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| H1 Newsweek Why Washington Worries - America's Imperial Foreign Policy - Fareed Zakaria, The problem with American foreign policy goes beyond George Bush. It includes a Washington establishment that has gotten comfortable with the exercise of American hegemony and treats compromise as treason and negotiations as appeasement. Other countries can have no legitimate interests of their own—Russian demands are by definition unacceptable. The only way to deal with countries is by issuing a series of maximalist demands. This is not foreign policy; it's imperial policy. And it isn't likely to work in today's world.
The Return of the Old Middle East BY: F. Gregory Gause III | Foreign Affairs In the Middle East, old-fashioned balance-of-power politics are back. To successfully play the game, the United States should pay close attention to the Arab-Israeli peace process, while keeping Iran off balance.
Financial Times Nation-building in Afghanistan is a long shot The new conventional wisdom is that there is no military solution. Western leaders instead talk about a “comprehensive approach” that includes economic development, improved government, regional diplomacy and peace feelers to the Taliban, writes Gideon Rachman
Hardliner set to be Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, the controversial leader of the far-right Yisrael Beiteinu party, is set to become Israel’s next foreign minister, to the alarm of the country’s neighbours and allies
Syria suffers as economy dries up Rapidly declining oil exports and an agricultural sector again hit by drought will contribute to making 2009 a particularly tough year for the country
Khatami pulls out of Iran’s presidential race Khatami had been seen by some Iranians as the best hope of unseating the fundamentalist president and moderating Iran’s foreign policy
Arab alarm over role for Lieberman Many are speculating that the appointment of the controversial far-right politician as Israel’s foreign minister will signal the end for any hopes of reviving the stalled peace process
West has more to gain from dialogue with Hizbollah
Iran Is Unlikely to Give Up Its Nuclear Enrichment Program - Council on Foreign Relations
The Dangers of 'Deglobalization' - Council on Foreign Relations
Wall Street Journal Stop Iran Now By Brian Binley Tough sanctions could still derail Tehran's nuclear project.Guardian Back from the brink Editorial: Pakistan needs a political leader who can unite the country Asia Times A wary Arab world eyes Iran's elections In the past, nations in the Persian Gulf feared Iran, but nobody came out and said it - let alone cut off diplomatic relations with Tehran as Morocco did last week. Now the Arab world is watching as Iran prepares for presidential elections, keeping fingers crossed, and fearing what they think would be a worst-case scenario: another term for President Mahmud Ahmadinejad. - Sami Moubayed
Weekly Standard Fear and Loathing in Riyadh - of Tehran - Olivier Guitta
New York Times Pakistan Avoids Pitfall, but Path Ahead Is Unclear A compromise between political rivals does not herald a solution to the instability of the nuclear-armed nation, but there are glimmers of hope.
DAVID BROOKS The Commercial Republic The United States is addicted to the pace of commercial enterprise. After periodic pauses, the country inevitably returns to its elemental nature.
In Downturn, China Exploits Path to Growth A $600 billion package for infrastructure, training and research is aimed at making China more competitive.
Washington Post Editorial The Truth About Torture An independent panel must ferret out the facts.
Aided by Financial Crisis, China Snaps Up Natural Resources Worldwide Oil, Minerals Are Among Acquisitions Worldwide
Pakistani Political Crisis Jeopardizes U.S. Regional Strategy
Has the U.S. Outflanked Iran? BY: Jon Haron-Feiertag | Diplomatic Courier An old maxim of diplomacy avows: triumph is in the timing. If that's right, Iran's leadership may have missed their moment with the nuclear negotiations. It would be no surprise. The Iranians have made disastrous calculations of the sort before.
Send the envoy: Obama's diplomatic posse
The Times Iraq approach won't help Afghanistan Rory Stewart has witnessed both our major conflicts. Here, he suggests a new way forward
Dollars and Sense Policymakers are far from powerless in tackling recession. In anticipating recovery in 2010, the US central bank is reflecting lessons from history
Bernanke: US recession could end in 2009 First ‘green shoots’ in US, as forecast by the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, help to spur a fragile rally in global markets
Ha’aretz – Ashkenazi in U.S.: IDF must prepare to strike IranIDF Chief tells Dennis Ross that Israel is interested first in diplomacy, but cannot rule out other options.
Analysis: So you want a two-state solution (UPI) -- In politics, as in life, be careful what you wish for. The Palestinians had long wanted a two-state solution, and, well, now they have a two-state solution. Two states, one in the West Bank and one in Gaza. Actually, better make that three states, if you count the state of confusion that the two opposing states have created. What is an Israeli general looking for in Washington? BY LAURA ROZEN
Is the Israel lobby running scared? Charles Freeman's withdrawal of his nomination as chairman of the United States' National Intelligence Council has deep repercussions for the Barack Obama administration's policy in the Middle East - and it may not be the triumph it first seemed for the Israel lobby and assorted right-wingers and neo-conservatives. - Robert Dreyfuss
A US general explains why the Iraq model doesn't apply
MIDEAST: Israel and Syria Step Closer Inter Press Service
Conspiracy Theorists Scrutinize Obama TiesCBS News Politico: Many Of The President's Nominees Are Part Of A Secret Elite International Group Known As Bilderbergers
Arab Unity: Can Saudi Arabia Change with the Middle East?
Time Iran's Ahmadinejad Boosted as Presidential Rival Khatami Bows Out
YaleGlobal Obama Hones Iran Strategy
Salon Obama faces a moment of truth in the Middle East By Gary Kamiya"Engaging the Muslim World": Why Lebanon isn't another Iran By Juan Cole
• 'The Road to Damascus' by Amitai Etzioni, The National Interest
Foreign Policy Sarkozy's Power Play
IHT Trillions that the world could use $11.5 trillion in assets from around the world may be hidden in offshore havens.
Europe must answer on economy, despite Obama's niceties The president may want to stay above the fray in the debate over E.U. nations' stimulus efforts, but that doesn't mean problems don't exit.
Los Angeles Times Iran's Mohammad Khatami drops bid for presidency The former leader says he'll defer to friend Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who is also challenging President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the election. But some question his explanation.
Israeli coalition government takes shape By Richard Boudreaux Right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman is closer to becoming foreign minister in a pact to join Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud coalition. Kadima's Tzipi Livni rebuffs overtures.
Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari may become a figurehead After the uproar over Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, many question whether the president will be able to maintain full power
WINEP
| H2 LA Times Obama wavers on pledge to declare Armenian genocide . The administration is considering postponing a presidential statement amid worries that it would risk Turkey's help in the Mideast.
FT Turkey set to give new mandate to Erdogan Beyond the adoring crowds, things are looking bleaker as the economic crisis erodes Turkey’s gains in prosperity, but electoral victory for AKP leader would be a chance to revive reforms
Kurdish independence just a dream, Talabani tells Turkey Turkey's public and private institutions need to fund $100bn this year with reserves of only $70bn.
Why Turkey Matters To The US Forbes Melik Kaylan, Obama will need all of his diplomatic skills in Ankara
(DIP) ERDOGAN'S CHIEF ADVISOR IN WASHINGTON DC FOR TALKS
GAFFNEY: Embracing of Shariah? Washington Times As part of Mr. Obama's “Respect Islam” campaign, he will travel to Turkey in early April. While there, he will not only pay tribute to an Islamist ...
Shaking Down the Turkic Brother? Turkey's AKP Government Obstructs Azerbaijan's Gas Outlet to Europe
Turkish Economic Stimulus Package Foresees Temporary Tax Cuts in Automotive and Other Sectors
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
"Local Elections a Referendum on Kurdish Issue"
Poll: Turkey’s image in Iraq improves 25 percent in two years
They're Mad as Hell in Kurdistan
US aid slips by Kurds’ veneer of success Stars and Stripes
Politico: Many Of The President's Nominees Are Part Of A Secret Elite International Group Known As Bilderbergers
Iraqi Kurdish Newspaper Fined 13 Million Dinar For Insulting President
New Book Accuses Iraqi Kurds of Assassinating Assyrian Leader
Kurdistan Parliament speaker calls to speed up budget approval
Iraqi Army besieges Iranian opposition camp
Forging new allies in the Middle East If you will recall, the friendship (or alliance, both used interchangeably) between the US and Turkey was ever so slightly sullied under the Bush ...
Southern Azerbaijan to Secede from Iran . Middle East´s Most Influential and Most Unknown Factor
Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık
US-Turkish declaration important message for Greek Cypriots- official
Alman Hristiyan Demokratlar'dan Türk Aday
Foreign ministers haggle over pipeline funding
Turkey disregards minority rights in schools
Jubilation in streets of Pakistan erupts in a word: 'Justice' ... is a "thoroughly democratic" country based on an Islamic system of governance, with a strong, powerful middle class, like that in Turkey or Malaysia. ...
Competing visions stall Turkish dam project
National Council meets to discuss governanceFamagusta Gazette
Islam and the West: Lines of Demarcation Brussels Journal -
Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop
Brookings The Future of Turkish Democracy Center on the United States and Europe
Türk Donanması Korsanları Engelledi
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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 Pakistan Avoids Pitfall, but Path Ahead Is Unclear A compromise between political rivals does not herald a solution to the instability of the nuclear-armed nation, but there are glimmers of hope.
DAVID BROOKS The Commercial Republic The United States is addicted to the pace of commercial enterprise. After periodic pauses, the country inevitably returns to its elemental nature.
In Downturn, China Exploits Path to Growth A $600 billion package for infrastructure, training and research is aimed at making China more competitive.
Touting Religion, Grabbing LandBy PATRICK FRENCH Pakistan’s Taliban, like Afghanistan’s, simply can’t be appeased.
Drones Are Weapons of Choice in Fighting Qaeda War has taken on a video-game quality, as missiles are fired on enemy targets from halfway around the world.
Editorial Pakistan’s Quick Fix President Asif Ali Zardari will have to do more to calm the political turmoil and confront the extremists who threaten Pakistan’s survival.
Reform Candidate Withdraws in Iran
Forming Coalition, Netanyahu Agrees to Make Nationalist Leader Foreign Minister
Pakistanis Rejoice Over Restoration of Justice...democratic” country based on an Islamic system of governance, with a strong, powerful middle class, like that in Turkey or Malaysia.
U.S. Says It Shot Down an Iranian Drone Over Iraq
U.S. and European Officials Discuss Detainees
Obama in Effort to Undo Bonuses at A.I.G. President Obama ordered the Treasury Department to “pursue every single legal avenue to block these bonuses” and make the American taxpayers whole.
Editorial The Gift That Keeps on Giving Congress must investigate where all of the A.I.G. bailout money went, and the new disclosures give them enough to get started
| H5 Washington Post Editorial The Truth About Torture An independent panel must ferret out the facts.
Aided by Financial Crisis, China Snaps Up Natural Resources Worldwide Oil, Minerals Are Among Acquisitions Worldwide
Pakistani Political Crisis Jeopardizes U.S. Regional Strategy
U.S. Says It Downed Unmanned Iranian Aircraft Over Iraqi Territory in February
U.S. Moves to Replace Contractors in Iraq Blackwater Losing Security Role; Other Jobs Being Converted to Public Sector
In Pakistan, Elation Over Restoration of Judges
Cleanup Task for a Shining City By Anne Applebaum, It's time to investigate those who gave the orders to torture.
Unity and Clarity in Afghanistan By Thomas A. Schweich, One of Bush's special ambassador's to the region urges a new partnership between Karzai and the U.S. before it's too late.
A Bad $50 Billion Bet By Stephen B. Soumerai and Sumit R. Majumdar
Anger Over Firm Depletes Obama's Political Capital President Obama's apparent inability to block executive bonuses at insurance giant AIG has dealt a sharp blow to his young administration and is threatening to derail both public and congressional support for his ambitious political agenda.
Bonus Blowback Could outrage at AIG's maddening payouts make a bad situation worse?
For Many Young Irish, First Taste of Hard Times Global Crisis Crushes Expectations of Boom Years
| H6 Guardian Back from the brink Editorial: Pakistan needs a political leader who can unite the country
Pakistan is being shaped by popular will as never before Mohsin Hamid: The decision to reinstate the chief justice is a fillip for democracy - and bad news for those waging war in Afghanistan America, one nation under no God? Michelle Goldberg: The number of secular Americans is rising faster than any other religious group. But faith will continue to influence politics
Man who defied rough justice The judge who stood up to the military rule in Pakistan and is now being rewarded
Sighs of international relief, but a bitter pill for the president The crisis has revealed a resilience and an enthusiasm for a genuinely functioning democracy that surprised many
If we behave as if it's too late, then our prophecy is bound to come true George Monbiot: However unlikely success might be, we can't afford to abandon efforts to cut emissions - we just don't have any better option
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| H7 Weekly Standard Fear and Loathing in Riyadh - of Tehran - Olivier Guitta
Has the U.S. Outflanked Iran? BY: Jon Haron-Feiertag | Diplomatic Courier An old maxim of diplomacy avows: triumph is in the timing. If that's right, Iran's leadership may have missed their moment with the nuclear negotiations. It would be no surprise. The Iranians have made disastrous calculations of the sort before.
• 'Arab Economies in the Twenty-First Century' by Paul Rivlin
All You Need Is Diplomacy - Weekly Standard opinion
Don't write off America: It's fashionable to say the US is in terminal decline; don't bet on it — still less wish for it.
The Iranians are Coming! BY: Amir Oraha | The Middle East Times MARC LYNCH What the Arab media is really thinking Speaking of Iran : Tariq Alhomayed Why words about Bahrain echo all the way to Rabat Theodore Karasik: The often-tense relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been at the centre of many of the major political shifts that have occurred in the Middle East since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Daniel Drezner & David Frum: A Lot To Worry About
The real G20 agenda: from technics to politics , Katinka Barysch
| H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq
Iraqis 'more upbeat about future' Violence and insecurity are no longer the Iraqis' chief concerns, for the first time since the 2003 war, a BBC poll suggests.
Khatami 'to quit' Iranian race Iran's former president Khatami is expected to withdraw from the June presidential election, the BBC understands.
Syria opens up, but will economy suffer? DAMASCUS, Syria, March 16 (UPI) -- The European community can play an independent role in the broader Middle East to help calm regional conflicts, the Syrian president said.
Syria suffers as economy dries up Rapidly declining oil exports and an agricultural sector again hit by drought will contribute to making 2009 a particularly tough year for the country
Iraqi Army besieges Iranian opposition camp
Iraqi Ground Forces 'Total Force' mobilization structure
Lebanon Opens Embassy in Syria for First Time
Iranian drone 'shot down in Iraq' US forces shot down an Iranian drone aircraft 60 miles (100km) north of Baghdad last month, the US military says.
| H9 Ha’aretz – Ashkenazi in U.S.: IDF must prepare to strike IranIDF Chief tells Dennis Ross that Israel is interested first in diplomacy, but cannot rule out other options.
U.K. to Iran: Take up Obama dialogue offer or face more sanctions
Amira Hass: Israel gave its soldiers a free hand to attack Gaza civilians
Statesmanlike in a narrow government Even in a narrow government Netanyahu will have to act as the leader of all the people and adopt a statesmanlike approach.
Shalit talks deadlocked as Hamas toughens stance
Bradley Burston / The racist Israeli fascist in me
Jerusalem PostLieberman tasked with Iran issue | ||||
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Israel's image in China
[ VICKY WU, Mar 16 21:45 ]
How we can build on a mainly positive attitude
Yedioth Ahronoth IDF chief: Strike on Iran a 'concrete option'...
Iran threat: Time to face reality Many Israelis still believe ‘almighty IDF’ can easily eliminate Iranian nuke threat
Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine
Analysis: So you want a two-state solution (UPI) -- In politics, as in life, be careful what you wish for. The Palestinians had long wanted a two-state solution, and, well, now they have a two-state solution. Two states, one in the West Bank and one in Gaza. Actually, better make that three states, if you count the state of confusion that the two opposing states have created.
Lieberman to Be Top Israeli Diplomat Avigdor Lieberman, the leader of a controversial Israeli nationalist party, agreed to join Netanyahu's government in exchange for an appointment as foreign minister and other cabinet seats
Nasrallah: Hizbullah Will Never Recognize Israel
MARC LYNCH Want Mideast peace? Better talk to these guys
What is an Israeli general looking for in Washington? BY LAURA ROZEN
Is the Israel lobby running scared?
Charles Freeman's withdrawal of his nomination as chairman of the United States' National Intelligence Council has deep repercussions for the Barack Obama administration's policy in the Middle East - and it may not be the triumph it first seemed for the Israel lobby and assorted right-wingers and neo-conservatives. - Robert Dreyfuss
MIDEAST: Israel and Syria Step Closer Inter Press Service
Pentagon Chief: U.S., Israel in Agreement on Iran Nuclear Timeline - Interview with Charlie Rose
Intifada: A third chapter
Israel's attack on Gaza is still fresh in the minds of Palestinians, though rumors of a third uprising abound in the face of mass arrests, extrajudicial executions, house demolitions and - perhaps the most contentious of all - increased settlement construction in the Occupied Territories. - Ramzy Baroud
MESH Netanyahu’s coalition problems
The Price of a Palestinian Unity Government BY: David Makovsky | The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Fatah and Hamas are considering the reestablishment of a Palestinian unity government. Although many scenarios are possible -- ranging from a full division of ministries to a government filled with anonymous technocrats -- each option raises serious issues. Most likely, though, Hamas would emerge as the big winner, with Fatah's standing greatly damaged.
A US general explains why the Iraq model doesn't apply
Big win for Pakistan protesters
The government agreed Monday to restore deposed judges. Activists want further reforms.
Aided by Financial Crisis, China Snaps Up Natural Resources Worldwide Oil, Minerals Are Among Acquisitions Worldwide
In Downturn, China Exploits Path to Growth A $600 billion package for infrastructure, training and research is aimed at making China more competitive.
STEPHEN WALT The quagmire in Asia
Plan to Split Taliban Lures Obama Deeper Into War
China likely to be stronger after crisis
Taliban Leader Mullah Omar Agrees to Peace Meeting - Christina Lamb, The Australian
U.S., Pakistani army chief crucial to resolving crisis? Celebrations broke out throughout Pakistan today after the government relented and announced the reinstatement of the fired chief justice, as a pro-judiciary opposition movement had sought
Obama might be losing public support for Afghanistan BY PETER FEAVER
Why Is Afghanistan Even Having Elections?
Malaysia: A New Bout of Uncertainty and Instability
March 16, 2009 1105 GMT
As the global recession wears on, Malaysia's economy is weakening and domestic politics are heating up
Pakistan Military Gave PM Ultimatum on Judge
Israel's image in China
[ VICKY WU, How we can build on a mainly positive attitude
Japan Renews Quest for Permanent UNSC Seat BY: Jason Miks | World Politics Review Japan made it known that it hoped to take advantage of any momentum in reforming the U.N Security Council to secure a seat as a permanent member. The renewed attention to the issue comes in the wake of an announcement by U.N. General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann last month that he planned to press forward with reform of the Security Council.
U.S., China worlds apart on climate change curbs China's top climate negotiator's visit to Washington on Monday sent a fresh signal that the two countries, which account for about half the world's greenhouse gas emissions, have a long way to go to reach a common agreement on how to cut emissions to prevent serious climate change
Analysis: North Korean threat to Japan (UPI) -- International tensions are mounting as North Korea is suspected of preparing to launch a long-range ballistic missile, believed to be an upgraded version of its Taepodong-2. Experts believe Pyongyang will launch the missile in early April. However, they also say it will not pose a military threat to Japan.
Pakistan takes a turn to the right In the early hours of Monday morning, the Pakistani government capitulated in the face of escalating street protests. All of the lawyers sacked in 2007 will be reinstated and the bans on key opposition figures will be reviewed. The abrupt decision is a stinging setback to the United States' influence in the country, and marks a decisive victory for the right wing. The troubles of the government of President Asif Ali Zardari are far from over. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
India tackles non-state actors
With traditional warfare almost a thing of the past, India's battles with far less tangible enemies, from the Taliban to Pakistani militants, have escalated and require a radical new approach. In response, the army has taken the unprecedented step of forming a committee to address the issue, which may lead to a major overhaul of military operations. - Neeta Lal
Pakistan's realignment of power The National
H11 IHT Trillions that the world could use $11.5 trillion in assets from around the world may be hidden in offshore havens.
Europe must answer on economy, despite Obama's niceties The president may want to stay above the fray in the debate over E.U. nations' stimulus efforts, but that doesn't mean problems don't exit.
Ireland's tough peace By DAVID PARK The recent attacks in Northern Ireland are not a sign that the Troubles have returned.
E.U. extends its eased stance on Belarus
European Union foreign ministers on Monday agreed to continue reaching out to Belarus, one of Moscow's closest allies, by suspending for a further nine months a travel ban on the country's President, Aleksandr Lukashenko, despite worries about his human rights record
EUROPE European press review
America from Mars, Europe Venus - Reiermann, Sauga & Schulz, Der Spiegel
Wait, the U.S. Is Telling Europe to Spend More Money?
Asia and Russia in the Age of Globalisation: the impact for Europe`s future Joschka Fischer,
US Missile Shield in EU to Cost Billions, Won't Work
Viewpoint: EU enlargement woes
A Continent Adrift BY: Paul Krugman | The New York Times Europe is facing at least as severe a slump as the United States, yet has failed to respond effectively to the downturn.
Slamming EU doors could be risky, says Katinka Barysch
Northern Ireland's consensus
Three murders in Northern Ireland were echoes of its violent past, but that's all they were. (Boston Globe)
Greece Says Bonds Will Sustain Budget
H12 RFE/RL
Stuck in the Minor Leagues BY: Alexei Bayer | The Moscow Times Last summer, Russia's military won its first foreign war in decades, albeit against a tiny neighbor. While not yet loved or respected, Russia was starting to be feared -- a welcome return to the glories of the past.
Panel flags state of U.S.-Russia relations A high-level bipartisan commission recommended that the Obama administration reach out to Russia in a number of ways, putting NATO membership for Georgia and Ukraine on hold.
New Afghanistan Transit Route to Cross Georgia?
Google News Azerbaijan
Too Big To Fail? Russia's bankrupt defense industry.
Relaunching NATO-Russia Ties - Washington Times opinion
Tajikistan: Pentagon Looks to Become Engine for Economic Stabilization in Central Asian State A Pentagon-funded aid program to Tajikistan will aim to promote economic development in some of the most neglected parts of the country over the next three years, in an attempt to "prevent the rise of another Afghanistan."
Armenia: Ter Petrosian to Run for Mayor of Yerevan In a surprise move that some say could spark further political turmoil, former President Levon Ter Petrosian has announced plans to run for mayor of Yerevan in the Armenian capital’s May 31 elections.
H13 The Times Iraq approach won't help Afghanistan Rory Stewart has witnessed both our major conflicts. Here, he suggests a new way forward
Dollars and Sense Policymakers are far from powerless in tackling recession. In anticipating recovery in 2010, the US central bank is reflecting lessons from history
Bernanke: US recession could end in 2009 First ‘green shoots’ in US, as forecast by the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, help to spur a fragile rally in global markets
Lieberman set to be Israel's foreign minister Soviet immigrant's divisive policies, including a threat to bomb Iran, have been widely condemned by the country's neighbours
Opposition victory in Pakistan stand-off President backs down in confrontation with opposition leader Sharif and reinstates judges and chief justice
Khatami to quit Iranian presidential race The move is part of a drive to prevent the reformist vote being split in two against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
US strengthens Afghan diplomatic presence Peter Galbraith, the former US ambassador to Croatia, is to be appointed as No. 2 in the UN mission in the war-torn region
Wall Street Journal Stop Iran Now By Brian Binley Tough sanctions could still derail Tehran's nuclear project.
China Acting Tough By Therese Shaheen
Seeming shows of strength actually tell of serious weaknesses.
Stephens: Afghanistan and the Left
Brazil's President Pushes for Trade Talks
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged world leaders to revive moribund trade talks amid the economic crisis and persistent sparring among Europe, the U.S. and developing countries.
H14 Financial Times Nation-building in Afghanistan is a long shot The new conventional wisdom is that there is no military solution. Western leaders instead talk about a “comprehensive approach” that includes economic development, improved government, regional diplomacy and peace feelers to the Taliban, writes Gideon Rachman
Hardliner set to be Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, the controversial leader of the far-right Yisrael Beiteinu party, is set to become Israel’s next foreign minister, to the alarm of the country’s neighbours and allies
Syria suffers as economy dries up Rapidly declining oil exports and an agricultural sector again hit by drought will contribute to making 2009 a particularly tough year for the country
Khatami pulls out of Iran’s presidential race Khatami had been seen by some Iranians as the best hope of unseating the fundamentalist president and moderating Iran’s foreign policy
Arab alarm over role for Lieberman Many are speculating that the appointment of the controversial far-right politician as Israel’s foreign minister will signal the end for any hopes of reviving the stalled peace process
Brown to warn Iran over nuclear secrecy The UK prime minister is set to increase pressure on the Islamic republic by threatening new sanctions unless it accepts an offer from the US to abandon its ‘concealed nuclear activities’
Germany takes long view Berlin has focused its crisis management on businesses rather than consumers based on the expectation that the downturn, while severe, would be short
Medvedev says crisis is a test Russian president says it is time for the country’s business leader to ‘return moral debts’ and ‘make sacrifices’ as government fears a rise in unemployment
Mexico to impose sanctions on US exports Mexico will raise tariffs on US exports in retaliation for ending a pilot programme to allow Mexican trucks on American road
Back to the future will be a painful journey Philip Stephen on a UK with no Money
Reforms key for central and eastern Europe Outside help is not enough, says Radovan Jelasic
Do not leave Africa in a scramble The potential cost of the crisis in Africa is not just unemployment; it is starvation, civil war and the closing of an escape route from poverty. That is a price the world cannot afford to pay
Let the sunlight in The US government has released details of AIG’s counterparties, illuminating some of the companies effectively being bailed out by the US government. This should only be the start
Tests of maturity Correcting the impression that there is no such thing as private property in Russia would do more for economic development than pipelines full of oil and credit
When papers fold
Urban US dailies may form a template for the newspaper industry’s future as they seek ways to survive
Swiss warn lifting secrecy ‘will take time’ Tax treaties could face referendums
Obama vows to fight AIG bonuses President to pursue ‘every legal avenue’
EU consumers buy into lower inflation Data show sharper drop in frequently bought items
Ford cuts output at European plants Further actions to cut costs are expected
Managers must listen before disaster strikes Michael Skapinker on value of whistleblowers
Let fairness triumph over corporate profit Trevor Manuel says states must check greed
H15 Los Angeles Times Iran's Mohammad Khatami drops bid for presidency The former leader says he'll defer to friend Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who is also challenging President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the election. But some question his explanation.
Israeli coalition government takes shape By Richard Boudreaux
Right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman is closer to becoming foreign minister in a pact to join Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud coalition. Kadima's Tzipi Livni rebuffs overtures.
Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari may become a figurehead After the uproar over Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, many question whether the president will be able to maintain full power.
EditorialJudging the ICC
The cases for and against U.S. participation in the International Criminal...
Blowback Chas Freeman dispute about more than just Israel
Camps in Darfur struggle with aid groups' exit
By Edmund Sanders
The U.N. and remaining aid groups are scrambling to bridge a shortfall in supplies and services after the Sudanese government expelled 13 groups in anger over an arrest warrant for President Bashir
U.S. troops' finest foe in Afghanistan
By Laura King
It gets in their weapons, their sleeping bags, even their teeth. There is no escaping this gritty menace
A Coming Populist Revolt?
Obama's Approval Rating Slips Amid Division Over Economic Proposals
Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook
PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin
Obama Orders Treasury Chief to Try to Block A.I.G. Bonuses
Do We Want the U.S. to Be Like Europe? - Charles Murray, The American
A GOP Idea That's Not Insane - Hendrik Hertzberg, The New Yorker
Afghanistan and the Left - Bret
The Democratic Danger to Obama - Robert Shrum, The Week
The Republican Civil War - Thomas Sowell, RealClearPolitics
From The Washingtonian, Joe Biden is now a heartbeat away from the presidency — his life has been full of surprising highs and extraordinary lows
H17 Daily Telegraph Obama to Meet Sinn Fein Leaders
Stability in Pakistan is crucial to our success in Afghanistan It's not difficult to work out the link between the deaths of the two British soldiers killed in Afghanistan and the continuing political chaos in neighbouring Pakistan, writes Con Coughlin.
H18 Independent Pakistan military 'forced rethink on judge' President's decision to bow to pressure and reinstate chief justice is hailed as historic moment in the evolution of a fragile democracy.
G20: Do what we say, not what we do
UK's clout in EU will fall under Tories Britain will lose influence in Europe if the Conservatives win the general election, the president of the European Commission has warned.
H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism
A Counterinsurgency Primer - Max Boot, Wall Street Journal book review of The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One by David Kilcullen.
US Missile Shield in EU to Cost Billions, Won't Work
Drones Are Weapons of Choice in Fighting Qaeda War has taken on a video-game quality, as missiles are fired on enemy targets from halfway around the world.
The new Pentagon sure does love its drones BY TOM RICKS
The Use of Mosques for Military Purposes
Robots and the Rise of "Tactical Generals"
Global Terrorism: The FBI`s Role
MoD: we've no idea how many troops suffer from trauma Military psychiatrist fuels debate about Britain's treatment of soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Interview with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: 'Away From the Politics of Fear'
H20 Slate
UN Warns of Rising Demand for Clean Water
Integrating U.S. Climate, Energy, and Transportation Policies: Proceedings of Three Workshops
Source: RAND Corporation
H21 Tyler Cowen / Marginal Revolution:
Do influential people develop more conventional opinions?
Paul Valéry: the most distinguished, versatile, and best-connected mind of his time, the ultimate French intellectual... more»
“Like Pascal, like Kierkegaard and Tolstoy, indeed like Nietzsche....” Who are you reading? Must be George Steiner. If you don’t care much for high culture, Steiner will care on your behalf... more»
Center for Financial and Economic Decision Making Studies Human Behavior
Happiness Secret From Leonardo da Vinci.
"One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself."—Leonardo da Vinci *
Work on 'veiled reality' earns French physicist $1.4 million award
Prestigious Templeton Prize recognizes his theory that a new reality lurks behind matter and other observable phenomena.
'Islamic MTV' takes on brash world of Arab pop videos
Cairo's 4Shbab TV offers a music video alternative – with content that its founder says isn't 'haram,' forbidden in Islam.
Newspapers' troubles escalate in recession Quest intensifies for new revenue streams, but solutions aren't in time to save some.
2009 State of the News Media Report Direct to Complete Report
You, only different: Why do girlfriends and wives keep trying to change their men?
You, only different: Why do girlfriends and wives keep trying to change their men?
This almost-chosen, almost-pregnant land American Babylon by Richard John Neuhaus America is "a country with the soul of a church", as author G K Chesterton wrote, and by no accident, it is the only industrial nation (apart from Israel) in which religion plays a decisive role in public life. The central role of religion continues to polarize Americans and confuse foreign observers. - Spengler
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Foreign Policy Blogs Passport : Tom Ricks : Dan Drezner : Stephen Walt : David Rothkopf : Marc Lynch : The Cable : Madam Secretary : Shadow Govt. : The Argument : The Call
PostGlobal - AmericaAbroad -The Corner - Passport - huffingtonpost / Pajamas Media / Open University / Today in Iraq / CounterterrorismBlog OutSide the Beltway - InstaPundit - winds of change Kausfiles - Becker Posner-andrewsullivan.com - Registan - armscontrolwonk - IsraPundit Regime Change Iran – Martin Kramer - Dani Rodrik
