020609f - 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 Washington Post Iraqi Elections Deliver a Victory for U.S. Goals Positive Signs Include Support for Strong Central Government

Afghanistan Appeal May Temper European Allies' Ardor for Obama

Obama's New Map of the World - Thomas Barnett, Esquire

FT Shifting horizons Those who will shape US foreign policy under Obama are anxious to rethink US power and to bond with Europe

McClatchy Military Iraq withdrawal plans include 19-, 23-month options The multiple options are the first indication that the Obama administration may be willing to abandon a campaign promise of a 16-month withdrawal. Two military officials told McClatchy the longer term options were drawn up in response to a request from President Obama, and that Gen. Pestraeus had signed off on them

Guardian  Biden to signal new era in US foreign policy at security talks Speculation rife that end of 30 year estrangement with Iran and shelving of missile defence could be announced

The Economist The world economyThe return of economic nationalism A spectre is rising. To bury it again, Barack Obama needs to take the lead

Globalisation under strain Homeward bound A great financial retrenchment is under way, the product of both market forces and political pressure on banks to lend at home rather than abroad.

New York Times Prime Minister’s Party Wins in Iraqi Vote but Will Need to Form Coalitions

Russia Offers Kind Words, but Its Fist Is Clenched

The Times Embattled

Iran's hardliners are lashing out to prevent detente with America. The West should not be provoked by this sign of weakness

Landslide Iraq poll sees divisions abandoned Coalition lead by Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki sweeps to victory in a triumph for secular politics over religious groups

Guardian  Biden to signal new era in US foreign policy at security talks Speculation rife that end of 30 year estrangement with Iran and shelving of missile defence could be announced

 No magic wands Editorial: Instead of concentrating on preventing Iranian nuclear weapons, the better way would be to proceed with small concessions and bargains

What happens when Iran goes nuclear? Robert Fox: Faced with Iran's likely acquisition of nuclear weaponry, the international community seems at a loss for what to do about it

Kyrgyzstan shows US the door Joshua Kucera: More than a rent dispute, America's eviction from a key military base is fallout from Russia's fight with Georgia

Pro-Iran party's loss in Iraq elections signals power shift

Reidar Visser - No Longer Supreme: After Local Elections, ISCI Becomes a 10 Per Cent Party South of Baghdad ISCI.asp

Foreign Policy Iraq's emerging internal conflicts

Stephen Walt Are the Iraqi elections a victory for the United States or Iran? Maybe both?

America's 'Strong Commitment to Error' by William Pfaff

 A Brave New Dangerous World BY: Peter A. Buxbaum | ISN Security Watch Dual demographic trends in the developed and developing worlds point to increased future conflict and instability.

IHT GEORGIA AND UKRAINE An alternative to NATO membership By KARL KAISER

Extending NATO membership to Ukraine and Georgia is not a realistic possiblity, but other options for aid are possible.

France may take NATO command post in U.S. France is in talks on taking control of two NATO command posts, including a prestigious one in the United States that has never been led by a foreign commander, defense officials said Thursday.

Ha’aretz – Haaretz poll: Kadima, Likud neck and neck New survey gives leftist bloc 54 seats, rightist bloc 66 seats; Lieberman's party continues to surge

FT Gaza offensive boosted Hamas, poll concludes

Wall Street Journal Nations Rush to Make New Trade Barriers

The WTO called a meeting to discuss a fast-rising wave of barriers to commerce, as governments scramble to safeguard key industries.

Maliki Allies See Gains in Iraq Vote

Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki gained political heft as his party won elections in nine of the country's 14 provinces

 Obama's Trade Deflection

Will he stand up to his own party's protectionists?

 U.S. Sees Alternatives to Kyrgyzstan Base The U.S. may expand use of facilities in Qatar and the U.A.E. to supply U.S. troops in Afghanistan if it loses access to a base in Kyrgyzstan.

Heritage Iran's Satellite Launch Underscores Growing Military Threat by James Phillips and Baker Spring

Country Analysis Brief — Iran
Source: Energy Information Administration --- Iran, one of OPEC’s founding members, holds the world’s third-largest proven oil reserves and the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves.

• 'Divided We Survive: A Landscape of Fragmentation in Saudi Arabia' by Ondrej Beranek, Crown Center, Brandeis University

• 'The War in Gaza' by Asher Susser, The Moshe Dayan Center, Tel Aviv University

Juan Cole Iran did not Lose the Provincial Elections

Time Iraq Vote: Al-Maliki Wins Big, But Secularists Encouraged

The Gaza war and Syria-Israel , Carsten Wieland

Independent At last, Blair is free to 'do God' – and America loves it Tony Blair gave an extraordinary speech about the global importance of religion yesterday, saying that faith should be restored "to its rightful place, as the guide to our world and its future."

Hard man is Israel's kingmaker in waiting Settler politician wants Israeli Arabs to swear loyalty to state or lose vote.

Experts Dampen Expectations of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Deal –

an interview with Robert Malley on how not to make peace in the Middle East

Israeli politicians offer territory swaps Grand designs reminiscent of the partition of the Palestianian Mandate are being offered to win over the Israeli electorate

Israel's Radical Nationalism - Arik Ben-Zvi, New Republic Israel suffered 13 deaths in the Gaza war. But we won't know the full extent of the wound the nation has suffered until February 10, when elections are held.

Jerusalem PostAnalysis: The escalating war of the summits

By JONATHAN SPYER
A new Cold War divides pro-Western and pro-Iranian Arab states.

Iran: The More Things Change...

Christian Science Monitor

Is Iran prepared to undo 30 years of anti-Americanism? As Obama spells out aims to engage with Iran, the Islamic Republic debates whether to step away from decades of hatred for the 'Great Satan.'

Air base flap reflects tension over US presence in Central Asia

But Pentagon officials say Kyrgyzstan's move to close a supply route won't impede operations in Afghanistan.

A setback for Turkey as Mideast broker Prime Minister Erdogan's popular tirade on Gaza also hurt his credibility.

Daily Telegraph Is Britain no longer special to America?

Britain's relationship with its greatest ally is already showing signs of strain under Barack Obama, but it is vital for our future, argues Con Coughlin.

Little prospect of East-West accommodation
The West-dominated world order is being discredited in a grand fashion for all its failures and for all the ill-effects it has brought. Against that backdrop, the East - in particular China and Russia - will not agree to any accommodation with the West that keeps such an order intact. East-West competition can only intensify on a fundamental level for control of the globe's finite strategic resources and access to, and control over, its finite capital wealth. - W Joseph Stroupe

H2

Davos’ta çıkan kriz ve arı kovanı ÖZDEM SANBERK

The Economist Turkey's prime minister Temper tantrums A dramatic Davos walkout raises new questions about Recep Tayyip Erdogan

CSM A setback for Turkey as Mideast broker Prime Minister Erdogan's popular tirade on Gaza also hurt his credibility.

Turkey, IMF talks
go to the wire Turkey, still seeking agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a stand-by facility as the country's economy worsens, would prefer that any tough terms were only made public after impending municipal elections. Those polls will also be a key measure of the country's political risk. - Robert M Cutler

United States embarks on three-pronged plan

Erdoğan Davos’ta Arapların kalbini fethetti

ZÜHEYR MACİD

Osmanlı yeniden kurulsun, Erdoğan da halife seçilsin!

CIHAD EL HAZIN

MAHŞERİN ÜÇ ATLISI: ROSS, HOLBROOKE VE MITCHELL

Guardian  Ataturk's raki loses out to cheap beer Sales slump of the aniseed-flavoured aperitif is the latest sign Turkey's economy is wilting in the recession

Gul Meets with King Abdullah as Turkey Seeks Saudi Investments

Turkey: PM Erdogan�s Criticism of Israel Could Damage Ankara�s Aspirations as Mid-East Peace Broker

Yediothy Ahronoth Where is our dignity? Those lured by discount Turkish resorts despite anti-Israeli tone lack integrity, says Haim Broida

İç Basında Türk Dış Politikası Dış Basında Türkiye – BBC Türkçe 0700 1800 – VOA Türkçe 0630 1345 2130 DW - (UTC) 0830 1130 1530 Turkish Press Review Google News Turkey TurcoPundit ASAM

Google News Fırat News Agency KurdishMedia Kurdish Kurdish Aspect Dış Basında Irak BBC Monitoring Inter-national

Barzani: Iran not meddling in Kurdistan

Turkistan or Kurdistan -- Does it Matter to Us?

16 killed in suicide attack in northern Iraq The lunchtime blast took place at a restaurant in Khanaqin, a disputed town that Kurds hope to incorporate in their semiautonomous region. Sunni Arabs oppose the idea

Early US withdrawal from Iraq raises threats: president Barzani says

Turkey’s Islamist PM Rocks Israel Ties
Baltimore Jewish Times

Cevdet Aşkın

Uncertainty over Turkey’s mediator role

Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık

Turkey approves Kyoto Protocol

Hristofyas: 'Türkiye Askerlerini Çekmezse AB'ye Giremez'

Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop

From The New Yorker, a review of James Baldwin's Turkish Decade: Erotics of Exile by Magdalena Zaborowska

Turkey: Kyoto Protocol Approved

H3

Son Dakika Milliyet Hürriyet Zaman GH Türkiye

Birinci Sayfalar Akşam Birgün Bugün Cumhuriyet Dünya Hürriyet Milli Gazete Milliyet Posta Radikal Referans Sabah Star Taraf Tercüman Türkiye Vakit Vatan Yeni Şafak Zaman Arşiv

Video NTV CNNTürk Milliyet

Cengiz Çandar

Ahmet Taşgetiren

Ruşen - Çakır

Taha Akyol

Fikret Bila

Hasan Cemal

Murat Yetkin

İsmet Berkan

Fehmi Koru

Taha Kıvanç

Şamil Tayyar

Ali Bayramoğlu

Yasemin Çongar

Ertuğrul Özkök

Hasan Ünal

Ahmet Hakan

M Ali Birand

Cüneyt Ülsever

Enis Berberoğlu

Oktay Ekşi

Özdemir İnce

Mehmet Y Yılmaz

MUHARREM SARIKAYA

ERDAL ŞAFAK

ENGİN ARDIÇ

ERGUN BABAHAN

EMRE AKÖZ

Umur Talu

HASAN BÜLENT KAHRAMAN

NAZLI ILICAK

MEHMET BARLAS

MAHMUT ÖVÜR

YAVUZ DONAT

Ekonomi

ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM

Ercan Kumcu

Erdal Sağlam

H4 New York Times Prime Minister’s Party Wins in Iraqi Vote but Will Need to Form Coalitions

Russia Offers Kind Words, but Its Fist Is Clenched

PAUL KRUGMAN On the Edge

Washington has lost any sense of the reality that we may well be falling into an economic abyss, and that if we do, it will be very hard to get out again.

Editorial Getting Tough in Washington If President Obama is going to successfully pursue his policies, he must be tough not only with dissenting Republicans, but also with shortsighted Democrats.

Is the Honeymoon Over? By DAVID BROOKS and GAIL COLLINS President Obama’s focus on purity seems to be coming at the expense of competence.

Panetta Open to Tougher Methods in Some C.I.A. Interrogation

DAVID BROOKS The Gang System The moderates — who are not a party, but a gang — could be the lever by which President Obama transforms the landscape of government and creates a broad postpartisan coalition.

Bipartisan Push to Trim Size of Stimulus Plan Democratic leaders said they would await the outcome of backroom bipartisan negotiation before holding a vote.

Japan’s Big-Works Stimulus Is Lesson for U.S. Over two decades, Japan accumulated the largest public debt in the developed world while failing to generate a convincing recovery.

As Layoffs Surge, Women May Pass Men in Job Force With the economic downturn taking a toll on industries that employ more men, women are close to surpassing men on the nation’s payrolls.

Britain Suspends Activities of Cultural Office in Iran, Saying Officials Harassed Its Staff

Israeli Navy Diverts Ship Bound for Gaza

General Says His Iraq Envoy Job Was Rescinded

H5 Washington Post Iraqi Elections Deliver a Victory for U.S. Goals

Positive Signs Include Support for Strong Central Government

Afghanistan Appeal May Temper European Allies' Ardor for Obama

Clinton Packs Full Asia Agenda for First Trip as Secretary of State

Editorial What the Government May Demand in Return for Its Aid

Sunshine for the Banks

By Anders Aslund, Five principles would help the Obama administration resolve the banking crisis.

The Fierce Urgency of Pork

By Charles Krauthammer, The Age of Obama begins with a frenzy of old-politics influence peddling.

President's Stimulus Plan Tests Power of Persuasion

For Obama, a Trusted Voice Who Knows the Terrain Counsel Craig Takes On an Array of Duties

Obama to Discuss Guantanamo With Victims of Terror Attacks, Their Relatives

CIA Nominee Panetta Vows An End to Disputed Tactics

Bipartisan Group of Senators Seeks to Cut $100 Billion From Stimulus Bill

A Holocaust Denier at the Church Door

By Michael Gerson, By embracing a bishop who disputes the Holocaust, Pope Benedict added to Christianity's greatest scandal.

H6 Guardian  Biden to signal new era in US foreign policy at security talks Speculation rife that end of 30 year estrangement with Iran and shelving of missile defence could be announced

 No magic wands Editorial: Instead of concentrating on preventing Iranian nuclear weapons, the better way would be to proceed with small concessions and bargains

What happens when Iran goes nuclear? Robert Fox: Faced with Iran's likely acquisition of nuclear weaponry, the international community seems at a loss for what to do about it

Kyrgyzstan shows US the door Joshua Kucera: More than a rent dispute, America's eviction from a key military base is fallout from Russia's fight with Georgia

 Obama appeals to voters as $900bn economic rescue plan faces rough ride in Washington President writes opinion piece for the Washington Post and emphasises urgency for action in speeches

 ¡Que se vayan todos! - that's the global backlash talking Naomi Klein: It's not just governing elites that the world is rising up against - it's the entire model of deregulated capitalism

 Rise of the moderates Antony Lerman: Out of the rubble of Gaza, global Jewish dissent could be emerging as a more potent force

 The slow death of private life Editorial: Grave threats to the health of democracy can accrue so incrementally that they draw little attention

 The poison of Guantánamo still courses through ministerial veins Simon Jenkins: The disregard for law and liberty threatens to taint our state indefinitely. A full, open inquiry could lift it out of this mess

Act now on Somalia Simon Tisdall: Barack Obama must seize the opportunity presented by the election of a moderate Islamist as leader of this damaged nation

H7

Heritage Iran's Satellite Launch Underscores Growing Military Threat by James Phillips and Baker Spring

Country Analysis Brief — Iran
Source: Energy Information Administration --- Iran, one of OPEC’s founding members, holds the world’s third-largest proven oil reserves and the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves.

Iran and the West Talking past each other

a review of A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind by Michael Axworthy

 G8 Meeting in Rome to Consider Reform of the UN Security Council Diplomatic Courier Reform of the Security Council will be a major issue of discussion at the informal G8 meeting of ministers in Rome. The meeting, which will be held in Rome on February 5th, is being hosted by the Italians who currently occupy the rotating presidency of the G8 group of industrial nations.

Iraqi elections reveal new avenues for violence BY ROCHDI YOUNSI

Redrawing the Map of Legitimacy Arab Reform Bulletin A commentary arguing that the Israeli attack on Gaza simultaneously restored Hamas’ damaged legitimacy as the leader of the Palestinian resistance and pulled the rug out from under President Mahmoud Abbas

Nasrallah's Defeat in the 2006 War: Assessing Hezbollah's Influence Middle East Quarterly

 Iraq Provincial Elections a Beginning, Not an End BY: Shadi Hamed | World Politics Review Iraq's provincial elections took place without major incident, leading observers to let out a sigh of relief. Some hailed the elections for what they were -- in Larry Kaplow's words, "orderly, safe, and enthusiastic" -- others for what they weren't -- a vindication of the Iraq war and the subsequent surge. Most assessments thus far have been premature. After all, it is one thing to vote, it is quite another to accept the results.

 What Does Iran Need From Obama? BY: Anthony Zeitouni | Middle East Times The hard-line standpoint of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran in response to diplomatic overture from the U.S. administration of Barack Obama makes me fear what Ahmadinejad really does need from Obama and from America.

Geopolitical Diary: Hard Choices for the Obama Team At a global security conference in Munich, Russia will offer the United States a deal on Afghanistan -- but not one Washington will have an easy time accepting

Iran, Israel, Obama and Dennis Ross
Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Iraq: The Provincial Elections and Al-Maliki's New Prospects

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki appears to be the big winner in Iraqi provincial elections that were held over the weekend

Iraq celebrates democracy
GulfNews - By Amir Taheri,

Sayyid, Doctor and General: What More Do You Want?
Asharq Alawsat - By Amir Taheri

a panel on The Crisis of American Foreign Policy: Wilsonianism in the Twenty-First Century.

From Commonweal, Andrew Bacevich on American Triumphalism: A postmortem.

Divided Arab World Faces Muscular Iran - Frida Ghitis, WPR

Globalization Is in Retreat - Adrian Hamilton, The Independent

Obama's Discordant Foreign Policy - A. Borchgrave, Washington Times

A New Mideast Road Map - Shira Herzog, Globe and Mail

Marc Lynch: Sunni electoral disaster, part 2: Baghdad — Preliminary results from the Baghdad provincial council election have begun to filter out into the Iraqi press. The lead story will probably be that Maliki's Rule of Law list won more than half the seats. But the more important story …

 Obama Backs Indictment of Sudan Leader BY: Jon Ward | The Washington Times President Obama supports implementing the war crimes indictment by the International Criminal Court against Sudanese President Omar Bashir, a strong indication of the tough approach the new administration will take toward Sudan as well as its favorable view of an international body the Bush administration refused to join.

H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq

Iraq's Maliki Beats Religious Parties In Vote

Pro-Iran party's loss in Iraq elections signals power shift

Iran's unlikely embrace of Bolivia builds influence in U.S. backyard

British Council in Iran 'illegal'

Iran's government says the British Council, which has suspended its activities in the country, was operating illegally there.

The Economist Voting in Iraq God takes a back seat

Iran’s 30-year-old republic Defiant, and doubtful

Iraq's Maliki Emerges as Forceful Nationalist

H9 Ha’aretz – Haaretz poll: Kadima, Likud neck and neck New survey gives leftist bloc 54 seats, rightist bloc 66 seats; Lieberman's party continues to surge

Nehemia Shtrasler: With Bibi as PM, a clash with Obama is inevitable

Gaza aftermath: IDF bides its time, Hamas leaders underground, everyone awaits truce

Jeremy Rosen: Exclude religious parties from power in Israel

Elections 2009 / 'Lieberman is holding Netanyahu hostage'

Greece holding ship bound for Iran over missiles on board

Jerusalem PostAnalysis: The escalating war of the summits

By JONATHAN SPYER
A new Cold War divides pro-Western and pro-Iranian Arab states.

Khatami would 'launder' nuke program

Top Israeli defense official fears Iran election win for reformist leader.

'Iran's Bushehr plant to go live in '09'

Russian atomic corporation Rosatom's spokesman: This will be first time reactor is fully switched on.

Final polls: Likud slips, still on course for narrow election win

Livni still confident Kadima will form government, while Netanyahu worries about 'unfortunate result;' Lieberman continues to rise in polls.

Yedioth Ahronoth Focus on real threats Israelis should focus on Iran threat, rather than smalltime election issues

The Geographic Imperative/Sherman

Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine

Experts Dampen Expectations of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Deal –

Gaza offensive boosted Hamas, poll concludes

an interview with Robert Malley on how not to make peace in the Middle East

The Economist Israel Politics not quite as usual

Israeli politicians offer territory swaps Grand designs reminiscent of the partition of the Palestianian Mandate are being offered to win over the Israeli electorate

Israel's Radical Nationalism - Arik Ben-Zvi, New Republic Israel suffered 13 deaths in the Gaza war. But we won't know the full extent of the wound the nation has suffered until February 10, when elections are held.

Anti-Arab Israeli Party
Gaining Ahead of Vote An Israeli politician who is calling for the expulsion of Arab citizens looks set to score big gains.

MidEast Dispute Will Be Beyond Obama - Greg Sheridan, The Australian

Israel's election puts peace drive at risk The main candidates promise moderation, but the hard Right may hold the keys to power, writes David Blair.

Israel seizes Gaza-bound aid ship
A Lebanese ship carrying aid for Gaza is seized by the Israeli navy, but Israel denies Lebanese reports it was fired on.

The Quest For a Grand Zionist Coalition

H10 Christian Science Monitor

Is Iran prepared to undo 30 years of anti-Americanism? As Obama spells out aims to engage with Iran, the Islamic Republic debates whether to step away from decades of hatred for the 'Great Satan.'

Air base flap reflects tension over US presence in Central Asia

But Pentagon officials say Kyrgyzstan's move to close a supply route won't impede operations in Afghanistan.

A setback for Turkey as Mideast broker

Prime Minister Erdogan's popular tirade on Gaza also hurt his credibility.

Global downturn hammers Ukraine's economy

Ukrainians are hurting as gas prices soar, unemployment rises, and currency value plummets.

Holocaust denial: Vatican shifts into damage control

ASIA

China's Military Power CFR

What Are We Doing in Afghanistan? - Fred Kaplan, Slate

Clinton Packs Full Asia Agenda for First Trip as Secretary of State

Afghanistan Will Be a Quagmire for al Qaeda - Joe Lieberman, Wall St Jrnl

Rethinking Afghanistan - Amir Taheri, New York Post

How Do We 'Finsh the Job' in Afghanistan? - Rosa Brooks, Los Angeles Times

Kyrgyzstan: Manas Brouhaha has Troublesome Implications for Afghan Supply Initiative Even if the United States emerges victorious in the battle for Manas air base in Kyrgyzstan, it still faces a big challenge in winning the war in Afghanistan. The only likelihood at present is that Russia, through its meddling in Central Asia, will pose a major obstacle to US and European Union efforts to defeat the Taliban insurgency.

Will Slowdown Destabilize China? - Robyn Meredith, Forbes

How Will Obama Manage China? - Kent Ewing, Asia Times If the George W Bush administration's diplomatic dance with China could be characterized as a serene waltz, the early signs are that President Barack Obama's will more resemble boisterous ballet.

China’s giant struggle , Kerry Brown

Moscow, Tehran force US's hand
The blowing up of a bridge in the Khyber in Pakistan, the usage of an air base in the foothills of the Pamirs in Central Asia and the launch of a 37 kilogram satellite into the night sky over Iran have triggered the political and diplomatic equivalent of chess' zugzwang. In this case, the United States will be forced to make a move it would rather not. - M K Bhadrakumar

India sees sense in lobbying America
Aggressive lobbying efforts by Indian diplomats after the Pakistan-linked terror attack on Mumbai last November went a long way towards the passing of the United Nations resolution that unanimously condemned the attack and praised India's restraint. New Delhi is now applying similar tactics in Washington over its ailing software sector. - Siddharth Srivastava

How Not to Win in Pakistan BY TOM RICKS

India's election Awaiting the democratic tide

China's Evolving Legal System - Carnegie Endowment

Exclusive: Gates Delays Troop Decision — ABC News has learned that Defense Secretary Robert Gates has deferred a much-anticipated decision on sending additional troops into Afghanistan until President Obama decides what force levels he wants.

Russia Anchors Ties With India BY: Roger McDermott | Asia Times On the surface, Russia's recent joint naval exercises with India were held to increase counter-terrorism capabilities and combat piracy. But Moscow's participation was also part of its aim to show the international community the country's resurgence.

Investigators link al-Qaeda to Mumbai attack Report claims that there is strong evidence that Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami was actively involved in the 60-hour siege

Out of favour

Why US-Afghan relations are at an all-time low

Philip Bowring: Neighbors who should be friends A trip to Bangladesh shows why India should seek to be a benign, not overbearing, regional leader

H11 IHT GEORGIA AND UKRAINE An alternative to NATO membership By KARL KAISER

Extending NATO membership to Ukraine and Georgia is not a realistic possiblity, but other options for aid are possible.

France may take NATO command post in U.S. France is in talks on taking control of two NATO command posts, including a prestigious one in the United States that has never been led by a foreign commander, defense officials said Thursday.

Rotating presidency puts Europe in a bind Ask a random sample of Britons, Danes, Latvians and Italians who the president of the United States is, and you'll hear an Obama chorus. Ask them who the president of the European Union is, and you will probably draw a blank.

Swedes reconsidering nuclear reactors

Sweden is the latest nation to consider putting the technology in the forefront of its energy plans.

EUROPE European press review

 France Preparing Return to NATO BY: Elitsa Vucheva | EU Observer French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his advisers are in the final phase of preparing France's return to NATO's military structures, after Paris obtained US-backing for two senior command positions.

The Economist The euro High tensions

The danger of a euro crisis is increasing; it may prompt more political integration, not less

Charlemagne Single-market blues Recession is bringing fresh threats to Europe’s single market

 Each to Their Own BY: Richard Milne | Financial Times Does the state’s increased role in banking mean Europe risks a new form of economic nationalism?

What Obama Could Learn from Germany - Gabor Steingart, Der Spiegel

H12 RFE/RL

Google News Azerbaijan

 U.S. Reconsiders Uzbekistan Bases Military officials say the U.S. is considering resuming military cooperation with hard-line Uzbekistan to help get troops or supplies into Afghanistan.

 Now Russia Gets Caught in the Credit Crunch BY: Mathieu Robbins and Shaun Walker | The Independent The Russian economy, already pummelled by falling oil prices, trade disputes with neighbours and fleeing investors, took another step towards the abyss yesterday as the country's credit rating was downgraded. Russia is the first G8 nation to have suffered a downgrade since the start of the global financial crisis.

Russia's Gangster State - Washington Times

Russian Muscle in Central Asia
by Robert Dreyfuss

Armenia: Layoffs Carry Protest Potential Large-scale layoffs in Armenia are heightening social tensions. Some observers believe the trend could spur political protests as workers and business owners grow increasingly frustrated with the government�s economic course.

Can Russia's Economy Be Saved? BY: Sergei Guriev and Aleh Tsyvinski | The Japan Times Russia's economy is collapsing, but the situation has finally forced the government to adopt sensible policies, thereby staving off disaster -- at least for now

 Russia Anchors Ties With India BY: Roger McDermott | Asia Times On the surface, Russia's recent joint naval exercises with India were held to increase counter-terrorism capabilities and combat piracy. But Moscow's participation was also part of its aim to show the international community the country's resurgence.

,

Geopolitical Diary: Hard Choices for the Obama Team At a global security conference in Munich, Russia will offer the United States a deal on Afghanistan -- but not one Washington will have an easy time accepting

Russia: Observing Business Operations From Within Moscow will soon deploy Federal Security Service agents into major Russian banks and strategic businesses

The New Russian Power Play

Russia’s ruble may have crashed, but it hasn’t lost its chess skills. The Kremlin is working to oust the US from a vital air base in the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan, complicating the war in Afghanistan; at the same time, it’s planning an international military force to rival NATO. The Kyrgyz base, Russia said, could be used to house part of the planned new force. “These are going to be quite formidable units,” said Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. “According to their combat potential, they must be no weaker than similar forces of the North Atlantic alliance.” It’s Moscow’s most aggressive step since its war with Georgia last summer, and it’s a challenge to Obama’s new administration, which has placed Afghanistan at the top of its foreign policy priorities. Read it at The Wall Street Journal

Russia leads race to claim Northwest Passage The scramble for territorial rights over the Arctic, dubbed the new Cold War, will accelerate as the ice cap retreats

Russia and China seen negatively

Global public views of Russia and China have slipped considerably in the past year, a poll for the BBC World Service suggests.

Global downturn hammers Ukraine's economy

Ukrainians are hurting as gas prices soar, unemployment rises, and currency value plummets.

Air base flap reflects tension over US presence in Central Asia

But Pentagon officials say Kyrgyzstan's move to close a supply route won't impede operations in Afghanistan.

H13 The Times Embattled

Iran's hardliners are lashing out to prevent detente with America. The West should not be provoked by this sign of weakness

Landslide Iraq poll sees divisions abandoned Coalition lead by Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki sweeps to victory in a triumph for secular politics over religious groups

Israeli politicians offer territory swaps Grand designs reminiscent of the partition of the Palestianian Mandate are being offered to win over the Israeli electorate

Russia leads race to claim Northwest Passage The scramble for territorial rights over the Arctic, dubbed the new Cold War, will accelerate as the ice cap retreats

Wall Street Journal Nations Rush to Make New Trade Barriers

The WTO called a meeting to discuss a fast-rising wave of barriers to commerce, as governments scramble to safeguard key industries.

Maliki Allies See Gains in Iraq Vote

Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki gained political heft as his party won elections in nine of the country's 14 provinces

 Obama's Trade Deflection

Will he stand up to his own party's protectionists?

 U.S. Sees Alternatives to Kyrgyzstan Base The U.S. may expand use of facilities in Qatar and the U.A.E. to supply U.S. troops in Afghanistan if it loses access to a base in Kyrgyzstan.

 U.S. Reconsiders Uzbekistan Bases Military officials say the U.S. is considering resuming military cooperation with hard-line Uzbekistan to help get troops or supplies into Afghanistan.

Joseph Lieberman: Afghanistan Will Be a Quagmire for al Qaeda

 Bracing Ourselves

DECLARATIONS
By Peggy Noonan
America prepares for the worst, and Republicans suddenly seem serious.

 How Europe's Companies Are Feeding Iran's Bomb

BUSINESS EUROPE
By Benjamin Weinthal
From Siemens to OMV, Tehran's trade with the Continent is booming.

George Melloan: Why 'Stimulus' Will Mean Inflation

Panetta Vows 'New Chapter' at CIA

Leon Panetta vowed to "turn the page to a new chapter" at the CIA at a confirmation hearing to head the agency

The IMF Supersizing the fund The IMF needs more than just money if it is to tackle global imbalances

 Towards a Post-Bretton Woods Global Financial Architecture BY: Daniel McDowell | World Politics Review Since 1944, America's position within the International Monetary Fund has given it tremendous influence over national and international financial markets. Increasingly, however, this influence has been met with resistance in some parts of the world.

The first chapter from A Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the World by Gregory Clark

Monetary Policy Strategy in a Global Environment Cicero Foundation This paper presents an overview of the structural implications of globalisation for the domestic economies of developed countries and to deduct from these implications lessons for the conduct of monetary policy, and in particular the assessment of risks to price stability.

H14 Financial Times Shifting horizons Those who will shape US foreign policy under Obama are anxious to rethink US power and to bond with Europe

Iraq election victories boost Maliki A bloc backed by the prime minister made sweeping gains at Iraq’s provincial elections, including sizeable victories in Baghdad and Basra, according to provisional results

Dispute intensifies on US stimulus plan Wrangling in the US Senate over the economic stimulus bill continued ahead of an expected vote on the plan, with the Republicans warning they were still unhappy with a package heavy on spending and light on tax cuts

Clinton signals a smart retreat from democratisation

Gaza offensive boosted Hamas, poll concludes Palestinian support for the Islamist movement has soared in the wake of Israel’s military action, with almost one in two Palestinians believing the group has won the Gaza war, says survey

Dispute intensifies on US stimulus plan Wrangling in the US Senate over the economic stimulus bill continued ahead of an expected vote on the plan, with the Republicans warning they were still unhappy with a package heavy on spending and light on tax cuts

Obama team and EU in talks on Afghanistan In the first major encounter between the new administration and European Union leaders, Joe Biden, US vice-president, will lead a delegation of policymakers to the annual Munich security conference

Moscow sceptical of EU’s relevance The president of the Polity Foundation, Vyacheslav Nikonov, believes that many Russians are still suspicious of the role that the European Union can play on the world stage

Putin signs off second wave of bank bail-outs The Russian prime minister has signed off on a second wave of bank bail-outs to refinance the sector with new capital and subordinated debt to transfer the burden for bailing out companies on to commercial banks

Eurozone rates to fall further ECB holds at 2%, but costs not at bottom, Trichet says

Dispute intensifies on US stimulus plan Senate narrows Buy American provisions

Tables turned: Latin America’s lesson for west Chile has mixed and matched government and market, economic orthodoxy and social intervention. This was the insight that Tony Blair, the former UK prime minister, was supposed to have brought to British politics during the 1990s, writes Philip Stephens

It is always the economy, stupid UK has survived worse, says Martin Wolf

Keynes and the triumph of hope over economics Benn Steil on talking economics without using any

The Tories must look to Hume, Smith and Burke Geoffrey Wheatcroft on the UK opposition

A Pope’s fallibility The actions of Benedict XVI appear as a form of absolutism, in which his blinkered notion of Roman Catholic unity is placed above respect for other religions

Pyongyang pugilist The better of two bad options is to engage with North Korea. For that, Barack Obama must make good on his promise to breathe new life into the six-party process

H15 Los Angeles Times Maliki's bloc prevails in Iraq elections

The prime minister's slate defeats more religious parties, preliminary results show, a reflection of his revived political standing

Sunni rivals clash over elections in Iraq's Anbar province Local tribes say Saturday's elections, which the ruling party appears to be winning, were a sham. They've threatened a return to violence in the region, which had become a model of stability in Iraq

16 killed in suicide attack in northern Iraq The lunchtime blast took place at a restaurant in Khanaqin, a disputed town that Kurds hope to incorporate in their semiautonomous region. Sunni Arabs oppose the idea

'Finish the job' in Afghanistan? Where do we begin? Rosa Brooks

Obama faces a complex, perilous situation in which it's no longer clear what the...

Editorial

H16 American Politics

Can Obama Reboot After Daschle? - Joe Klein, Time

CBO: Obama stimulus harmful over long haul — President Obama's economic recovery package will actually hurt the economy more in the long run than if he were to do nothing, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.

CBS Poll: Support For Stimulus Falls

Bipartisan Push to Trim Size of Stimulus Plan

The Politico: At retreat, Obama goes on the offensive

realclearpolitics memeorandum

Daily Beast Cheat Sheet

Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook

PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin

H17 Daily Telegraph Is Britain no longer special to America?

Britain's relationship with its greatest ally is already showing signs of strain under Barack Obama, but it is vital for our future, argues Con Coughlin.

Israel's election puts peace drive at risk

The main candidates promise moderation, but the hard Right may hold the keys to power, writes David Blair.

H18 Independent At last, Blair is free to 'do God' – and America loves it Tony Blair gave an extraordinary speech about the global importance of religion yesterday, saying that faith should be restored "to its rightful place, as the guide to our world and its future."

Hard man is Israel's kingmaker in waiting Settler politician wants Israeli Arabs to swear loyalty to state or lose vote.

Johann Hari: The nightmare of Netanyahu returns

Leading article: The truth, but not the whole truth, about Guantanamo

H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism

Intelligence Collection in Transition BY: Mark Lowenthal | World Politics Review The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War added new transnational threats to the intelligence agenda. The result has been a growing complexity of collection problems that have left intelligence collection in a state of uncertain transition

Military analysts are writing off high-tech warfare in the wake of Afghanistan and Iraq. But you just wait... more»

Hawks gunning for more military money
Despite the maelstrom facing the United States economy, neo-conservatives have launched a dirty tricks campaign to get President Barack Obama to allocate tens of billions of dollars from the nearly US$1 trillion economic stimulus package to the already vast defense budget. Major military contractors have jumped onto the neo-con bandwagon. - Jim Lobe

 DAVID ROTHKOPF Defense cuts are inevitable so deal with them

From Carnegie Council, a panel on Lessons in Disaster: McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam by Gordon M. Goldstein

Investigators link al-Qaeda to Mumbai attack Report claims that there is strong evidence that Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami was actively involved in the 60-hour siege

Time May Be Short for NATO High Commander

Judge halts last Guantanamo trial

The last remaining trial at Guantanamo Bay - of a suspect in the USS Cole bombing - has been halted, the Pentagon says

Army Official: Suicides in January 'Terrifying'

H20 Slate

How do Migrants Choose Their Destination Country? An Analysis of Institutional Determinants

H21 How to Save Your Newspaper - Walter Isaacson, Time

Google puts 1.5 million free books on your cellphone

Plato called it “the greatest incentive to evil,” and maybe he was right. Yet we all succumb to pleasure: booze, chocolate, sex – or just a warm bath... more»

Samuel Huntington died a pariah among America’s intellectual elite. As Eric Kaufmann explains, this was because he was actually rather normal... more»

An article on choosing 1000 novels to read before you die.

Oxford scientists discover ants communicate Advances in audio technology enabled scientists to discover that ants routinely talk to each other in their nests

News Corp posts $6.4bn quarterly loss Earnings reflect harsh advertising environment

In John Updike's America, are we still running from responsibility?

Like his main character, we're caught between duty and desire.

25. The Random Things We Do Why is the latest mini-phenomenon on Facebook -- the 25-item personal list -- so compelling?

The World Social Forum

Dear capitalists, admit you got it wrong

Cyber-hedonismVirtual pleasures

Liberalism Anatomy of an idea

Reinvent Wheel? Blue Room. Defusing a Bomb? Red Room. The color red can make people’s work more accurate, but blue can make people more creative, a study suggests

Google and Amazon to Put More Books on Cellphones

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