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| H1 The Future of the Two-State Solution - Maj.-Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) While the outlines of a two-state solution are generally known, the maximum that any government of Israel will be ready to offer the Palestinians and still survive politically is much less than the minimum that any Palestinian leader can accept. The real gap between both sides is much greater than what is perceived, and that gap is growing.
TNR Hillary's State Huge expectations, big egos, turf wars: Is Clinton's State Department just like her campaign? by Michael Crowley
From NPQ, a special issue on "America in Shock", and on how the world views Obama victory.
Independent Europe opens covert talks with ‘blacklisted’ Hamas European nations have opened a direct dialogue with Hamas as the US intensifies the search for Middle East peace under Barack Obama.Afghanistan: Slipping out of control A grim picture of spiralling violence and a disintegrating society has emerged in Afghanistan in a confidential Nato report.
Leading article: The Middle East starts to feel the Obama effect
Guardian Iran refusing to co-operate with nuclear inspectors, says UN Report by nuclear watchdog likely to sharpen debate within Obama administration over Iran policy
Nato divided over troops and money to tackle deepening crisis Barack Obama's decision to order 17,000 more combat troops to Afghanistan signals start of intense debate
IHT Roger Cohen: Reading Khamenei in Tehran The central Iranian political fact of recent years has been the reinforcement of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How to engage with Iran begins and ends with him.
William Pfaff: Mission impenetrable Exactly what do we think we are doing in Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Russia and Georgia agree on security measures for Abhkazia and South Ossetia The measures, aimed at preventing or resolving security incidents in the breakaway regions, are due to come into operation in the next few days.
Plan to Topple Al-Maliki's Government Revealed USIP "Iraq, its Neighbors, and the Obama Administration: Syrian and Saudi Perspectives" Download the Working Paper What Israeli Identity Crisis BY: Selwyn Freeman | Los Angeles Times Israel deserves praise for maintaining democratic principles in the face of continuing hostility from its own Arab population.Foreign Policy The worst is yet to come for Israel BY IAN BREMMER Washington Post U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Says Troop Level of 60,000 Will Be Needed for 3 to 4 Years U.S. Commander Says Troop Level of 60,000 Is Needed for at Least Three to Four Years
Pressure on NATO allies after Obama's Afghan boost
Ha’aretz – Lieberman backs Netanyahu for prime minister Labor won't recommend anyone as next PM; Livni, Netanyahu waiting for Peres PM choice.
U.S. State Department: Syria can play positive role in Mideast Senators visiting Mideast, however, say Syria must change its behavior if it wants to bolster ties with U.S.
Jerusalem Post 'Barghouti release may divide Fatah'Palestinian Authority warns jailed Tanzim leader not to criticize leadership if he is set free by Israel.
New USIP report, "Securing Afghanistan," strengthens case for urgent, sustainable reforms. Read the press release | Download the report
CFR Prospect for U.S.-Turkish Relations in the Obama Era
Moscow Indicates It Won't Be Ignored in the 'Near Abroad'
A Russian answer to Iran's threat Moscow can bring Tehran to heel, if the US price is right. Is Obama ready to give up missile defense to make that happen?
Clinton must press China on rights A stable, open China is in America's best interests.
US troop buildup in Afghanistan could be a defining moment Obama's order to send 17,000 more troops comes before US has set a clear strategy.
From Blue Chip to Fizzle BY: Roman Kupchinsky | The Moscow Times In theory, Gazprom should be one of the world's premier blue-chip companies. It owns the largest gas reserves in the world, employs thousands of highly qualified professionals, and most of Europe is its captive customer. But in reality, it appears that the company is coming apart at the seams.
Alan Wolfe’s claim is that liberalism is a set of dispositions, habits of mind: liberals are talkative, tolerant, open-minded, egalitarian, and realistic... more»
Maliki toppled through Parliament? (UPI) -- A lawmaker with the Iraqi National List said there is a plot to depose the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki through the Parliament. Debka Barack Obama concludes secret pact with Saudi King - DEBKA-Net-Weekly's reveals the terms of the accord US president Barack Obama has secretly forged with Saudi King Abdullah and the ways in which they plan to work together in the Muslim world, the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. Moscow in contrast is deepening its ties with Tehran. WP Hosed by the Stimulus Talk about trillions of dollars has become so commonplace.By George F. Will, As money gushes from Washington, bailout promiscuity is coloring politics at all levels.
New York Times New Lessons for the Army on Iraq Duty
Israel Says It Will Unseal Gaza Only if Soldier Is Freed
General Sees Long Term for Afghanistan Buildup
Palestine Backer or Israeli Spy? Lebanese in Shock Over Arrest Lebanese investigators say that Ali al-Jarrah has confessed to a career of espionage for Israel spectacular in its scope and longevity.
ROGER COHEN Reading Khamenei in Tehran The central Iranian political fact of recent years has been the reinforcement of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How to engage with Iran begins and ends with him.
Learning Not to Love the Bomb By PHILIP TAUBMAN If the White House wants to resuscitate talks with Russia about nuclear-arms reduction, it will need to break free from cold war thinking
Daily Star Break down the US-Arab door with mutual respect
Financial Times Protect European unity against crisisMerkel must use this week’s meeting of European leaders in Berlin to recapture the unity Europe so desperately needs
Challenge grows to Sarkozy’s Nato ambitions The French president is expected to confirm that France will resume its full role in the alliance – 43 years after Charles de Gaulle pulled out. He faces rising oppositionThe eurozone needs a government bond market Move would help rescue plans, says George Soros
Zoellick urges EU to help east Europe World Bank chief calls for more backing from Brussels
A Kosovo Model for the Mideast - John Kilcullen, RealClearWorld
Tentative Steps in Saudi Arabia The Economist
Shaping Up Saudi Arabia BY: Stephen Schwartz and Irfan Al-Alawi | The Weekly Standard Saudi Arabia may have finally begun its long-predicted turn toward significant reform, as reported over the past weekend in Gulf media. King Abdullah ibn Abd Al-Aziz has effected a series of major decisions that could impose a dramatically new and modern direction on the kingdom
Saudi Arabia Changes Course, Slowly - Simon Henderson, WINEP
IRAN: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his country is waiting to see "signs of real change" under U.S. President Barack Obama. "Is bullying going to disappear?" he asked in a television interview on Tuesday night (Bloomberg).
The Times Google Earth reveals secrets of US drone base The US was secretly flying unmanned drones from the Shamsi airbase in Pakistan's province of Baluchistan as early as 2006
Rising debt could blight Obama's rescue plan Fears are mounting that President Obama's stimulus package for the economy will falter amid a deluge of bad economic news
CAP Democracy Promotion in the Middle East and the Obama Administration
Wall Street Journal Is the Administration Winging It? By Karl Rove Obama's reputation for competence is at risk
TURKMENISTAN: COULD IRAN BE THE MISSING LINK TO EUROPE? EurasiaNet
Iraq’s Choice: An Iranian or Gulf Model Asharq Alawsat –
Los Angeles Times More troops may be needed in Afghanistan, U.S. commander says About 10,000 more U.S. troops may be sought to counter the insurgency in the south, in addition to 17,000 ordered this week by Obama, Gen. David McKiernan says.
Daily Telegraph Syria 'rebuilding' chemical weapons capability Syria is rebuilding its chemical weapons capability, according to satellite images analysed by Jane's Intelligence Review.
Guardian Liberty in Britain is facing death by a thousand cuts. We can fight back Timothy Garton Ash: It is shocking how many curtailments of freedom have been imposed. Each one may be small but the cumulative loss is vast
Brookings Democracy Promotion in the Middle East and the Obama Administration
CER A thaw between Russia and the West?
Carnegie Understanding Islam through Virtual Worlds
Foreign Policy Is China gaining on the U.S. militarily?
Clinton's Agenda, Beyond the Money Thing - Council on Foreign Relations
Creating A World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism
| H2 WINEP An Obama Policy toward Turkey: Continuity or Change? Listen as Soner Cagaptay, Mark Parris, and Ian Lesser discuss the status of U.S.-Turkish relations and the critical decisions facing the Obama administration as it develops its policy toward Turkey.
Brookings - Mark Parris Prospect for U.S.-Turkish Relations in the Obama Era
GMFUS - Soli Özel "Beyond Davos," Despite the theatrics and the surge of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiment in Turkey, the government’s positions suggest that Turkey still sees a role for itself in Middle East peacemaking, wants Israel to be more concerned about regional instability, and wishes to work with the United States if and when the new administration reengages with the region. Download File, Format: PDF, Size: 1372 KB
McClatchy Iraq's Kurdish-Arab tensions threaten to escalate into war
Daily Star Editorial How is Erdogan's sharing of his people's views considered undemocratic?
Turkish Government Under Fire for Delaying Response to the Global Financial Crisis
Tracing Turkey's amazing transformation | European Voice
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
Turkey's New Middle Eastern Approach
Iraq's Kurds Call for US Mediation With Baghdad
More Trouble in Iraqi Kurdistan - Michael Rubin - The Corner on ...
The Kurdish Issue Without The PKK
Governor Informs Kirkuk Citizens of New Security Agreement
Iraq's Talabani reportedly to visit Iran
German foreign minister in Iraq's Kurdish region to strength ties
Barzani: US Must Resolve Kurdish Issues Before Withdrawal
Letter to President Obama
Security Agreement Hot Topic at Criminal Justice Council
North Iraqi Pseudo-Kurdish Tyranny: Epicenter of Middle East´s ...
Abant Platform urges mutual tolerance in closing evaluations
Kurdistan and Hayastan - Hand in Hand: Armenian National Congress ...
Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık
US Ambassador says IMF agreement beneficial for Turkey
Turkish-American Relations in Obama Period
Armenia and Turkey Make Progress on Delicate Task of Restoring Relations BY: Emil Danielyan | Eurasia Daily Monitor
Friends of Turkey group founded in EP
Turkey's Is Bank to roll over debt in April
Turkey parliament approves stimulus package-report
Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop
Turkish group in $408m tax fine
The rise and rise of Istanbul, the European Capital of Culture in 2010 | 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
Taha Akyol
Fikret Bila
Hasan Cemal
Murat Yetkin
İsmet Berkan
Şamil Tayyar
Ekonomi
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| H4 New York Times New Lessons for the Army on Iraq Duty
Israel Says It Will Unseal Gaza Only if Soldier Is Freed
General Sees Long Term for Afghanistan Buildup
Palestine Backer or Israeli Spy? Lebanese in Shock Over Arrest Lebanese investigators say that Ali al-Jarrah has confessed to a career of espionage for Israel spectacular in its scope and longevity.
ROGER COHEN Reading Khamenei in Tehran The central Iranian political fact of recent years has been the reinforcement of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How to engage with Iran begins and ends with him.
Learning Not to Love the BombBy PHILIP TAUBMAN If the White House wants to resuscitate talks with Russia about nuclear-arms reduction, it will need to break free from cold war thinking.
Clinton Praises Indonesian Democracy
In Closely Watched Case, Britain’s Highest Court Favors Deporting Militant Cleric
Egyptian Political Dissident, Imprisoned for Years, Is Suddenly Released
Editorial Mr. Obama’s Foreclosure PlanPresident Obama’s anti-foreclosure plan does not do enough to help the some 13.6 million homeowners who have mortgage balances higher than the value of their properties.
Space JamBy JAMES CLAY MOLTZ Instead of continuing to cling to the theory of “freedom of action” in space, all space-faring countries would be well advised to sit down and talk about mutual restraint and coordination.
When the World Knocks at the White House DoorBy ROBERT DALLEK President Obama will learn, as his predecessors did, that foreign crises are part of the job.
$275 Billion Plan Seeks to Address Crisis in Housing President Obama unveiled a plan intended to help as many as 9 million people stay in their homes.
NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF Trailing George ClooneyThe Darfur conflict has now lasted longer than World War II, and the international community has remained monumentally feckless. Can George Clooney get the world to take action?
A Swiss Bank Is Set to Open Its Secret Files UBS, Switzerland’s largest bank, has agreed to divulge the names of well-heeled Americans suspected of using offshore accounts at the bank to evade taxes.
| H5 Washington Post U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Says Troop Level of 60,000 Will Be Needed for 3 to 4 Years U.S. Commander Says Troop Level of 60,000 Is Needed for at Least Three to Four Years
Pressure on NATO allies after Obama's Afghan boost
Obama Proposes Package to Stave Off Foreclosures Multibillion-Dollar Plan Aims to Help Modify Mortgages
Editorial Against the Tide President Obama's cautious plan to help homeowners.
Pakistani Accord Appears Stalled Government, Extremists Make No Move To Formalize Their Pact on Islamic Law
Hosed by the Stimulus Talk about trillions of dollars has become so commonplace.By George F. Will, As money gushes from Washington, bailout promiscuity is coloring politics at all levels.
By E. J. Dionne Jr The Big Three may never support highly paid assembly-line jobs again.
Obama's Wise Bet on Bipartisanship By David S. Broder, If bipartisanship is kaput as some pundits assert, so is the president's platform.
By David Ignatius, The stimulus will help state and local governments avert financial disaster.
Free the Uighurs They lose one in court. They should win in the White House.
A C-SPAN poll ranked the first 42 presidents of the United States from best to worst. Here are some of the result
| H6 Guardian Iran refusing to co-operate with nuclear inspectors, says UN Report by nuclear watchdog likely to sharpen debate within Obama administration over Iran policy
Nato divided over troops and money to tackle deepening crisis Barack Obama's decision to order 17,000 more combat troops to Afghanistan signals start of intense debate
Rumblings of Russian dissent James Marson: Public discontent is growing in Russia but the authorities are reluctant to take note of itPeace or appeasement in Pakistan? Mustafa Qadri: The recent deal between religious leaders in tribal Pakistan and the government legitimates the Taliban insurgency
Hamas no, human rights yes Peter Tatchell: Why are the left and the anti-war movement ignoring Hamas's repression of the Palestinian people? Liberty in Britain is facing death by a thousand cuts. We can fight back Timothy Garton Ash: It is shocking how many curtailments of freedom have been imposed. Each one may be small but the cumulative loss is vast
Rimington is right. This is a recipe for creating terroristsSeumas Milne: New Labour's sins in the war on terror are catching up with it, but ministers want to shift blame on to the Muslim community Corruption mars Afghanistan effortContractor accuses foreign companies of profiteering and undermining Nato's fight against Taliban Nato must shoulder more responsibility Israel demands release of soldier Security cabinet unanimously agree to maintain economic blockade on Gaza until sergeant's release Brown targets Switzerland in tax haven crackdownPM negotiating with world leaders the terms of a tough regulatory system on offshore regimes
Obama's $275bn for homeowners President unveils latest stage of plan to stave off economic disaster engulfing the US
The clash of fundamentals Editorial: We must protect the safety of the public without compromising the rights of individuals
A credit crisis, not a morality play Barry Eichengreen: The liquidationists are back – and just like in the 1930s they are economically counter-productive and morally evil
Balancing power in Eurasia Alexandros Petersen: The US and Nato should respond to Russia's good cop/bad cop routine by outlining their own intentions in the regionIran's quest for utopia Arshin Adib-Moghaddam: Thirty years after the Islamic revolution, Iran is still defined by its struggle for a free society, not a nuclear agendaHow to save the world in Copenhagen Björn Lomborg: The summiteers need cool heads to combat global warming. Science must take precedence over politics
In praise of bipartisanshipMichael Tomasky: It may not be a fashionable thing for liberals to defend, but critics of Obama's bipartisanship effort don't understand who he's talking to
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| H7 A Kosovo Model for the Mideast - John Kilcullen, RealClearWorld
Tentative Steps in Saudi Arabia The Economist
Shaping Up Saudi Arabia BY: Stephen Schwartz and Irfan Al-Alawi | The Weekly Standard Saudi Arabia may have finally begun its long-predicted turn toward significant reform, as reported over the past weekend in Gulf media. King Abdullah ibn Abd Al-Aziz has effected a series of major decisions that could impose a dramatically new and modern direction on the kingdom
Saudi Arabia Changes Course, Slowly - Simon Henderson, WINEP
IRAN: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his country is waiting to see "signs of real change" under U.S. President Barack Obama. "Is bullying going to disappear?" he asked in a television interview on Tuesday night (Bloomberg).
US commanders at odds over Iraq From mixed reviews of security gains and debate over peacekeeping tasks to continued disagreements over whether President Barack Obama's 16-month withdrawal plan should be extended, US commanders just can't seem to concur on what the real situation is in Iraq. Most do agree that if the US stays too much longer, the Iraqis are going to get "lazy". - Gareth Porter
Daily Star A road still long for the Hariri tribunal By Michael Young
Let's think of rebuilding capitalism using sounder values
Palestine Backer or Israeli Spy? Lebanese Shock Over Arrest
Commentary: A fresh approach to national security McClatchy
Ayman Nour released at The Arabist Very sharp analysis by Cairo-based friend. Mubarak message to Obama: Bush-style pressure doesn't work on us, but we're happy to remove this irritant from our relationship.
Face Up to a Common Threat BY: Brahma Chellaney | The Japan Times Despite a spreading jihad culture, U.S. President Barack Obama has ended America's global "war on terror" as dramatically as his predecessor had initiated it.
The Most Dangerous Place in the World BY: Jeffrey Gettleman | Foreign Policy Somalia is a state governed only by anarchy. A graveyard of foreign-policy failures, it has known just six months of peace in the past two decades. Now, as the country’s endless chaos threatens to engulf an entire region, the world again simply watches it burn.
NATO meeting to address Afghan challenges ) -- Top NATO officials are expected to discuss efforts to expand the Afghan National Army at a meeting in Poland Thursday
Allies Appoint Envoys to Hot Spots - Nicholas Kralev, Washington Times Voice of America reports that the Obama administration appears to be taking small steps toward resuming dialogue with Syria (VOA). A high-ranking Congressional delegation is visiting the country this week.
Islamists Lose Ground in Indonesia Hard-line Islamic parties are losing popularity in Indonesia as the country prepares for presidential elections.
China Boosts Foreign Spending China is signaling greater willingness to use its wealth for acquisitions abroad, a shift that could accelerate a push into natural resources that has resulted in a string of deals in recent days
What The Troop Surge Means For Afghan SecurityIn the first major military decision of his presidency, U.S. President Barack Obama is significantly strengthening the combat presence of U.S. forces in Afghanistan | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq
Plan to Topple Al-Maliki's Government Revealed
Maliki toppled through Parliament? BAGHDAD, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- A lawmaker with the Iraqi National List said there is a plot to depose the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki through the Parliament.
Maliki Challenged in Speaker Vote Runoff
A covert challenge to Iran’s nuclear ambitions?
Iraq loosens post-war bid round terms for foreign oil companies
Palestine backer or Israeli spy? Lebanese in shock over arrest Lebanese investigators say that Ali al-Jarrah has confessed to a career of espionage for Israel spectacular in its scope and longevity.
Inside Tehran's Hearts and Minds
Boredom, Iraq's New Challenge to U.S. Troops BY: Richard Tomkins | The Middle East Times Violence nationwide in Iraq is at its lowest point in five years and its dampening, combined with restrictions on U.S. unilateral action, has made boredom a real enemy for many American combat soldiers and Marines.
Russia Freezes Sale of S-300 to Iran
US Senator to press Syria to 'help with disarmament of Hizbullah'
Iran Says It Has Built Unmanned Aircraft
Egypt's Nour released from jail Egypt frees opposition figure Ayman Nour after three years in jail on what he said were politically motivated charges
EU facing range of cyber threats LONDON, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The European Union is facing a wide range of cyber threats, including extremism and state-sponsored aggression, according to a Chatham House report.
Images depict Syrian chemical weapons site (UPI) -- A review of satellite imagery suggests activity at a site in northwest Syria is consistent with features associated with a chemical weapons site, analysts say.
Jihad only option, Iraqi opposition says BAGHDAD, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Holy war through the Iraqi resistance movement is the preferred solution to alleviating many of Iraq's problems, a Sunni opposition group said.
Iraqi forces strong in Basra ... for now BASRA, Iraq, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The deployment of Iraqi soldiers in a volatile Basra neighborhood is a sign of security gains, but those gains may be tested as political rivalries unfold.
Iranian Authorities Destroy Sufi Holy Site In IsfahanGonabadi dervishes -- members of a Sufi Islamic sect -- had been keeping watch on their place of worship in Isfahan, fearing that it would be destroyed by Iranian authorities. But there was little they could do when 200 security forces arrived with a bulldozer in the middle of the night.
| H9 Ha’aretz – Lieberman backs Netanyahu for prime minister Labor won't recommend anyone as next PM; Livni, Netanyahu waiting for Peres PM choice.
U.S. State Department: Syria can play positive role in Mideast Senators visiting Mideast, however, say Syria must change its behavior if it wants to bolster ties with U.S.
ANALYSIS / Israel's strategic games may endanger Shalit deal The cabinet has yet to discuss the actual price Israel is willing to pay for the abducted soldier's freedom
Go for it, Netanyahu Benjamin Netanyahu is afraid. Now, at the moment of truth, when he has the ability to implement his ideology, he has gotten cold feet.
Jerusalem Post 'Barghouti release may divide Fatah'Palestinian Authority warns jailed Tanzim leader not to criticize leadership if he is set free by Israel.
Analysis: Officials fear linking Schalit release with cease-fire puts Egypt relations at risk "Egypt invested a lot of time and effort into this cease-fire and we've just thrown it out the window."
Incentivize democratic mores [ DANIEL HALPER, | |
| A Russian answer to Iran's threat Moscow can bring Tehran to heel, if the US price is right. Is Obama ready to give up missile defense to make that happen?
Clinton must press China on rights A stable, open China is in America's best interests.
US troop buildup in Afghanistan could be a defining moment Obama's order to send 17,000 more troops comes before US has set a clear strategy.
Key prisoners at center of Israeli-Hamas negotiations Among the scores of Palestinian prisoners who Hamas wants freed in exchange for Israeli Sgt. Gilad Shalit is Marwan Barghouti, the most popular man in Fatah.
Obama mortgage aid targets responsible homeownersThe White House will use $75 billion to subsidize the loan payments of distressed mortgage-holders.
Who's to blame for automakers' woes?The industry itself bears some, but not all, of the responsibility, as GM and Chrysler seek more US aid.
Additional U.S. forces face 'tough year' in Afghanistan One day after President Barack Obama authorized another 17,000 more soldiers and Marines for Afghanistan, the top military commander there predicted a "tough year" ahead, saying there likely would be more attacks on U.S. forces as they move into places where they haven't been before
Asia Unemployment Expected to Swell Asia is likely to have 7.2 million more jobless people in 2009 than last year. Musharraf Warns Against Weaker Army Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s former president and military ruler, has issued a stark warning that any attempt to weaken the country’s army and intelligence services would lead to defeat at the hands of Islamist militants. NATO Revisits Afghan Strategy as US Troops Ready to Deploy
Surrender in Swat: Pakistan Withers Away - A. Baruah, Hindustan Times
China, Russia: A Pipeline Connection, an Act of Desperation? Russia and China have made a deal for the completion of a pipeline, but Russia could have made the deal out of economic desperation
Der Spiegel Lonely in Kabul: Karzai Faces Life - and Elections - without American Friends
The Taliban get their first wish The guns are silent in the Swat Valley in the Malakand division of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province following Monday's peace agreement between the government and militants. Islamic law will also be implemented. This is a significant victory for the Pakistan Taliban and their al-Qaeda colleagues after two years of fighting, and an extremely ominous development for the United States-led troops just across the border in Afghanistan. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
Hopes for U.S. military ties with China
US urges Nato to up Afghan effort The US has called on its Nato allies to increase their troop levels in Afghanistan to fight the Taleban.
India is 'prepared' after Mumbai
Flap Over China's One-Child Policy Stirs BY: Matthew Purple | The Washington Times
New USIP report, "Securing Afghanistan," strengthens case for urgent, sustainable reforms. Read the press release | Download the report
Sen. Fritz Hollings / The Huffington Post: Why are we in Afghanistan? — I keep asking the question: “Why are we in Afghanistan?”
Russia and Japan make progress on islands Taro Aso and Dmitry Medvedev agreed to adopt an ‘outside the box‘ approach to resolve a bitter territorial dispute over contested islands seized by Moscow in the second world war
Raising the Stakes in Afghanistan - Page and Vanden Brook, USA Today
Hillary's North Korea Naivete - John Bolton, Los Angeles Times
Afghan Lessons from Soviets - Washington Times
Bangladesh's Challenge BY: Philip Bowring | Asia Sentinel Bangladesh is at a turning point, politically, economically and diplomatically.
Two wars heat up India's elections
Deciphering the Sino-Africa saga
| H11 IHT Roger Cohen: Reading Khamenei in Tehran The central Iranian political fact of recent years has been the reinforcement of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How to engage with Iran begins and ends with him.
William Pfaff: Mission impenetrable Exactly what do we think we are doing in Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Russia and Georgia agree on security measures for Abhkazia and South Ossetia The measures, aimed at preventing or resolving security incidents in the breakaway regions, are due to come into operation in the next few days.
EU considers possibility of a small-country bailout The German finance minister has raised the prospect of a rescue of one country by the rest of the bloc becoming necessary.
Judy Dempsey: Nicolas Sarkozy is trying to end decades of French suspicion that have hampered NATO.
EUROPE European press review
EU forced to go soft on budget deficit breaches
Spain’s Recession: After the Fiesta BY: Victor Mallet | Financial Times When a top soccer club in a country as fanatical about the game as Spain fails to pay its players, it is a warning that something may be drastically wrong with one of Europe’s most successful economies
Demographic Worries: German Birthrate Rising -- But for How Long?
| H12 RFE/RL
Google News Azerbaijan
America's Confused Cause in Central Asia by William Pfaff
From Blue Chip to Fizzle BY: Roman Kupchinsky | The Moscow Times In theory, Gazprom should be one of the world's premier blue-chip companies. It owns the largest gas reserves in the world, employs thousands of highly qualified professionals, and most of Europe is its captive customer. But in reality, it appears that the company is coming apart at the seams.
A Russian answer to Iran's threat
China, Russia: A Pipeline Connection, an Act of Desperation? Russia and China have made a deal for the completion of a pipeline, but Russia could have made the deal out of economic desperation
TURKMENISTAN: COULD IRAN BE THE MISSING LINK TO EUROPE? EurasiaNet,
Armenian economic expansion in Abkhazia
Kyrgyzstan: Tracking Russia�s Assistance Package to Bishkek
Turkmenistan: Could Iran Be the Missing Link to Europe?
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| H13 The Times Google Earth reveals secrets of US drone base The US was secretly flying unmanned drones from the Shamsi airbase in Pakistan's province of Baluchistan as early as 2006
Rising debt could blight Obama's rescue plan Fears are mounting that President Obama's stimulus package for the economy will falter amid a deluge of bad economic news
UK 'has no plan' to boost Afghanistan troops Britain has welcomed the sending of thousands more US soldiers to Afghanistan but does not plan to emulate the move
This crisis is not a total failure of world capitalism - nothing will be achieved by a retreat into nationalism Oliver Kamm
Dogs slur sparks fresh Russia and Ukraine row Russian Ambassador to Ukraine summoned for a dressing-down after describing the country’s feuding leaders as a pair of dogs
Wall Street Journal Is the Administration Winging It? By Karl Rove Obama's reputation for competence is at risk.Trouble's Brewing in Europe's East By Thomas Mirow Postcommunist countries need some West European solidarity.What European Industry Wants From Government By Ernest-Antoine Seillière Bernanke: Nationalizing banks, if it's necessary, won't last long Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that there would be drawbacks to the federal government nationalizing banks and the Obama administration remained committed to "return them to private hands" quickly if nationalization became necessary.
| H14 Financial Times Protect European unity against crisisMerkel must use this week’s meeting of European leaders in Berlin to recapture the unity Europe so desperately needs
Challenge grows to Sarkozy’s Nato ambitions The French president is expected to confirm that France will resume its full role in the alliance – 43 years after Charles de Gaulle pulled out. He faces rising opposition Italy seeks to involve Iran in G8 talks
The eurozone needs a government bond market Move would help rescue plans, says George Soros
Zoellick urges EU to help east Europe World Bank chief calls for more backing from Brussels
Germany ready to help eurozone members Struggling states could be helped, says Steinbrück
Big-hitters stumped by their own ego When a single figure not only controls a financial institution but embodies it, investors should be wary. Banks that keep the ambitions and egos of individuals in check by making them work with, and under the eyes of, others have a fair chance of detecting fraud, writes John Gapper
Can slumdogs become millionaires in India? David Pilling presents his own quiz questions Why the regulators must have a global ‘risk map’ Otmar Issing and Jan Krahnen on preventing bubbles
Talk of allied discord on the Afghan front is 'tittle-tattle'
UK calls for unit to defend Nato territory
White House portal for a multimedia revolution
Action sought against tax havens in G20 'grand bargain'
Egypt frees challenger to Mubarak The authorities released Ayman Nour, an opposition politician whose jailing more than three years ago on forgery charges has caused tensions between Cairo and Washington
Obama launches mortgage rescue President Barack Obama unveiled a plan to cut mortgage payments for up to 9m borrowers on Wednesday as Federal Reserve policymakers predicted that unemployment would hit 8.5 per cent or more by the end of the year
A death retold A verdict is due in a high-profile Moscow trial that has shed unexpected light on the close links of current and former security and law enforcement officers with organised crime | H15 Los Angeles Times More troops may be needed in Afghanistan, U.S. commander says About 10,000 more U.S. troops may be sought to counter the insurgency in the south, in addition to 17,000 ordered this week by Obama, Gen. David McKiernan says.
Clinton visits Indonesia, urges partnership Indonesia, President Obama's boyhood home, is seen as key to solving global problems. Clinton says the Obama administration will sign a treaty that Bush declined.
Egypt unexpectedly frees dissident Then-President Bush had called for the release of Ayman Nour, a former opposition presidential candidate. The move may be a gesture of goodwill toward the Obama administration.
America can handle the coffinsTim Rutten A ban on showing the return of our military dead is a disservice to them and to us. Obama should lift it.
Hillary Clinton's North Korea naiveteBy John R. Bolton
GM, Chrysler don't get itBy Dan Becker and James Gerstenzang Detroit must build cars that go farther on a gallon of gas and pollute less
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Obama Faces Growing Economic Storms - David Gergen, CNN
Obama's Governing Style - Tony Blankley, Washington Times
From The Globalist, throughout history, how have economic downturns affected U.S. politics? (and more)
Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin
Holder: ‘Nation of cowards’ on race — Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday that despite advances, the United States remains “a nation of cowards” on issues involving race
| H17 Daily Telegraph Syria 'rebuilding' chemical weapons capability Syria is rebuilding its chemical weapons capability, according to satellite images analysed by Jane's Intelligence Review.
Karzai isolated as Miliband says no more troopsHillary Clinton reaches out to Muslims in Indonesia
Obama will help 9m US households keep homesBarack Obama tells Americans they must live within their means after announcing rescue package Challenges in AfghanistanDavid Miliband has seen the full range of difficulties facing British troops as they try to defeat the Taliban, says Con Coughlin.
| H18 Independent Europe opens covert talks with ‘blacklisted’ Hamas European nations have opened a direct dialogue with Hamas as the US intensifies the search for Middle East peace under Barack Obama.Afghanistan: Slipping out of control A grim picture of spiralling violence and a disintegrating society has emerged in Afghanistan in a confidential Nato report.
Leading article: The Middle East starts to feel the Obama effect Kim Sengupta: A campaign promise that Obama will keep We must print more money, says Bank Sean Farrell: Governor appeals for urgent action to salvage Britain’s shrinking economy
Gaza border crossings will not be opened without release of Israeli soldier Brown leads global drive to close down tax havens Deborah Orr: We despise the poor, but not the rich Leading article: No bonus for Mr Brown In the economic downturn, gold shines ever brighter
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| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism
Improving the PRT-Military Relationship
U.S. Naval Update Map: Feb. 18, 2009 A weekly approximation of the current locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups and Expeditionary Strike Groups, based on available open-source information
Greece: A Dud IED and Lessons Learned Despite a malfunctioning device, an Athens bombmaker could be progressing along his learning curve
Armchair Generalist: Merging the NSC and HSC - Pro and Con
Counter Intelligence by Philip Giraldi
Faster citizenship in uniformThe Pentagon is offering more immigrants a fast track toward citizenship as an incentive to serve. The policy should help the military cope with two wars and build up its language ability. (Boston Globe)
Paper by Williams and Adams on their view of necessary reforms of the NSC-HSC.
A covert challenge to Iran’s nuclear ambitions?
| H20 Slate
The Global Integrity Report 2008 Direct to Full Text Report Center for Public Integrity / Global Integrity
Cutting Through the "Data-Driven" Mantra: Different Conceptions of Data-Driven Decision Making
| H21 Alan Wolfe’s claim is that liberalism is a set of dispositions, habits of mind: liberals are talkative, tolerant, open-minded, egalitarian, and realistic... more»
Neither Britain nor America can boast a coherent, admirable, traditional cuisine. That is one reason both lands produce such great cookbooks... more»
Art has always needed patrons, as Jonathan Le Cocq explains. But taxpayer patronage means the arts are no longer being paid for by their direct audience... more» | |
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