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| H1 Security Challenges Arising from the Global Financial Crisis RICHARD N. HAASS, President, CFR Leslie Gelb Inside Obama's War Room - Council on Foreign Relations View full text of article If you were allowed to perch inside the Situation Room at the White House and listen to a National Security Council meeting, you’d find the most centralized and controlled operation, well, ever. It is an Obama-centric system. The president sets the schedule of meetings, runs the discussions with an iron hand, actually calls on attendees to talk, and usually ends the session by making decisions at the table. And either because of his command personality and style or the moderate consensus of the participants or both, they are getting along with each other better than any group of NSC officials in memory. It’s hard to escape the feeling that some of the Obama decisions fall into the category of change for change’s sake. Slate Intelligence Failure Rozen L'Affaire Freeman: The rise and fall of an appointment Christian Science Monitor Reports of America's decline are greatly exaggerated Here are six reasons why US economic clout will endure By Steve Yetiv Why Syria and Saudi Arabia are talking again It's about Iran, Iraq, and Israel. The two foes planned to meet in Riyadh Wednesday to solidify Arab unity amid regional volatility. New York Times Israel Stance Was Undoing of Nominee for Intelligence Post Charles W. Freeman Jr., a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, withdrew himself from consideration for a top intelligence post, following a successful campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists For War Supply Routes, U.S. Looks Even in Iran France Will Take Full NATO Membership Again, With Greater Military Role Defensible Missile Defense By THEODORE POSTOL How the United States can counter the threat of ballistic missile attacks from Iran without offending Russia Nonproliferation Expert Parses U.S. 'Clarification' On Iran Top U.S. intelligence officials told lawmakers in Washington this week that they think Iran has yet to decide whether to build a nuclear bomb. RFE/RL asked a Stockholm-based nonproliferation expert about the timing of their remarks, the underlying facts, and the "breakout scenario." GuardianCrackdown after crackdown Editorial: Pakistan's fledgling democratic government is being tested to its limits If Britain became complicit in torture, we must discover who is to blame Timothy Garton Ash: The only way to answer charges of a political cover-up is to hand this case over to the director of public prosecutions Sarkozy ends France's 40-year Nato feud Most symbolic foreign policy gesture of Sarkozy's reign will reverse De Gaulle decision to walk out Israel's iron wallCarlo Strenger: Israel's incoming rightwing government is blind to the country's deteriorating status in the western world Mark Weisbrot: After Abu Ghraib, Gitmo and extraordinary renditions, other countries now challenge America's standing on human rights We're at the fag-end of debt-based finance capitalism John Gray: Video: There can be no return to the status quo – we will now see geopolitical changes, as well as those to banking and economies Amazon forest could shrink by 85% Devastating study predicts one-third of Amazon's trees will be killed by even modest temperature rise Ex-Guantánamo inmate now in Taliban Man freed by US in 2007 now leading attacks on British troops in southern Afghanistan, US says Iraq's military future James Denselow: Will Iraq's new beefed-up army become the guardian of a fragile democracy, or the death of it? The Israel lobby's Lexington and Concord Richard Silverstein: Chas Freeman's resignation is the first skirmish in what will be a long war between the Obama administration and the Israel lobby IHT Iran's nuclear deception By WILLIAM H. TOBEY The report that Iran has produced more low-enriched uranium than previously reported should cause the U.S. and its European partners to deal cautiously with Iran. The Times Get your act together, Obama As finance ministers gather, the greatest threat to the global economy is America's failure of resolve Anatole Kaletsky Financial Times The audacity of help Obama aims to begin new era of progressive politics -- Through intervening to rebalance incomes as well as prop up America’s economy, Obama aims to make the crisis the beginning of a new era of progressive politics Hersh: ‘Executive assassination ring’ reported directly to Cheney — Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he told an audience at the University of Minnesota that the military was running an “executive assassination ring” throughout the Bush years Washington Post Influence of Israel Lobby Debated as Intelligence Pick Casts Blame for Pullout Freeman Blames 'Israel Lobby' for Withdrawal In a blunt e-mail screed, nominee to lead National Intelligence Council says he stepped down after online campaign by pro-Israel interests. On the Financial Crisis, We're Stuck in 'Phony War' Phase By David Ignatius, We're in the Neville Chamberlain phase of the economic crisis. We need Churchill. A Left of Center-Right Country By E.J. Dionne Jr. He loves to be called "pragmatic," but sometimes principles require articulation. Blame the 'Lobby' The Obama administration's latest failed nominee peddles a conspiracy theory. Freeman Jr. looked like a poor choice to chair the Obama administration's National Intelligence Council. A former envoy to Saudi Arabia and China, he suffered from an extreme case of clientitis on both accounts. Withdrawal of Charles Freeman Is a Loss to the Country By David S. Broder, Washington's lobbying machine deprived Barack Obama of a valuable adviser. World Agenda: why Syria key to US hopes of unlocking Middle East Times Online BY: Jumana Al-Tamimi | The Washington Times Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's first official trip to the Middle East left many Arabs convinced that she is more interested in repairing U.S. relations with Iran than in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. BY: William H. Tobey | The Boston Globe The report that Iran has produced more low-enriched uranium than had previously been reported should cause the Obama administration, and our European negotiating partners, to exercise great caution in dealings with Iran. Violent times How secure is Iraq's long-term future? Ha’aretz – Clinton: U.S. Gaza aid tied to recognition of Israel Obama administration adamant on maintaining previous U.S. presidential position of boycotting Hamas Gideon Levy / Everyone agrees: War in Gaza was a failure Hamas is stronger, the Palestinians are even more hateful toward Israel, and Israel is viewed as a pariah Jerusalem PostGates: More preemptive strikes unlikely US defense secretary says failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq poses "hard questions." Analysis: 'Mini-summit' unlikely to produce strategic realignment Russia may freeze sale of S-300 system to Iran Analysis: Seeing the world through the Iranian prism . Yedioth Ahronoth Waiting for Khatami US preparing for Iran talks, which will likely start after June elections, Ron Ben Yishai says Daily Star The world's networks are providing new forms of power By Joseph S. Nye CSIS Cordesman Winning in Afghanistan 03/12/2009 Reforming Defense Decisionmaking 03/11/2009 The Markle Foundation Task Force on National Security in the Information Age has released their new report - "Nation at Risk: Policy Makers Need Better Information to Protect the Country" What If the EU Fractures, China Stagnates, or the US Economy Worsens? Seeking Alpha Los Angeles Times Obama and Europe are having their first spat, over money Leaders balk at his call that EU countries boost public spending as the U.S. has. They're more concerned with toughening oversight of the financial sector -- and say America shouldn't throw stones. · Iraq Is Stable Enough for U.S. Troops to Leave BY: Lowell Schwartz | The Japan Times Fears that the decision to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq over the next 19 months will again plunge the country into debilitating violence are overblown. · The Pluses of a Regional Grand Bargain BY: Rami G. Khouri | The Daily Star The United States in the greater Middle East is doing the equivalent of walking and chewing gum at the same time -- in other words doing more than one thing at a time, and tackling more than one political issue at a time. Russia Presses Military Modernization, Despite Financial Crisis BY: Roger McDermott | Eurasia Daily Monitor Russian Deputy Defense Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Lyubov Kudelina outlined defense spending plans in light of the global financial crisis, expressing confidence that although there would be some cuts in the overall budget of the Ministry of Defense (MoD), this would not damage the reform and modernization of the armed forces. US negotiations could halt Iran's nuclear enrichment in a reasonable time frame, if the bar gaining is respectful and inclusive of Iran's national interests. But the respect and the talks need to start soon. (By Dr. Fatemeh Haghighatjoo, Boston Globe) By focusing on mutual interests in Afghanistan, the new administration has chosen the right way to begin a dialogue with Iran. (Boston Globe) Afghanistan: US Military Working to Open Afghan Supply Spur in Caucasus Having already opened a northern route for sending non-lethal goods to American and NATO troops in Afghanistan via Central Asia, the United States is now looking to establish a supply spur in the Caucasus. Outside View: New plan for U.S. security (UPI) -- For all the hand-wringing over the missteps in the Iraq War, the greatest failure lay in the architecture of the U.S. national security system. Juggling two wars and the nation's worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the time has come for President Barack Obama, his administration and Congress to create and enact a new national security system. Russia has 'Chechnya' ploy for Afghanistan Russia is already looking ahead to the time when the United States pulls out of Afghanistan, leaving behind an Islamic force that could spread all the way across Central Asia. Moscow's attempts to create a multinational force to meet this contingency are going nowhere. Another plan, drawn from the template used in Chechnya, would see Russia extend its hand deep into northern Afghanistan. - Dmitry Shlapentokh WSJ: Economists Give Obama, Geithner Low Grades... World population to reach nine billion by 2050: UN projections... An Empire of Military Bases - Bulletin of Atomic Scientists WINEP Palestinian Perspectives on a Unity Government Despite their differences, intervention by Arab states, Hamas pressure, and Fatah's own needs may be sufficient to produce an interim Palestinian "unity government" to facilitate Gaza reconstruction. Whether it can endure will depend largely on international reactions. Assad Says US Could Mediate Syria-Israel Talks U.S. Cannot Ignore Secret Syrian Nuclear Facility - Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Joshua D. Goodman (Jewish Policy Center) Brookings Barack's Too-Long Wish List: How the President Should Focus His Agenda Drezner Who you gonna call when you want to talk to America? Stephen Walt On Chas Freeman's withdrawal Rothkopf The great hollowing out and the rise of new threats | H2 Ex-PKK terrorists joining US army to fight in Afghanistan- Turkish TV Financial Times Kurds look anxiously for reconciliation Barzani warns the only guarantee of future stability in Iraq remains elusive as the US prepares to wind down its presence Why Turkey Is More Resilient Than Most Forbes Asli Aydintasbas, A country inured to economic crisis. 'Obama Döneminde İlişkilerimize Olumlu Başlamak İstiyoruz' Elekdağ Uzmanlar Obama'nın Türkiye Ziyaretini Değerlendirdi Iran says no need for Turkish mediation with US Arşivden İran Neden Türkiye’nin Arabuluculuğunu İstemiyor? Gurur ve Önyargı: ABD İran Gerginliği ve Türkiye Stratejik Analiz Nisan 2006 Iran wants chess, not America's football While encouraging Iran to hold discussions with the United States, Turkey is not going so far as to declare itself a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Although US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has asked Turkey to get involved, Iran's "chess game" mentality and regional aspirations may keep Ankara from asking Tehran to come to the table KURDISH WAR: PKK Goes To War With Itself Strategy Page ‘genocide’ debate reignites The Hill ABD Dışişleri Bakanlığı 'İnsan Hakları' Eleştirisini Reddetti Yeni Türk-Amerikan senaryosu iyilikler getirebilir 'Kürtler Amerika'nın Politikasını Yanlış Anladı' Iraklı Kürt politikacı Mahmut Osman, lraklı Kürtlerin Amerika'nın politikasını yanlış algıladığını söyledi. Osman, ABD ile Kürtler arasında herhangi bir güvenlik anlaşması olmadığını belirtti US lawmakers pressure Obama on Armenian issue Interpol praises Turkish anti-terror steps (UPI) -- The Turkish commitment to international counterterrorism efforts and information sharing is commendable, Interpol officials said. 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 Hamaney Türk-İran İlişkilerini Övdü Financial Times Kurds look anxiously for reconciliation 'Kürtler Amerika'nın Politikasını Yanlış Anladı' Iraklı Kürt politikacı Mahmut Osman, lraklı Kürtlerin Amerika'nın politikasını yanlış algıladığını söyledi. Osman, ABD ile Kürtler arasında herhangi bir güvenlik anlaşması olmadığını belirtti Assad Says US Could Mediate Syria-Israel Talks Turkey in the Fire Arutz Sheva Leader: Iran-Turkey ties disturb US, Israel PRESS TV Gül, Talabani to meet three times in one month UNHCR | Refworld | Turkey: The country's biggest religious ... President Gül: Kurdish problem will be solved, sooner or later Another Kirkuk weapons cache discovered Turkey: Prosecutors Start Digging for Suspected Kurdish Mass Graves More than 20 suspected members of Turkish Hezbollah arrested in ... Talabani Urges ECO Economic Activity in Iraq Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık Hristofyas Görüşmelerin Geleceğinden Umutlu ABD Dışişleri Bakanlığı 'İnsan Hakları' Eleştirisini Reddetti Ankara plays rather a safe game in the issue of the Armenian Genocide PanARMENIAN. Armenian Genocide recognition a priority: Letter to president ... Public Radio of Armenia - Cyprus should not miss the last chance for unification G20 says Turkey's finance among at best level AHI, In Response To US Report, Condemns Turkey Treatment Of ... Islam and the West: Lines of Demarcation Atatürk created the Turkish nation-state by imposing a secularist constitution; adopting a secular legal system based on French and Belgian models Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop Darwin Article Causes Flap in Muslim Turkey Darwin Is Too Hot for Turkish Officials: Evolution Article Gets... | 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 Israel Stance Was Undoing of Nominee for Intelligence Post Charles W. Freeman Jr., a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, withdrew himself from consideration for a top intelligence post, following a successful campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists For War Supply Routes, U.S. Looks Even in Iran France Will Take Full NATO Membership Again, With Greater Military Role Defensible Missile Defense By THEODORE POSTOL How the United States can counter the threat of ballistic missile attacks from Iran without offending Russia ROGER COHEN Gordon to the Rescue Feeling stirred by a passionate speech by Gordon Brown, the prime minister of Britain, it became apparent that it’s time for President Obama to inspire, not lecture. A Tsunami of Excuses By WILLIAM D. COHAN Bankers may insist that unstoppable forces caused the meltdown, not their bad decisions. The reality is that confidence in the banking system won’t return until they come clean. Hundreds Jailed as Pakistan Bans Planned Protest Police arrested hundreds of activists as the opposition party leader urged supporters to defy a ban on protests Afghan Court Backs Prison Term for Blasphemy President of Poland Is Sanguine on Economy Financial Fraud Is Focus of Attack by Prosecutors State attorneys general are preparing for a surge of prosecutions of financial fraud, and there are hints the Obama administration’s budget will add to the effort. Times Hires New Conservative Columnist | H5 Washington Post Influence of Israel Lobby Debated as Intelligence Pick Casts Blame for Pullout Freeman Blames 'Israel Lobby' for Withdrawal In a blunt e-mail screed, nominee to lead National Intelligence Council says he stepped down after online campaign by pro-Israel interests. On the Financial Crisis, We're Stuck in 'Phony War' Phase By David Ignatius, We're in the Neville Chamberlain phase of the economic crisis. We need Churchill. A Left of Center-Right Country By E.J. Dionne Jr. He loves to be called "pragmatic," but sometimes principles require articulation. Blame the 'Lobby' The Obama administration's latest failed nominee peddles a conspiracy theory. FORMER ambassador Charles W. Freeman Jr. looked like a poor choice to chair the Obama administration's National Intelligence Council. A former envoy to Saudi Arabia and China, he suffered from an extreme case of clientitis on both accounts. Withdrawal of Charles Freeman Is a Loss to the Country By David S. Broder, Washington's lobbying machine deprived Barack Obama of a valuable adviser. Treasury Seeks Billions More to Aid Ailing Nations Geithner Pledges Fresh Help for IMF, Will Ask Europe to Boost Stimulus After 43 Years, France to Rejoin NATO as Full Member Trade Figures Surprise Experts, Who Say Rebound Is Far Off Iraqi Court Sentences Hussein Aides and Family in 1992 Merchant Killings Paved With Magnificent Intentions By George F. Will, Why can't the administration be clear -- or plausible -- about what it is doing? Building a Better Capitalism By Harold Meyerson, The Wall Street model is dead. Germany and Scandinavia may have some tips. 'No One Values the Victims Anymore' Devastating Blast Creates Few Ripples in a Recovering Iraq Pakistani Police Arrest Hundreds Of Activists Some Fear Political Conflict Could Destabilize Government Afghan Envoy Assails Western Allies as Halfhearted, Defeatist Somali President Courts Insurgents 'They Have No Option but to Accept Peace,' Says New Leader of War-Torn Nation | H6 GuardianCrackdown after crackdown Editorial: Pakistan's fledgling democratic government is being tested to its limits If Britain became complicit in torture, we must discover who is to blame Timothy Garton Ash: The only way to answer charges of a political cover-up is to hand this case over to the director of public prosecutions Sarkozy ends France's 40-year Nato feud Most symbolic foreign policy gesture of Sarkozy's reign will reverse De Gaulle decision to walk out Israel's iron wallCarlo Strenger: Israel's incoming rightwing government is blind to the country's deteriorating status in the western world Mark Weisbrot: After Abu Ghraib, Gitmo and extraordinary renditions, other countries now challenge America's standing on human rights We're at the fag-end of debt-based finance capitalism John Gray: Video: There can be no return to the status quo – we will now see geopolitical changes, as well as those to banking and economies Amazon forest could shrink by 85% Devastating study predicts one-third of Amazon's trees will be killed by even modest temperature rise Ex-Guantánamo inmate now in Taliban Man freed by US in 2007 now leading attacks on British troops in southern Afghanistan, US says Iraq's military future James Denselow: Will Iraq's new beefed-up army become the guardian of a fragile democracy, or the death of it? The Israel lobby's Lexington and Concord Richard Silverstein: Chas Freeman's resignation is the first skirmish in what will be a long war between the Obama administration and the Israel lobby Benoît d'Aboville: As France returns to Nato's integrated military structure, it's time for the alliance to undergo a long-delayed transformation Open thread: Georgia's Eurovision entry has been rejected due to its apparently anti-Russian lyrics. Is it time to allow politics into the contest? Police race to prevent Real IRA bomb plot Intelligence reports say large device smuggled across border from south, the Guardian learns Judges deal blow to CIA 'kidnap' trial Trial of US agents accused of kidnapping a terrorism suspect runs into difficulties over evidence gathering Sharif fears for life in Pakistan Opposition leader accuses government of running 'elected dictatorship' that is plotting to kill him Passions on parade Editorial: The earlier bitter divisiveness of the army presence in Northern Ireland has softened US diplomat resigns over Israel criticism Former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia accuses his critics of libel and 'utter disregard for the truth' Oliver Burkeman: Another transition casualty Obama's war with the Israeli lobby | ||
| H7 Time Will the Economy Be Ahmadinejad's Downfall? BY: Jumana Al-Tamimi | The Washington Times Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's first official trip to the Middle East left many Arabs convinced that she is more interested in repairing U.S. relations with Iran than in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. BY: William H. Tobey | The Boston Globe The report that Iran has produced more low-enriched uranium than had previously been reported should cause the Obama administration, and our European negotiating partners, to exercise great caution in dealings with Iran. US Intel does not rule out Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapon from abroad Syria prepares for a Lebanese vacation By Michael Young Violent times How secure is Iraq's long-term future? • Which side of history? by Michele Dunne · Iraq Is Stable Enough for U.S. Troops to Leave BY: Lowell Schwartz | The Japan Times Fears that the decision to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq over the next 19 months will again plunge the country into debilitating violence are overblown. · The Pluses of a Regional Grand Bargain BY: Rami G. Khouri | The Daily Star The United States in the greater Middle East is doing the equivalent of walking and chewing gum at the same time -- in other words doing more than one thing at a time, and tackling more than one political issue at a time. Spy's retreat a win for the Israel lobby In this issue of Democracy, we offer a series of ideas covering the wide range of areas where new thinking is necessary. In our lead article, Georgetown University professor Charles Kupchan (writing with Adam Mount) argues that in a multipolar world, the drive to spread democracy to other countries is both counterproductive and likely to fail. Instead, he proposes a new doctrine - "the Autonomy Rule" - in which America would honor the autonomy of those nations which in turn honor the individual autonomy of their citizens. It is sure to be controversial, but it is an idea worth serious debate. · Steer Clear of Attack on Iran BY: Gareth Porter and Ray McGovern | Miami Herald Last year the Middle East dodged the danger of an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and the inevitable spread of hostilities. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen was sent to tell the Israelis that the United States would not support such an attack. · Words Alone Won't Defend Bahrain's Sovereignty BY: Claudia Schwartz | The Daily Star If you were to ask Ali Akbar Nateq Nuri, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, what the connection between Bushehr, Fars, Khorasan, Yazd, Qom and Bahrain is, he would respond that they are all provinces of Iran. The NaTİONAL Time for Syria to come in from the cold Opinion When Damascus hosted the annual summit of the Arab League a year ago, tense relations between Syria and many Arab countries, prominently Saudi Arabia and Egypt, led to barely half of the serving Arab heads of states attending. Al Hayat Syria and the Restoration of its Role Elias Harfoush - When Barack Obama's administration assigns the man who served as the U.S ambassador in Beirut during the period of Syrian-American antagonism, to re-engage Damascus, does this suggest an American apology, in the manner seen by Syria's allies in Beirut? Or does it reaffirm the fundamentals of American policy in Lebanon, basically centred on UNSC resolutions 1559 and 1701? · Obstacles Remain for U.S.-U.A.E. Nuclear Agreement BY: Elizabeth Zolotukhina | World Politics Review As one of her final acts as U.S. secretary of state, Condoleeza Rice signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) on Jan. 15, a deal touted by the Bush administration as a model for promoting peaceful nuclear energy while at the same time guarding against weapons proliferation. The Obama administration is still studying the accord before deciding whether to forward it to Congress for ratification into law. Salafism Making Inroads CEIP This US article assesses the significance of a new wave of politically-oriented Salafism in Egypt Saudi-Egyptian-Syrian summit in Riyadh Wednesday - first Obama ME breakthrough US Must Reengage the ICC - David Kaye, Los Angeles Times
Experts: Financial Crisis Threatens US Security Secretary Gates On Afghanistan Mission, Iraq Exit Iran’s Majles Strikes a Blow to Ahmadinejad’s Economic Plans Obama: Troop move to Mexican border under consideration President Obama weighed in Wednesday on the escalating drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying that he was looking at possibly deploying National Guard troops to contain the violence but ruled out any immediate military move The List: The World's Most Unexpected Crime Waves Al-Qaeda Has Won, in Washington - Andrew McCarthy, National Review
| H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Saudi brings Syria back into the fold Leaders of Egypt and Kuwait join King Abdullah in attempt to overcome rifts in the Arab world and weaken Iranian influence by playing host to controversial Syrian president Family planning takes firm hold in Iran A strategy to curb population growth in the conservative Islamic country, combined with widespread growth in female literacy, has gradually changed people’s outlook Some observers believe Mousavi’s candidacy could undermine the reformist camp by splitting their support base. Others say his candidacy is tactical and aimed at gaining wider support for the reformist cause Sons of Iraq transfer nears completion; focus shifts to job creation Iraqis defend security forces after attacks For War Supply Routes, US Looks Even in Iran FACTBOX-Security developments in Iraq, March 11 UN Says Iran Broke Weapons Ban - Joe Lauria, Wall Street Journal Iraqi PM Says Terrorists Are Losing Capability Obama Names Envoys to Afghanistan, Iraq Iraq’s Tariq Aziz, ‘Chemical Ali’ Get 15 Years Over Killings Iraq’s former deputy PM jailed for 15 years First conviction for Tariq Aziz, Saddam Hussein’s spokesman to the world, over his role in the 1992 execution of 42 Baghdad merchants Ejected from Darfur, aid workers fear for people there Iran friend to Arabs, Rafsanjani says TEHRAN, March 11 (UPI) -- Arab leaders have made unwelcome gestures toward Iran, which has been a staunch supporter of its Arab neighbors, a former president said. | H9 Ha’aretz – Clinton: U.S. Gaza aid tied to recognition of Israel Obama administration adamant on maintaining previous U.S. presidential position of boycotting Hamas Gideon Levy / Everyone agrees: War in Gaza was a failure Hamas is stronger, the Palestinians are even more hateful toward Israel, and Israel is viewed as a pariah Inside Intel / Camera shy Security relations between Israel and Russia are continuing to deteriorate Israeli firms seek role in Lockheed's new fighter-jet project Defense Min. urging U.S. manufacturer to subcontract work on F-35 jets to Israel; IAF orders 25 planes Netanyahu's vow to Syria: Israel won't provoke war Jerusalem PostGates: More preemptive strikes unlikely US defense secretary says failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq poses "hard questions." Analysis: 'Mini-summit' unlikely to produce strategic realignment Russia may freeze sale of S-300 system to Iran Analysis: Seeing the world through the Iranian prism Hamas: PA persecutes us in W. Bank Hamas official asks 'Post': "How can we talk about unity when our men are in Abbas's jails?" 'Peace most likely with Syria, not PA' Freeman blames 'Israel lobby' for ouster Former ambassador withdraws NIC bid; business ties more concerning than his opinions, critics say. Yedioth Ahronoth Waiting for Khatami US preparing for Iran talks, which will likely start after June elections, Ron Ben Yishai says Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine WSJ Mideast Peace Can Start With Economic Growth By Daniel Doron There are better ways of helping the Palestinians. WINEP Palestinian Perspectives on a Unity Government Despite their differences, intervention by Arab states, Hamas pressure, and Fatah's own needs may be sufficient to produce an interim Palestinian "unity government" to facilitate Gaza reconstruction. Whether it can endure will depend largely on international reactions. Daily Star To preserve America's security, Obama will need to break a taboo One of the biggest challenges that President Barack Obama will face in office will be to confront a problem that directly impacts US national security, but that is so taboo that few people in Washington are willing to talk about it openly. That problem is America's blind support of Israeli terrorism. Iran's Protocols of Potter by Josef Joffe · Israel Launches New 'Soft War' BY: Mel Frykberg | The Middle East Times Shortly after the guns fell silent over Gaza, during Operation Cast lead, Israel's three-week bloody onslaught over the coastal territory which left over 1,400 Palestinians dead and over 5,000 wounded, most of them civilian, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stepped up its 'soft war.' Freeman's Departure - Washington Times editorial Ex-AIPACer Rosen suing former employer for defamation Is Dealing with Hamas in the Cards? - Ron Kampeas What Was Behind the Freeman Fight? - Eric Fingerhut New York Times: Obama Caves to Israel Lobby History's Oldest Hatred - Jeff Jacoby | ||
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Reports of America's decline are greatly exaggerated Here are six reasons why US economic clout will endure By Steve Yetiv Why Syria and Saudi Arabia are talking again It's about Iran, Iraq, and Israel. The two foes planned to meet in Riyadh Wednesday to solidify Arab unity amid regional volatility. Northern Ireland refuses to cede peace Protestants and Catholics unify in vigils to protest the violence. Pakistan tries to derail popular countrywide protest Authorities arrested hundreds of lawyers and activists and banned public gatherings in two provinces. Asian Footsteps in Africa - Tarun Khanna, RealClearWorld Al Qaeda's Afghanistan Presence Increasing, US Official Says - Greg Miller, Los Angeles Times Biden Asks NATO for Aid in Afghanistan - Edward Cody, Washington Post Gauging Obama's Asia Policy - Ralph Cossa, Japan Times Tony Karon Bet on a Pakistan Coup Stratfor Pakistan: A Bogus Threat and the Bigger Picture Geopolitical Diary: The Difficulties of Talking to the Taliban China local, China global, Kerry Brown How is Afghanistan Different from Al Anbar? Tibet Is China's West Bank - Alex Pasternack, Foreign Policy BY: WALID PHARES | Middle East Times The U.S. administration is being advised that any change in strategy in Afghanistan is better than the previous situation. It is being told that the surge model as applied in Iraq may work, if modified to meet Afghanistan's "complexities." China Is Not An Evil Empire Körber Foundation Ahmed Rashid: AS OBAMA GEARS UP IN AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN FACES LEADERSHIP VOID Deal With Afghan Insurgents Could Prove Elusive Debate in Afghanistan: Can Negotiations With the Taliban Succeed?
Pakistan protesters start march Lawyers and political activists around Pakistan start a four-day anti-government demonstration over sacked judges. N Korea 'satellite test date set' North Korea plans to carry out a controversial satellite launch in early April, South Korea's official news agency says. Emergency Rule Leaves Pakistan on the Brink New Pakistan Peace Deal Raises Familiar Concerns There are fears that unless the government deals with the entrenched Taliban factions in the Waziristan tribal region, the prospects of peace in both Pakistan and Afghanistan will remain elusive The general struts his stuff in India | H11 IHT Iran's nuclear deception By WILLIAM H. TOBEY The report that Iran has produced more low-enriched uranium than previously reported should cause the U.S. and its European partners to deal cautiously with Iran. Vigorous trade will help the world recover. For that to happen, the United States must provide strong leadership and a clear commitment to fighting protectionism. Roger Cohen: Gordon to the rescue Obama has been giving fireside lectures rather than fireside chats President of Poland is sanguine on economy In an interview, the president of Poland challenged the view that Eastern Europe as a whole is heading into a deep recession. Italian court upends trial involving CIA links The court threw out much of the evidence in a case against American intelligence operatives, ruling that prosecutors had violated state secrecy. EUROPE European press review Slaughter in class horrifies Germany France abandons its 'Maginot line' to rejoin Nato Agitation as middle-class Europe struggles to cope Economics is convulsing European politics, but the spasm of unrest was hardly expected when the crisis broke in 2007 France's Nuclear Future - Eduardo Cue, US News & World Report Return to the Nato 'will boost our influence' President Sarkozy tells sceptical France that historic step is a boost to national power and no risk to nuclear sovereignty Europe’s Policy Options for Fighting the Illegal Employment of Migrant Workers EIPA A 9-page article examining legislation within Europe for imposing sanctions against employers of irregular migrants Slowing Growth Puts Pressure On Greek Banks Sarkozy Moves to Restore France's NATO Role TIME - CEPS NATO and the US in the Obama Era Hungary’s economy shrinks rapidly Hungary’s economy contracted faster than at any time since 1990 in the final quarter of 2008, with the bleak figures following a turbulent week for the region in which authorities sought to discourage panic currency selling with verbal intervention Merkel vows to return CDU to centre right Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, seeks to soothe critics within her party who claim that her ruling coalition had drifted too far to the left Big in Brussels: How Verheugen Is Winning Praise in Europe Germany stunned by shooting spree Germany is in shock after a teenager kills 15 people - including nine students - in a gun rampage before shooting himself But French divided as Sarkozy cements Nato bond Plunging Exports: Economy Worst Since World War II Says Merkel | H12 RFE/RL Google News Azerbaijan · Russia Presses Military Modernization, Despite Financial Crisis BY: Roger McDermott | Eurasia Daily Monitor Russian Deputy Defense Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Lyubov Kudelina outlined defense spending plans in light of the global financial crisis, expressing confidence that although there would be some cuts in the overall budget of the Ministry of Defense (MoD), this would not damage the reform and modernization of the armed forces. Russia has 'Chechnya' ploy for Afghanistan Russia is already looking ahead to the time when the United States pulls out of Afghanistan, leaving behind an Islamic force that could spread all the way across Central Asia. Moscow's attempts to create a multinational force to meet this contingency are going nowhere. Another plan, drawn from the template used in Chechnya, would see Russia extend its hand deep into northern Afghanistan. - Dmitry Shlapentokh
Capitalism in Central Asia - Kennan Institute Kremlin Robbed Yukos Tycoon, Russia - Yulia Latynina, Moscow Times Inside Intel / Camera shy Security relations between Israel and Russia are continuing to deteriorate Russia, China, and the United States in Central Asia SSI This 73-page US monograph discusses the prospects for great power competition and cooperation in the shadow of the Georgian crisis Kazakhstan: Financial Crisis Fans the Embers of Political Discontent | ||
| H13 The Times Get your act together, Obama As finance ministers gather, the greatest threat to the global economy is America's failure of resolve Anatole Kaletsky They should growl, or bark? But neither conveys the essentially inconsequential nature of the communication The Islamist protesters against British soldiers espouse a perverse ideology and abuse the liberties of a free society; the liberal State is entitled to defend itself Saddam's frontman jailed for 15 years Tariq Aziz is convicted of crimes against humanity and the dictator's half-brothers are sentenced to death Ex-Guantanamo inmate leads Taleban revival Abdul Ghulam Rasoul was held for six years before his release by a review board that determined he was no longer a threat Bill Gates loses $18bn as billionaires feel pinch Forbes magazine's rich list shows a drop in the number of the world's billionaires, as the global recession hits the rich Wall Street Journal U.S. Seeks Bigger IMF War Chest Geithner proposed that G-20 nations enact substantial stimulus efforts and boost the IMF's emergency resources, as Obama called for coordinated action to resuscitate growth and overhaul financial regulation. (Remarks) The Wright Stuff By James Taranto WONDER LAND Rove: The White House Misfires on Limbaugh Old Europe Is Right on Stimulus BY: Richard Katz | Foreign Affairs The financial crisis of 2008 need not usher in a replay of Japan's "lost decade" of the 1990s. The current crisis is the result of correctable policy mistakes rather than deep structural flaws in the economy. Forecasting the Recession: The Need for Further Scrutiny | H14 Financial Times The audacity of help Obama aims to begin new era of progressive politics -- Through intervening to rebalance incomes as well as prop up America’s economy, Obama aims to make the crisis the beginning of a new era of progressive politics Saudi brings Syria back into the fold Leaders of Egypt and Kuwait join King Abdullah in attempt to overcome rifts in the Arab world and weaken Iranian influence by playing host to controversial Syrian president US calls for tripling of IMF firepower Geithner urges radical action on crisis --The US raised the stakes in its drive for an aggressive response to the global financial crisis, calling for a tripling of the International Monetary Fund’s firepower and bigger fiscal stimulus measures worldwide Sarkozy confirms full return to Nato Move draws angry cross-party backlash Now is the time for a less selfish capitalism Richard Layard says trends can be reversed Get down to earth ‘Use it or lose it’ is not the most aerodynamic of rules. A proper overhaul of EU policy would get rid of the old carriers’ vestigial privileges altogether. Until that happens, this ungainly rule is a price worth paying to keep uglier distortions taking off Why the US needs a super-regulator Ben Bernanke is right that the US regulatory system needs consolidation, which would make it easier for collaboration with other countries to fight cross-border risks A red herring diet The G20 countries April meeting must focus on achieving the global co-operation needed to resolve the crisis and not allow itself to be distracted by headline-grabbing initiatives on bonuses and tax havens Kurds look anxiously for reconciliation Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdish Regional Government, warns the only guarantee of future stability in Iraq remains elusive as the US prepares to wind down its presence Agitation as middle-class Europe struggles to cope Economics is convulsing European politics, but the spasm of unrest was hardly expected when the crisis broke in 2007 Vacuum in US stymies planning for G20 Family planning takes firm hold in Iran A strategy to curb population growth in the conservative Islamic country, combined with widespread growth in female literacy, has gradually changed people’s outlook N Korea is more Confucian cult than rogue state It’s a helpful view, says David Pilling Builders can expect little from the Treasury Jonathan Guthrie on a construction catastrophe Do not believe reports of Dubai’s demise Afshin Molavi says its problems are exaggerated The case for a Glass-Steagall ‘lite’ There are sound reasons to impose some kind of split between buy side and sell side in the financial services industry, writes John Gapper. It is wrong to jump from doubting the usefulness or practicality of reimposing the Glass-Steagall Act to rejecting any such structural reform Questions remain in Madoff drama ‘No innocent explanation’ for guilty plea Developing nations outperform as equity markets drop Forgotten victims of the global downturn Algeria turns to Chinese knowhow Engineering and construction companies from China are providing the needed expertise to speed up the north African country’s $200bn drive for modernisation | H15 Los Angeles Times Obama and Europe are having their first spat, over money Leaders balk at his call that EU countries boost public spending as the U.S. has. They're more concerned with toughening oversight of the financial sector -- and say America shouldn't throw stones. Sea encounter prompts vow by U.S., China Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and China Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi meet in Washington and agree to try to avoid future incidents. EditorialAn open debate on Israel Obama's appointee to lead the National Intelligence... A 'truth commission' for Bush? What should be the purpose of a recently proposed inquiry --... World hunger, the crisis inside the economic crisis By Sonni Efron As food prices skyrocket, the jobs and wages of the poorest are being devastated. But will the... Northern Ireland stands united despite killings Even hard-liners appear to have lost their appetite for violence and retaliation after a decade of peace. The killers of two soldiers and a policeman are called 'traitors.' | ||
| Is Obama taking on too much? Bolstered by high approval ratings, the president sees a limited window of opportunity to enact his agenda. Economists Give Obama Failing Grade Democrats draw up plan for second stimulus bill Democrats in the US Congress are drawing up plans for a second stimulus bill amid fears the first $787bn package was not enough NEW POLL: America Is Evenly Divided Between Progressives/Liberals And Conservatives/Libertarians Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin Obama v. Limbaugh: Poll finds it's no contest The deepening recession is taking a slight toll on President Barack Obama's standing, but he's still twice as popular as archnemesis Rush Limbaugh, according to a new McClatchy-Ipsos poll. The numbers help explain why Obama and his team relish a pitched battle with Limbaugh, who's enormously popular with his fans but deeply unpopular with even more people. | H17 Daily Telegraph G20 summit in London must tackle causes not symptoms Telegraph View: Next month's summit must address the question of global economic imbalances. We should be alarmed about rising sea levels Scientists have dramatically increased forecasts of rising sea levels, and the results could rival science fiction, argues Fred Pearce. Northern Ireland's killers have no popular support The actions of a small number of violent criminals must not be allowed to provoke anyone to undo the progress that has been made in Northern Ireland, says Owen Paterson, the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. | H18 Independent Pakistan locks up hundreds in bid to silence protests New regime falls back on tactics used by Musharraf to silence dissent. Andrew Buncombe: Leaders play silly games while the nation burns Slaughter in class horrifies Germany France abandons its 'Maginot line' to rejoin Nato Leading article: When the ice melts, it is too late Adrian Hamilton: If only it was as easy as the Obama supporters thought Student facing twenty years in hell Afghan court secretly sentences student whose cause was taken up by The Independent. His crime? To download article on women's rights. Yaqub Ibrahimi: Powerful criminals are playing games with an innocent man Leading article: One victim of the Taliban's advance in Afghanistan | ||
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Reforming Defense Decisionmaking 03/11/2009
Special Warfare - 1962 Okay, you remember back a few years when those trying to figure out counterinsurgency were snapping up all available copies of Galula’s 1964 Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice and breaking out the popcorn to watch the 1967 movie The Battle of Algiers. Well, now circulating amongst those tasked for figuring out “Irregular Warfare” comes the 1962 US Army "booklet" entitled Special Warfare – with an introduction by President John F. Kennedy. So here, SWJ brings you another blast from the past. · The U.S. and the Gray Arms Market BY: Jody Ray Bennett | ISN Security Watch American mismanagement of arms flow inhibits its ability for success in Afghanistan and provides a steady supply of weapons for insurgents. BY: Richard Norton-Taylor | The Guardian British defence is in its worst state since the end of the cold war. When will the government wake up? A Long-Term Vision for Homeland Security Center For American Progress – Obama: Moving Guantanamo inmates won't harm U.S. towns President Barack Obama noted that U.S. prisons already hold convicted terrorists and that the decision of where to put detainees now held at Guantanamo would include avoiding "a situation that elevated the risks for surrounding communities." Chatham launches health security center LONDON, March 11 (UPI) -- London-based think tank Chatham House announced a venture to strengthen international security with a new center focused on global health concerns. Outside View: Don't let Pentagon implode WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- This week the National Defense University and the Atlantic Council jointly hosted a major conference in Washington on the future of the Department of Defense. Underpinning the conference was the proposition that what happened to Wall Street and Main Street -- implosion -- could well happen to the Pentagon. | H20 Slate · The U.S. Must Reengage With the International Criminal Court BY: David Kaye | Los Angeles Times The arrest warrant issued last week for Sudan President Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir has thrown into stark relief a question the Obama administration and Congress need to address: What are we going to do about the International Criminal Court? Lydia Saad / Gallup: High Commissioner’s first annual report to the Human Rights Council | H21 Times Hires New Conservative Columnist — The New York Times has hired Ross G. Douthat, a 29-year-old conservative writer and editor at The Atlantic, as an Op-Ed columnist, nearly two months after ending the year-long run of another conservative columnist, William Kristol, officials at the paper said Wednesday. Man wrongly convicted of killing barmaid to walk free after 27 years DNA tests prove innocence of misfit who had obsession with confessing to crimes Google to match ads with viewing habits Personal targeting raises privacy issues Quality thought is vital. So why don’t schools foster it? IPod Shuffle Goes Microscopic (Almost) -- Apple launched the next generation of the iPod Shuffle yesterday, making the smallest iPod even smaller and giving it a voice. The new device costs $79 and can store about 1000 songs. Billionaires’ List Shrinks 30% World's richest not so rich, Gates regains top spot The 2009 Forbes Billionaires and Young Billionaires lists are now available online. Scientists harness anti-matter, ordinary matter's 'evil twin' Artificial life 'could be created within five years'... World population to reach nine billion by 2050: UN projections... By Stephen H. Webb The teaching of history, as it unfolds, should be a higher priority in schools ANALYSIS: it will save time and money 'Beltway' batteries will give several hours of power after only seconds of recharging and will lead to reduced electricity use Survey finds that division of domestic tasks strongly depends on sex Telegraph View: Evolutionary psychologists may insist that millions of years on the savannah predisposed men to mowing the lawn and women to making packed lunches GALLUP: 'Record-High 41% of Americans now say global warming is exaggerated'... | ||
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