| H1 The Washington Quarterly now online Current Issue Revisiting the Future: Geopolitical Effects of the Financial Crisis Mathew J. Burrows and Jennifer Harris Will reduced U.S. political and market clout be one of the casualties? President Obama issued a video message aimed at the Iranian people and their government on the occasion of Nowruz, the traditional New Year's celebration in Iran and across much of Central Asia. STEVEN WALT How I would convince Iran to give up its nukes A realistic approach to Iran's nuclear program The Economist The new world order How China sees the world And how the world should see China China and the West A time for muscle-flexing As Western economies flounder, China sees a chance to assert itself—carefully Iran The problem of Persian pride Iran is unlikely to respond to overtures from Barack Obama; but it’s worth a try Iran's presidential choice It could make a big difference The ' Dark Horse' Enters the Race
Asharq Alawsat By Amir Taheri For 20 years, Mir-Hussein Mussavi Khamenehi was mentioned as the "dark horse" in successive Iranian presidential elections. Rand Saudi-Iranian Relations Since the Fall of Saddam: Rivalry, Cooperation, and Implications for U.S. Policy Financial Times Iraqi alliance signals ‘new political map’ The move of Iraq’s prime minister to ally himself with an outspoken Sunni leader and a militant cleric suggest the emergence of a new axis of power centred on nationalism Do not let the ‘cure’ destroy capitalism In devising reforms to reduce the likelihood of future severe contractions, capitalism’s accomplishments should be appreciated. Governments should not so hamper markets that they are prevented from bringing growth to poor economies, write Gary Becker and Kevin Murphy India faces a choice: is it a big power or great power? It’s about responsibility, says Philip Stephens Wall Street Journal U.S. Courts Former Afghan Warlords Former Afghan warlords are again being seen as useful partners as Obama undertakes a massive overhaul of the war in Afghanistan. IMF Tweaks Program to Attract Borrowers The IMF plans to sweeten a $100 billion lending program announced in October that failed to attract borrowers. Idle factories, moored container ships, widespread bankruptcies, massive migration back to the hinterlands, strangely clean air—the signs of depression are everywhere in China. Because it makes so many of the goods the world isn’t buying now, China stands to be worse hit than the rest of the world —just as America was during the Depression, when it was the world’s sweatshop. But like America then, China will use tough times to design innovative products that will get it the high profits and the high-value jobs Americans kept to themselves for decades. And that is very bad news for the United States, unless it uses tough times to reinvent itself, too. CFR Power Rules: How Common Sense Can Rescue American Foreign Policy (Audio) Washington Quarterly Forget Bretton Woods II: the Role for U.S.-Japan-China Trilateralism Yoichi Funabashi The time is neither ripe nor sufficiently abundant now for a “new Bretton Woods.” The current crisis demands not a brand new structure, but rather a reenvisioned process with the careful cultivation of U.S.-China-Japan trilateralism Talking with Insurgents: A Guide for the Perplexed Daniel Byman Talks with insurgents are often necessary to end conflicts, but they can also be politically costly, fail, and even backfire. Policymakers and analysts should consider these eight questions, derived from Iraq and elsewhere, for Afghanistan and beyond Dirty Windows and Burning Houses: Setting the Record Straight on Irregular Warfare
John A. Nagl and Brian M Burton
Although military force is not always the tool of choice, the U.S. military must continue to improve its ability to conduct post-conflict reconstruction, counterinsurgencies, and train and advise allied security forces, all while simultaneously preserving its major combat capabilities. Balance is the key FT Azeris pave way for president-for-life Opposition leaders in oil-rich Azerbaijan vowed to overturn a referendum that paves the way for Ilham Aliyev, whose popularity is threatened by falling oil prices, to become president-for-life; yet they also conceded unrest was unlikely because of political apathy and memories of a previous crackdown How the Obama Administration Should Engage Russia By The Heritage Foundation - Ariel Cohen Panel says world should ditch the dollar... A U.N. panel will next week recommend that the world ditch the dollar as its reserve currency in favor of a shared basket of currencies Forbes: The United States Of Ponzi American Conservative Freeman’s Fight Philip Weiss The Israel lobby takes down Obama’s pick to chair the National Intelligence Council, but in the process exposes its agenda. McClatchy A rising China waltzes gingerly with the Russian bear Washington Post New Alliances In Iraq Cross Sectarian Lines Political Jockeying Suggests An Emerging Axis of Power - Negotiations before elections raise possibility politicians could bridge ethnic, sectarian divides. Israeli Coalition Appears Fated to Clash With U.S. U.S. Could Hit N. Korean Missile, Says Commander While the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have their own particular dynamics, there is still much to learn from the comparison. DAVID BROOKS Perverse Cosmic Myopia As the global financial system is collapsing, leaders are unable to focus on the immediate crisis. Instead, they take refuge in projects that are years and decades away. Editorial NATO’s Mission For NATO to be meaningful after 20 years of post-cold-war drift, the alliance must succeed in Afghanistan. Right now, it is frighteningly close to failing. Off With the Bankers The Asian financial crisis offers lessons to solving our own — when insiders have broken a financial institution, the most direct remedy is to kick them out. We're still not having an honest debate about the Iraq war BY PETER FEAVER Guardian 'In real terms, Nato is losing' It's been more than seven years since Nato forces invaded Afghanistan. Yet there's no end in sight for the conflict. Julian Borger reports Obama reaches out to Iran in new video message Barack Obama uses the festival of Nowruz to send a message to Iran that the US wants end decades of tension Lessons to be learned from Iraq Robert Fox: Iraq, six years on: The war has left plenty of issues that will need answering before the US military withdrawal Who Is Nouri al-Maliki? BY: Daniel Long Hoffman | Middle East Times Iraq in 2009 will continue to resemble a no holds barred political free for all, as forces both in and outside of the country wrangle to put their imprint on the nascent government Independent Israel's dirty secrets in Gaza Army veterans reveal how they gunned down innocent Palestinian families and destroyed homes and farms. The Big Question: Does an impending shortage of vital resources threaten catastrophe? Azerbaijan: Taking a Step toward Monarchy? Azerbaijan’s constitutional referendum featured a Soviet-style result, as election officials claimed that more than nine out of every 10 voters expressed approval for lifting presidential term limits. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, are describing the referendum as a charade designed to mask the introduction of hereditary rule in the country. US spills Afghan war into Pakistan Asia Times Expanding a covert war into Pakistani territory, as proposed in Washington's new Afghan war plan, will derail any potential political dialogue and rightly inflame the Pakistani public. There is now a growing regional perception that President Barack Obama's administration lacks any clear-headed strategy in the war. Political chaos in Kabul and Islamabad is only making matters worse. - M K Bhadrakuma Burn, Balochistan, burn
Somebody needs to tell United States President Barack Obama that a strong government in Kabul capable of overseeing its provinces and porous borders is a pipe dream, and that Western allies have no interest in participating in the US's new front in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. The best solution for Afghanistan remains China's: a UN peacekeeping force, largely composed of Ha’aretz – How IDF troops 'infiltrated alleged Syria nuke site' Swiss daily: Commando operation took place month before airstrike that reportedly destroyed reactor ANALYSIS / Bibi and Barak are a perfect political match Both leaders consider Israel a fortified Western island in the heart of an Arab-Muslim ocean Netanyahu is just a mirror Looking in the mirror is not always a pleasant experience. It can make you see that you have grown into a nation that has little reason to be proud of its choices Obama's Afghan Struggle by Fouad Ajami As finances tumble, blame economists, not economics
By Dani Rodrik | H2 Washington Post Now in Power, Obama Faces Conundrum on Foreign Policy Pledge Campaign Vow to Call Armenians' Deaths 'Genocide' to Be Tested Making Plans for Obama's Trip to Turkey Next Month U.S. News & World Report Turkish official says US relations in historic era Türk Halkı Obama'yı Destekliyor Rand Turkey as a U.S. Security Partner F. Stephen Larrabee Full Document (2008) Obama reconsidering Turkey genocide pledge by Steven J. Rosen Stratfor Turkey, U.S.: Strengthening Ties as Ankara Rises The United States and Turkey have many issues of common interest to discuss as Ankara moves to become a regional player WSJ Turkey Nears Deal on Aid This Month Turkey appears to be opening the way for a deal with the IMF after holding out against a support package. Turkey risks gas bypass Asia Times Turkey is continuing to make unacceptable demands for the transit of Azerbaijani gas across its territory as part of the Nabucco pipeline project. Turkey's efforts to extract advantageous terms for permitting the transit of Azerbaijani gas to Europe are holding back a decision to further develop the Shah-Deniz gas field. That won't last, given the range of routes available. - Robert M Cutler Obama gets big thumbs up from Turks ahead of visit Babacan: Leaders privately backed Erdoğan's Davos outburst Obama to visit Turkey on April 6-7: Turkish PM Can Turkey Help Bridge East and West?
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 The PKK Won't Lay Down Arms - E. Uslu & O. Aytac, Today's Zaman Washington Quarterly Talking with Insurgents: A Guide for the Perplexed Daniel Byman Talks with insurgents are often necessary to end conflicts, but they can also be politically costly, fail, and even backfire. Policymakers and analysts should consider these eight questions, derived from Iraq and elsewhere, for Afghanistan and beyond A New Era in Turkish Kurdish ties Babacan: Israel will be critisized if needed Arab League Chief Visits Iraq's Kurdistan Region Voice of America Cevdet Aşkın Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık DECIPHERING TURKEY’S DELAY TACTICS IN OPENING THE BORDER WITH ARMENIA Other Views: Time to recognize
Daily Breeze - Maybe Obama is waiting until after his upcoming trip to Turkey, so as not to embarrass his Turkish hosts on a matter that's anathema to them. IMF Tweaks Program to Attract Borrowers The IMF plans to sweeten a $100 billion lending program announced in October that failed to attract borrowers. New generation of Turks eyes brighter future in Germany German Muslims and the Israel question Mehmet Daimaguler There is fear that anti-Semitism is rising among Europe's Muslims, transforming Europe into the new center of anti-Israeli hatred. But Europe's 56 million Muslims are an exceedingly heterogeneous group, and the situation varies greatly from one Muslim community to another. Lobby accuses Turkey of dividing Armenian diaspora Greece's Cornerstone Industries Slow Greece has been one of the accidental victims of the financial crisis. Though its banking system is healthy, it is heavily dependent on overseas sources of income Obama visit to be start of new era, Atılgan says Controversy surrounds water forum in Turkey | H3 Son Dakika Milliyet Hürriyet Zaman GH Türkiye Birinci Sayfalar Akşam Birgün Bugün Cumhuriyet Dünya Hürriyet Milli Gazete Milliyet Posta Radikal Referans Sabah Star Taraf Tercüman Türkiye Vakit Vatan Yeni Şafak Zaman Arşiv Video NTV CNNTürk Milliyet Cengiz Çandar Ahmet Taşgetiren Ruşen - Çakır Taha Akyol Fikret Bila Hasan Cemal Murat Yetkin İsmet Berkan Fehmi Koru Taha Kıvanç Şamil Tayyar Ali Bayramoğlu Yasemin Çongar Ertuğrul Özkök Hasan Ünal Ahmet Hakan M Ali Birand Cüneyt Ülsever Enis Berberoğlu Oktay Ekşi Özdemir İnce Mehmet Y Yılmaz MUHARREM SARIKAYA ERDAL ŞAFAK ENGİN ARDIÇ ERGUN BABAHAN EMRE AKÖZ Umur Talu HASAN BÜLENT KAHRAMAN NAZLI ILICAK MEHMET BARLAS MAHMUT ÖVÜR YAVUZ DONAT Ekonomi ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM Ercan Kumcu Erdal Sağlam |
| While the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have their own particular dynamics, there is still much to learn from the comparison. DAVID BROOKS Perverse Cosmic Myopia As the global financial system is collapsing, leaders are unable to focus on the immediate crisis. Instead, they take refuge in projects that are years and decades away. Editorial NATO’s Mission For NATO to be meaningful after 20 years of post-cold-war drift, the alliance must succeed in Afghanistan. Right now, it is frighteningly close to failing. The Asian financial crisis offers lessons to solving our own — when insiders have broken a financial institution, the most direct remedy is to kick them out. House Passes Heavy Tax on Bonuses at Rescued Firms Spurred by anger over A.I.G. bonuses, the House voted 328 to 93 to levy a 90 percent tax on bonuses paid by any company owing more than $5 billion in bailout money. Soldiers’ Accounts of Gaza Killings Raise Furor in Israel An inquiry will look into published accounts from Israeli soldiers about the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza Israel Arrests 10 Hamas Leaders Veterans of U.S. Diplomacy Try to Revive Nuclear Arms Talks With Russia Memo From Libya: A Leader Beyond Reproach Limits the Possibilities for Political Change Pakistan Accused of Link to Kabul Attacks Afghan Legislator Killed in Bomb Attack Obama Extends Iran an Olive Branch on Videotape Many in Government Knew Weeks Ago About A.I.G. Bonuses | H5 Washington Post New Alliances In Iraq Cross Sectarian Lines Political Jockeying Suggests An Emerging Axis of Power - Negotiations before elections raise possibility politicians could bridge ethnic, sectarian divides. Israeli Coalition Appears Fated to Clash With U.S. U.S. Could Hit N. Korean Missile, Says Commander French Workers Strike in 2nd Round of Protests Against Sarkozy Economic Policies Editorial Washington Gone Wild Congress's destructive reaction to the AIG bonuses Congress Moves to Slap Heavy Tax on Bonuses 90% Levy for Biggest Payouts at Bailed-Out Firms Latest CIA Scandal Puts Focus on How Agency Polices Self As a novice CIA case officer in the Middle East, Andrew Warren quickly learned the value of sex in recruiting spies. Israeli Coalition Appears Fated to Clash With U.S. Israeli Military Probes Possible Troop Misconduct in Gaza War Vast Rural India Sparkles As an Expanding Market Bonuses on a Slow Boil By Michael Kinsley, After the AIG pot reaches a boil, Obama and Co. dig themselves a deeper hole. Commanding the Heights of Hypocrisy By Michael Gerson, The hollow outrage and blame-shifting from Congress and the White House are inexcusable. Bonfire of the Trivialities By Charles Krauthammer, A pitchfork-wielding Congress, stumbling administration and mere rounding error are threatening economic revival. Does Tim Geithner Get It? By Eugene Robinson The Era of Excess is over. Why isn't the Treasury secretary sending the message? Health-Care Reform -- A Cause Whose Time Has Come By Thomas A. Daschle, The former HHS nominee says the momentum for change is irresistible | H6 Guardian 'In real terms, Nato is losing' It's been more than seven years since Nato forces invaded Afghanistan. Yet there's no end in sight for the conflict. Julian Borger reports Obama reaches out to Iran in new video message Barack Obama uses the festival of Nowruz to send a message to Iran that the US wants end decades of tension Lessons to be learned from Iraq Robert Fox: Iraq, six years on: The war has left plenty of issues that will need answering before the US military withdrawal Return of the 'crazies' to Iraq debate James Denselow: Iraq, six years on: The neoconservatives are once again trying to claim a moral victory despite evidence to the contrary No more brotherly love Mohanad Hage Ali: As Pakistan descends into lawlessness, the close relationship it once enjoyed with Iran is being tested to the limit Pakistan strikes are not the answer Micah Zenko: Expanding Predator drone use in Pakistan will shrink America's chances of winning the struggle against terrorism In praise of... Noruz Editorial: The thoroughly ecumenical holiday celebrated by Muslims, Kurds, Ismailis, Parsees and Zoroastrians As they did Ozymandias, the dunes will reclaim the soaring folly of Dubai Simon Jenkins: This off-the-shelf city state, built on laundering the profits of oil, drugs, arms and western aid, stands on the brink Record numbers join anti-Sarkozy protests Over 1.2 million protesters take to street over poor pay, factory closures and unemployment The Fed hits the emergency button Josh Bivens: Ben Bernanke's decision to fire up the printing presses and buy $1tn in securities is both reassuring and worrying |
H7 Who Is Nouri al-Maliki? BY: Daniel Long Hoffman | Middle East Times Iraq in 2009 will continue to resemble a no holds barred political free for all, as forces both in and outside of the country wrangle to put their imprint on the nascent government Six Years Later, Iraq's Future Remains Clouded - Rania Abouzeid, Time Carnegie The Oil Boom in the GCC Countries: Old Challenges, Changing Dynamics Waiting Game Hinders Diplomacy BY: Phil Sands | The National With the opening of the Lebanese Embassy in Syria this week, the troubled relationship between Beirut and Damascus has taken another step towards normalisation. Iraq’s future should not be its past With the US due to leave Iraq by 2011, time is running out to make the myriad political reforms that will sow the seeds of a lasting peace in Iraq. Hizballah and Iran in the Age of Engagement BY: Magnus Norell | The Washington Institute for Near East Policy In early March, the British government reestablished contact with Hizballah, reversing a ban that had been in effect since 2005. The move comes less than a year after Britain decided to actually tighten the ban on Hizballah and outlaw its military wing. The decision not only highlights the lack of a coordinated EU policy regarding the Shiite movement, but also complicates EU and U.S. efforts to formulate a coherent and unified policy toward Lebanon and Iran. Lebanon's Hopes for Democracy - Max Boot, Los Angeles Times opinion An Arab democracy experiment in jeopardy BY NATHAN BROWN CFR Economic and Political Development in the Middle East: Managing Change, Building a New Kind of Partnership (Audio) USIP Doing History, Doing Peace? Contested History, the Work of Historians and the Search for Reconciliation in the Balkans and the Middle East Rise of the 'Iran Lobby': Teheran's front groups move on-- and into-- the Obama Administration Continue Reading (PDF)... Freeman is nothing more than a sideshow
How Obama Should Approach G-20 - Robert Kuttner, American Prospect The president of the UN General Assembly insults the suffering millions in Darfur by saying that the indictment of Sudan's strongman Omar Bashir is an example of racism. (Boston Globe) | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Obama speaks to Iranian people in video message In an unprecedented video message released Friday on the celebration of the Persian new year, President Barack Obama speaks directly to the Iranian people and government, saying his administration "is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us" and that that the process "will not be advanced by threats New Alliances in Iraq Cross Sectarian Lines US offers Iran a 'new beginning' US President Barack Obama offers "a new beginning" in ties with Iran in an unprecedented video message to the Iranian people Iraq Uses Foreign Military Sales to Rebuild, Strengthen Security Forces | H9 Ha’aretz – How IDF troops 'infiltrated alleged Syria nuke site' Swiss daily: Commando operation took place month before airstrike that reportedly destroyed reactor U.S. offers Iran 'new beginning' in diplomacy Obama urges Iran to take its 'rightful place in the community of nations' through peaceful actions. ANALYSIS / Bibi and Barak are a perfect political match Both leaders consider Israel a fortified Western island in the heart of an Arab-Muslim ocean Netanyahu is just a mirror Looking in the mirror is not always a pleasant experience. It can make you see that you have grown into a nation that has little reason to be proud of its choices. German Muslims and the Israel question Mehmet Daimaguler There is fear that anti-Semitism is rising among Europe's Muslims, transforming Europe into the new center of anti-Israeli hatred. But Europe's 56 million Muslims are an exceedingly heterogeneous group, and the situation varies greatly from one Muslim community to another. ANALYSIS / Probe into Gaza op allegations comes too late 06:36 IDF in Gaza: Killing civilians, vandalism, and lax rules of engagement How many Palestinians were killed? A strong Lebanese army is good for Israel U.S.-Lebanon defense relations burgeoned considerably over the last three years, during which time the U.S. has provided the LAF with nearly $400 million in security assistance. US official denies report Teheran backed Syrian nuke efforts, claims only North Korea was involved. The Israelis are fighting the same enemy we are, writes Rupert Murdoch Labor May Split Over Coalition Offer Yedioth Ahronoth Assad under pressure Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine I Am Not Jewish But... - Rupert Murdoch, Jerusalem Post Incoming Israeli Coalition Is Built to Clash With US Israel troops admit Gaza abuses An Israeli college prints soldiers' damning tales of civilian killing and destruction of property during the Gaza offensive Palestine Question now absent from Obama's agenda Barometer: Israeli Swap Deal Fails An Israeli foreign minister who won’t wear velvet gloves Alan Philps : Diplomacy We are now in the land of zero-sum: Lieberman – and a good proportion of the Israeli electorate – will not tolerate the presence of Israeli Arabs as a badge of Israel’s democratic credentials. Israel to investigate killings of civilians in Gaza operation The Israeli army's chief prosecutor on Thursday announced an investigation into the killings of Palestinian civilians during Israel's military incursion into Gaza earlier this year as soldiers' testimony about the operation triggered a public furor Palestinian militants' advantage in Gaza? The key there is a system of trap-doors and tunnels. In Israel, recession pressures boil over into looting Isolated outbreaks have erupted after beleaguered business owners or managers defaulted on debts, stopped paying workers and went into hiding How will Olmert's legacy be judged? |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Hijab debate lifts veil on limits of Norway's tolerance A Muslim woman's request to wear a hijab with her police uniform has sparked national controversy. Palestinian militants' advantage in Gaza? The key there is a system of trap-doors and tunnels. Gates lightens load for war-worn forces Ending 'stop loss' is just one example of how he has sought to heal an overstressed military. ASIA Idle factories, moored container ships, widespread bankruptcies, massive migration back to the hinterlands, strangely clean air—the signs of depression are everywhere in China. Because it makes so many of the goods the world isn’t buying now, China stands to be worse hit than the rest of the world —just as America was during the Depression, when it was the world’s sweatshop. But like America then, China will use tough times to design innovative products that will get it the high profits and the high-value jobs Americans kept to themselves for decades. And that is very bad news for the United States, unless it uses tough times to reinvent itself, too. Downturn Heightens China-India Tension Spats over toys, tires and iron ore are stoking tension between China and India, as the two Asian giants try to pry open each other's markets. New strategy for Afghanistan taking shape Stars and Stripes Stress-testing the rise of China U.S. Courts Former Afghan Warlords Former Afghan warlords are again being seen as useful partners as Obama undertakes a massive overhaul of the war in Afghanistan. U.S. Outlines Approach to Pakistan CIA Director Leon Panetta is making an unannounced visit to Islamabad, guiding the Obama administration in fashioning a new Pakistan policy. A rising China waltzes gingerly with the Russian bear US spills Afghan war into Pakistan Asia Times Expanding a covert war into Pakistani territory, as proposed in Washington's new Afghan war plan, will derail any potential political dialogue and rightly inflame the Pakistani public. There is now a growing regional perception that President Barack Obama's administration lacks any clear-headed strategy in the war. Political chaos in Kabul and Islamabad is only making matters worse. - M K Bhadrakuma Burn, Balochistan, burn
Somebody needs to tell United States President Barack Obama that a strong government in Kabul capable of overseeing its provinces and porous borders is a pipe dream, and that Western allies have no interest in participating in the US's new front in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. The best solution for Afghanistan remains China's: a UN peacekeeping force, largely composed of Muslim soldiers. - Pepe Escobar Mullick: A New Dawn In Pakistan American policies in Pakistan and Afghanistan, more than any other factor, created the daunting crisis President Barack Obama now faces there. (By Stephen Kinzer, Boston Globe) Does Afghanistan Need a Surge? - Matthew Yglesias, American Prospect
It's Too Late to Talk to the Taliban - M.K. Bhadrakumar, The Hindu
Talking with Insurgents: A Guide for the Perplexed Daniel Byman Talks with insurgents are often necessary to end conflicts, but they can also be politically costly, fail, and even backfire. Policymakers and analysts should consider these eight questions, derived from Iraq and elsewhere, for Afghanistan and beyond. [excerpt] Toward Reconciliation in Afghanistan
Michael O'Hanlon Will additional U.S. troops bring about a turning point in the war? How can the political reconciliation process be strengthened to help secure and stabilize the Afghan government? [excerpt] Time for Sober Realism: Renegotiating Relations with Pakistan C. Christine Fair The United States has failed to achieve all but minimal progress toward most of its objectives with Pakistan. Pakistan’s intentions and security perceptions are the crux of the problem, and U.S. policy must significantly change to address them. [excerpt] How Obama Can Get South Asia Right
C. Raja Mohan Iran-Pakistan pipeline project Obama envoy Holbrooke once served on AIG's board Support the Surge - The Times editorial US Admiral Condemns China's 'Aggressive' Actions
Talking with the 'Moderate' Taliban - Washington Times editorial
Guy Sorman George Washington Patrols the Pacific Anchored by its nuclear-powered carrier, the Seventh Fleet protects global trade. China's Dirty Little Secret - James McGregor, Forbes The New Consensus in Pakistan - Gwynne Dyer, Jakarta Post
The Economist The new world order How China sees the world And how the world should see China China and the West A time for muscle-flexing As Western economies flounder, China sees a chance to assert itself—carefully The future of India The Bangalore enlightenment Lessons For the West From Asian Capitalism BY: Kishore Mahbubani | Financial Times Asians will naturally view with caution any western advice on economics, particularly because most Asians believe that the crisis has only vindicated the Asian approach to capitalism. Squeezed Out The Economist Even as China publicly urges other countries to commit to opening their markets to Chinese investment and trade, it is imposing yet another barrier to outsiders. Worse still, the barriers are in its domestic consumer sector, one of the rare global economic bright spots. Vast Rural India Sparkles As an Expanding Market The Day Pakistan's People Became Sovereign - Shaukat Qadir, The National
Clouds in Pakistan's Silver Lining - Zubair Bhatti , Dawn
China's corruption goes from covert to overt China's already graft-weary public is outraged by the attempts of local governments to effectively "legitimize" corruption. At least dubious deals traditionally took place behind doors, now allowances for massages and spa visits are being openly discussed. - Stephanie Wang | H11 IHT E.U. rejects U.S. stimulus stance in favor of welfare spending Seeking to quash American hopes of more stimulus spending, European leaders on Thursday hit on a new argument: Unlike the United States, Europe will spend huge sums during the recession through its generous welfare systems. U.S. 'wise men' on diplomatic mission to Russia Trying to pull America's relations with Russia out of a tailspin before the presidents of the two countries meet for the first time next month, three former U.S. secretaries of state and a former secretary of defense were in Moscow on Thursday for informal meetings with top officials. A small and dangerous spat Protectionist measures against U.S. trading partners could drive the world into an even worse economic slump. Philip Bowring: Slide into irrelevance In its response to the economic crisis, Europe is showing a blinkered view of the world. Millions strike in France in 2nd recent work stoppage The French train network, airports, utilities and the public sector were hit by work stoppages Thursday, the second major strike in two months, as unions mobilized against government's response to the downturn EUROPE European press review Der Spiegel New NATO Commander: Obama Choice Surprises Europeans Bickering in the Balkans: Macedonia's Identity Crisis German Muslims and the Israel question Mehmet Daimaguler There is fear that anti-Semitism is rising among Europe's Muslims, transforming Europe into the new center of anti-Israeli hatred. But Europe's 56 million Muslims are an exceedingly heterogeneous group, and the situation varies greatly from one Muslim community to another. Europe Cracks Down on Banks Policy makers in the U.K. and Germany set out plans to place a much heavier regulatory burden on banks and other financial institutions. Greece's Cornerstone Industries Slow Greece has been one of the accidental victims of the financial crisis. Though its banking system is healthy, it is heavily dependent on overseas sources of income Greece freezes public pay to contain deficit Greece’s move to freeze public sector salaries and impose a one-off tax on high-income earners highlights fears that the budget deficit may spiral out of control this year EU aims to double emergency cash The EU says it may double emergency funding to help member states in trouble, as union leaders meet in Brussels. Unrest in France Paris in the spring The European Union and BulgariaA new colonialism Europe is a Riot
Theodore Dalrymple Civil unrest brought on by the economic crisis threatens to scuttle the EU project. In a new podcast, Robert Cottrell, the Economist's former Moscow bureau chief who now runs the website TheBrowswer.com, explains Eastern Europe's financial turmoil Austria must examine itself The trial of Joseph Fritzl has answered only the question of his guilt or innocence. More urgent questions for his country have been left cloaked in shame and silence | H12 RFE/RL How the Obama Administration Should Engage Russia By The Heritage Foundation - Ariel Cohen Azerbaijan: Taking a Step toward Monarchy? Azerbaijan’s constitutional referendum featured a Soviet-style result, as election officials claimed that more than nine out of every 10 voters expressed approval for lifting presidential term limits. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, are describing the referendum as a charade designed to mask the introduction of hereditary rule in the country. Azeris pave way for president-for-life Opposition leaders in oil-rich Azerbaijan vowed to overturn a referendum that paves the way for Ilham Aliyev, whose popularity is threatened by falling oil prices, to become president-for-life; yet they also conceded unrest was unlikely because of political apathy and memories of a previous crackdown U.S. 'wise men' on diplomatic mission to Russia Trying to pull America's relations with Russia out of a tailspin before the presidents of the two countries meet for the first time next month, three former U.S. secretaries of state and a former secretary of defense were in Moscow on Thursday for informal meetings with top officials. Russia's 'Reset': A Military Buildup BY: Peter Brookes | New York Post From the looks of it, the Kremlin hasn't bought into the whole "reset but ton" gimmick the White House has put forward as a framework for the Obama administration's new Russia policy. Google News Azerbaijan Misusing Russia in Iran - Daniel Larison, The Week The spreading global financial crisis has raised the specter of widespread upheaval in this small but strategically important mountainous former Soviet nation straddling Afghanistan's jagged northern border. Russia's economy Poor little rich kids The Compass: Russia's Hot New Rising Star |
| H13 The Times Obama video offers Iran a 'new beginning' Barack Obama releases unprecedented video on Iranian networks saying US committed to 'constructive ties' with Tehran A million march in anger over President Sarkozy French public sector unions led day of strikes and protests over what they see as the Government's unjust economic policies Obama faces problems with ‘Old Europe’ Ahead of G20 a rift has opened up over the size of national stimulus packages and generated accusations of protectionism Brown's G20 dream fades amid European hostility Gordon Brown forced to lower expectations with no appetite for new global institutions and mixed support for big stimulus Wall Street Journal U.S. Courts Former Afghan Warlords Former Afghan warlords are again being seen as useful partners as Obama undertakes a massive overhaul of the war in Afghanistan. By Alan S. Blinder
A return to Clinton tax rates is hardly radical. | H14 Financial Times Iraqi alliance signals ‘new political map’ The move of Iraq’s prime minister to ally himself with an outspoken Sunni leader and a militant cleric suggest the emergence of a new axis of power centred on nationalism Do not let the ‘cure’ destroy capitalism In devising reforms to reduce the likelihood of future severe contractions, capitalism’s accomplishments should be appreciated. Governments should not so hamper markets that they are prevented from bringing growth to poor economies, write Gary Becker and Kevin Murphy India faces a choice: is it a big power or great power? It’s about responsibility, says Philip Stephens Obama offers a fresh start to Iran President Barack Obama issued a widely awaited message to the people and government of Iran in his bid to end a 30-year diplomatic standoff between the US and the Islamic Republic IMF criticises US stability plan The Obama administration’s plans to stabilise the financial system lack “essential details” and have left the markets uncertain about how it intends to recapitalise the teetering US banking sector, says the International Monetary Fund Why the Turner report is a watershed for finance Even so it is just a start, says Martin Wolf AIG reinvents the trader’s option John Gapper on the bonus scandal Lessons for the west from Asian capitalism Its approach will dominate, says Kishore Mahbubani Troops condemn Israeli army actions in Gaza Authorities in Israel have launched a criminal investigation into the conduct of the recent war after soldiers described some operations as serious abuse and even murder French unions vow to keep up pressure Unions vowed to escalate opposition to President Nicolas Sarkozy after mobilising as many as 3m people in strikes and protests against his economic policy Focus on regulation, says Merkel Europe and the US should not be distracted from markets regulation by disputes over the size of their respective fiscal stimulus packages, Angela Merkel, German chancellor, said Greece freezes public pay to contain deficit Greece’s move to freeze public sector salaries and impose a one-off tax on high-income earners highlights fears that the budget deficit may spiral out of control this year Beijing cans Coke’s juice takeover China’s decision to put the squeeze on Coca-Cola’s proposed $2.4bn acquisition of Huiyuan Juice, in what would have been the biggest foreign takeover of a Chinese company, is tin-headed Bold Bernanke leads by example The chairman of the Federal Reserve this week announced that the US would begin old-fashioned Japanese-style quantitative easing. The Fed, however, will need help from the rest of the US government | By Julian E. Barnes A key element of Obama's plan is to erode militants' power by strengthening local leaders, who can in turn provide incentives for foot soldiers to switch sides Obama budget faces new hurdles New congressional deficit estimates and bipartisan worries about spending may limit the president's ambitions. By Richard Boudreaux Some rights groups have claimed Israel violated the rules of war in its recent killing of Palestinians. Now accounts from Israel's own ranks seem to support the claims. An investigation is ordered. Editorial |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Dirty Windows and Burning Houses: Setting the Record Straight on Irregular Warfare
John A. Nagl and Brian M Burton
Although military force is not always the tool of choice, the U.S. military must continue to improve its ability to conduct post-conflict reconstruction, counterinsurgencies, and train and advise allied security forces, all while simultaneously preserving its major combat capabilities. Balance is the key Talking with Insurgents: A Guide for the Perplexed Daniel Byman Talks with insurgents are often necessary to end conflicts, but they can also be politically costly, fail, and even backfire. Policymakers and analysts should consider these eight questions, derived from Iraq and elsewhere, for Afghanistan and beyond Don't Be Afraid To Kill the F-22
Why Pentagon program cuts won't necessarily bring job cuts.
Fred Kaplan Latest CIA Scandal Puts Focus on How Agency Polices Self The Nuclear Renaissance: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Terrorism IPPR This 12-page UK report discusses some of the more serious security issues that will be associated with a nuclear renaissance, including:- The shortage of high-quality uranium for use as nuclear fuel; The consequences of the use of fast breeder reactors (FBRs) and the widespread use of plutonium to fuel them; The increased risk in a plutonium economy of the spread of nuclear weapons to both countries and terrorist groups NATO to resume Allied Protector (UPI) -- The North Atlantic Council has approved a mandate to resume a NATO deployment to the Gulf of Aden in a move to counter the ongoing threat of piracy Gates lightens load for war-worn forces Ending 'stop loss' is just one example of how he has sought to heal an overstressed military. Criticized for alleged detainee torture, Britain orders review Under mounting pressure to reveal Britain's role in the alleged torture of terrorism suspects abroad during Prime Minister Tony Blair's administration, his successor, Gordon Brown, ordered Thursday that new rules be drafted and made public to guide intelligence officers in interrogations The Sixth Anniversary of the War in Iraq | H20 Slate Don't Be Afraid To Kill the F-22 Why Pentagon program cuts won't necessarily bring job cuts.
Fred Kaplan The Big Question: Does an impending shortage of vital resources threaten catastrophe? Declaration on the Global Challenge of Water UN seeks tax on oil to create $750 billion 'Green New Deal'... Nuclear power The critical issue of safety Proliferation and nuclear power Fuel for thought | H21 “Most people who bother with the matter at all,” wrote George Orwell in 1946, “would admit that the English language is in a bad way.” Was it, back then? Is it so bad today?... more» The beauty, intelligence, grace, complexity, and wit that make Lolita a work of art deepen our well of compassion and sympathy, says Francine Prose, whether we like it or not... more» The Case Against Breast-Feeding It's not nearly as beneficial as the popular literature suggests. Is it worth the cost of a mother's career, sanity, and independence? Think Again: Remember Real Journalism STRUGGLE: TIME offering 'customized' experimental magazine... Did Charles Dickens’s money-making tour of America kill him? No, but it added a new dimension to his immortality... more» Is it Shakespeare? Maybe, but not likely. The so-called Cobbe portrait is a splendid painting, but probably depicts Sir Thomas Overbury... more» The Revolution of 1848 actually made politics less flexible, consolidating state power. Continuity, it showed, works better than revolution... more» 10 bizarre sights in Google Street View |
