| H1 Ha’aretz – Editorial Turn over every stone The official announcement published yesterday in three capitals - Jerusalem, Damascus and Ankara - about the opening of indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel, under the aegis of Turkey, is a source of great hope but also suspicion. Rosner Will he or won't he attack? It's doubtful Bush knows A fateful strategic issue - certainly for the State of Israel - became a plaything this week for the American election circus. The Iranian threat is now the Iranian debate: to threaten or talk, to attack or wait Harel Too many question marks Washington Post Israel, Syria Disclose Indirect Peace Talks Turkish Officials Mediating; Golan at Issue ANALYSIS U.S. on the Outside in Peace Efforts By Robin Wright Lebanon Accord Offers a Respite Essential Issues Still Unresolved Iraqi Troops Welcomed In Sadr City U.S. Absence Seems To Make Difference The Old Titans All Collapsed. Is the U.S. Next?End of Empire? This could be the beginning of the end for the world's last superpower Financial Times Europe is a geopolitical dwarf Most European geopolitical gurus believe that the EU can survive well as a free-rider on US power, counting on it to keep the world safe while Europe tends to its internal gardens. The paucity of European strategic thinking is stunning, writes Kishore Mahbubani But the Democratic party is weakened and divided. If the party is to succeed in November, the wavering super-delegates had better make up their minds WORLD NEWS: Food prices forecast to stay high for 10 years Guardian Obama backs off Iran talks pledge Campaign notes proper preparations must before committing to diplomatic meeting with Iran president Persian pipelines Roger Howard: A century after the west struck oil in the Middle East, today's great secure energy hope is Iran Peace delayed Leader: There are many reasons why the peace talks between Israel and Syria could fail Newsweek How Israel-Syria Talks Could Affect Iran Ties “DPRK-Syria Bilateral Contacts, 2005-2007,” Open Source Center, May 2, 2008. Syrian Media – The Challenge and the Need to Act Syrian Media – The Challenge and the Need to Act | Part II Slate Travels in the Former Soviet Union Azerbaijan turns toward Islam. Joshua Kucera RFE/RLA Potentially Lucrative Thaw In Relations Following talks in Baku, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan could be closer to agreeing on how to divide up the Caspian energy resources located between them -- and on a pipeline to send them west. Bush's Islamist Enemies By: Mohamad Bazzi | The Nation
President George W. Bush was rightly condemned last week when he implied that Democrats want to "negotiate with terrorists" because they are driven by "the false comfort of appeasement," while Republicans are committed to fighting terrorism. But in his speech before Israel's Knesset, Bush made another dangerous statement that got far less attention: He lumped together Al Qaeda with the Islamist groups Hamas and Hezbollah Syria and Israel: tactical advantage, MESH Debka Analysis: Doha accord swings Lebanon’s balance of power to Shiite Hizballah Why did Nasrallah disobey Tehran and Damascus in Doha? Lebanese Crisis Ends: Hizballah Victory or Temporary Truce?, The Washington Institute A Medal for Brass By: Nina Shea | The Weekly Standard
Already dogged by a reputation for promoting religious extremism abroad and repression at home, the government of Saudi Arabia now faces growing resentment at the soaring price of oil. As is their custom, Saudi rulers have responded with a public relations campaign. It's a campaign built on deception. Defense Intelligence Strategy 2008 (PDF: 2.6 MB) Source: U.S. Department of Defense (via Federation of American Scientists) Obama to Ahmadinejad: Atomic Assist By: Amir Taheri | New York Post Critics of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's provocative foreign policy were preparing to launch a series of attacks on him in the Islamic Majlis, Iran's ersatz parliament. But then Ahmadinejad got an unexpected boost from Barack Obama Debating Liberal Internationalism By: Matthew Yglesias et al | The American Prospect Matt Yglesias explains how Democrats have been hurt themselves with incoherent foreign policy thinking and how they can improve in the future, and David Rieff, Justin Logan, David Frum, Derek Chollet and Anne-Marie Slaughter respond Middle East Oil: Defying the Experts By: Roger Howard | International Herald Tribune
The arguments of advocates of "peak oil," who assert that global oil production has now climaxed and will start to decline, appear increasingly plausible. But a look at the history of such expert opinion provides reason for skepticism Breaking Impasse, European Nations Agree to Start Broad Talks With Russians The Sole Superpower in Decline: The Rise of a Multipolar World by Shri Dilip Hiro. The NCTC gets America's counterterrorism priorities right
By David Ignatius WSJ Lebanon Deal Boosts Hezbollah Rival Lebanese factions reached an agreement to resolve their 18-month political crisis. The breakthrough deal sets presidential elections for Sunday and gives Hezbollah and its allies veto power over all government decisions. Wall Street Journal How to Think About the World's Problems
By Bjorn Lomborg
Global warming shouldn't be at the top of anyone's priority list. Obama's Troubling Instincts
By Karl Rove The senator should be specific about what he intends to offer our enemies. IEA to Slash Oil-Supply Estimate Energy watchdog IEA is preparing a sharp downward revision of its global oil-supply forecast, a shift that reflects deepening pessimism over whether oil companies can keep abreast of booming demand NY Sun Submarines for Syria? – Editorial Is Bin Laden Moving on from Iraq? - Paul Reynolds (BBC News) Hizbollah and Lebanon: the curse of a state , Robert G Rabil Kosovo to Kashmir: the self-determination dilemma, Sumantra Bose China v Russia: communist mask v democratic hat, Christoph Neidhart Daily Star Editorial Lebanon has given itself a chance to end a miserable, murderous cycle Something radically new after Doha By Michael Young Christian Science Monitor Qatari deal defuses Lebanese crisis The agreement gives Hezbollah and the opposition allies of the Shiite militants enough control in the government to have veto power over Israel confirms Golan Heights talks with Syria The two countries, after an eight-year hiatus, are talking about an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for peace. Guantánamo ex-detainee tells Congress of abuse Murat Kurnaz, who testified in a landmark hearing Tuesday, says he spent days chained to the ceiling of an airplane hanger. He was determined innocent in 2002, but held until 2006 Georgia sees itself as front line in fending off Russia The Columbia-educated president's party is expected to retain power in Wednesday's parliamentary elections. In an interview, he describes why he sees the country as the front line against Russian aggression. Obama starts to attract Clinton voters Despite divisive primaries, he has a record lead over Clinton among Democratic voters, a new poll finds. IHT BUSH AND 'APPEASEMENT' It's also called diplomacy By CHARLES A. KUPCHAN AND RAY TAKEYH History makes amply clear that longstanding rivalries usually require engagement. Top ETA leader is seized in France The Spanish and French authorities said that they had arrested one of the highest-ranking members of ETA, Francisco Javier López Peña, and three others in Bordeau | H2 Israel, Syria hold indirect peace talks through Turkish moderators Ha'aretz Turkey: Goal is direct meeting next month
Jerusalem Post Is Turkey's government starting a Muslim Reformation... By DANIEL PIPES Is Iran holding Bayık as a bargaining chip against Turkey? AP Türkiye raporu
Rapor, 'AKP kararı Venedik kriterlerine uygun olmalı' diyor Avrupa'den herkese mesaj var
Avrupa Parlamentosu, hükümete 'Türban sorununu geniş mutabakatla çözün'; AKP'yi kapatma davasını görüşen Anayasa Mahkemesi'ne 'Venedik Komisyonu'nun ilkelerine uygun karar bekliyoruz' mesajı verdi EU seeks radical overhaul of judiciary Regional Public Opinion Will Defeat Turkish Efforts on Golan - Iran Radio Turkey loosens purse strings as politics intensify Kürtçüler uluslararası zemin arayışında
HASAN CELAL GÜZEL EDM TURKEY EYES DEEPER ROLE IN SOUTHERN IRAQ Sami Kohen Türkiye’nin barıştırma rolü... ERDAL ŞAFAK Türkiye sonunda başardı
İBRAHİM KARAGÜL Hüsnü Mahalli
Erdoğan’ın büyük başarısı TAMER KORKMAZ Hudson'ların “Zeyno” Der Spiegel Turkish-German Professionals: Young, Qualified and Unwanted Melih Aşık F - 35 sıkıntısı Barack Obama and Turkish foreign policy by EMRE USLU & öNDER AYTAÇ* Ahu ÖZYURT Guardian Avoiding the G-word The EU has come up with a new term to describe the slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman forces in 1915 İç Basında Türk Dış Politikası Dış Basında Türkiye - BBC Turkish 0700 VOA Turkish Press Review Google News Turkey TurcoPundit Google News Fırat News Agency KurdishMedia Kurdish Kurdish Aspect Dış Basında Irak BBC Monitoring Inter-national Is Iran holding Bayık as a bargaining chip against Turkey? Cevdet Aşkın Ankara-Erbil trafiği hızlanıyor, PKK'ya askeri baskı artıyor M Ali Birand Biz çözemezsek, kucağımızda bir arabulucu buluveririz [Kürt siyasetinde yeni arayışlar] AK Parti'ye karşı 'çatı partisi' tartışmaları (2) Kurdish activists call for international mediation of Kurdish issue Barzani: 'PKK'ya karşı önlemler sürecek' Görüşmeler başladı, Türkiye Ortadoğu barışına ev sahipliği yapıyor Gates'ten Kürt Liderlere Övgü Yeğen Barzani Türk gazetecilere konuştu Amerikan-Kürt dostluk grubu kuruldu ABD Kongresi'nde Amerikan-Kürt dostluk grubu Barzani: PKK'ya karşı önlemler sürecek İran, Azerbaycan'ı sattı! Barzani devlet başkanı gibi karşılanmadı Kürdler kendi içinde diyaloglarını güçlendirmezlerse, ötekilerle barışık olma şansı yoktur A Recent History of Kirkuk: The Victim City Kurdish Aspect – Rice meets Iraqi Kurdish PM, discusses PKK Erdoğan prepares for a visit to Iraq Israeli, Syrian envoys holding peace talks in İstanbul Ortadoğu’nun gözü İstanbul’da
Köylülerden ’çıkın’ davası 'Türkiye-Irak ticareti 5 milyar dolar olmalı' Kato Dağı'nda pusu: 2 şehit, 1 yaralı 'Eski militan Dilaram' ailesiyle teslim oldu 'Meteler' Bestler'e indirildi Ardan Zentürk İslam coğrafyası... ‘Büyük kaos...’ Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık EP approves Turkey's 2007 country report Avrupa Türkiye’den bu kez neler istedi Bahadır Kaleağası Hükümetin AB politikaları neden fırsata dönüşmesin? Gül'den Avusturya'ya: İmzanızı onurlandırın AP, Türkiye Raporu'nu kabul etti AB, yargı reformunda ısrarcı: Sorunun kaynağı 'tarafsızlık' Semih İdiz Avusturyalılara göre Türkler geri kalmış ve saldırgan Yalçın Doğan Avrupa’da parti kapatma dersi Rauf Denktaş Hristofyas'a göre (2) Yunan Genelkurmay Başkanında bir yılda çifte ziyaret MHP criticizes Queen's reception on aircraft carrier
Venedik kriterleri dikkate alınsın EU says closure case not a matter of judiciary independence Turkey set to push ahead with EU membership talks - officials Greek Cypriots concerned Turkey opposes Cyprus reunification and ... Turkey, Austria in a bid to give new impetus to Nabucco Burak BEKDİL Baykal’a da ‘kapatmayı’ sordu
· Rumlar: Aynı dili konuşmuyoruz Venedik Komisyonu
Komisyon, Avrupa Konseyi'nin anayasal konulardaki danışma organı Kongre'ye işkenceyi anlattı Al Hayat Westminster Notes (Movement Over Cyprus) Sir Cyril Townsend - Like the Arab/Israel issue Cyprus is now one of the world's longest-running international disputes. South Africa is entering an awkward phase, but cruel and shocking apartheid holds it by the throat no more. LA Times A man of cultures: Director Fatih Akin and 'The Edge of Heaven' East Meets West Newsweek
Director Fatih Akin brings his unusual German-Turkish perspective to his emotionally stunning new film, "The Edge of Heaven." İbrahim Kalın A bleak picture of Turkish youth Şemdinli sanığının adı cinayete karıştı İdam kalkmasa belki de asılırdı! Tuzla katliamı NURAY MERT Metin Münir İhale Yasası neden elli defa değiştirildi? (1) Serpil Yılmaz Tuzla’yı Çin yapmak İstediler!
İşte Asya ile Avrupa'yı bağlayacak demir ipek yolu projesi Tuzla'daki ölüm tersanesi kapatıldı
Poll shows Turkish public strongly backs smoking ban in enclosed venues TÜBİTAK Yasası komisyondan geçti Atatürk yalanları... İnternet neden pahalı 5 milyon Yeşil Kart iptal edildi Türbanlı konuk çıkardı TRT’de terfi ettirildi Hasta sayısı 8 bin oldu yetkililer hálá Kurucu rektöre yeni formül Ameliyat yok gözlük takacak Uzman çavuşun orduevi isyanı Turkey’s sale pitch to become railway freight hub VIK (Very important Kene/Çok önemli kene) İstanbul 2010 Avrupa Kültür Başkenti Projesi, Türkiye'nin çehresini değiştirecek 22 Mayıs 2008 Basın Özeti | H3
Kritik davaların görüldüğü süreçte Yargıtay'dan sert çıkış Türkiye yargı sınavından geçiyor AK Parti'den karşı bildiri: Meşruiyeti yok kabul edilemez GEMİLERİ YAKTILAR Yüksek mahkemeye CHP ağzı ile müdahale Yargıtay, yargıya 'muhtıra' verdi!.. Ankara'da ortalık toz duman İddianame kutsandı yargı taraf oldu Çiçek: Yargıtay kapatma davasına taraf olmuştur AB’ye taslağı Şahin vermişti Ankara'yı karıştıran bildiri "Ayaküstü cevap vermeyiz" MHP: Niyetleri güdümlü yargı Baykal: Yargının muhtırası Mahkemeden randevu isteyen AKP’liler var Bildiri için kim ne dedi? Kuracağım parti hepimizin olacak Parti kapatmayı zorlaştırın Ergenekon'un üzerine gidin O fotoğraf balon mu? Özyeğin'den, Vatan'a yalanlama: Ön başvuruda bile bulunmadık Türkiye'deki savcı gibi bağımsızı yok Günün gazete manşetleri için tıklayın Son Dakika Milliyet Hürriyet Zaman Cengiz Çandar Y-muhtıra, dam üstünde saksağan ve AP'nin Türkiye Raporu Ahmet Taşgetiren Yargıtay cephede Ruşen - Çakır Taha Akyol Yargı ve siyaset Fikret Bila Hasan Cemal Kürt sorununda barışçı çağrının yanlışları üzerine bir yazı... YAVUZ DONAT Yargıtay bildirisinin perde arkası
Murat Yetkin İşler zıvanadan çıkıyor İsmet Berkan Bu kez darbeyi Meclis yapsın Fehmi Koru Yargıyı gözümüz gibi koruyalım According to knowledgeable sources Taha Kıvanç Şamil Tayyar Ali Bayramoğlu "Ortalama laik Türk" mü yoksa "Ortalama demokrat Türk" mü? Hasan Ünal Yargıtay bildirisi Yasemin Çongar Ertuğrul Özkök Mumcu’dan Gül’e TARHAN ERDEM Kerim Balcı AK Party: To be punished but not closed SOLİ ÖZEL Sınıf, kimlik ve Tuzla
Şükrü Küçükşahin Toptan’ın demek istedikleri Eyüp Can Karanlıklar prensi değilim! Serdar Turgut Bağımlı basın yaratmak
ŞAHİN ALPAY - Demokrasi kimin umurunda? MÜMTAZ'ER TÜRKÖNE - Yargıtay Başkanlar Kurulu bildiri yayınlayabilir mi? HÜSEYİN GÜLERCE - Zıtlaşma ile çözüm olmaz... Laiklik olmadan demokrasi olmaz YASİN DOĞAN Özyeğin'den yalanlama Ahmet Hakanİslamcı liderin düğünü nasıl olmalı tartışması M Ali Birand Biz çözemezsek, kucağımızda bir arabulucu buluveririz Cüneyt Ülsever ABD, İran’a saldırırsa Türkiye ne yapacak? Sabahattin Önkibar AKP kapatılmazsa bunlar olacak... Yargı bağımsızlığı değil yargı tarafsızlığıyla ilgili İsmail Küçükkaya
Kayıp gerçekliğin peşinde... Güler Kömürcü Elde körük... Enis Berberoğlu Oktay Ekşi Y-Muhtıra Özdemir İnce Ak Parti'nin ne olduğu değil ne olmadığı önemli Yalçın Bayer Türk halkı nasıl hipnotize edildi Mehmet Y YılmazAhlaksızlık bir sistem olunca MUHARREM SARIKAYA ERDAL ŞAFAK Türkiye sonunda başardı
ENGİN ARDIÇ Kıbrıs'ı "vermek" ERGUN BABAHAN Anayasa herkesi bağlar, yargıyı da EMRE AKÖZ Yargıtay 'taraflı ve siyasi' olduğunu dün ifşa etti!
Umur Talu Piyasa imiş! HASAN BÜLENT KAHRAMAN NAZLI ILICAK Yargıtay gene konuştu MEHMET BARLASDemokratik siyasette maksat sadece işlem hacmini artırmak mı? MAHMUT ÖVÜR Antalya'da kimler belediye başkan adayı?
Ömer Lütfi Mete Namussuzluğun doğan ve şahinleri Basında işler kötüye gidiyor
HAKKI DEVRİM ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM Tuzla burada AB kriterleri nerede? Ercan KumcuToplu fakirleşme Erdal Sağlam MELİKŞAH UTKU Ekonomide gidişat yukarı yönlü değil İBRAHİM KAHVECİ Hurşit Güneş Fiyat artınca talep düşer mi? Şimşek: MB günah keçisi değil, desteğimiz tam Seyfettin Gürsel IMF'ye katılmıyorum Salih Neftçi Enflasyon şaşırtmaya devam ediyor... Turkey c.bank has govt's full support-econ minister Econ Minister says gov't has full support to Turkey's CB Deniz Gökçe “Banana” yok! İç borçlanma nasıl yürütülüyor?
MAHFİ EĞİLMEZ ‘Düşük kur-yüksek faiz’ çarpıklığı...
KORKMAZ İLKORUR Derya Sazak Türbülans çağı Güngör Uras Herkesin cebinde 50 YTL (YKr taşıyan yok) Bakan Şimşek defineyi buldu!
Devlet Bakanı Mehmet Şimşek kıdem tazminatlarını da Hazine'ye katmak istiyor. Şimşek'e göre dünyanın en yüksek kıdem tazminatı Türkiye'de uygulanıyor |
Kennedy Talked, Khrushchev Triumphed By NATHAN THRALL and JESSE JAMES WILKINS If Barack Obama wants to follow in John F. Kennedy’s footsteps, he should heed the lesson that Kennedy learned: sometimes there is good reason to fear to negotiate. NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF Earthquake and Hope The Sichuan earthquake may be remembered as a milestone in the peaceful evolution of China toward capitalism and democracy | H5 Washington Post Israel, Syria Disclose Indirect Peace Talks Turkish Officials Mediating; Golan at Issue ANALYSIS U.S. on the Outside in Peace Efforts By Robin Wright Lebanon Accord Offers a Respite Essential Issues Still Unresolved Iraqi Troops Welcomed In Sadr City U.S. Absence Seems To Make Difference The Old Titans All Collapsed. Is the U.S. Next?End of Empire? This could be the beginning of the end for the world's last superpower Middle Class Jitters By Robert J. Samuelson, Middle-class Americans are in a funk. Two Georgian Groups Claim Election Victory The 'Not Clinton' Excuse By Marie Cocco, Which woman, exactly, would be an acceptable presidential candidate? March of the Polar Bears By George F. Will, Onward, green soldiers, into preventive war on behalf of some bears who are simultaneously flourishing and 'threatened.' Pumping for Answers By Dana Milbank, As oil hit a new record of $134 a barrel yesterday, lawmakers summoned energy executives to Capitol Hill for the latest in a series of ritual immolations. But this one felt more like "The Price Is Right." White House Ignored Torture Warnings
By Dan Froomkin Interrogation Tactics Were Challenged at White House Fallout From a Bailout How the Bear Stearns Intervention Will Haunt the Fed By Vincent Reinhart, The Bear Stearns intervention is already coming back to haunt the Fed. In Wake of Defeats, House GOP Moves to Right the Campaign Ship House Overrides Veto of Farm Bill Glitch May Force Repeat of the Process | H6 Guardian Obama backs off Iran talks pledge Campaign notes proper preparations must before committing to diplomatic meeting with Iran president Persian pipelines Roger Howard: A century after the west struck oil in the Middle East, today's great secure energy hope is Iran Peace delayed Leader: There are many reasons why the peace talks between Israel and Syria could fail Israel and Syria in formal peace talks Israel wants Syria to cut ties to Islamist groups while Syria wants return of sovereignty over Golan Heights Timeline: Israel, Syria and the Golan Heights Olmert's Damascene conversion James Denselow: Does this Israeli government still possess the political capital necessary to achieve a genuine peace agreement with Syria? Victory out of defeat Jonathan Steele: By allowing the Iraqi army to take over his stronghold, Sadr City, Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has actually strengthened his hand Hizbullah deal ends Lebanon deadlock Western-backed government agrees to a national unity coalition with Hizbullah-led opposition It's the war, stupid Matthew Yglesias: US elections 2008: Hillary Clinton's presidential hopes were crippled by her 2002 vote backing an assault on Iraq Talking the talk Michael Boyle: Using diplomatic channels to speak to enemies isn't appeasement or weakness. It's the hard reality of how the world works History does not always favour a hero Michael White: Does Gordon Brown's decision to meet the Dalai Lama tomorrow fit into the sensible or the supine category? We have a responsibility to protect the people of Burma. But how? Timothy Garton Ash: If a military-backed aid bridge had a fair chance of success, I'd support it. It doesn't, so we have to use all other means Lower-class students 'have lower IQs' Selection at top universities is not a sign of prejudice but rather simple meritocracy, claims academic Berlusconi introduces new rules to clamp down on Gypsies Cabinet endorses a package of tough measures aimed at Gypsies and clandestine immigrants McCain calls possible running mates to talks Subsidy versus subsistence Tim Watkin: At a time of international food shortages, government pay-outs to farmers in the west hurts the developing world's poor and hungry Somali opposition vows Islamist state Islamist party head plots to expel US-backed Ethiopian troops and says government is led by 'traitors' Myopia on Myanmar Martin Jacques: Governments and the media need to wake up to the fact that east Asia can increasingly look after itself and doesn't need or want western help Gone to Iceland Open Thread: As record numbers of Britons leave the country, Iceland has been named the best place to live by the UN. But where would you go? Kennedy the survivor Michael Tomasky The Senator from Massachusetts is the last liberal of an earlier, muscular Congress that changed America for the better |
| H7 NY Sun Submarines for Syria? – Editorial Is Bin Laden Moving on from Iraq? - Paul Reynolds (BBC News) Daily Star Editorial Lebanon has given itself a chance to end a miserable, murderous cycle Something radically new after Doha
By Michael Young Palestinian leaders face a host of legitimacy problems
By Ghassan Khatib Oil rockets to new high above $135 a barrel on supply concerns Matt Yglesias argues that Democrats need to embrace liberal internationalism wholeheartedly; a panel of foreign-policy experts responds (and an interview). The Reluctant Realism of George H. W. Bush Muck and menace in Maliki's Iraq On his second anniversary in office, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has little to brag about. Baghdad is besieged with sewage, massive unemployment and danger, and the Arab world is outraged at Maliki for his leniency on the US soldier who recently took target practice at the Holy Koran. Maliki can bring neither security nor reconciliation, as long as he snubs Sunnis and continues to harbor and protect selected militias. - Sami Moubayed Appease Iran? (By James Lyons) How far left has Latin America moved? Immanuel Wallerstein investigates. A review of Patrick Cockburn's Muqtada: Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shia Revival, and the Struggle for Iraq (and more). Boston Globe Why US must pull out of Iraq AS THE DEBATE over supplemental funding for the war in Iraq plays out in Congress, a growing consensus on the need to adopt a policy of "strategic patience" has become accepted wisdom in the national debate. Proponents of this policy argue that solidifying recent security and political gains in Iraq is contingent upon the US military remaining in the country ... (By Sean E. Duggan, Boston Globe) Friends close, enemies closer JUST AS IT would be hard to imagine music without notes or poetry without words, diplomacy is impossible without broad diplomatic contacts - including ones with potentially objectionable parties. Yet certain powerful governments have been trying to change the rules of diplomacy. The Bush administration has now criticized France, an ally, for contacts that were entirely reasonable, and Germany is ... (Boston Globe) Hezbollah: Finishing Off what Hamas Began : Huda al Husseini Analysis: Osama bin Laden attacks Hizballah’s Nasrallah and Shiite Iran | H8 IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Analysis: Can the Iraqi army control Sadr City's militias? SANA Syria: Indirect Peace Talks Under Turkish Patronage – Syria and Israel Start Peace Talks
(Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) U.S. diplomats sit out 2 key talks in Mideast (By Nicholas Kralev and Joshua Mitnick) Former Iranian Envoy to Syria Discusses Tehran-Hezbollah, Hamas Ties - Part 2 US spins up Lebanon deal, cool on Israel, Syria Iraq Briefing Israel-Syria Peace Deal Could Threaten Iran, Hezbollah Hizbullah Gains Veto Power in Cabinet as Lebanon Rivals Reach Deal to End Political Conflict Petraeus: Troops in Iraq Help Blunt Iran Threat - Associated Press
US: Mosul Attacks Down 85 Percent - Associated Press
Sadr City Calm After Iraqi Troop Move - Associated Press
Iraq Operation Offers Alternative to Former Enemy Fighters - AFPS
Bush Calls Iraqi PM over Quran Shooting - Associated Press Sadr City gets a break; fighting goes next door (By Lee Keath) Upcoming Iraqi Elections Must Consolidate Security Gains of ‘Sons of Iraq’ By: David Ucko | World Politics Review
As Iraq approaches provincial elections in October, it is high time to abandon easy slogans and to examine the fresh challenges and opportunities presented by recent events in Iraq. Among such events, the emergence of the Sons of Iraq stands out as particularly important Lebanese Factions Reach Agreement - Shadid and Ibrahim, Washington Post
Lebanese Deal Ends Civil War Threat - Nicholas Blanford, London Times
Lebanon Rivals Agree Crisis Deal - BBC News
Deal in Lebanon a Win for Hezbollah - Associated Press
Hezbollah Gets its Way in Lebanon - London Daily Telegraph editorial
Hezbollah Wins in Lebanon - Andrew Cochran, Counterterrorism De-mining of Persian Gulf under way
(UPI) -- The British Royal Navy is leading an operation to locate and remove the threat of water mines in the Persian Gulf.
Hezbollah Comm Network Confirms Terror Goals - Walid Phares, Counterterrorism
Israel, Syria Confirm Peace Talks - Sockol and Knickmeyer, Washington Post
Israel and Syria Open Peace Talks - James Hider, London Times
Israel, Syria Confirm Holding Peace Talks Mediated by Turkey - Jim Teeple, VOA
Israel Engages in Indirect Peace Talks with Syria - Associated Press
Olmert Warns of Syria Concessions - BBC News
4 Palestinians Reported Killed in Gaza Airstrikes - Associated Press US Looking for Progress in Iran Nuclear Report – AFP
Diplomats Say UN Probe of Iran Nukes a Failure - Associated Press
| H9 Ha’aretz – Editorial Turn over every stoneThe official announcement published yesterday in three capitals - Jerusalem, Damascus and Ankara - about the opening of indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel, under the aegis of Turkey, is a source of great hope but also suspicion. Rosner Will he or won't he attack? It's doubtful Bush knows A fateful strategic issue - certainly for the State of Israel - became a plaything this week for the American election circus. The Iranian threat is now the Iranian debate: to threaten or talk, to attack or wait Harel Too many question marks Benn Trio under inquiry What do the three leaders involved in the renewed talks between Israel and Syria have in common? All are under the shadow of investigations that may end their political careers. Melman Is an attack on Iran a big risk? Eldar Once again, Syria first When the government of Israel went to, or, to be more precise was dragged into, the Madrid Conference at the end of 1991, it agreed on a formal basis to conduct negotiations in parallel with all of its neighbors - the Palestinians, Jordanians, Syrians and Lebanese Where it could all fall apart Iran declines to comment America shows reserve Israel, Syria to begin indirect peace talks 8 short comments on the Israel-Syria peace talks Rosner's Domain / Is Syria-Israel peace on the horizon? I think not Ankara hopes for a direct Israel-Syria meeting next month PM: Talks with Syria are 'historic breakthrough' Olmert added that contacts with Syria 'have been ongoing for a long time and they've now matured PM got Erdogan's help, softened up Bush, and sent in Turbowicz In February 2007, Olmert asked Turkish PM to mediate between Jerusalem and Damascus Poll: More Israelis object to Golan accord than to J'lem deal Two-thirds of Israelis oppose Golan-for-peace deal, according to poll conducted by Begin Heritage Foundation ANALYSIS: What will come first, peace treaty or indictment? No matter what Olmert does in the months left in office, everything will be considered a spin Rice: Israeli-Palestinian track more likely to produce results Bush administration cool to announcement of indirect peace talks between Israel, Syria Truck bomb explodes at Gaza crossing; none injured Al Gore: Israel should lead the way in renewable energy Goldberg vs. Boot. I'm going to stay neutral! Rosner's Guests: Israel not likely to invade Gaza soon Sources: Proof lacking to indict PM for bribery Peace for the Golan? We urge Assad to come to the Knesset and show us he has now chosen the path of peace. Israel Faults Restrictions on UNIFIL - Police believe Olmert took bribes Senior law enforcement official: Police believe PM made personal use of illicit funds; police to fly to US Civil Fights: Bin Laden's strategy for dividing the West Yedioth Ahronoth Turkey discusses peace, IDF prepares for war Golan safe for now/ Shai Bazak Syria, Israel may be interested in dialogue, but not in peace or withdrawal 'Olmert unfit for office' Golan leaders launch statement denouncing PM following his defense of Syrian peace talks We love you, George Embarrassing flattery showered on Bush shows nature of Israel’s elite, writes Aviad Kleinberg Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Debka Exclusive: Olmert, Assad stage peace stunt to stave of political woes Israel Says Holding Indirect Peace Talks with Syria - Palestinians Have Avoided Opportunities for Statehood - Yossi Alpher The Development of Hamas Rocket Capabilities (Strategy Page) The Lessons of Annapolis - Jeff Emanuel Anti-Jewish Bias Seen in Michigan Spy Case - Eli Lake (New York Sun) From Dissent, Israel at Sixty: An interview with Mitchell Cohen Arab Israeli Media and Internet Use Survey |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Qatari deal defuses Lebanese crisis The agreement gives Hezbollah and the opposition allies of the Shiite militants enough control in the government to have veto power over Israel confirms Golan Heights talks with Syria The two countries, after an eight-year hiatus, are talking about an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for peace. Guantánamo ex-detainee tells Congress of abuse Murat Kurnaz, who testified in a landmark hearing Tuesday, says he spent days chained to the ceiling of an airplane hanger. He was determined innocent in 2002, but held until 2006 Georgia sees itself as front line in fending off Russia The Columbia-educated president's party is expected to retain power in Wednesday's parliamentary elections. In an interview, he describes why he sees the country as the front line against Russian aggression. Obama starts to attract Clinton voters Despite divisive primaries, he has a record lead over Clinton among Democratic voters, a new poll finds. NATO extends Afghanistan tours Britain and the Netherlands agree to longer tours, delaying a bigger US role in the mission Rising price of rice keeps U.N. scrambling to feed world's hungry From Kenya to Cambodia, the World Food Program's offices are struggling to meet their budgets in the face of price increases, sometimes having to suspend vital programs. Do graduates understand citizenship? Education isn't just a ticket to a better job. It's a vital safeguard of democracy ASIA Washington Times India's missile power lifts offBy James T. Hackett The spread of long-range ballistic missiles took a step forward on May 7 with India's successful flight test of its Agni-III missile that can carry a nuclear warhead as far as Beijing. Asia Times Ducking and diving under B-52s Bajaur Agency in Pakistan and the adjoining two Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nooristan have emerged as a focal point of the "war on terror". Not only are Osama bin Laden and his confidants thought to travel the area, the corridor is vital for the Taliban's insurgency. Syed Saleem Shahzad treks deep into Taliban territory, falling under the radar of US B-52s, drones, helicopters and special forces. And he just misses a Taliban firefight. Deal reached with militants Pakistan's new government yesterday agreed to pull its forces out of a restive region near the Afghan border and allow elements of Islamic Shariah law to be imposed there in return for a promise by local Islamic militants to end a wave of terror and arrest foreign terrorists operating in the area. Foreign Policy Why Pakistan Plays ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS The forgotten issues
Demands by the US and others for rules to limit the policies and operations of sovereign wealth funds highlight the vast amount of money at the funds' disposal. Overlooked are questions such as to whom does this wealth belong and how can it benefit the citizenry of the oil and gas-rich countries holding, or misspending, the cash? - Hossein Askari and Noureddine Krichene
This is the first article in a two-part report. China bows in grief, to public demand
China's national mourning - the first of its kind since the passing of Mao Zedong in 1976 - has many Chinese applauding the leadership's rare willingness to grant a request from the public. And if China felt divided and isolated after Mao, it now seems united in grieving for earthquake victims. Inadvertently or not the government has skillfully exploited the disaster to shore up public support and burnish its reputation. FT Tokyo shows mettle in race for ore The hunt for rare metals is urgent for one reason: China. Japan has watched aghast as China crisscrossed the continent, cutting deals, writes David Pilling WSJ Kashmir Crossroads
Three years of relative peace are slipping away. Review & Outlook Permanent SDF Deployment Law Endangers Japanese Democracy By: Craig Martin | The Japan Times The Japanese government wants permanent legal authority to send military forces overseas. Letting it have it would be a mistake for many reasons, but one seldom raised is the impact the move would have on the nature of Japan's democracy. China's Katrina Shows Post-Communism No Big Easy - Council on Foreign Relations Is a Pakistan Truce Good for the United States? - Council on Foreign Relations Der Spiegel Interview with a Taliban Commander: 'What's Important Is to Kill the Germans' China's grief turns to anger over poorly built schools India and Pakistan resumed talks (al-Jazeera) on the disputed Kashmir region dividing the countries. Why Does China Need US Satellite Support? - Westhawk, Westhawk NATO Extends Afghanistan Tour - Gordon Lubold, Christian Science Monitor
NATO Allies to Extend Command Lengths in Afghanistan - AFPS
NATO to Keep Rotating Command in Afghan South - Reuters
NATO Afghan Chief Wants Talks on Command in South - Reuters
Reaping War's Harvest - Mark Dodd, The Australian
Pakistan Strikes Deal with Militants in Swat Province - Barry Newhouse, VOA
Pakistan in Deal with Militants - BBC News
US Warns Pakistan Against Deal with Militants – Reuters Trade: A report from an Indian economic think tank looks at efforts to expand intra-regional trade in South Asia, particularly in clothing and textiles. Pakistan: Pakistan's law minister finalized a list of constitutional amendments (Dawn) that will now be sent to a parliamentary vote. | H11 IHT BUSH AND 'APPEASEMENT' It's also called diplomacy By CHARLES A. KUPCHAN AND RAY TAKEYH History makes amply clear that longstanding rivalries usually require engagement. Top ETA leader is seized in France The Spanish and French authorities said that they had arrested one of the highest-ranking members of ETA, Francisco Javier López Peña, and three others in Bordeau EU and Russia agree to new series of wide-ranging talks Coming at the start of the presidency of Dmitri Medvedev, the negotiations will be a test of whether ties between Europe and Russia can improve after years of combative rhetoric from Vladimir Puti Berlusconi unveils anti-crime measures for Italy In a direct style of leadership uncommon in Italian politics, the new prime minister unveiled a package Wednesday that includes new restrictions on immigrants. Diplomacy is tried to reduce tensions over AbkhaziaThe long military standoff in Abkhazia, where a separatist dispute has risked escalating this year to a renewed war, has entered a phase of quiet diplomacy aimed at easing tensions and urging negotiations, according to officials on both sides of the conflict. Czechs back U.S. antimissile system Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is expected in Prague to sign a treaty within the next two months. EUROPE European press review | H12 RFE/RLA Potentially Lucrative Thaw In Relations Following talks in Baku, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan could be closer to agreeing on how to divide up the Caspian energy resources located between them -- and on a pipeline to send them west. Google News Azerbaijan Azerbaijan: Officials Plan for "Problem-Free" Presidential Election
BY ROVSHAN ISMAYILOV
In looking ahead to a presidential election in Azerbaijan later this year, officials are emphasizing a sense of calm and continuity, and opposition leaders are divided among themselves. As a result, campaign season has been almost eerily quiet so far. A Free and Fair Vote? Georgia�s Political Parties See Things Differently
BY MOLLY CORSO
Georgian officials are insisting that the May 21 parliamentary voting in Georgia occurred under "normal conditions." But nothing seems to satisfy the country�s querulous opposition leaders, who, even before the polls had closed, began lodging complaints about vote-rigging. Ruling party leads in exit polls An exit poll showed President Mikhail Saakashvili's ruling party winning a strong majority in Georgia's parliamentary election yesterday, a result his opponents immediately challenged. Georgia Opposition: 'Poll Rigged' - BBC News EDM MOSCOW ENCOURAGES NORTH-SOUTH OSSETIAN IRREDENTISM AGAINST GEORGIA
- ARE MEDVEDEV’S LATEST PROMISES TO FIGHT CORRUPTION SIMPLY “RITUAL INCANTATIONS”?
- U.S. COMPANY BANISHED FROM UKRAINIAN OIL AND GAS FIELD Medvedev Orders Cleanup of Courts By: Natalya Krainova | The Moscow Times President Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday that the establishment of an independent judiciary was the central plank of planned reforms to the judicial system in a Kremlin meeting with senior judges and legal officials. Ukraine: In an op-ed, three members of the European Parliament write that in attacking Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, President Viktor Yushchenko has become the kind of leader he campaigned against in 2005. Leaders of Russia, China Will Discuss Nuclear Problems of Iran, N. Korea - Kremlin Aide |
| H13 The Times Lebanese deal ends civil war threat Lebanon’s feuding leaders strike deal to pave the way for the election of a new president and a national unity government On-the-spot: Lebanon's 'one-sided civil war' Israel and Syria open peace talks The two countries have been using Turkish mediators to discuss reopening peace negotiations which stalled in 2000 Hillary Clinton is hoping for an act of God Friends and fundraisers have talked to the former First Lady about dropping out but they have been given short shrift They're wrong about oil, by George Rip up your textbooks, the doubling of oil prices has little to do with China's appetite Anatole Kaletsky Take a nudge in the right direction A new way to decide: we should be free to make choices but coaxed away from the worst ones Camilla Cavendish Les Misérables Today's strikes in France must not deflect Sarkozy's reform plans France braces for travel paralysis Transport strike to bring widespread travel chaos and port blockades as President Sarkozy faces backlash on fuel and retirement Obama Clinton nomination battle goes on He knows he's won. She knows she's lost. But the former First Lady adamantly refuses to wave the white flag of surrender Political brilliance from devout non-politician The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, delivered a performance in Westminster with unsurpassable charm and tactical judgment Bronwen Maddox Burma loses aid battle as cash flows to China British Red Cross is frustrated that there is little TV footage to illustrate the plight of victims of Cyclone Nargis Wall Street Journal How to Think About the World's Problems
By Bjorn Lomborg
Global warming shouldn't be at the top of anyone's priority list. Obama's Troubling Instincts
By Karl Rove The senator should be specific about what he intends to offer our enemies. IEA to Slash Oil-Supply Estimate Energy watchdog IEA is preparing a sharp downward revision of its global oil-supply forecast, a shift that reflects deepening pessimism over whether oil companies can keep abreast of booming demand Hillary's Concession Speech By Daniel Henninger Wonder Land: Is it in her to be this gracious? Does the Libertarian Party Matter?
By Bruce Bartlett
There are better ways to promote free-market ideas. Iran's Abused
The mullahs repress the Bahai.
Review & Outlook Evaluating the Potential for a Recession in 2008 Source: Congressional Research Service (via OpenCRS) | H14 Financial Times Europe is a geopolitical dwarf Most European geopolitical gurus believe that the EU can survive well as a free-rider on US power, counting on it to keep the world safe while Europe tends to its internal gardens. The paucity of European strategic thinking is stunning, writes Kishore Mahbubani But the Democratic party is weakened and divided. If the party is to succeed in November, the wavering super-delegates had better make up their minds Is Obama FDR or McGovern? Gideon Rachman’s blog: There is a plausible case for an Obama landslide - and for an Obama blow-out Israel and Syria start to talk peace againThe countries have opened indirect negotiations for the first time in eight years, in a bid to reach a ‘comprehensive peace’ and end six decades of conflict. WORLD NEWS: Food prices forecast to stay high for 10 years FT series: Sarkozy reforms (part 2) Public sentiment seems to be with the French president as the latest protest over plans to scrap 11,200 teaching posts lacked the usual full-blown student support Violence mars Georgia poll Violence marred a snap parliamentary election in Georgia as soldiers from the Russian-protected separatist region of Abkhazia fired at residents who tried to cross the border into Georgian-controlled territory to vote. Lebanese leaders strike power sharing deal Lebanon is set for the election of its army chief as president this weekend after political factions struck a power sharing agreement to end an 18-month stand-off Medvedev trip east sends signal to west The Russian president will fly to Kazakhstan before heading off to China for his maiden foreign trip, a gesture that shows Moscow now has a choice of economic partners The New Paradigm for Financial MarketsGeorge Soros calls himself a failed philosopher but his ideas on bubbles, booms and busts pose a challenge to mainstream thinking Clinton to fight on over disputed delegates Hillary Clinton promised to take her dispute over the unseated delegates from Florida and Michigan to the Democratic convention in August if necessary in her most overt threat so far to stay in the race Fed signals rate cuts are unlikely Federal Reserve officials slashed their forecasts for growth this year and raised projections for inflation as minutes revealed growing tension between the two objectives Senators threaten to stall arms pact Key senators called on the US administration to provide more information about treaties that would ease the flow of defence technology to Britain and Australia Analysis: Farmers cling to their subsidies Agricultural producers no longer need protection from low prices, but it looks like a golden opportunity to reform distorting policies will be missed American Airlines said it also would eliminate thousands of jobs and charge most passengers $15 to check a single piece of luggage, as surging oil prices exacerbated the crisis in the US airline industry Eta leader captured amid rise in attacks Francisco Javier López Peña, alias Thierry, was detained in Bordeaux, south-west France, with three other alleged members. Two more people were later arrested, including a former Spanish mayor An unsustainable biofuels policy Brussels Blog: The European Commission is shifting emphasis from a 10 percent biofuels target to producing biofuels without environmental harm Paying for staying When earnings are under pressure, it becomes more likely investors will voice discontent over pay. Shell’s revolt is the latest: it will not be the last Germany shrugs off growth worries A business climate index published by the Ifo institute partly reversed a sharp fall in April to 102.4, rising to 103.5 in May. Companies were more upbeat about current trading Opening up Japan Takeovers and shareholder rights are a test of Japan’s appetite for reform. The investment world will be watching the result of proposed reforms | H15 Los Angeles Times The case against aid at gunpoint We have a responsibility to help the Burmese, but military action isn't the way By Timothy Garton Ash Israel, Syria confirm peace talks Ehud Olmert's critics see a diversionary tactic. U.S. is concerned about Damascus' ties to Hezbollah U.S. special forces to stay in Iraq, Afghanistan Editorial Bin Laden is out there He may be out of sight, but his latest messages show that he should not be out of mind. Lebanese rivals agree to power-sharing deal Israel prime minister fighting for peace and his political life McCain: so wrong, but so what? By ROSA BROOKS It's not personal By Jonathan Chait Critics should understand that not supporting Clinton isn't an attack on feminism. U.S. Plane Enters Venezuela Airspace Los Angeles Times
Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said Monday that U.S. Ambassador Patrick Duddy would be called in to explain a U.S. Navy plane's violation of Venezuelan airspace. The lion of the Senate Tim Rutten: Empathy, public service and civility have distinguished Ted Kennedy's long tenure |
| H16 American Politics From National Journal, President Bush has been taking a beating from the Right lately, with members of his own party heaping abuse on his administration — has Bush gone wobbly? From The New Yorker, George Packer on the fall of conservatism: Have the Republicans run out of ideas THE WASHINGTON TIMES EDITORIAL The Republican Party has lost much credibility among its base and has not yet established a comprehensive general election strategy or platform. How Hillary's Latest Math Hurts the Party - Jonathan Alter, Newsweek McCain Won't Play by Obama's Rules - Robert Novak, Chicago Sun-Tim What is Clinton's Argument Now? - Roger Simon, The Politico realclearpolitics memeorandum ABC’s The Note – US News Political Bulletin Early Bird GovExec Swamp Gas The Swamp a look at how one subgroup of evangelical Christians is attempting to redefine the very term "evangelical". Clinton launches new Fla., Mich. offensives in delegate quest Jon Chait on why everything Obama and McCain say about foreign policy should be ignored Vote like thy neighbor: Why the American electorate is more politically polarized than ever more and more and more and more and more and more and more on Rick Perlstein's Nixonland (and an excerpt at Bookforum). | H17 Daily Telegraph Hizbollah gets its way in Lebanon Sarkozy's statement that the Lebanese peace deal is 'a great success' is at best optimistic while Hizbollah acts as though the bullet is mightier than the ballot. Petrol prices to stay high for 8 years Motorists have been warned to expect record petrol prices for up to eight years Army called to clean up Italy Berlusconi promises to wash Italy clean of fear and dissent Is this the death of liberal Britain? Religion, class and race are back on the political agenda and at issue is what sort of society we want, says Mary Riddell. | H18 Independent Adrian Hamilton: Any change from Bush's fundamentalism will do Obama arrives in Florida hoping to win over Hispanics and Jews Inching towards the Democratic Party's nomination for the presidential election, a beaming Barack Obama ignited rolling chants of "Yes we can" in a packed Tampa arena yesterday at the start of a three-day visit to Florida. Leading article: Bring on the next act in this thrilling political drama Israel contemplates giving up Golan Heights to Syria China's grief turns to anger over poorly built schools The Big Question: Is Iceland the happiest place on the planet, and what can we learn from it? |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism The NCTC gets America's counterterrorism priorities right
By David Ignatius Defense's Realist Rebel By: Michael Gerson | The Washington Post
In a series of groundbreaking speeches, Gates has argued that asymmetrical conflicts in the "long war" against "violent jihadist networks" will remain the likely face of battle for decades to come, that "procurement and training have to focus on that reality," and that shaping civilian attitudes in these conflicts will be just as important as winning battles. Military Review: Interagency Reader The Principles of War: 1. Selection and Maintenance of the Aim Intel Agency Action Urged Against Space, Cyber Threats See “Defense Intelligence 2008″ (flagged by BeSpacific.com). Wider Anti-Terror Role for Elite Forces Rejected By: Thom Shanker | The New York Times
The military’s elite Special Operations Command has quietly stepped back from a controversial plan that gave it the authority to carry out secret counterterrorism missions on its own around the world A Review of the FBI’s Involvement in and Observations of Detainee Interrogations in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, and Iraq (PDF; 6.1 MB)
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General War on Terror: In an editorial, the paper ponders why the recent tape from Osama bin Laden received such limited play in the American media. US: Cluster Bomb Ban Could Jeopardize Peacekeeping – Reuters
Air Force Wants New Killer Drone - Sharon Weinberger, Danger Room
More Spy Drones, Less Information? - Noah Shachtman, Danger Room John Mueller: TERROR THREAT TO THE U.S. IS OVERBLOWN | H20 Slate From Scientific American, a cover story on the ethics of climate change: Pay now or pay more later? More and more on Common Wealth by Jeffrey D Sachs. Fears of Social Unrest Ease as Rice Prices See Biggest Drop in Four Years By: Luke Hunt | World Politics Review
HONG KONG -- Soaring world rice prices are finally showing real signs of abating, easing worst-case fears that inflation-fueled food shortages could lead to widespread starvation and social unrest. Japan Weighs Move To Open Rice Reserves By: Hiroko Tabuchi | The Wall Street Journal Japan may release some of its stock of surplus rice to help ease the global food crunch. While countries across Asia reel from a severe rice shortage, Japan has been an exception: Its warehouses are bursting with 2.6 million metric tons of surplus rice, including 1.5 million tons that are a byproduct of a trade agreement with the U. U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Sources 2007 Flash Estimate
Source: Energy Information Administration Health: In an editorial, the paper reacts to findings from the Justice Ministry that 20% of the prison population suffers from a mental disability and says the Japanese government must develop programs to support mentally disabled criminals. | H21 The real test of character, George Orwell noted, is how you treat someone who has no possibility of doing you any good. It’s a matter of honor... more» Tim Harford The Logic of Life Daniel Drezner (Tufts): Public Intellectuals 2.0. From TLS, a review of Michael Howard's Liberation or Catastrophe? Reflections on the history of the twentieth century Do graduates understand citizenship? Education isn't just a ticket to a better job. It's a vital safeguard of democracy Monolithic politico-corporate elites have a big place in Naomi Klein’s world. But they don’t quite fit every political situation... more» NBA draft predictions Man Utd 1 Chelsea 1 (aet; MU win 6-5 on pens): Terry's cruel slip hands cup to United Kicking smoking habit may be contagious, researchers find Are greatest hits albums just the best, are retrospective compilations really such a bad thing? IQ levels rocketed in the last century, but argument still rages about how our brain power should be tested, and the roles played by genetics, social conditions, culture and even race: Why are some people smarter than others? The Big Question: Is Iceland the happiest place on the planet, and what can we learn from it? Lower-class students 'have lower IQs' Selection at top universities is not a sign of prejudice but rather simple meritocracy, claims academic From LRB, Terry Eagleton reviews Anonymity: A Secret History of English Literature by John Mullan From Wired, a special issue on Inconvenient Truths: Cutting carbon is the only thing that matters (and a response: It's not just carbon, stupid!) An interview with Ophelia Benson, co-author of Why Truth Matters and The Dictionary of Fashionable Nonsense. Christopher Hitchens reviews Human Smoke by Nicholson Baker (and an interview). Alberto Manguel writes about finding a place to keep his library of some 30,000 books. Doublethink, kid speechwriters: The Beltway’s best and brightest never stop working — and never take credit From Modern Age, what’s wrong with liberalism? From New York, a cover story on the affairs of men: The trouble with sex and marriage. From Scientific American, an article on the orgasmic mind and the neurological roots of sexual pleasure From Telos, a special issue on Culture and Politics in Carl Schmitt, From Skeptical Inquirer, the frontal assault on religion by Richard Dawkins in his book The God Delusion, and by others, may mark a new chapter in the warfare of science with theology Saul Bellow’s Mr. Sammler’s Planet came in 1970 like an electric jolt. NYC was out of control, with murders heading to 2,200 a year, one every four hours. The novel was unflinching... more» Maradona documentary tells of fall and rise Award-winning film-maker made a documentary of the footballer infamous for the 'hand of God' incident in 1986 World Cup
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