders flaunt their wares on Dubai's waterfront.
$20bn of Arms to Counter Iran - London Times
900 Missiles to Saudi Arabia - New York Times
Bush's Middle East Tour Signals US Change, Message to Iran, Syria - Paper Libya, Iran, Syria Reportedly to Launch Regional Axis - Website Power cuts and water shortages hit chilly Iraq Jan 15 SD# 1811 - Prominent Salafi Jihadist Sheikh Tries to Quell Escalating Strife between Al-Qaeda and Awakening Movement in Iraq Amnesty expose Iran adultery stonings Syria Awaits Resumption of Arab League Head's Efforts on Lebanon BBC Monitoring Quotes From Middle East Arabic Press for 14 Jan 08 Israel-Syria Treaty Key to Mideast Peace - Arlen Specter, Philadelphia Inquirer IAEA Says Iran Will Settle Outstanding Nuclear Issues In One Month Syrian Agency Publishes Census for 2007 By Central Bureau of Statistics Syrian Foreign Minister Plans to Visit Germany U.S. Shifts Sunni Strategy in Iraq By: Peter spiegel | Los Angeles Times
Eager to cement the security gains of last year's troop buildup, the U.S. military has shifted its strategy from the streets to the corridors of power in a high-stakes effort to persuade Iraq's wary Shiite leaders to put thousands of predominantly Sunni men, many of them former insurgents, on the government payroll. Egyptian Circles Oppose US President's Visit to Cairo | H9 Ha’aretz – Olmert: Advancing peace talks worth risk to gov't PM to meet Lieberman on latter's threat to leave coalition; Kadima: Pressure on Labor if Yisrael Beiteinu quits. Marcus A lame but determined duck With all the show of playing the nice guy in Israel, Bush didn't let us forget for a minute that while this may be his last year in office, his feathers have not been plucked. Oren The generals of Professor Rice The real battle, between Rice and Israel, will now take place over the president's support, with Rice having the upper hand, because until his next visit here, Bush will expect to see results on the ground Israel begins construction in E. J'lem neighborhood Kurtzer: Little chance for Middle East peace by end of Bush term Sources: Barak and settlers reach deal on outpost evacuations Obama "will be the friend we want in the White House" Defending and rejecting the NIE on Iran (WTR) Poll: Does Bush still placing the promotion of democracy at the top of his agenda? U.S.: American Roadmap Monitors Will Report, Not Judge Report: Egypt Arrests Terror Cell Planning Attacks on Israel Olmert: Bush Said No Peace Deal Will Be Implemented Until Violence from Gaza Ends Jerusalem PostLipkin-Shahak: Winograd findings on National Security Council neglected. PA: Syria, Iran trying to overthrow Abbas and Fatah Palestinian officials claim new umbrella organization started for this purpose; say countries encourage Hamas, others to replace PLO. Meaning and aftermath of Bush visit President, Republican Party are closest friends Israel ever had in the US. Back to business as usual with Iran The NIE report took the wind out of the sanctions campaign in Germany 'World needs to combat Iranian threat' Former Polish president to 'Post': UN "ineffective;" new organization must be created to fight terrorism Our World: How Olmert defies gravity Here we go round the mulberry bush Yedioth Ahronoth Explosives smuggled as aid
Terror groups take advantage of permit allowing humanitarian goods, medical equipment into impoverished Gaza Strip, attempt to smuggle two tons of fertilizer in truck transporting aid in second such incident this week Daily Alert.org – Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine BBC 'Positive' Middle East talks held Israeli and Palestinian negotiators hold what are described as positive talks on the most intractable issues. Daily Star Let's not forget the hardship in Palestinian areas
By Douglas Alexander Arabs Demand Clarifications from U.S. on Planned Trip to Mark Palestinian Nakba Palestinian Groups in Gaza Compete in Announcing Attacks on Israel Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy (PDF; 310 KB)
Source: Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists) National Security Archive In 1974 Estimate CIA Found that Israel Already Had a Nuclear Stockpile and that "Many Countries" Would Soon Have Nuclear Capabilities U.S. Admits Mideast Peace Deal Hangs on Fate of Gaza CSM Fertilizer, frustration fuel Gaza's rockets A visit to a rocketmaker shows a reliance on very basic materials. The range of rockets fired at Israel has slowly been growing. |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Will Iraq playbook work in Pakistan? One tribal leader vows to raise a force of 600 to help fight an Al Qaeda-linked tribe in Waziristan. US pushes Iraq to clear more 'benchmarks' Signs of political reconciliation are emerging in Iraq, raising US hopes that a logjam has broken. Now, economy tops war in election Indicators like high oil prices and the slumping stock market have voters concerned. Russia's row with Britain escalates The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Britain's ambassador Monday, after the British Council defied orders by reopening its offices. Hillary Clinton's critical choice ASIA McClatchy China, India say growing ties could 'change face of Asia, even the world' In recent years foreign media has been praising China for opening to the West and stimulating the world economy but it has been going global for centuries. A review of Return to Dragon Mountain by Jonathan Spence. Many scholars point out that Chinese hegemony is far from assured, and that in its climb to power it has disappointed new friends and attracted unsavory allies. BBC Affluent and angry
Middle-class marchers hit Shanghai streets in rare show of defiance The first chapter from Social States: China in International Institutions, 1980-2000 by Alastair Iain Johnston. Ian Buruma on China's dark triumph: The success of its economy poses a serious challenge to liberal democracy. James Fallows on the $1.4 trillion question: The Chinese are subsidizing the American way of life — are we playing them for suckers or are they playing us CFR China-Taiwan Relations China + Citigroup + Alwaleed = Brave New World By: William Pesek | Bloomberg News
The largest U.S. bank is proving wealth speaks louder than statistics. Citigroup may be turning to the cash-rich Chinese government for a handout, joining other household names like Morgan Stanley. Taiwan, and President, Take a Drubbing By: Ting-I Tsai | Asia Times The shock landslide victory by Taiwan's nationalist party over President Chen Shui-bian's party at the weekend's legislative elections is essentially a no-confidence vote in Chen, who has resigned as party chairman. CRS "Emerging Trends in the Security Architecture in Asia: Bilateral and Multilateral Ties Among the United States, Japan, Australia, and India," January 7, 2008. "China's Holdings of U.S. Securities: Implications for the U.S. Economy," January 9, 2008 WORLD NEWS: Asia skills deficit may force up pay FRONT PAGE - FIRST SECTION: US woes spark Asia slowdown warning IHT What's next for Taiwan? By PHILIP BOWRING The DPP's collapse must be attributed in the first place to the unpopularity of President Chen Shui-bian. Taiwan Election May Ease Tensions With China By: David Lague | The New York Times
The landslide victory for the opposition Kuomintang in Taiwan’s parliamentary elections could sharply reduce the political influence of President Chen Shui-bian, who has antagonized China and frustrated the United States with his efforts to forge a strong national identity for Taiwan. Farmers Rise In Challenge To Chinese Land Policy By: Edward Cody | The Washington Post
About 1,000 farmers gathered in the village meeting hall here at 8 a.m. on Dec. 19 and proclaimed what amounted to a revolt against China's communist land-ownership system. Chinese Cyberwarfare By: Rachel F. Kesselman | ISN Security Watch
Governments are likely to become targets of increasingly sophisticated Chinese cyber warfare attacks over the next three to five years as the PLA assembles an advanced cybermilitia. India's Singh Starts China Trip Amid Trade Deal Plans By: Cherian Thomas | Bloomberg News
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is visiting China for the first time since taking office in 2004 as the world's two fastest-growing economies consider the feasibility of a free-trade agreement Kim Jong-il Nears His End-Game By: Brian Breuhaus | Asia Sentinel
After a long series of seemingly irrational provocations, a clever dictator counts his gains from non-proliferation talks Japan's Navy Sails Again - Wall Street Journal editorial | H11 IHT The 'crisis' of U.S. education By WALT GARDNER If America's public schools are so bad, where does all that talent come from? Merkel and Sarkozy: Not an easy match
By JOHN VINOCUR You don't get much of an argument in Germany's halls of power against the proposition that Nicolas Sarkozy is Europe's most interesting politician. What you get is a kind of leery smile. Still waiting to seize the moment in the Middle East If Bush expects an Arab-Israeli peace, he must push much harder. Attack jolts Germany into fray on immigrant crime A brutal war of words has broken out between Germany's two major parties over violence committed by youths with immigrant backgrounds, and neither side is backing down EUROPE European press review CRS "Kosovo's Future Status and U.S. Policy," updated December 28, 2007. Kosovo: the hour of Europe, John O'Brennan Balkan Unrest Remains a Recipe for Disaster By: Anatol Lieven | Financial Times
In their dealings over Kosovo’s independence, the European Union and Russia need to take their points of departure from reality and common responsibility for the stability of the European continent, not from legalism or self-righteousness. Pop Goes the President By: Michael Young | Reason
Nicolas Sarkozy and what American candidates might learn from France's permanent reality show. EU launches new Microsoft probes The European Commission launches new investigations into whether Microsoft has broken competition laws. 'Time to move on'
Brown wants business to look beyond EU treaty debate
Old Country, New Concern: Immigration By: Christine Spolar | The Chicago Tribune
Europe is swelling with a new nomadic class, a historic wave fueled by African misery and economic needs. Europe's airports are funnels for illegal immigration and its Mediterranean waters are a new sort of Rio Grande. Bosnia’s Foreign Fighter Dilemma ISA
Bosnia plays a legal back-and-forth with foreign figthers from Islamic countries who arrived in the early 1990s and have never left, many obtaining citizenship on questionable grounds. The latest high-profile case has seen the citizenship of a Tunisian-born man labeled a national secuirty threat revoked and the man slated for deportation; however, a Bosnian court has reversed that decision as it follows procedure by the book. | H12 RFE/RL Google News Azerbaijan Central Asia: A Vision for a Regional Transport Network Takes Shape BY JOSHUA KUCERA
Central Asian nations are planning to develop six new major transportation corridors in the next decade, according to a plan developed by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program. MURDER OF KABARDINO-BALKARIA LAW-ENFORCER: ANOTHER TURN IN A VICIOUS CIRCLE?
- WILL MEDVEDEV’S ASCENSION SOLVE GAZPROM’S PROBLEMS?
GEORGIA BETWEEN RULE OF LAW AND THE “GEOPOLITICS OF RUSTAVELI AVENUE” BBC UK-Russia diplomatic row worsens A diplomatic dispute between Russia and the UK intensifies as Britain defies an order to close down cultural offices. |
| H13 The Times It's the economy, Ahmadinejad Oil at nearly $100 a barrel cannot keep Mahmoud Ahmadinejad safe in the presidency of Iran for ever Bronwen Maddox Russia accuses Britain of 'provocation' Moscow reprimands London's ambassador in the capital as British Council defies Kremlin ban to reopen its office From Russia With Spite The Kremlin's strange talent for shooting itself in the foot Clintons forced to turn to damage limitation tactics Spain gets March election as Zapatero struggles The Spanish Prime Minister has dissolved parliament with his Socialist Party's lead in the polls now at just three points Bush offers $20bn arms deal to counter Iran US President backs political rhetoric against Iran with an offer of weapons to Gulf allies in a bid to shore up support Wall Street Journal Toward a Nuclear-Free World By George P. Shultz, William J. Perry, Henry A. Kissinger and Sam Nunn
The concept of mutually assured destruction has long outlived its usefulness. Where They Stand By Pete du Pont A look at the presidential candidates' positions on the five biggest challenges facing America Rubinomics R.I.P.
"Stimulus shouldn't be paid for," declared Mrs. Clinton on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. Democrats now say that deficits don't matter. Review & Outlook The Politics of Pigmentation
Clinton, Obama, and the race card. Review & Outlook U.S. Uses Probe to Pressure Iran Washington and its allies are using a probe into a 1994 terrorist attack in Argentina that killed 85 to keep pressure on the Iranian regime. The Real Key to Development
By Mary Anastasia O'Grady
The world's freest economies have many times the per capita income of those strangled by the state. Ron Paul and Foreign Policy By Bret Stephens Global View: Pacifism is only plausible under the cover of Leviathan. Our One-China Cowardice
By Gary Schmitt Taiwan is right to demand some respect. If, When, How: A Primer on Fiscal Stimulus
Source: The Brookings Institution | H14 Financial Times LeaderBush changes tone A determined effort by the US president to forge peace between Israel and the Palestinians is now the only way he can keep himself in the spotlight The zeitgeist of state capitalism Governments backed by huge reserves have found they have enormous clout in global markets. That is especially true in downturns, writes Jeffrey Garten WORLD NEWS: Iranian government faces criticism over winter gas supply shortages Muslim nations can pursue knowledge Limiting knowledge to religious matters and an overemphasis on rote learning extinguishes the spirit of discovery, writes Abdullah Ahmad Badawi A dispiriting return to Europe’s trenchesI have detected deep frustration in Paris and Berlin with Gordon Brown’s unwillingness to engage the European Union, writes Philip Stephens WORLD NEWS: Economy poised to dominate US presidential race Tensions threaten Israeli coalition Prime minister Ehud Olmert is battling to keep together the fractious multi-party government, amid rising tensions between him and his rightwing coalition partner over the Middle East peace talks Living standards set to suffer strain Rich countries will struggle to achieve the rises in living standards their citizens expect unless they sustain faster increases in economic efficiency, says a report Sterling poundedThe risk is that foreign investors decide to dump the currency. That could turn a benign slide in sterling into an unpleasant, inflationary rout COMMENT: Clinton and the thrill of power Does it matter if politicians are attracted to office for reasons other than a disinterested desire to serve the public? That comes down to two questions, writes Gideon Rachman. The first concerns motivation and the second their ability to do the job WORLD NEWS: Rebel seeks innovators to shake up Europe Felipe González plans to use his EU committee to deliver a ‘wake-up call’ to a continent that should be working on recouping its global economic and geopolitical influence Doubts over EU president’s start date Bloc’s first full-time president may not be able to start work as planned on January 1 next year, because of delays in ratifying the Lisbon treaty that creates the job, according to EU diplomats Eni loses grip of Kazakh oilfield Italian group stripped of operating control Fresh cloud cast over UK-Russia ties Realations between Russia and Britain look set to hit a new low after Moscow said it would suspend issuing visas for British Council employees in St Petersburg and Ekaterinburg EU states tussle over emission promises European states are gearing up for a rearguard action against Brussels’ green energy plan, just months after many of them signed up to placing the EU at the forefront of the fight against climate change LEX COLUMN: Kuwait's helping hand LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Alternative crops no answer for Afghans LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: The romantic view of Clinton's sorrow Europe rule change fails to lift harvest Efforts to boost farm production in Europe have failed in spite of record market prices and a move by Brussels to let farmers use more of their land to grow crops Old economies emerge as the new contenders | H15 Los Angeles Times EditorialOur ally in Islamabad Is Pakistan so crucial to fighting terror that it's worth supporting an undemocratic regime? The debate kicks off. 'The Bush Tragedy' by Jacob Weisberg Israel's True Friends - Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) (Los Angeles Times) Islamists See Capture of Jerusalem as Precursor to the Fall of the West - Melanie Phillips |
| H16 American Politics USAT/Gallup Poll: McCain jumps to lead; Clinton regains advantage Could Race Destroy the Democrats? - Michael Duffy, Time
The Game of Competitive Victimization - Fred Siegel, Contentions
realclearpolitics – ABC’s The Note – US News Political Bulletin Early Bird GovExec Swamp Gas The Swamp A recession could trigger Bloomberg candidacy Christopher Hitchens / Slate: The Case Against Hillary Clinton — WHY ON EARTH WOULD WE CHOOSE TO PUT THE CLINTON FAMILY DRAMA AT THE CENTER OF OUR POLITICS AGAIN Subprime Nation by Patrick Buchanan
McCain Bulilt Up By Anti-Bush Votes by E. J. Dionne
From The Claremont Institute, elections are about much more than an accumulation of polling data and short term trends; the big picture revolves around a different sort of question: taking a longer view, what is the state of the parties? Merchants of trivia: Why do the media insist on reducing one of the most exciting presidential primary seasons in American history to a simple horse race? Matt Taibbi wants to know Blowhards and windbags: The media's myopic obsession with campaign narratives over events of real significance does a disservice to the public. From Salon, an interview with Jonah Goldberg on Liberal Fascism, and more on cloudy fortunes for conservatism. How best to push America forward (By Newt Gingrich) | H17 Daily Telegraph Saudi officials to confront Bush Anger over detention of kingdom's citizens at Guantanamo Bay FBI and UK police plan global database Plans to set up a database with details of irises, palms and fingerprints to help catch criminals and terrorists, has been revealed. Food price rises add £750 to annual bill Food costs are accelerating at their fastest rate since records began, fuelling a rise in the average family's shopping bill threatening to push more people into greater debt. British Council defies Putin over closures The British Council has defied Russia, opening its offices in two cities despite an order from Moscow to shut them down. UK confident in face-off with Vladimir Putin | H18 Independent Dr Anthony Seldon: 'Enough of this educational apartheid' On the eve of a landmark ruling on the role of public schools in British life, the headmaster of Wellington College delivers a devastating attack on our two-tier education system Serbians prepare plan for Kosovo The Big Question: Can biofuel help prevent global warming, or will it only make matters worse? Taliban signal new approach with suicide attack on luxury hotel Credit crisis forces Citigroup chief to cut 20,000 jobs across group Russia furious as British Council reopens in Moscow Sarkozy married, reports claim |
| H19Military Intelligence Terrorism An Inside View of "Dysfunctional" Information Restrictions Agee: Death of a Traitor - New York Post editorial Scientists fear losing access to intelligence data Life in prison for Padilla? In sentencing, the judge must find that the convicted Al Qaeda recruit aimed to influence a government. But his trial has scant record of motive. 'Father of the Islamic bomb' A.Q. Khan brought the nuclear bomb to the Muslim world – while the West looked the other way. US Spychief's Plan To Monitor Internet Raises Major Privacy Issues "Server In The Sky": FBI Seeks International Database With Iris, Palm And Finger Prints | H20 Slate Artificial Intelligence President Bush's cavalier dismissal of the NIE undermines our credibility, again. Fred Kaplan The Case Against Hillary Clinton Why on earth would we choose to put the Clinton family drama at the center of our politics again?
Christopher Hitchens The Nano Challenge What happens when the green movement crashes into the anti-poverty crusade?
Anne Applebaum OECD Composite Leading Indicators signal a downswing in all major OECD economies (PDF; 258 KB)
Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Effects of Gasoline Prices on Driving Behavior and Vehicle Markets
59 pages; PDF PISA 2006 Science Competencies for Tomorrow's World
OECD The 390-page analysis of a PISA survey focusing on science education, and assessing mathematics and reading education UK GDP per capita to overtake US in 2008 for first time since the 19th century (PDF; 92 KB)
Source: Oxford Economics New Age Thinking By John B. Shoven
The author argues that the aging of the world's baby boomers won't be the crisis we fear. He asserts that what is conventionally considered "old" should henceforth be understood as old-fashioned. The current practice of measuring age as years-since-birth, both in common practice and in the law, as opposed to alternative measures that actually reflect a person's stage in the lifecycle, distorts important behavior such as retirement, saving, and the discussion of dependency ratios. He considers alternative measures of age including mortality risk and remaining life expectancy, concluding that by such standards the huge wave of elderly forecast for the first half of this century doesn't appear ominous at all.
John B. Shoven is a professor in the Department of Economics at Stanford University. Link to full text in primary source. Beyond City Limits By Richard Burdett Foreign Policy The author writes that while half of humanity currently lives in cities, demographers anticipate that during the next several decades the largest urban migration in history will occur. This will mean hundreds of millions flocking to African and Asian metropolises already afflicted with inadequate infrastructures and social tension generated by overcrowding and poverty. He considers some of the likely consequences of this movement and ponders how the world will contend with it all. Link to full text in primary source. | H21 Capitalism may deliver wealth and happiness but it does not inspire us. Socialism continues to inspire, despite having never delivered... more» Cato The Future of Marriage
By SHMULEY BOTEACH
Soulless capitalism is turning us into an indistinguishable morass of shallow materialists. Looming conflicts over who pays for pollution are not unlike old imperialist antagonisms that in their time knocked the global system off balance... more» 2007 White House Staff Salaries Japanese police pay tribute to anonymous donor The donor has been leaving envelopes of cash for needy people at a police station for over 33 years. If John Gray is an egotistical true believer, what does he believe in? In the certainty of any claim he makes about any topic... more» User-generated and -watched content New numbers show it's not just for piano-playing cats and the people who love them. Shakespeare is the best-selling poet of all time. Lao-tzu is second. Third is a man with a prophet motive: Kahlil Gibran... more» An excerpt from The World Without Us by Alan Weisman A review of In a Cardboard Belt! Essays Personal, Literary, and Savage by Joseph Epstein. Paul Johnson on what great statesmen have to teach us. Roger Scruton on the decline of laughter, and a review of Culture Counts: Faith and feeling in a world besieged. From Academe, a review of Rethinking Faculty Work: Higher Education's Strategic Imperative by Judith M. Gappa, Ann E. Austin, and Andrea G. Trice The fuel of the Internet: While bloggers and print journalists lock horns over media hierarchies and journalistic standards, Web 2.0 is making Google a noiseless fortune. Use your loaf Open Thread: A lecturer has called Google 'white bread for the mind', claiming it dulls students' curiosity and stifles debate. What do you think? Do pilots get enough sleep? In confidential safety memos, pilots recount fatigue-related incidents. |
