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| H1 Washington Post Barack Obama's 'Post-Globalization' Vision and the G-20 By David Ignatius, The G-20 participants will find a lot that's reassuring in the president's vision. Obama in Europe - an Agent of Change in a Land That Loves the Status Quo 'Yes, We Can' Meets Conservative Europe By Robert Kagan, Another U.S. president comes to drag the continent out of its comfort zone. The Danger of a U.S.-China 'G-2' Strategic Alliance By Dennis C. Wilder, U.S. relations with Asia's democracies can't take a back seat to cooperation with China. Editorial Summit Without Soul Barack Obama's pragmatic first meeting with Dmitry Medvedev Ha’aretz – 'Israel unlikely to attack Iran this year' U.S. Defense Secretary Gates to Financial Times: It will take Iran 1-3 years to cross nuclear 'red line' The Great Satan courts the Axis of Evil New government may face EU sanctions over two-state solution Senior EU diplomats slam Israel for settlement building, destruction of East Jerusalem homes, Gaza crisis. FT Washington sees time as ally in disarming Tehran's nuclear plan Israel expected to hold back on Iran as diplomacy runs its course Daily Star Israel's choke-hold in America loosens By Rami G. Khouri PBS Frontline - Ten Trillion and Counting (video) All of the federal government's efforts to stem the tide of the financial meltdown have added hundreds of billions of dollars to an already staggering national debt, a sum that is expected to double over the next 10 years to more than $23 trillion. In Ten Trillion and Counting, FRONTLINE traces the politics behind this mounting debt and investigates what some say is a looming crisis that makes the current financial situation pale in comparison Financial Times The red ink of a greyer future The cost of baby boomers reaching retirement is likely to outstrip even the current economic decline China is just sabre-rattling over the dollar David Pilling on Beijing’s currency challenge WSJ Obama Weighs Putting 70,000 Troops in Afghanistan U.S. Weighs Troop Surge in Afghanistan Obama is weighing whether to deploy 10,000 more troops to Afghanistan but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are questioning an increased commitment. Military Says War Needs Time, Money The situation in Afghanistan is dire, and progress will demand a sustained commitment, military leaders told Congress. New York Times ROGER COHEN America Agonistes What exactly is a post-cold-war NATO for and how will American power be projected within it? Guardian · China arrives as a world power today - and we should welcome it Timothy Garton Ash: Young Chinese will decide their country's future role on the world stage, and it is time to enage with them IHT A World in Need of a New Order BY: Thierry De Montbrial | International Herald Tribune The new international system must be multipolar, heterogeneous and global. BY: James Traub | The New York Times Zardari’s poll numbers are dreadful. More important, he has given little sustained attention to the country’s overwhelming problems — including, of course, the Islamist extremism that, for the Obama administration, has made Pakistan quite possibly the most important, and worrisome, country in the world. Zardari has bought himself more time, but for Pakistan itself, the clock is ticking louder and louder. G-20: Welcome to the Multi-Polar World BY: Mark Weisbrot | The Guardian As much as Barack Obama may be loved abroad, he can't reverse the decline of Washington's influence. BBC US stands by two-state solution The Obama administration stands by a two-state solution as a row simmers over Israel's position on the Palestinian issue FT Palestinian Authority warns on dissolution The new Israeli government has been warned that a refusal to continue serious peace negotiations intended to establish a Palestinian state could force the Palestinian Authority to dissolve itself Guardian · America and Russia: Easing the chill Editorial: Path embarked on by presidents Obama and Putin is only one to ensure Russia's power in Europe and Asia · I fear global collapse Ban Ki-moon: There is a thin line between failing banks and failing countries. We cross it at our peril · Iraq disbands Sunni militia that helped defeat insurgents Fears of resurgence in sectarian tension as members of Awakening Council given jobs in interior ministry Lionel Beehner: If it wants to survive another 60 years, Nato must build stronger alliances with outsiders like Russia and Iran G20: Sarkozy's empty-chair threat shows EU fails to realise times have changed New York Times In Europe, Obama Faces Calls for Rules on Finances The president also cautioned that the U.S. was unlikely to return to its role as a “voracious consumer market” that could anchor the world economy. China Takes Stage as Global Economic Power Lower Profile for Clinton, but Her Influence Rises At Economic Summit Meeting, a Change in US Talking Points NATO Ruled by Fear as It Picks a Chief Report Faults U.S. Spy Agencies Militants Storm Government Office in Afghanistan, Killing 13 Israeli Minister Dismisses Peace Effort Los Angeles Times China pushes for bigger role in reshaping the world economy Chinese leaders have criticized the U.S. financial system and proposed a new international currency to replace the dollar. The nation sees the global downturn as an huge opportunity Foreign minister says Israel not bound to follow two-state path Avigdor Lieberman's remarks draw criticism from Palestinians and show sharp disagreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the Obama administration U.S., Russia to reopen talks on nuclear arms Obama and Medvedev, in a meeting at the G-20 summit, agree to renew discussions. The Reluctant Globocop Der Spiegel NATO is celebrating its 60th birthday this week at a summit co-hosted by Germany and France. But the ceremonies cannot disguise the fact that the alliance, despite its successes, is facing huge challenges in Afghanistan and its dispute with Russia. by The National Interest Leslie Gelb sits down with TNI to discuss his new book Power Rules, why we're still wrong in Afghanistan, how America can stay on top of the international hierarchy and why there's still hope. Watch the YouTube video here. FT G20 leaders accused over toxic assets Head of the International Monetary Fund warned world leaders are ducking the issue of the toxic assets poisoning the banking system US and Russia seek fresh weapons treaty US president Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, his Russian counterpart, said they would seek to agree a new arms-control treaty before the end of the year in a significant attempt to put bilateral relations back on a positive track IMF is clear victor in policy battles Revising the rules ,The way forward is an international review of the role of accounting in the financial crisis, not hasty changes to the rules When to judge the G20 moment No single communique can solve the crisis. Even if the G20 summit is a success, it will not be an end point but a staging post on the road to recovery Gates criticises Europe over Afghanistan Europe’s leaders are not doing enough to convince voters of the need to win the war in Afghanistan, Robert Gates, US defence secretary, has warned on the eve of Friday’s Nato summit An Interview With Charles Freeman by Jim Lobe From Conversations with History, an interview with Martin Wolf on the causes and consequences of the global economic collapse. Annual Energy Outlook 2009 What can the G20 do? The Case for Special Drawing Rights George Soros The Times Two and a half cheers for G20 triumph Anglo-Saxon economies with low interest rates can be more optimistic than the eurozone and Japan Anatole Kaletsky Russia and US pledge to slash nuclear stockpiles President Obama and President Medvedev issued a statement that promised a 'fresh start' in relations on eve of G20 summit ANALYSIS: end signalled to nuclear arms race For the first time, the US and Russia are seeking to reduce the nuclear arsenal to no more than 1,500 weapons each Nato snubbed over more troops for Afghanistan Nato must persuade members at summit to send 4,000 troops to southern Afghanistan to bring security during election WSJ U.S. Helps Arab State Push Nuclear Bid Oil-rich United Arab Emirates, just across the gulf from Iran, is on a crash course to develop nuclear power with U.S. backing. IRAN PUSHES PERSIAN PIPELINE AS EUROPEAN ALTERNATIVE TO RUSSIAN GAS EurasiaNet Christian Science Monitor As US pulls back in Iraq, lost urban footholds Combat outposts – some 75 small bases credited with playing a crucial role in turning the tide of the war – are being shut down. Why Brazil is weathering the global financial crisis this time Senators grill Petraeus on new Afghanistan strategy Top concerns are troop levels and yardsticks for success At G-20, is Obama sincere about open trade? His actions toward protectionism speak louder than his words. What the poor can teach the rich at G-20 Microfinance lessons for a macrofinance mess. Red Alert: Redefining the Global System (Open Access) A redefinition of global systems is taking place via the ongoing flurry of global summits, and STRATFOR is here to provide the historical and analytical record. STRATFOR's look at the structure and creation of the G-20 -- and why it is unlikely to change Interview with National Security Advisor Jones - National Public Radio | H2 WSJ Turkey and Armenia | 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 ROGER COHEN America Agonistes What exactly is a post-cold-war NATO for and how will American power be projected within it? In Europe, Obama Faces Calls for Rules on Finances The president also cautioned that the U.S. was unlikely to return to its role as a “voracious consumer market” that could anchor the world economy. China Takes Stage as Global Economic Power Lower Profile for Clinton, but Her Influence Rises At Economic Summit Meeting, a Change in US Talking Points NATO Ruled by Fear as It Picks a Chief Report Faults U.S. Spy Agencies Militants Storm Government Office in Afghanistan, Killing 13 Israeli Minister Dismisses Peace Effort Damascus Journal: Syria Finds Right Ingredients to Start a Stock Market From Scratch Petraeus Warns About Militants’ Threat to Pakistan France and China Seek to End Differences Over Tibet NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF At Stake Are More Than Banks The greatest price for incompetence at the global summit will be borne by the poorest people in the world. To Beat a Dictator, Ignore Him By B. R. MYERS Punitive sanctions after the launch of a missile would most likely make no difference, because North Korea will return to negotiations in any case. China Vies to Be World’s Leader in Electric Cars In a new threat to Detroit, China is investing heavily in hybrid and electric-vehicle technology with a plan built on research, recharging stations and incentives. | H5 Washington Post Barack Obama's 'Post-Globalization' Vision and the G-20 By David Ignatius, The G-20 participants will find a lot that's reassuring in the president's vision. Obama in Europe - an Agent of Change in a Land That Loves the Status Quo 'Yes, We Can' Meets Conservative Europe By Robert Kagan, Another U.S. president comes to drag the continent out of its comfort zone. U.S. Signals New Era for Global Economy Urging Nations to 'Pick Up the Pace,' Obama Says U.S. Cannot Go It Alone U.S. Military to Request More Troops for Afghanistan Request for 10,000 Not Yet Submitted To White House The Danger of a U.S.-China 'G-2' Strategic Alliance By Dennis C. Wilder, U.S. relations with Asia's democracies can't take a back seat to cooperation with China. Obama, Medvedev Pledge Cooperation Leaders Open Talks on Arms-Control Treat A U.S.-China Love Fest Pomfret's China | Obama and Hu signal that 'Chimerica' is still alive and kickin'. Knauer: U.S.-Europe G20 Face-Off Editorial Summit Without Soul Barack Obama's pragmatic first meeting with Dmitry Medvedev Climate Change and Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs By George F. Will Compact fluorescents are falling a little bit short of saving the world. In Ousting GM's Wagoner, President Obama Shows His Muscle By David S. Broder The Wagoner ouster sends a message: Think twice before challenging Obama. A Whirl of Activity for Obama on First European Trip as President On First Trip to Europe Since Taking Office, President Is a Dynamo of Diplomacy N. Korea Threatens To Down U.S. Spy Aircraft Warning Precedes Planned Launch of Long-Range Missile Russian Rights Activist Beaten in Latest Attack on Opposition Figures in Moscow | H6 Guardian · China arrives as a world power today - and we should welcome it Timothy Garton Ash: Young Chinese will decide their country's future role on the world stage, and it is time to enage with them · America and Russia: Easing the chill Editorial: Path embarked on by presidents Obama and Putin is only one to ensure Russia's power in Europe and Asia · I fear global collapse Ban Ki-moon: There is a thin line between failing banks and failing countries. We cross it at our peril · Iraq disbands Sunni militia that helped defeat insurgents Fears of resurgence in sectarian tension as members of Awakening Council given jobs in interior ministry Lionel Beehner: If it wants to survive another 60 years, Nato must build stronger alliances with outsiders like Russia and Iran G20: Sarkozy's empty-chair threat shows EU fails to realise times have changed · Our leaders still aren't facing up to the scale of the crisis Seumas Milne: It's hardly surprising that some want to trash the City, but to claim that the G20 protesters have no alternative is nonsense For Obama and Medvedev, bombs away Micah Zenko: Nuclear disarmament will take decades. All the more reason for the US and Russia to start now · Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir continues defiance with pilgrimage to Mecca Sudanese president visits Islam's holiest city - despite court's order for his arrest over war crimes in Darfur But who sat next to the president? It was, observers can agree, the only real question of import in the run-up to last night's G20 summit dinner Man dies during G20 demonstrations in London Man collapses within police cordon set up to contain crowds who had assembled Obama casts glow over ancien régime Excitement on the streets - and in No 10 - as US leader on first foreign trip talks up 'special relationship' G20: My message to the alternative summit John McDonnell: Our political system is corrupt and broken. Only a wave of popular change from the grassroots can fix it |
| H7 Red Alert: Redefining the Global System (Open Access) A redefinition of global systems is taking place via the ongoing flurry of global summits, and STRATFOR is here to provide the historical and analytical record. STRATFOR's look at the structure and creation of the G-20 -- and why it is unlikely to change Interview with National Security Advisor Jones - National Public Radio Oil-Rich Arab State Pushes Nuclear Bid With US Help Analysis: Arab summit in Qatar - a demonstration of weakness The Doha Summit of Repentance : Tariq Alhomayed
Why the Murder of African Muslims Doesn't Matter to the Arabs - Marty Peretz SPIEGEL Interview with Economist Joseph Stiglitz: Government Stimulus Plans are 'Not Enough' Time The G-20's Hidden Issue: A Global Trade Imbalance Obama: Bush-Era Diplomacy is Over - Jonathan Martin, Politico Rothkopf Diplomatic Speed Dating Iran’s New Imperialism by Robert Baer Iran is threatening smaller Gulf states like Bahrain and raising the hackles of its Arab neighbors. Are Tehran’s imperial dreams going to be a nightmare for America? Iran and Latin America: A New Threat or a Bargaining Chip in a Grand Pact? BY: Babak Farrahi | Diplomatic Courier To live by the maxim of ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ can lead to strange bedfellows. This was portrayed vividly when a conference in Tehran designed to draw parallels between Che Guevara’s struggle for Communism in Latin America and Iran’s brand of religiously inspired revolution went somewhat awry when Aleida Guevara, Che’s daughter, much to the displeasure of the audience, made it abundantly clear that her father was an atheist. What 'White People' Can Learn from Lula - Paulo Sotero, Foreign Policy No, the neocons are not coming to burn down your village Trade war fears are overblown BY IAN BREMMER From Ethics & International Affairs, a roundtable: "Can Democracies Go It Alone?" The war to the south The Obama administration is sending its top people to Mexico tomorrow to see about halting the flow of guns and cash that fuel the escalating drug war across the border. He should step up efforts on the supply side -- tracing illegal guns back to the US, and work harder on the demand side -- better addiction treatment and education. ‘Heir-in-waiting’ will keep Saudi on an even keel Theodore Karasik : King Abdullah’s sudden decision to promote the Saudi interior minister, Prince Nayef, 76, his half-brother from the rival Sudairi clan, to the post of second deputy prime minister, follows a logical path. Zoellick seeks new trade fund | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq As US Pulls Back in Iraq, Lost Urban Footholds Pentagon Report Cites Gains in Iraq, Despite Rifts – AFPS Maliki Draws US into Crackdown on Sunnis Maliki Poised to Run Provinces With Sadr as Ally Iraq Blames Neighbors for Water Shortage Iraqis back on track to a normal life Baghdad’s main railway station evokes a lost world. Two clock towers stand like sentinels on each side of a turquoise dome built half a century ago. Musty ticket counters advertise lines that no longer run: to Mosul, to Huseiba, and across the border to Syria and Turkey. Odierno: Dispute In North Could Still Destabilize Iraq Iran denies US claims of meeting Tehran denies a US statement that an Iranian representative held talks with a senior US official at an Afghanistan conference. Iraq puts its foot on the accelerator Iraq seeks to buy US-made F-16 fighter jets Provided funds are made available by Iraq’s Parliament military cheif said his goal was to acquire up to 96 F-16s by 2020 UN Hariri court seeks Beirut file A UN tribunal on the 2005 murder of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri asks Beirut for all its documents on the case. UN shifts to advisory role in Iraq The United Nations is taking on more of an advisory role in the economic development of Iraq, helping to build technical capacity, as its main reconstruction fund draws to a close Muslim Brotherhood Succession Debate Reveals Fractures Army, for First Time, Sends Unit From Iraq to Afghanistan Iraq: Key Figures Since the War Began Iraq: Many Baghdad mutineers escaped with weapons Services in Kirkuk Are Pursuing Their Campaign to Remove the ... In a Desolate Iraqi Village, War Is Far From Over - Marc Santora, New York Times Saudi Government Cracks Down on Shiite Dissidents AUC denies spying on Egypt -- The American University in Cairo issued a denial of reports in the Egyptian media that it has received Pentagon funding to supply Egyptian state secrets. Challenges remain for Iraq; Criticism of Afghan policy grows Iraq improving, but challenges remain; Al-Qaida infiltrates Awakening Councils; Opposition leader warms to Maliki; Afghanistan not Iraq, McCain says; Report slams Afghan strategy; Will exists for Afghan mission US replaces Blackwater for some Iraq security Vote on new US envoy to Iraq delayed | H9 Ha’aretz – 'Israel unlikely to attack Iran this year' U.S. Defense Secretary Gates to Financial Times: It will take Iran 1-3 years to cross nuclear 'red line' The Great Satan courts the Axis of Evil New government may face EU sanctions over two-state solution Senior EU diplomats slam Israel for settlement building, destruction of East Jerusalem homes, Gaza crisis. Lieberman to Haaretz: Israel ready for mutual peace moves New foreign minister says he's committed to road map of 2003 as approved by the Israeli cabinet. U.S. Jews offer cautious support for Netanyahu government Senior Jewish Federation official: appointment of Lieberman is not good in terms of public relations Gideon Levy: By closing Gaza case, IDF gives troops license to kill Jerusalem Post Analysis: Avigdor's accent, Arik's voice |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor As US pulls back in Iraq, lost urban footholds Combat outposts – some 75 small bases credited with playing a crucial role in turning the tide of the war – are being shut down. Why Brazil is weathering the global financial crisis this time President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris Wednesday before heading to the G-20 summit in Britain Senators grill Petraeus on new Afghanistan strategy Top concerns are troop levels and yardsticks for success At G-20, is Obama sincere about open trade? His actions toward protectionism speak louder than his words. What the poor can teach the rich at G-20 Microfinance lessons for a macrofinance mess. At G-20, leaders look to save economy – and their own jobs The global crisis has led to political upheaval in many countries, unseating three prime ministers in Europe alone. Reversing Bush policy, US seeks seat on UN Human Rights council The US will try to reform the council – some of whose members shield human rights violators – from within, officials said. New report says China scores lowest on Internet freedom. Afghan-Pakistan situation dire; more troops may be needed Top defense officials told Congress Wednesday the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan is "increasingly dire" and said that President Barack Obama may have to send another 10,000 troops beyond the 22,000 he's announced since taking office. Petraeus: Militants Could Topple Pakistan China Looks for Global Shakeup - Andreas Lorenz, Der Spiegel BY: James Traub | The New York Times Zardari’s poll numbers are dreadful. More important, he has given little sustained attention to the country’s overwhelming problems — including, of course, the Islamist extremism that, for the Obama administration, has made Pakistan quite possibly the most important, and worrisome, country in the world. Zardari has bought himself more time, but for Pakistan itself, the clock is ticking louder and louder. Afghanistan: No Benchmarks Yet by Robert Dreyfuss Who signed on to China's currency scheme?BY ANDREW POLK Nato snubbed over more troops for Afghanistan Nato must persuade members at summit to send 4,000 troops to southern Afghanistan to bring security during election Part 3: When Grand Strategies Collide China’s new expeditionary navy will inevitably run up against those of established and emerging maritime powers FT China is just sabre-rattling over the dollar David Pilling on Beijing’s currency challenge Israel rushes to India's defense The rise and rise of the neo-Taliban The neo-Taliban, a new generation of Pakistani, Afghan, al-Qaeda and Kashmiri fighters, have formed a separate wing of the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan. Their operations, which will initially center on creating chaos through kidnappings and attacks on high-profile individuals, will spread across the region. The latest shot was fired in the "peaceful" Swat Valley on Wednesday. - Syed Saleem Shahzad The secrets of Obama's surge Assessing Prospects for U.S.-China-Afghanistan Cooperation (Full PDF Article) Who are the "Moderate Taliban"? Obama has hit the ground running in the Mideast China's support to Pakistan's jihadists 1 (UPI) -- After decades of denial, the U.S. military -- though not yet the State Department -- has begun to admit that the Pakistan military, a major "non-NATO ally," is the source of much of the capability of the Taliban thugs who are now sending NATO into a panic in Afghanistan China adds some bite to its global currency bark BY: Jonathan Adams | Global Post No one is crying war between the U.S. and China. But many are preparing for it. Military: Afghanistan War Needs More Time, Money More Violence Expected as Spring Fighting Season Begins in Afghanistan Sources: Pentagon Seeks $3b for Pakistan Military BY: Harsh V. Pant | ISN Security Watch Local resentment, a rejuvenated Taliban and complicated ties with India await the new US strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. How Taliban Is Winning in Pakistan - Adnan Khan, Maclean's Japan will play a limited role in the ongoing series of global summits. Israel Rushes to India's Defense China Gains Upper Hand on Tibet Question - Frank Ching, China Post U.S. Not Eager for Cross-Strait Detente - Jian Junbo, Asia Times India's Faulty Exceptionalism By Shikha Dalmia Open Source Center Views PRC Media Afghanistan Is Not Iraq BY: Stephen Schwartz | The Weekly Standard Many of the initiatives by President Obama in the Middle East and Muslim countries rest on unrealistic expectations. The Center of a Regional Crisis BY: Arnaud de Borchgrave | The Washington Times President Obama sees the enemy in Afghanistan as Taliban and al Qaeda. But al Qaeda shelters and Taliban rests and trains in the mountain fastness of the Hindu Kush in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. BY: Brahma Chellaney | The Japan Times On the 60th anniversary of his escape to India from Tibet, the exiled 14th Dalai Lama stands as a bigger challenge than ever for China. North Korea’s Missile Launch: The Risks of Overreaction Crisis Group This 16-page briefing examines North Korea’s missile launch provocation and the way it leaves Japan, South Korea and the U.S. few good options China Denies Any Role in 'GhostNet' Computer Hacking - Voice of America :. CIA’s New Strategy of Maligning ISI · In Pakistan, US drone strike on Taliban kills 12 Commander who was target of attack escaped missiles which hit building believed to be Tailban safehouse Obama to Visit China Later This Year The U.S. president and his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, agreed to create a new high-level dialogue with top officials of both countries. · China, France Mend Ties China and France announced an agreement to restore high-level contacts and promote bilateral cooperation following a lengthy spat over Tibet. US sees devil in cross-strait detente | H11 IHT A World in Need of a New Order BY: Thierry De Montbrial | International Herald Tribune The new international system must be multipolar, heterogeneous and global. EUROPE European press review France and Germany | H12 RFE/RL Google News Azerbaijan Fresh start US and Russia press reset button with nuclear deal US and Russia seek fresh weapons treaty US president Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, his Russian counterpart, said they would seek to agree a new arms-control treaty before the end of the year in a significant attempt to put bilateral relations back on a positive track Vote for early poll deepens Ukraine crisis The country’s parliament called an early presidential election setting the stage for a fresh stand-off in the former Soviet republic which has been plagued by poisonous politics and battered by recession U.S., Russia Pledge New Nuke Talks In their first meeting, Obama and Medvedev pledged to reduce their nuclear arsenals with a new treaty to be completed by the end of the year A Historic Chance to Build a Bridge BY: Paul J. Saunders | The Moscow Times We often say that there are no second chances in life, and that is generally true. But when U.S. President Barack Obama and President Dmitry Medvedev meet Wednesday, they will have an opportunity that is extremely rare in international relations. Russia Does Not Rule Out Future NATO Membership BY: Valentina Pop | EU Observer "The problem is not that NATO extended to Russia's borders, but that it stopped there," said Gareth Evans, President of the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based advocacy group. "NATO should welcome Russia in its inner ring, provided it complies with the human rights criteria," he added, while admitting that this was not a short-term option, especially after the Georgian war. Using Old Friend Cuba as Its Base, Russia Reasserts Its Latin Influence BY: Larry Luxner | The Washington Diplomat While international attention remains riveted on Moscow’s growing influence in its backyard, namely in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Ukraine, the former “Soviet sphere” isn’t the only place where Russia is trying to reassert its authority. The First Meeting for Obama, Medvedev – Stratfor
Azerbaijan: Gazprom Deal Means No Change for Baku’s Energy Policy Kyrgyzstan: Russia Set to Take Major Stake in Kyrgyz Torpedo Plant The April 1 announcement that Russia has transferred $150 million to Kyrgyzstan has thrust the geopolitical competition between Moscow and Washington back into the news. Many experts in Bishkek and elsewhere believe the Kremlin promise of aid for President Kurmanbek Bakiyev’s ailing administration was responsible for the Kyrgyz government issuing an eviction order to US forces stationed at the Manas air base outside of Bishkek. |
| H13 The Times Two and a half cheers for G20 triumph Anglo-Saxon economies with low interest rates can be more optimistic than the eurozone and Japan Russia and US pledge to slash nuclear stockpiles President Obama and President Medvedev issued a statement that promised a 'fresh start' in relations on eve of G20 summit ANALYSIS: end signalled to nuclear arms race For the first time, the US and Russia are seeking to reduce the nuclear arsenal to no more than 1,500 weapons each Nato snubbed over more troops for Afghanistan Nato must persuade members at summit to send 4,000 troops to southern Afghanistan to bring security during election European demands threaten to wreck deal France and Germany deliver late threat to G20 recovery deal by demanding new concessions from US on financial regulation Iraq seeks to buy US-made F-16 fighter jets Provided funds are made available by Iraq’s Parliament military cheif said his goal was to acquire up to 96 F-16s by 2020 UN chief refuses to call for Darfur trial Ban Ki Moon has sought to distance himself from the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir Fallujah: every soldier's urban combat hell US troops had to fight street by street, often house by house, to prise grip of jihadist foot soldiers armed to the teeth Eyes Right Conservatives globally have struggled to respond to economic crisis. David Cameron has the opportunity to be a dominant force of centre-right politics Wall Street Journal Henninger: Is This the End of Capitalism? · The Socialist Solution to the Crisis By Poul Nyrup Rasmussen Thatcherism and Reaganism have failed on a momentous scale. India's Faulty Exceptionalism By Shikha Dalmia | H14 Financial Times The red ink of a greyer future The cost of baby boomers reaching retirement is likely to outstrip even the current economic decline China is just sabre-rattling over the dollar David Pilling on Beijing’s currency challenge Washington sees time as ally in disarming Tehran's nuclear plan Israel expected to hold back on Iran as diplomacy runs its course G20 leaders accused over toxic assets Head of the International Monetary Fund warned world leaders are ducking the issue of the toxic assets poisoning the banking system US and Russia seek fresh weapons treaty US president Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, his Russian counterpart, said they would seek to agree a new arms-control treaty before the end of the year in a significant attempt to put bilateral relations back on a positive track IMF is clear victor in policy battles Revising the rules The way forward is an international review of the role of accounting in the financial crisis, not hasty changes to the rules When to judge the G20 moment No single communique can solve the crisis. Even if the G20 summit is a success, it will not be an end point but a staging post on the road to recovery Iraqis back on track to a normal life Baghdad’s main railway station evokes a lost world. Two clock towers stand like sentinels on each side of a turquoise dome built half a century ago. Musty ticket counters advertise lines that no longer run: to Mosul, to Huseiba, and across the border to Syria and Turkey. Gates criticises Europe over Afghanistan Europe’s leaders are not doing enough to convince voters of the need to win the war in Afghanistan, Robert Gates, US defence secretary, has warned on the eve of Friday’s Nato summit Genial Obama points to new diplomacy The US president’s two big and potentially ground-breaking bilateral meetings of the day – with Dmitry Medvedev and Hu Jintao, his Russian and Chinese opposite numbers, yielded more than had been anticipated Speech: ‘Rebuilding the Economy by Rebuilding America’ Speech given by Felix Rohatyn, president of FGR Associates and former US ambassador to France, to the Economic Club of Chicago Obama fails to convince with Pakistan policy Nawaz Sharif, the country’s opposition leader, sees little difference with the approach of the US president from that of his predecessor in halting the advance of Islamist militants Vote for early poll deepens Ukraine crisis The country’s parliament called an early presidential election setting the stage for a fresh stand-off in the former Soviet republic which has been plagued by poisonous politics and battered by recession One rule for EU’s big guys and one for small Mirek Topolanek’s criticism of US remedies for the global financial crisis were condemned as irresponsible and just the sort of thing you would expect from a country new to the Olympian business of running the EU’s rotating presidency China and France in deal to repair ties France appears to have promised not to interfere on Tibet as part of a deal to patch up diplomatic differences with China and resume “high level contacts”, even as President Nicolas Sarkozy accused Beijing of blocking a G20 deal on financial regulation Lowering the flag The British army has emerged remarkably well from a damaging and discredited enterprise, which was the result more of misjudgment by its political masters than military misadventure China agrees on need for co-operation The meeting between Barack Obama and Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the G20 summit has been described by some as ‘the G2’ and marked the first encounter between the two men US manufacturing data spur hope for economy The rapid contraction of activity in the sector appears finally to be slowing, a survey showed, spurring tentative hopes that the country’s economy could be stabilising It’s good to get behind the wheel Most of the US auto industry’s problems were caused not by the nature of cars but standard-issue mismanagement, tolerated for decades. The inability, or unwillingness, of shareholders to enforce clearly needed changes is also found in Wall Street banks, writes John Gapper Why tax havens make such great scapegoats Jonathan Guthrie on a shift in public tolerance The poor must be included in a global economy Make the rich work for the poor, says Bob Geldof Why Geithner’s plan is the taxpayers’ curse Peyton Young on the latest Treasury scheme | H15 Los Angeles Times China pushes for bigger role in reshaping the world economy Chinese leaders have criticized the U.S. financial system and proposed a new international currency to replace the dollar. The nation sees the global downturn as an huge opportunity Foreign minister says Israel not bound to follow two-state path Avigdor Lieberman's remarks draw criticism from Palestinians and show sharp disagreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the Obama administration U.S., Russia to reopen talks on nuclear arms Obama and Medvedev, in a meeting at the G-20 summit, agree to renew discussions. What to look for in the G-20 Meetings of the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors formerly didn't get much attention. Now, as President Obama and other national leaders join, the world is watching Sen. Carl Levin questions Pakistan aid plan The senior Democrat says he's not sure the tripling of nonmilitary assistance will push the Pakistani government to be more aggressive in going after extremists Did Obama overreach with GM and Chrysler? Dean Baker and Matt Welch weigh the president's actions this... G-20 leaders dine in London, across a great divide When it comes to solving the global economic crisis, Obama and Britain's Brown are at philosophical odds with France's Sarkozy and Germany's Merkel. But host Brown predicts brandy and cigars soon How song, dance and movies bailed us out of the Depression Popular culture provided the optimism and energy that helped the country get moving. We may need that.. Editorial |
| Frank Newport / Gallup: Obama Working With 61% Approval on Foreign Affairs — President does less well on the economy and the deficit The President Is 'Keeping Score' By Karl Rove Chicago politics has moved into the White House. What the heck happened to Hillary? — What has gotten into Hillary Clinton? — Since taking office on February 2, Clinton has gone from being one of the most guarded public figures in the history of hemming and hawing, to one of the straightest-talking secretaries of state imaginable. Myglesias / Matthew Yglesias: Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin | H17 Daily Telegraph The other business of London's G20 summit Telegraph View: it's not just the economy, stupid. The G20 summit has given Barack Obama the chance to talk to Russian and Chinese leaders on a range of vital issues Fuss and fudge at the G20 summit Telegraph View: Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel may have been point-scoring, but they were right to demand concrete action on world trade and financial regulation. Barack Obama's chance to don the mantle of a statesman Telegraph View: The decisions, both domestically and diplomatically, that the US President and his administration take now will have an impact around the world. Globalism has been good for everyone Protectionism must be resisted and developing countries given more credit, says Peter Mandelson. Nicolas Sarkozy is trying to gain all the glory at G20 Mr Sarkozy has been grandstanding by threatening to walk out of the G20 if there is not an agreement on stronger international financial regulation writes Adrian Michaels. The jobs crisis will get bigger and G20 leaders need to tackle it now Policymakers must address the acute social implications of our jobs crisis, says David Blanchflower. 10 Reasons POTUS Should Learn to Love Britain - Iain Martin, Telegraph | H18 Independent G20: Deal? Or no deal? Brown and Obama demand new bailouts – then claim to be on brink of global accord for 'recovery and reform' as Sarkozy and Merkel say no stimulus – then insist on tough rules to give 'capitalism a conscience' Adrian Hamilton: If Nato was a family, you'd have to call it dysfunctional Leading article: France and Germany dare to challenge the US-British way Lord Malloch-Brown: The fear is that G20 will commit our money but avoid reform US and Russia seek nuclear deal The protests: Baton charges as protesters break into RBS branch Obama: The perfect guest – shame about Philip Taliban in policy shift on beards and burqas Negotiations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai reveal new pragmatism ahead of US offensive Israel's new foreign minister dismisses two-state solution |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism The rise of the COIN-dinistas BY TOM RICKS Surveilling for Clues of Evil Intent | H20 Slate | H21 · Gabriel García Márquez, literary giant, lays down his pen Fans of the Colombian author are facing prospect that the literary legend has written his last book People in Need Are Filling and Taxing Libraries Anxious, depressed patrons who say they have nowhere else to go are turning some libraries into stressful hotbeds. Here are 20 things you didn't know about time. |
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