| 081308f - FOREIGN PRESS REVIEW (FPR) - ‘Relevant news, views, comments and analyses for informed debate’ Compiled by Şanlı Bahadır Koç U.S. / Britain / Turkey / Magazines / Think-tanks / Blogs / Misc /Books / Quickread / Numbers / Reports - Subscribe to FPR FPR Table - H4 NYT WP GU H7 ME Isr H10 CSM IHT Eur FSU Asia H13 Times WSJ FT LAT H16 USP DT Ind H19 Mil Int Ter Wonk H21 Misc | ||
| H1 Financial Times Reproach for the west on its role in Georgia Georgia will not get its separatist provinces back and the west should not make rash promises are lessons from the South Ossetia conflict, writes Anatol Lieven Guardian Surrender or else, Russia tells Georgia Kremlin calls halt to offensive and dictates humiliating terms Analysis: Putin's redrawing of the geo-political map Stratfor The Russo-Georgian War and the Balance of Power The Russian invasion of Georgia has not changed the balance of power in Eurasia. It simply announced that the balance of power had already shifted. Guardian Bush rebuking Russia? Putin must be splitting his sides Simon Jenkins: Moscow has to take some of the blame. But it is the west's policy of liberal interventionism that has fuelled war in Georgia Helena Cobban On US over-stretch RFE/RL News Analysis: Russian Stop Leaves Crucial Questions Ha’aretz – U.S. rebuffs Israeli request for arms geared toward Iran strike U.S. viewed Israeli request for advanced military supplies as sign that a strike on Iran was imminent Editorial Painful historic miss Olmert's proposal is commendable as a basis for negotiations, even if the details are unacceptable to the Palestinians, who seek a much smaller land swap. The problem is that like Barak, Olmert has reached the critical moment too late in his term. Military strike on Iran won't derail nuclear program, U.S. experts say Washington-based think tank says attack on Iran won't destroy centrifuge program for enriching uranium Jerusalem Post Fundamentally Freund: From Tbilisi to Teheran [ MICHAEL FREUND Conflict Offers Glimpse at New World Order - Gerald Seib, Wall St. Journal
The Times Russia: pause for thought The Kremlin has achieved its short-term goal of ending Georgian influence in South Ossetia. This does not mean it can proceed to rebuild its old empire in the Caucasus James Pethokoukis / US News: Two Cheers for Russia's Invasion of Georgia McClatchy Russian military stronger, but still far from Cold War peak Independent Leading article: A conflict that has cost Georgia's democracy dear Russia flexed its muscles and proved its mastery of the region Heritage Foundation Saving Georgia by Ariel Cohen Future U.S. Security Relationships with Iraq and Afghanistan: U.S. Air Force Roles EDM THE GEORGIAN-RUSSIAN CONFLICT THROUGH THE EYES OF BAKU U.S. limited in Georgia crisis American effort to spread democracy wanes in post-Iraq era. Cyberspace: new frontier in conflicts Internet attacks on Georgia expose a key flaw for more than 100 nations Russian military triumph leaves pro-West Georgia uncertain Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili's failed attempt to retake South Ossetia may cost him dearly in Georgia, one of the strongest US allies in Russia's backyard. The Russian Empire Strikes Back - Robert Baer, Time
Some Georgians Blame Saakashvili for Russian Raids Q&A: Georgia's Mikheil Saakashvili on Russia Fight Washington Post Moscow Agrees To Georgia Truce Russian Attacks Continue After Statement Who Poked the Bear? By Dan Froomkin In Apparent Truce, U.S. Sees Russian Fear of Global Reproof Another Hard Landing for Russia? By Eugene Rumer, It will take skill and patience to get Russia to a soft landing from its present high. Erasing The Race Factor Obama's Best Hope Is To Face the Issue Directly By Peter Beinart By Robert J. Samuelson, Although the projections could change, dependence on foreign oil is unavoidable. Los Angeles Times Georgia agrees to Russia's truce proposal Under the cease-fire terms, Georgia essentially would give up claims to the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Pandora's box of sovereignty Supporting only some independence movements can have disastrous consequences for the world. By Thomas Meaney and Harris Mylonas • Conflict intrudes on U.S. politics Georgia crisis exposes Europe's diplomatic limits Though the EU responded quickly and aggressively, it has a weak foreign policy and little leverage in dealing with Russia, analysts say. Stand up to Russia By Max Boot The U.S. must do more to help Georgia than issue strongly worded statements. As Many US Contractors as Troops in Iraq South Ossetia: the avoidable tragedy, Thomas de Waal The war for Georgia: Russia, the west, the future , Ghia Nodia Russia debates the war, Boris Dolgin Asia Times SPENGLER The end of the post-Cold War era The United States is carefully cultivating an opinion in Western capitals that Russia is "bullying" Georgia. This will strengthen Washington's case for inducting Georgia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which will in turn facilitate the deployment of the US missile defense system onto Russia's border. If Moscow remains passive, the Caucasus could become its "bleeding wound". - M K Bhadrakumar Russia marks its red lines FT The dramatic effect of a firm nudge Too often governments resort to coercion when trying to make policies work. Gentler approaches, which preserve freedom of choice, are at least as effective, write Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler Policy is a matter for the world, not just a rich club The justification for keeping the Group of Seven as a separate structure – that it is the appropriate forum for macro-financial matters – is now gone. A frank policy dialogue between emerging and developed countries requires an appropriate venue, writes Jean Pisani-Ferry Vladimir Putin, re-emerging as Russia’s real leader, has achieved nearly all of Moscow’s war aims, in the face of a feeble western response Comment: Russia’s response to Georgia was right Moscow has been entirely proportionate in its military response to Georgia’s attack on Russian citizens, writes Sergei Lavrov Bush is spectator as policy unravels The crisis in South Ossetia has dealt a setback to US efforts to draw Georgia and other former Soviet states into the western sphere of influence and plunged an already-fraught US-Russian relationship into deeper disarray The Analogists' Ball By: Leon Wieseltier | The New Republic Frederick W. Kagan / understandingwar.org: BACKGROUNDERS: SITUATION REPORT, RUSSO-GEORGIAN CONFLICT WSJ Wall Street Journal Bush and Georgia First Yukos, Then Georgia By Holman W. Jenkins Jr. Business World It's time for a reality-based view of Russia. Drubbing of Georgia Deals Blow to U.S. Foreign Policy Moscow said it would withdraw most troops after battering Georgia and succeeding in its military goals. Russia's offensive is presenting new and unexpected challenges for America's next president and it's prompting U.S. strategists to ponder the onset of a new Cold War. Impeaching Musharraf Washington Times - Marriage of power and policy America overreaches in Georgia. Tony Blankley Putin the Terrible - Alvaro Vargas Llosa, RealClearPolitics
Oil in Troubled Mountains By: Robert M. Cutler | Asia Times ABCNEWS: Alleged Mata Hari of Al Qaeda Could Provide ‘Treasure Trove’ of Intelligence RFERL 'Many Georgians Expected West To Intervene' Iraqi forces move en masse against insurgent hotbed More than 600 arrests of high-level and not-so-high-level al Qaida in Iraq suspects have been made here in the last two weeks. There've been some major rough spots — insurgents have mounted at least three lethal attacks against Iraqi security forces, and they tried to kill the provincial governor Tuesday — but it seems that Operation Glad Tidings, which brought more than 30,000 Iraqi troops and policemen into Baqouba and the surrounding countryside of Diyala province, is moving from the clear-and-hold phase to the public relations phase NPR What's Next For Saakashvili? Russia, Georgia, and Iran by Noah Pollak Der Spiegel Ceasefire in Georgia: Putin Outmaneuvers the West SPIEGEL Interview with IAE Head Nobuo Tanaka: 'We Live in an Era of High Energy Prices' New York Times Russia, in Accord With Georgians, Sets Withdrawal The Georgian and Russian presidents agreed early Wednesday to a framework that could end the war, but antagonisms still seethed. Mixed Messages and Unheeded Warnings From the U.S. Before the Gunfire, Cyberattacks Weeks before physical bombs fell on Georgia, a security researcher was watching an attack against the country in cyberspace. U.S. Analyst Depicts Al Qaeda as Secure in Pakistan and More Potent Than Last Year Russian Offensive Imperils U.S. Aims on Iran, Energy By: Janine Zacharia | Bloomberg News HENRY Kissinger used to say that while it can be dangerous to be an enemy of the United States, to be a friend is fatal. The people of South Vietnam learned that bitter lesson when the United States abandoned them in 1975. The Poles learned it after Yalta, the Hungarian freedom fighters learned it in 1956, the Cubans learned it ... (By Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe) Slate Al-Qaida at 20 Is Osama Bin Laden's movement destined to fail?
Playing With Fire in the Caucasus Foreign Policy The Kremlin’s Virtual Army Roubini The Perfect Storm of a Global Recession Situation Report, Russo-Georgian Conflict SyriaComment News Round Up (12 Aug. 2008) | H2 Arato: The Decision of the Turkish Constitutional Court: the Way Ahead Le Monde Diplomatique Turkey’s coup that never happened, by Andrew Finkel Washington Post Russia's Strike Shows The Power Of the Pipeline Analiz: Ahmedinejad'ın ziyaretini nasıl okumalıyız? Turkey Walks Tightrope Over Iran Ties ANALYSIS-"Fire in neighbour's house" has Turkey on edge No breakthrough expected in Ahmadinejad visit 'ABD teröre karşı desteğini çekebilir' A Land Apart Walrus Magazine Can Turkey fulfill its promise as a bridge between East and West when its own peoples stand divided? EDM MOUNTING PKK DEATH TOLL INCREASES PRESSURE ON THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT Washington Institute Kirkuk Derails Iraq's Election Law Ahmadinejad welcomes Kurdish premier Ahmadinejad praised Iraqi and Iranian solidarity during a meeting with Kurdish Premier Nechirvan Barzani in Iran's capital, Tehran. PostGlobal Ozel: Re-Emergent Russia a Reality Krizin perde arkası Caucasus Conflict May Erode Turkey's Energy, EU Ambitions What Are Georgia's Neighbors Saying? Petrol Boru Hattına Yönelik Kaygılar Artıyor Traditional allies ‘burn bridges’ in Turkey - The National Newspaper Yağmur Atsız Kafkasya’ya KKTC modeli Diplomat says Russia pleased over Ankara’s ‘balanced stance’ Jordan to buy Kirkuk crude at higher discount Metin Münir Mayına karşı korumalı zırhlı araç var ama yok Güngör Uras Gürcistan’da aşağı tükürsek sakal, yukarı tükürsek bıyık Kafkasya faturası Türkiye’ye çıkar mı Kafkasya'ya komşuluğundan ötürü Türkiye’nin AB üyeliği aleyhinde koz olabileceği öne sürülüyor. MUHAMMED EL SEMMAK Gen: Too soon for Iraqi control of Kirkuk (UPI) -- It is untimely for Iraqi forces to take control in four northern provinces as the row over the status of Kirkuk threatens to turn violent, a U.S. official said Iraq and Turkey: Regional cooperation will change the region Hussain SINJARI Türkiye’yi savaşa çekme oyunu mu? Israpundit » Blog Archive » Turkey’s abandonment of the West Erdoğan adeta Putin’i taklit ediyor CAROLINE GLICK Rusya’ya mesaj Karataş dies in Netherlands; DHKP/C in disarray 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 Mottaki’den Anıtkabir açıklaması Kürt Gladyosu ve Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı'ndaki esrarengiz konuşmalar 9 ŞEHİDE VEDA TÜRKİYE AĞLADI Cevdet Aşkın ABD'den Ahmedinecad uyarısı, PKK'dan sosyal bölünme itirafı Emin Pazarcı Sıkışınca azdı Jordan to buy Kirkuk crude at higher discount Kürtçe yemin emri Öcalan'dan gelmiş Kirkuk turmoil over council move Haine ekmek verdik Peace Assembly To Have Meetings In Diyarbakır, Adana and Istanbul PKK, Pavarotti’nin şehrinde dönercilikle kara para Iraqi Kurdistan President says governorate election bill talks ... The "rebuilding" of institutions Doğu Ergil Iraqi imbroglio Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık Rauf Denktaş Vazgeçilmez haklar korunacak Nasuhi Güngör Gürcistan’da ABD-Rusya anlaştı mı? How Caucasian misery hits home Sami Kohen Balkanlara karşılık Kafkaslar Mensur Akgün Ülkesini felakete sürükleyen lider Bülent Kekeç Possible consequences of the Georgian-Russian conflict Hasan Kanbolat What is the recent history of the South Ossetia issue? Beril Dedeoğlu Rus-Amerikan hattında kalmak Halit Kakınç Osetya, Rusya’ya kalır Abhazya, bağımsız olur Georgia loses while battleground expands by SİNAN OĞAN* History repeats: war in Caucasus by YAŞAR SARI* The need to check Russia 'Gürcistan'a Büyük Haksızlık Yapıldı' Nagehan Alçı [HABER ANALİZ] Gürcistan'ı bekleyen değişim rüzgârları İsrafil Kumbasar Gürcistan, Amerika ve Rusya'nın kuşatmasında, peki Türkiye nerede? Beril Dedeoğlu The Georgia-Russia war Amanda Akçakoca Russia vs. the West: a tug-of-war in the south Caucasus Turkey and Kazakhstan have words left to say, says Kazakh ambassador Turkish, Greek universities launch joint program Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop Google Haberler yayına başladı Hayat kurtarma botunda ölüm, Tuzla’da mümkün! ‘Binmeyeni işten atıyorlar’ iddiası Eser Karakaş Tuzla cinayeti ve ahlak Hadi Uluengin Halaskár bir darbe Along Turkey's Sun-Drenched Coasts, a European Invasion Ege Cansen Daha fazla deniz doldurulmalı Hava Harp Okulu’nda Sinan Paşa dönemi En kanlı sol terör örgütü lideri öldü Bakandan mezar sorusuna yanıt yok Turkey to modernize its border crossings 'G...zü yırtsanız bir şey bulamazsınız' Nihat Genç'ten kendisi için 'meczup' diyen Serdar Turgut'a çok sert cevap Küçük’ün turşu sırları Food and puppets Gülen: Islam abhors and absolutely condemns terrorism Microsoft çalışanın kıyafetine değil verimliliğine bakıyor | H3 Ergenekon’da ek iddianame avukatlara dağıtıldı CHP’nin yeni programı Baykal’ın masasında Ergenekon'un 69 kişilik şeması, delil CD'lerinde Mümtazer Türköne Çatlı’nın adamıydı AKP yoğurdu üfleyerek yiyecek! Dere yatağında imar planını da değiştirtti 3 milyon, imarla 14 milyona çıktı Dişli ‘iş takibi’ iddiasına ‘iftira’ dedi [Haber Portre - Dursun Karataş] 29 baskından kurtuldu kanserden öldü Ethem Erdağı yeniden yargılanacak Pamukoğlu iddialı: AKP’den oy çalarız Sabah-atv’nin yeni avukatları Gladyo-Ergenekon yol kardeşliği Emek'in Özel Harp Dairesi bağlantısı Dişli hakkındaki iddialar bitmiyor 'Yıkılacak fabrika nasıl kurtuldu?' Uğur Mumcu cinayeti Perinçek’e bildirilmiş! MİT kayıtlarındaki büyük 'boşluk' Savcı, Perinceç'in davetlisiyle ilgili bilgiyi MİT'te bulamadı. Ergenekon örgütü Alevi ve Caferileri de fişlemiş Raporda 'Mizgini isimli Kürtçe İnciller dağıtılıyor' iddiası. Zabıta uyardı, mayolu tabela gitti Küçük’e bir suçlama daha: Haraç istedi İkinci veda Gül’e DHKP-C lideri öldü Son Dakika Milliyet Hürriyet Zaman Oray Eğin Yeni Sabetayizm: Fethullahçılık Ahmet Taşgetiren Gürcistan : Batı'nın sınavı Taha Akyol Kafkasya’da güç dengesi Fikret Bila Gül’ün oğlu TED’den mescit istedi mi? Hasan Cemal Murat Yetkin Rusya-Gürcistan krizinde AB öne çıktı İsmet Berkan Buza yazmak! Fehmi Koru Putin bize söylemişti Taha Kıvanç Tartışılacak kitaplar Güneri Civaoğlu Tiyatro maskları gibi Şamil Tayyar PKK neden çıldırdı? Mustafa Akyol Laik okulda ibadethane olur mu? Ertuğrul Özkök Lütfen bir kadeh sayın Başbakan Ahmet Hakan Bana biraz müsaade Serdar Turgut Sistem reorganize olurken Cemil Meriç Tayfun Devecioğlu Şaban Bey yakalandı.Gazeteler de... Özdemir İnce Uzlaşma değil zorunluluk Mehmet Y Yılmaz Recep’in tavuğu meselesi Tufan Türenç Tuzla kurbanları Güneri Civaoğlu HaberX sordu, Ekrem Dumanlı cevapladı [Yorum - Hüseyin Dayı] Milletine yabancı milliyetçilik (2) ENGİN ARDIÇ Atatürk tango sever miydi? Umur Talu Hepimiz aynı gemideyiz ama forsalar filikada! MEHMET BARLAS En güncel beddua "Ergenekon iddianamesinde adın çıksın" şeklinde... Kafkasya’da neler oluyor? Siyaset bir kuvvet hesabıdır... Onların Allah’ı bir Bir test, 2 bin ölü! Mustafa Mutlu Başbakan, vekillere boşuna ‘İş takibi konusunda dikkatli olun’ dememiş! Can Ataklı Savcı Türkiye’yi terörist ülke yaptı Okay Gönensin Once outlawed liberalism enters Turkish universities Taha AKYOL İsmail Küçükkaya Terör şehitlerimiz ve Tuzla’daki seri cinayetler AKP Alevilerden hiç kopmamıştı ki Bahçeli: MHP uzlaşmanın adresi olmaya devam edecek Ekonomi Şimşek'in beklediği somut öneriler zaten hükümetin önünde Siyasi belirsizlik aşıldı, ihalede faiz 3 puan düştü Big Mac endeksi dahil tüm hesaplar diyor ki: YTL aşırı değerli Tuncay Teksöz Ekonomik program beşeri sermayemizi geliştirmeyi hedeflemelidir 100 yılda bir gelen şans ve şanssızlık OKAN MÜDERRİSOĞLU Yeni ekonomik program Sermaye piyasaları ve strateji İ.Hüseyin Yıldız Programsız ekonomi yavaşlıyor |
| H4 New York Times Russia, in Accord With Georgians, Sets Withdrawal The Georgian and Russian presidents agreed early Wednesday to a framework that could end the war, but antagonisms still seethed. Mixed Messages and Unheeded Warnings From the U.S. Before the Gunfire, Cyberattacks Weeks before physical bombs fell on Georgia, a security researcher was watching an attack against the country in cyberspace. U.S. Analyst Depicts Al Qaeda as Secure in Pakistan and More Potent Than Last Year THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Eight Strikes and You’re Out John McCain has a perfect record on a renewable energy bill. He has missed all eight votes over the last year — which effectively counts as a no vote each time MAUREEN DOWD Yes, She Can Hillary Clinton feels no guilt about encouraging her supporters to mess up Barack Obama’s big moment, thus undermining his odds of beating John McCain. Editorial Olympic Balladeer’s Voice Was Dubbed Before the Gunfire, Cyberattacks 13 Killed in Attack on a Bus in Pakistan Female Suicide Bomber Kills 2 in Iraqi Province Book on Obama Hopes to Repeat Anti-Kerry Feat A conservative gadfly who attacked John Kerry’s war record has released a book painting Barack Obama as a stealth radical liberal Ill and in Pain, Detainee Dies in U.S. Hands Complaints of inadequate care have drawn scrutiny to the network of jails where the government holds people while deciding whether to deport them. | H5 Washington Post Moscow Agrees To Georgia Truce Russian Attacks Continue After Statement Who Poked the Bear? By Dan Froomkin In Apparent Truce, U.S. Sees Russian Fear of Global Reproof Another Hard Landing for Russia? By Eugene Rumer, It will take skill and patience to get Russia to a soft landing from its present high. Erasing The Race Factor Obama's Best Hope Is To Face the Issue Directly By Peter Beinart By Robert J. Samuelson, Although the projections could change, dependence on foreign oil is unavoidable. Journalist Posts Transcript Of CIA Official Discussing Forged Memo In Russia, Nationalist Pride Prevails Support for Armed Response Outweighs Skepticism, Concern On Georgia Crisis, McCain's Tone Grows Sharper Foreign Policy Experience Is Emphasized ANALYSIS Can McCain Use Advice Clinton Got on Obama? By Dan Balz While Aide Advised McCain, His Firm Lobbied for Georgia Campaign Dismisses Timing of Phone Call, Contract Rebuilding an Air Force From The Ground Up U.S. Spending Hundreds of Millions to Put Iraqi Pilots, Planes Back in Skies Al-Qaeda Said to Use Regional Strife to Tighten Grip in Pakistan 12 Killed In Clash At Protest In Kashmir Indian Forces Open Fire On Crowds; Tensions Rise Three Security Officials Killed in W. China Stabbings at Checkpoint Are 3rd Deadly Incident in Xinjiang Region in Days Bombing in NW Pakistan Kills 14 Taliban Blamed in Attack Targeting Air Force Personnel The Drums of Change By Harold Meyerson, The opening of the Olympics, more than the invasion of Georgia, signaled a challenge to democratic values Editorial Round Two? The economy is ailing, but another dose of stimulus might be the wrong medicine Deficit for July Exceeds Wall Street Prediction Stimulus Checks, Bank Crisis Contributed U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Iranian Companies Aid to Nation's Nuclear Ambitions Alleged | H6 Guardian Bush rebuking Russia? Putin must be splitting his sides Simon Jenkins: Moscow has to take some of the blame. But it is the west's policy of liberal interventionism that has fuelled war in Georgia Surrender or else, Russia tells Georgia Kremlin calls halt to offensive and dictates humiliating terms Analysis: Putin's redrawing of the geo-political map Tom Parfitt witnesses the destruction in Tskhinvali Georgia's Saakashvili wins media war of words Map: the Russia-Georgia conflict (pdf) The face of evil Richard Holbrooke: Thirteen years ago, during a tense night of confrontation, I met Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic: I knew then that both must be brought to justice Nato stops here David Hearst: For years Russia's leaders have argued: push the line of confrontation eastwards and we'll push Nato stops here David Hearst: For years Russia's leaders have argued: push the line of confrontation eastwards and we'll push back. Last week, they did How 'old' Europe let Georgia down Michael Williams: The refusal to offer Georgia and Ukraine Nato membership action plans opened the door to conflict in Europe's backyard We had no choice Mikhail Gorbachev: Leaders in the Caucasus must stop flexing military muscle and develop grounds for lasting peace The religion of politics Andrew Brown: For some, the notion of an amoral world is not in conflict with hope. But what happens when politics appropriates faith and morality? What Georgia Means for Europe By: Bruce Ackerman Russian hostilities in Georgia provide new impetus for eastern Europe to join the EU for the sake of security. Hassan Abbas: The president must recognise that Pakistan cannot afford more instability. Going gracefully, will, at least, bring him some respect Inflation increases to 16-year high Food and fuel prices send inflation to 4.4% as City fears interest rate increase Larry Elliott: Why the cost of living is rising Memos show Clinton campaign rows Leak reveals Hillary Clinton's team's disagreements and delays over strategy that doomed the campaign |
| H7 Is A.Q. Khan a 'Patriot' or the 'Godfather of Proliferation'? By: Erich Follath and Susanne Koelbl | Der Spiegel Pakistani President Musharraf put him under house arrest for his nuclear weapons deals. Ex-CIA chief Tenet described him as being "at least as dangerous as Osama bin Laden." Al Hayat The Iranian "Giant" Jamil Theyabi - What are the GCC countries waiting for to announce a clear stance and adopt a "tough" - not "soft" - policy against the dangerous Iranian policies and practices? Why don't they act to face Iran's fiery statements and alarming blows that take them by surprise? Washington Times Defiant Iran: Are the Mullahs Overplaying Their Hand? - Frank Richter The U.S. Will Regret Its Reversal on Iran By: Michael Rubin | The Daily Star Press and pundits applauded President George W. Bush's decision last month to send a representative to Geneva to join a meeting with Iran's nuclear negotiator. Barack Obama, the 2008 presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, said, "Now that the United States is involved, it should stay involved with the full strength of our diplomacy." Daily Star The implications of improving security in Iraq | H8 IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Iraqi VP Blames Parliament Blocs for Hampering Elections Law Vote MP: Kurds Will Make Concessions to Pass Provincial Polls Law As Many US Contractors as Troops in Iraq Iraqi forces move en masse against insurgent hotbed More than 600 arrests of high-level and not-so-high-level al Qaida in Iraq suspects have been made here in the last two weeks. There've been some major rough spots — insurgents have mounted at least three lethal attacks against Iraqi security forces, and they tried to kill the provincial governor Tuesday — but it seems that Operation Glad Tidings, which brought more than 30,000 Iraqi troops and policemen into Baqouba and the surrounding countryside of Diyala province, is moving from the clear-and-hold phase to the public relations phase Too soon for displaced Iraqis to return? | H9 Ha’aretz – U.S. rebuffs Israeli request for arms geared toward Iran strike U.S. viewed Israeli request for advanced military supplies as sign that a strike on Iran was imminent Editorial Painful historic miss Olmert's proposal is commendable as a basis for negotiations, even if the details are unacceptable to the Palestinians, who seek a much smaller land swap. The problem is that like Barak, Olmert has reached the critical moment too late in his term. Military strike on Iran won't derail nuclear program, U.S. experts say Washington-based think tank says attack on Iran won't destroy centrifuge program for enriching uranium Is it time to fast now? The settlers have undermined Israel's sovereignty and statehood, ruled out any chance of borders, and most serious of all, shifted the cultural emphasis from a discourse about Israeliness to a lamentation about Judaism. The books every Jew must have (WTR) Palestinians reject Olmert proposal as 'waste of time' Iranian VP summoned by parliament after saying Iran is a friend of Israel, U.S. Moshe Arens: Iran has blinded Israeli leaders to Hamas, Hezbollah threat Editorial: IDF is prepared to turn blind eye to illegal shooting of bound Palestinian Barak: We're monitoring Hezbollah's growth Jerusalem Post Fundamentally Freund: From Tbilisi to Teheran [ MICHAEL FREUND Putin's pique What Russia gained and lost in 'Little Victorious War' [ YITZHAK M. BRUDNY Yedioth Ahronoth Hizbullah lauded in Tehran Kuntar gives keynote speech via satellite as Iran celebrates anniversary of Second Lebanon War Adi Dvir says her time in China changed her perception regarding Israel’s Jewish identity Dig proves Jews, pagans lived in harmony Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Daily Star US peacemaking: showing the ways Israel 'proposes West Bank deal' Israel offers the Palestinians a deal that would annex 7.3% of the West Bank and all of East Jerusalem, reports say. |
| U.S. limited in Georgia crisis American effort to spread democracy wanes in post-Iraq era. Cyberspace: new frontier in conflicts Internet attacks on Georgia expose a key flaw for more than 100 nations Russian military triumph leaves pro-West Georgia uncertain Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili's failed attempt to retake South Ossetia may cost him dearly in Georgia, one of the strongest US allies in Russia's backyard. Refresh Georgia's 'Rose Revolution' Bush drew a bright line around Georgia's democracy. Now he must act to bolster it. An Iraqi interpreter as chronicler of the war As US soldiers come and go, Iraqi interpreters not only help them overcome language barriers but also serve as unofficial historians, pointing out the changes over five years of war. Poor see gains of 1990s reversed Poverty has become more concentrated in the first half of this decade, says a report. ASIA US and China thrive on rivalry China's slowdown in growth to continue For Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf, the door beckons BBC Reynolds' China What can we make of the Olympic fakery? Taliban claims bombing in Pakistan, calling it 'open war' Urban terrorism growing in India | H11 IHT The West's response to Russia's war of ambition There is no imaginable excuse for Russia's invasion of Georgia BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS By ELISA D. HARRIS America's biodefense program risks creating the very threat it is meant to fight. EUROPE European press review Georgia Clash Imperils Europe's Fuel Flow By: David M. Dickson | The Washington Times | H12 RFE/RL BBC Georgia and Russia agree on truce Georgia and Russia agree an outline plan to end hostilities, following shuttle diplomacy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Defiant but helpless in Tbilisi Google News Azerbaijan In Georgia, Moscow Has Been Allowed to Play Both Mediator and Spoiler By: Peter Doran | World Politics Review Victor Davis Hanson / National Review: Russia May Turn Focus to Pro-US Ukraine After Beating Georgia Peace Plan for South Ossetia: What Is It? The View From South Ossetia: Joy and Thanks in the Land That Is Now Part of Russia Wilting Rose, Seething Army ISA EDM UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES STRONG SUPPORT FOR GEORGIA
Civilians were only targets left as Russia kept bombing Finding Out Who's To Blame for This War By: Alexei Pankin | The Moscow Times I have been trying to figure out who is at fault for what is happening in South Ossetia. State television claims that the blame lies with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and his supporters in the West. However, I have long ago stopped believing state television reports, even when their statements seem to be true US, allies weigh punishment for Russia World powers consider expelling Moscow from G-8 and canceling upcoming joint NATO-Russia drill. Georgian War: Russia Fires Off a Message By: Frida Ghitis | World Politics Review |
| H13 The Times Russia: pause for thought The Kremlin has achieved its short-term goal of ending Georgian influence in South Ossetia. This does not mean it can proceed to rebuild its old empire in the Caucasus Strutting Russia is heading for a fall Opinion is hardening against the Kremlin. For all its bluster, it is weak and vulnerable Shattered Georgia pays high price for peace War in the Caucasus appears to have ended after five days, on terms that left Georgia and its Western backers weakened US cancels joint exercise with Russia Puppet Medvedev left dangling by Putin Georgia loses the fight, but win the PR war The ace card for Russian officials was Vladimir Putin, who was intent on demonstrating that actions speak louder than words US sends a ship to stake claim to Arctic riches A US Coast Guard cutter will lead a race against Russia to claim the oil and gas that both nations are scrambling to exploit Wall Street Journal Bush and Georgia First Yukos, Then Georgia By Holman W. Jenkins Jr. Business World It's time for a reality-based view of Russia. Drubbing of Georgia Deals Blow to U.S. Foreign Policy Moscow said it would withdraw most troops after battering Georgia and succeeding in its military goals. Russia's offensive is presenting new and unexpected challenges for America's next president and it's prompting U.S. strategists to ponder the onset of a new Cold War. Russian Troops Still Pour Into South Ossetia • Georgia Puts U.N. In Cold War Mode Impeaching Musharraf About That Iraq 'Surplus' By Thomas Frank The Tilting Yard Obama should speak to the country's bitter mood. | H14 Financial Times Reproach for the west on its role in Georgia Georgia will not get its separatist provinces back and the west should not make rash promises are lessons from the South Ossetia conflict, writes Anatol Lieven The dramatic effect of a firm nudge Too often governments resort to coercion when trying to make policies work. Gentler approaches, which preserve freedom of choice, are at least as effective, write Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler Policy is a matter for the world, not just a rich club The justification for keeping the Group of Seven as a separate structure – that it is the appropriate forum for macro-financial matters – is now gone. A frank policy dialogue between emerging and developed countries requires an appropriate venue, writes Jean Pisani-Ferry Vladimir Putin, re-emerging as Russia’s real leader, has achieved nearly all of Moscow’s war aims, in the face of a feeble western response Comment: Russia’s response to Georgia was right Moscow has been entirely proportionate in its military response to Georgia’s attack on Russian citizens, writes Sergei Lavrov Bush is spectator as policy unravels The crisis in South Ossetia has dealt a setback to US efforts to draw Georgia and other former Soviet states into the western sphere of influence and plunged an already-fraught US-Russian relationship into deeper disarray Russia has the most to lose in this costly conflict The only hope for preventing this crisis from becoming a calamity for Russia’s relationship with the west is for Moscow to pull back its forces and negotiate, writes Joseph Biden Moscow and Tbilisi agree outline for peace plan Russia and Georgia agreed an outline peace plan brokered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy after Moscow ordered a ceasefire in the six-day battle over the Georgian breakaway enclave of South Ossetia Analysis: Message from Moscow – a bid to establish a new status quo The Kremlin has laid down a challenge to the west, stamping its authority back on the Caucasus and showing that it is the dominant partner in the region Saakashvili’s grip on power in doubt The outcome of the conflict with Russia could severely weaken the president’s five-year domination of Georgian politics. If he is blamed for precipitating the crisis, people could turn against him Russian warplanes turn Gori to rubble Just hours before a Russian ceasefire, the Georgian town of Gori was hit by another airstrike. Four days of bombing have left it deserted, with its fleeing citizens wondering why they have been targeted Foreign policy pulls in ‘Obamacans’ Barack Obama netted the endorsement of three prominent Republicans, including Jim Leach and Lincoln Chafee, both of whom lost their congressional seats to Democratic opponents in the 2006 mid-term elections. Regional leaders signal Georgian solidarity Poland’s president, Lech Kaczynski, moved to take a personal role in trying to end the war between Georgia and Russia, heading up a group of regional leaders who flew to Tbilisi US trade gap narrows as imports slow The US trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in June by 4.1 per cent to $56.8bn, defying economists’ expectations as exports grew at more than double the pace of imports Lebanon’s cabinet wins vote of confidence Lebanon’s national unity cabinet has received an overwhelming vote of confidence in parliament for its new policy statement safeguarding the role of Hizbollah party as an armed resistance movement against Israel. Call to face down 'bully' Russia provides glimpse of Tory rule Carrefour aims to shake up Iran’s food industry The low-key arrival of a franchise of French retailer Carrefour in Tehran might have been expected to attract some excitement. It must be one of the few cities without an international supermarket chain Statistics, damned statistics and value added The difficulty of measuring value added is the reason financial services are exempt from value added tax, writes John Kay Olympic trickery The Chinese government is trying to control every conceivable element of the Olympics, often by rather dubious means ECB official warns of ‘protracted weakness’ Eurozone growth figures are expected to show that GDP contracted in the second quarter, leaving the bank to abandon hopes of a significant rebound later this year | H15 Los Angeles Times Georgia agrees to Russia's truce proposal Under the cease-fire terms, Georgia essentially would give up claims to the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Pandora's box of sovereignty Supporting only some independence movements can have disastrous consequences for the world. By Thomas Meaney and Harris Mylonas • Outside Gori, newly vulnerable Georgians flee Russian bombs • Conflict intrudes on U.S. politics Georgia crisis exposes Europe's diplomatic limits Though the EU responded quickly and aggressively, it has a weak foreign policy and little leverage in dealing with Russia, analysts say. Stand up to Russia By Max Boot The U.S. must do more to help Georgia than issue strongly worded statements. Russia-Georgia conflict raises worries over oil and gas pipelines Jonah Goldberg: Judging by his reaction to the Georgia-Russia crisis, Obama's make-believe presidency is in a mess. U.S. has few military options in Russia response Aggression in Georgia may be met with diplomatic and economic retaliation, U.S. officials say Editorial Deadly attacks give China experts pause Analysts had seen official Chinese warnings of a terrorism threat as exaggerated and serving to justify authoritarian practices. Not now Senior Al Qaeda figure dead, officials say Mustafa Abu Yazid, aka Abu Saeed Masri, oversaw Al Qaeda operations in Afghanistan. He is said to have been killed in fighting near the Afghan border Iraq suicide bomber a man in woman's garb The failed assassination attempt against the governor of restive Diyala province kills at least one person and injures several Justice at Gitmo Releasing Salim Ahmed Hamdan, the former driver for Osama bin Laden, after he has served his time is the right thing. It's also smart policy Hillary Clinton's supporters seem to want some kind of 'catharsis' at the Democratic convention. |
| H16 American Politics Republicans throw in with Obama Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama unveiled a group of disaffected high-profile Republicans on Tuesday who he hopes will help him win the support of Republican voters in swing states Foreign policy pulls in ‘Obamacans’ Barack Obama netted the endorsement of three prominent Republicans, including Jim Leach and Lincoln Chafee, both of whom lost their congressional seats to Democratic opponents in the 2006 mid-term elections. How McCain Would Govern - John Fortier, The Politico By Thomas Frank McCain, Not Obama, Was Right About Georgia - Steve Huntley, Chicago S What Clinton's Crash Can Teach Us - Reid Wilson, Politics Nation Obama's problem with white, male voters THE MOST remarkable fact of the 2008 presidential election is that it remains a close race. Democrats have not known such favorable political terrain since 1932, yet what should be a blowout is looking like a blanket finish. (By David Paul Kuhn, Boston Globe) Russia-Georgia war sharpens voters' doubts about Obama, McCain Lieberman: Obama Has Not Always Put Country First Jonah Goldberg: Judging by his reaction to the Georgia-Russia crisis, Obama's make-believe presidency is in a mess. realclearpolitics memeorandum ABC’s The Note – US News Political Bulletin Early Bird GovExec Swamp Gas The Swamp Hillary Clinton's supporters seem to want some kind of 'catharsis' at the Democratic convention. Presidential Race Tightens as Faith Voters Rethink — Sen. Hagel won't be endorsing a presidential candidate McCain: Putin wants ‘to restore the old Russian empire’ Most U.S. companies avoid paying federal income taxes Text the Vote By GARRETT M. GRAFF Announcing Barack Obama’s running mate by text message has little to do with proclaiming the selection and everything to do with getting out the vote on Election Day. The Clinton Chaos By CHRIS SUELLENTROP Reaction to a magazine piece on the workings of the Clinton campaign | H17 Daily Telegraph Russia 'annexes' a fifth of Georgia Russia altered the balance of power in Europe when the Kremlin halted its attack on Georgia after its forces had effectively annexed 4,800 square miles of its neighbour's territory Russia leaves open chance of further strikes Georgia: Mikheil Saakashvili, the man who lost it all The West must hit Russia where it hurts Only America has the muscle, the will and the sense of leadership to force the Kremlin to draw in its horns, says Simon Heffer. The questions that hang over Obama Given Bush's unpopularity and the economy, the Democrat should be winning, says Irwin Stelzer: so why is he tied with McCain? Musharraf will not face impeachment, say aides President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan has no intention of facing an impeachment vote, according to a member of his party The world must unite in condemnation Britain itself should be showing greater urgency and energy in responding to events in Georgia, writes David Cameron. In God, not Saakashvili, they trust Georgia's president is not stupid but he has made a monumental blunder, writes Adrian Blomfield. Where were you when they crucified Georgia? If you're going to organise an invasion, do it in August: not even the Pope will leave his ski chalet, writes George Pitcher. Sometime too high a price can be paid for perfection. | H18 Independent Leading article: A conflict that has cost Georgia's democracy dear Russia flexed its muscles and proved its mastery of the region Russia agrees ceasefire – but war of words still rages After a six-day war that left scores dead, a resurgent Russia has crushed an unruly neighbour, humbled the US and Europe, and demonstrated once again that it is a force to be feared Anne Penketh: Moscow flexed its military muscle, and left the West humiliated The view from Georgia: 'Together we will win': demonstration of defiance on streets of Tbilisi Battle for Oil: EU’s hope to bypass Russian energy may be a pipe dream Muslims demand independent Kashmir as police kill 13 Indian Kashmir has been convulsed by the biggest pro-independence rallies for two decades, with tensions between Muslims and Hindus spilling over into violence that has so far claimed 13 lives and left more than 100 people injured Food prices now rising at fastest rate for 28 years The Bank of England will today dramatically downgrade its forecast for growth in the British economy and warn that inflation is set to continue to rise. Hamish McRae: What goes up must come down Bin Laden brother unveils £100bn plan for world's longest bridge It sounds like a joke. The brother of the world's most famous terrorist wants to build the world's longest suspension bridge, linking two continents across the world's most dangerous waters |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Cyberspace: new frontier in conflicts Internet attacks on Georgia expose a key flaw for more than 100 nations Contractors’ Support of U.S. Operations in Iraq (PDF; 792 KB) ABCNEWS: Alleged Mata Hari of Al Qaeda Could Provide ‘Treasure Trove’ of Intelligence Assessing the Fight against al-Qaeda U.S. national intelligence officer for transnational threats Ted Gistaro addressed The Washington Institute's Special Policy Forum on Tuesday. Read his prepared statement. Iason Athanasiadis: Want to know what western elites are thinking about global terrorism? Head to the Kennedy School of Government Iraq contractor costs scrutinized 'Stop the Slide,' Says New Air Force Chief Schwartz Is Blunt About Service's Failings Vulnerability assessment tool developed (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has developed a new vulnerability assessment tool to counter terrorist threats at military installations. DNI Issues Directive on IC Chief Information Officer DIA Takes on Offensive Counterintelligence South Africa Hearing Claims Elite Unit Controlled by CIA, MI5 | H20 Slate | H21 Atlantic The 11 1/2 Biggest Ideas of the Year A thumbnail intellectual history of the year Size matters, when it comes to IQ. The bigger your brain, the better. But most important is that certain areas of the brain be larger... more» The web shrinks your brain? Rubbish We should ignore the Jeremiahs who think the digital age is killing our ability to think David Aaronovitch See Tarantino's next movie right now (sort of) Newspaper Web Site Audience Rises Twelve Percent in Second Quarter to Nearly 66.4 Million Visitors The outrage in your credit card's fine print Penalty fees make up nearly half of industry revenues. OLIVIA JUDSON Studying evolution means that when we encounter something in nature that is complicated or mysterious, we don’t have to shrug our shoulders in bewilderment. Phelps wins 10th and 11th gold medals with two world records The tragedy of commons is that it leads to overuse and destruction; the tragedy of the anticommons leads to underuse and waste... more» Taking Home the Gold By: Irwin M. Stelzer | The Weekly Standard Stephen J. Dubner / Freakonomics:
Will Clinton's name go into nomination? Stay tuned Rings of Gold By: Brad R. Humphreys | Foreign Policy Google sorry after crash hits millions Google was forced to make a grovelling apology to millions of users of its Gmail email service yesterday, after the system went down for several hours. |
Google News Slate Today's Papers SWJ Blog Media Roundup CFR Daily Brief CFR Daily Opinion Roundup memeorandum antiwar.com book forum FBIS University Channel DocuTicker Arts & Letters Daily PolicyPointers cursor raw story fora.tv realclearpolitics Drudge Report Current News Early Bird OpinionSource truthout Dayan Current Contents Blogometer Wikipedia technorati Slate's Today's Blogs ABC’s The Note eurointelligence The Page First Read | IraqSlogger Global Power Barometer Juan Cole - Kevin Drum - Gideon Rachman - Mark Kleiman - Belgravia Dispatch - washington realist - Tom Barnett - democracy arsenal - Josh Marshall - Daniel Drezner - Laura Rozen - the washington note - MondoWeiss - David Corn - SyriaComment - Israel-Syria Peace Society - William Arkin - Phil Carter - Helena Cobban - MatthewYglesias - Oxblog - Brad DeLong - coming anarchy / Wonkette Tom Hayden - | PostGlobal - AmericaAbroad -The Corner - Passport - huffingtonpost / Pajamas Media / Open University / CounterterrorismBlog Today in Iraq / OutSide the Beltway - InstaPundit - winds of change Kausfiles - Becker Posner-andrewsullivan.com - Registan - armscontrolwonk - IsraPundit Regime Change Iran – Martin Kramer - Dani Rodrik |
Is it tough to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm
thinking about setting up my own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
Here is my blog post - Psn Code generator
: 4:06 pm