| H1 Financial Times US may cede to Iran's nuclear ambition Review of policy towards Tehran US officials are considering whether to accept Iran’s pursuit of uranium enrichment, which has been outlawed by the United Nations and remains at the heart of fears that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons capability. A wider order comes into view The G20 summit revealed the world’s more multipolar character – but the eastward transfer of economic power will give rise to tensions The fiscal hole that must be filled Congress is preparing to underwrite a large and permanent expansion of US government spending obligations while failing to expand the tax base. So for how long will Barack Obama be able to keep his pledge not to raise income taxes for almost all Americans, asks Clive Crook Editorial Obama gets less than he deserves Europe gave the US president rave reviews and words of friendship but little of substance. The G20 failed to agree on stronger fiscal expansion and Nato promised no serious help in rooting out al-Qaeda New York Times Europeans Offer Few New Troops for Afghanistan NATO gave President Obama a tepid troop commitment, underlining deep divisions within the alliance over the war. North Koreans Launch Rocket Over the Pacific Much of the world viewed the launching on Sunday as an effort by the North to prove that it is edging toward the capability to shoot a nuclear warhead on a longer-range missile. Washington Post Is Obama's Mideast Diplomatic Drama Ready to Open? By David Ignatius The Obama administration is preparing a broad stage for Middle East diplomacy stretching from the Palestinians to Syria to Iran. It's a supremely ambitious agenda, and before the curtain goes up, Obama should explore his options and risks carefully Europe may think it has retired from its historical tasks, having done and suffered so much. But history will not let Europe off the hook quite so easily, writes Adam Kirsch... more» WSJ U.S. Offers to Cut
Nuclear Weapons Obama unveiled an ambitious U.S. arms-control campaign aimed at drastically reducing atomic weapons while recognizing developing nations' rights to pursue nuclear power. · Beijing Exercises Its Global Leverage China sent a strong signal in last week's G-20 summit that the country's leaders intend to play a growing part in shaping the global economy. CFR Nonmilitary Commitments Needed from NATO in Afghanistan Newsweek Zakaria: How to Achieve Energy Independence Time Afghanistan and NATO: Why Europe May Not Be Up to the Fight Barack Obama's New World Order Jon Meacham / Newsweek: The End of Christian America — The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades. How that statistic explains who we are now—and what, as a nation, we are about to become Guardian North Korea's rocket launch tests Obama's resolve US condemns 'provocation' but Pyongyang claims satellite launched to transmit songs · North Korea: Making a splash Editorial: Mr Kim now has more cards to play in stalled six-party talks over its nuclear disarmament Washington Post After Launch, Obama Focuses On Disarmament N. Korea Complicates President's Trip Obama Urges Global Nuclear Disarmament Obama vows to seek U.S. ratification of testing ban, work to stop the spread of nuclear material, allow peaceful development of nuclear power. Obama, Going Along to Get Along By Jackson Diehl, Obama let others set the agenda at the G-20. Obama - The Listener in Chief Needs to Lead The Listener in Chief Needs to Start Acting By Jim Hoagland The Radicalization of Ben Bernanke He is throwing trillions of dollars at the financial crisis. What happens if his gambles don't pay off? By Simon Johnson and James Kwa Short '06 Lebanon War Stokes Pentagon Debate U.S. military leaders are divided over whether the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah foreshadows how future enemies of the U.S. might fight. Obama Has Set Much in Motion; Now He Must See It Through By Dan Balz, It is entirely possible that six or nine months from now, President Obama will look back on his first 75 days in office and consider them the easy part. Not because they have been flawless, which they have not been, but because he must now try to finish all that he has started. On European Trip, President Tries to Set a New, Pragmatic Tone China's Dollar Deception By Robert J. Samuelson, By keeping its currency artificially depressed China abetted the imbalances it now criticizes. Obama brings unity to Nato Barack Obama used his magic to broker a deal between Abdullah Gul, Turkey’s president, and Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Denmark’s prime minister, for Mr Rasmussen to become Nato secretary-general Eastern intentions The EU must show its commitment to solving the economic crisis by stepping in to help credit-starved eastern European countries before their problems start to make an impact on western Europe Foreign Policy Challenges Facing the New Administration William Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the U.S. Department of State The Obama Administration and Implications for Freedom and Democracy in the Middle East - Scott Carpenter The U.S. government can use Arab governments' insecurity regarding Iran as leverage to encourage real reform. (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) NATO at 60: A Hollow Alliance by Ted Galen Carpenter The Time Has Come to Abolish Arab Summits BY: Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed | Asharq Alawsat Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak did well when he decided not to attend the latest summit in Doha, because there is no use in summits that end in bitterness and create negative popular impressions. Nothing new in Obama's policy
GulfNews By Amir Taheri Ha’aretz – U.S. envoy: Arab peace initiative will be part of Obama policy 2002 deal offers normalized Arab-Israeli ties in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories. Netanyahu: Peace policy to be set within weeks U.S. green light for Israeli attack on Iran will have to wait Avineri What to speak with Hamas about Recently, more and more voices have been heard saying that the only way to reach an Israeli-Palestinian accord is by talking to Hamas. Stratfor Geopolitical Diary: Russia Moves From Offense to Defense The last week of summits has put Russia in a position where it must focus on defending its former Soviet territory. Christian Science Monitor Don't be naive about Russia's real aims By Ariel Cohen Obama said N. Korea 'broke the rules.' Now what? N. Korea's missile launch Sunday complicates the long-term strategy of the US and her Asian allies toward Pyongyang's nuclear program. Nato is the only plausible means by which the West can work together to ensure their - and our – safety Stephen Pollard Nuclear Threats and Rewards The abolition of nuclear weapons is a worthy aim with no immediate prospect of realisation. Meanwhile, proliferation to rogue states must be vigorously countered | H2 NYT Turkey Wants U.S. ‘Balance’ By ROGER COHEN In an interview on the eve of Obama's visit to Turkey, the country's prime minister presses for "a new balance" in the U.S. approach to the Middle East. What Turkey Wants from Obama - Grenville Byford, Newsweek Obama's trip to Ankara promises to be a genuine meeting of minds. Obama Hopes for Approval Turnaround With Turkish Public Gallup.com Ali H Aslan Obama ziyareti: Nedenler, riskler ve beklentiler Ömer Taşpınar Obama'nın çantasındaki mesajlar WSJ Turkey Needs a Bear Hug From Obama By Soner Cagaptay An embrace will help keep the Muslim country tied to the West. Soli Özel Şerden çıkan hayır Mr. Obama and Turkey - New York Times editorial Grossman: 'Türkiye'yle İyi İlişki ABD'nin Çıkarına' Washington Post Hope, Criticism Greet Obama in Turkey Visit Underscores Critical Role of Secular Nation in Complex Regional Politics Admirers, Hopeful of Change, Await US President in Turkey - Cakirozer: Turks' High Hopes for Obama Visit
Turkey Awaits Obama with Mixed Emotions - Los Angeles Times
Turkey, Armenia Likely to Ease Conflict - Los Angeles Times
Obama to Turkey: Upgrade, Not Reset - Hen-Tov & Walker, Today's Zaman Ha’aretz Obama arrives in Turkey on first visit to Muslim country Visit shows Turkey's growing clout, U.S. desire for its help to solve conflicts from Iran to Afghanistan Washington Post A Deadly Time Brought to Life By Chris Bohjalian, Was there a genocide in Armenia in 1915? Ask my family. Time to Recognize Armenian Genocide - Adam Schiff, Wall Street Journal The president should be as frank with the Turks as he was during the campaign. Independent Robert Fisk: Will Obama honour pledge on genocide of Armenians?
Murat Yetkin NATO'daki krizi yazdı SETA"OBAMA DONEMI TURK - AMERIKAN ILISKILERI" tıklayın (PDF) Time In Turkey, Signs of Change for the Kurds FT Obama urges EU to welcome Turkey Barack Obama has urged European leaders to overcome their reservations and grant Turkey full admission to the EU as a way to build stronger ties to the Muslim world WSJ Obama Urges EU to Accept Turkey Obama arrived in Turkey late Sunday, after riling the EU by urging its leaders to accept the large and mainly Muslim nation as a member. CSM Obama arrives in Turkey to strengthen ties The US president's public backing of Turkey's bid to join the European Union irked France and Germany, but will help boost ties with a key Muslim ally. Time Turkey Is Ready to Welcome Obama Obama's Turkey tour heavy with symbolism Obama ziyaretinin, Türkiye-ABD ilişkilerine ivme kazandırması bekleniyor Turkey agreed to NATO chief after Obama pledges Rebel Land: Among Turkey's Forgotten Peoples by Christopher de Bellaigue. Times Onlin US-Turkish relations enter a new season with Obama visit
Talking to Turkey, But Islam is Listening - Los Angeles Times opinion When President Obama speaks in Ankara, he can send a crucial message to Muslims. By Jack Miles U.S., Turkey and Middle East Peace - Couloumbis, Ahlstrom & Weaver, RCW Stratfor Global Summits: NATO Wraps Up, Europe and Turkey Take Center Stage The NATO summit ended April 4, ahead of an EU-U.S. summit and U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Turkey. Turkey Nears a Loan Deal With the IMF Wall Street Journal Bulent Aras: Is this a golden era for US-Turkey relations ... Country Analysis Brief: Turkey
Source: Energy Information Administration - Turkey is playing an increasingly important role in the transit of oil and gas supplies. Sources include Russia, the Caspian region, and the Middle East routed westward to Europe. Additionally, growing volumes of Russian and Caspian oil are being sent by tanker via the Bosporus Straits to Western markets while a terminal on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast at Ceyhan allows the country to export oil from northern Iraq and Azerbaijan. Erdogan Auditions as Obama Mideast Broker With Iran, Syria Ties BY: Ben Holland | Bloomberg News Erdogan says his Middle East ties make him useful to President Barack Obama in his quest to connect with the region. Erdogan’s quarrels with the West may be his best asset. Primary Source BY: Adam Kirsch | The New Republic In 2007, the Anti-Defamation League was rightly embroiled in scandal when it supported the Turkish government's plea to the U.S. Congress not to officially recognize the Armenian genocide. AB'deki Türkiye Aleyhtarları 'Rasmussen' Tartışmasını Uzatacak The Times Sarkozy warns Obama to stay out of EU affairs French President told his US counterpart to keep his nose out of the issue of Turkey’s membership of the European Union Turkey's president Mr. Gul was recently interviewed by Euronews. Here is the full interview Obama AB Üyeliği İçin Destek Verdi; Sarkozy ve Merkel İtiraz Etti TURKEY: OBAMA VISIT SPARKS HOPE OF REINVIGORATED US-TURKISH ... EurasiaNet Talking Turkey
By Spencer P. Boyer, Brian Katulis Rep. Ellison: Muslims Want Democracy
CBS News - Watch the interview, as well as Schieffer's discussion with Turkish expert Soner Cagaptay IRAN: Will Obama meet Khatami at Turkey confab? Los Angeles Times 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 Time In Turkey, Signs of Change for the Kurds Turkey's Kurdish party to ask Obama to help end PKK war Turkish PM rebukes European countries over fight against PKK Assyrian Nationalists Cooperate with Kurdish PKK Insurgents
Jamestown Foundation Iraklı Kürt Milletvekilinden PKK Yorumu Iraklı milletvekili Mahmud Osman Türkiye’nin PKK sorununu kendi içinde çözmesi gerektiğini, Irak toprakları üzerinden Türkiye’ye saldırı düzenleyen bu örgütle savaşmak istemediklerini söyledi Wexler: 'Obama'nın Ziyareti Çok Önemli' Major Kurdish parties extend strategic pact General Staff ponders poll results in Southeast Military worried about DTP poll success Bosch: Turkey to be research and development base for us Fourth British trade delegation visits Kurdistan Region Cevdet Aşkın Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık Turkey wants extra Russian gas supplies from 2015: Gazprom INTERVIEW: Give reforming Turkey a chance, commissioner urges EU Rehn Rasmussen Wins Top NATO Post After Turkey Relents Obama backs Turkey EU accession Questions over trade report's implications for Obama visit Europe's Turkey Problem TIME Turkey's Ties to Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle East Give ...
Voice of America - Known for Tight Spending, IMF May Have to Loosen Reins After G-20 ... New York Times Rasmussen to apologize to ‘Islamic World’ Secular Turkey puts faith in Obama
The National The Wrong Weapons The Moscow Times Russia may not want to alienate Israel and Turkey, with whom bilateral trade is much higher than with Iran U.S.-Turkish Relations: A Historic Era? Global Voices Online » Turkey: Obama disappoints Armenian-Americans [Obama's visit to Turkey] Transforming the US-Turkish relationship into a well-oiled machine by Hailey Cook* [Yorum - İbrahim Kalın] Ortak bir bölgesel vizyon mümkün mü? Turkish Cypriot Leader Urges UN To Step Up Cyprus Mediation (ECO) TURKEY-US CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP BACKGROUNDER: Basic facts about Turkey-US relations Turkey, US sign memorandum of agreement on energy Turkey, Armenia are likely to ease conflict Los Angeles Times – Obama persuades Turkey not to block Nato appointment FACTBOX: Obama visit bolsters US-Turkey ties Turkey: Thousands demonstrate against US, NATO Turkey’s Greeks take to stage: ’A Thorn in My Bed’ Baker's Tasty Tribute To Obama: Baracklava | 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 |
| H4 New York Times Europeans Offer Few New Troops for Afghanistan NATO gave President Obama a tepid troop commitment, underlining deep divisions within the alliance over the war. North Koreans Launch Rocket Over the Pacific Much of the world viewed the launching on Sunday as an effort by the North to prove that it is edging toward the capability to shoot a nuclear warhead on a longer-range missile. Obama Seizes on Missile Launch in Seeking Nuclear Cuts The president called for U.N. sanctions against North Korea and laid out a new approach to nuclear disarmament policy. North Korean Missile Launch Was a Failure, Experts Say Some experts said the test undercut the North Korean campaign to come across as a fearsome adversary able to hurl deadly warheads halfway around the globe. News Analysis: Time Is Short as U.S. Presses Pakistan, a Reluctant Ally In seeking an alliance with Pakistan against militants, America is courting a Muslim nation whose military is fixated on India. Ancient Sect Navigates Iraq’s New Voting Process Yazidis, adherents of a monotheistic faith involving a 12th-century mystic, have seized on the new “open list” system of Iraqi elections. Memo From Cairo: For Egypt, Promise of 1979 Peace Still Unfulfilled Obama to Loosen Restrictions on Policy With Cuba Karzai Vows to Review Family Law Known for Tight Spending, I.M.F. May Have to Loosen Reins After G-20 Windfall Editorial Unemployment Rising With the ranks of the unemployed now at 13.2 million, there is no doubt that the current recession will be the longest yet in America since World War II. On the White House The Words Have Changed, but Have the Policies? On the White House The Words Have Changed, but Have the Policies? Obama and the Confidence Game By PETER BAKER Americans are feeling a bit bewildered. Can the president give us back our gumption? By NICHOLAS KULISH Germany’s devotion to precise rules and regulations has made America’s bold and improvisatory response to the credit crisis a tough sell there. Did They Miss the Memo? Despite a presidential order to obey the Freedom of Information act, documents about the legal pretext for interrogations have yet to be released. Lessons on How to Guzzle Less Gas, From Europe and Japan Europeans love their small cars and swallow their giant gas taxes. Any chance for us? FRANK RICH Even Rick Wagoner’s Firing Got Lousy Mileage Detroit’s chief executive had to be beheaded so that the masters of the universe at the top of Wall Street’s bailed-out behemoths might survive. THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Obama’s Big, Bold Bet The emergency economic policies represent a huge bet that the administration can confine this crisis to a really nasty recession. NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF Pregnant (Again) and Poor There’s simply no way to elevate families from poverty unless women have fewer children. And yet global family-planning efforts have stalled. MAUREEN DOWD The First Shrink President Obama won over Europe using a psychological finesse that has been missing from American leadership for a long time. Liberty, Equality, Envy By AMÉLIE NOTHOMB In Europe, and especially in France, there is envy for the faith that Americans have in their president. No Hurt Feelings in Germany By CHRISTOPH PETERS In Berlin, euphoria over the president has given way to an appreciation of normality Larger Than Life in London By A. A. GILL President Obama showed the British how to be classlessly classy. Obama Finds That Washington’s Habits of Secrecy Die Hard | H5 Washington Post After Launch, Obama Focuses On Disarmament N. Korea Complicates President's Trip Obama Urges Global Nuclear Disarmament Obama vows to seek U.S. ratification of testing ban, work to stop the spread of nuclear material, allow peaceful development of nuclear power. Is Obama's Mideast Diplomatic Drama Ready to Open? By David Ignatius The Obama administration is preparing a broad stage for Middle East diplomacy stretching from the Palestinians to Syria to Iran. It's a supremely ambitious agenda, and before the curtain goes up, Obama should explore his options and risks carefully NATO Backs Obama's Afghan Plan but Pledges Few New Troops Obama, Going Along to Get Along By Jackson Diehl, Obama let others set the agenda at the G-20. Obama - The Listener in Chief Needs to Lead The Listener in Chief Needs to Start Acting By Jim Hoagland, The Radicalization of Ben Bernanke He is throwing trillions of dollars at the financial crisis. What happens if his gambles don't pay off? By Simon Johnson and James Kwa Americans Support Goal of Improved Relations With Muslim World Short '06 Lebanon War Stokes Pentagon Debate U.S. military leaders are divided over whether the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah foreshadows how future enemies of the U.S. might fight. Obama Has Set Much in Motion; Now He Must See It Through By Dan Balz, It is entirely possible that six or nine months from now, President Obama will look back on his first 75 days in office and consider them the easy part. Not because they have been flawless, which they have not been, but because he must now try to finish all that he has started. On European Trip, President Tries to Set a New, Pragmatic Tone China's Dollar Deception By Robert J. Samuelson, By keeping its currency artificially depressed China abetted the imbalances it now criticizes. What's the Big Idea: What Will Replace Newspapers By John Pomfret Lessons from the past on the future of the media Life After Newspapers By Michael Kinsley, If General Motors goes under, there will still be cars. And if the New York Times disappears, there will still be news. Obama Focuses on Disarmament Promise to reduce threat of nuclear weapons comes after "provocative" missile launch from N. Korea. A Deadly Time Brought to Life By Chris Bohjalian, Was there a genocide in Armenia in 1915? Ask my family. Some Troops Embrace Afghan War Ties to 9/11 Build Enthusiasm for the Fight, but Deployments Have Taken a Toll Czechs Could Shoot Down Hope for Missile Defense Is a New Generation of Christians Finished with Politics? By Kathleen Parker Is the Christian right finished as a political entity? Or, more to the point, are principled Christians finished with politics? Afghan Law on Women Brings Societal Conflict Onto World Stage Defiant N. Korea Launches Missile Neighbors Express Dismay; U.S. Decries 'Provocative Act Will Obama's Revolution Deliver Energy Independence? By Steven Mufson, The stars have never aligned in favor of a change in U.S. energy and climate policy the way they're aligned in Washington today. Which Way in Afghanistan? Ask Colombia For Directions. By Scott Wilson, Colombia offers a far better classroom then Iraq for learning how to beat the Taliban. Diplomatic Efforts Get Tech Support Alec Ross arrives today at the State Department, armed with a new set of diplomatic tools including Facebook, text messaging and YouTube. GOP May Be Stuck on Cohesion Top Leaders in the House Display a Tendency to Diverge Obama's Wallow in the Automobile Industry By George F. Will, Absent $4 gasoline, customers don't want the vehicles that Obama wants them to want. The Embargo After the Castros By Marc A. Thiessen, Instead of strengthening Raúl by lifting the embargo now, we should wait and use it to strengthen democracy Steady Through This Storm By Ricardo J. Caballero, If the administration's economic team is persistent, we have a good chance of getting out of this mess. Health Care's Year By E.J. Dionne Jr Yes, this is the year Congress will finally give every American access to health insurance. Scrutiny of Obama Splits Blacks Pundits who examine the president more critically run afoul of those who continue to praise him. | H6 Guardian North Korea's rocket launch tests Obama's resolve US condemns 'provocation' but Pyongyang claims satellite launched to transmit songs · North Korea: Making a splash Editorial: Mr Kim now has more cards to play in stalled six-party talks over its nuclear disarmament Obama changes the nuclear rules Two presidential speeches in two days signal end of cold war strategic thinking for Barack Obama · The environment: Not green, just gloomy Editorial: Climate change's lack of immediate visibility in daily life means many will do nothing concrete to tackle it · Earthquake hits central Italy Residents braced for aftershocks after 6.3 magnitude quake hits 60 miles north-east of Rome · With a rocket, Obama's hope is shot back down to earth Michael Tomasky: While the US president's pull may help change the world, North Korea won't be the only state needing a lot of work to convince · Patience with Pyongyang Hans Blix: This isolated regime has to believe a treaty offers it better security than nuclear weapons The Observer Afghanistan's oppressed still need Nato Editorial: Public opinion rallied in support of the war not just because the Taliban regime gave safe haven to al-Qaida, but because it was oppressive, especially in its treatment of women · Well done, Gordon. Now it's time to come back to earth Andrew Rawnsley: Mr Brown is glowing after a successful summit where he was in his element. Now he has to focus on being prime minister again The US-Iran 'meeting' that never was Massoumeh Torfeh: A manufactured encounter between the US and Iran overshadowed the real issues at a conference on Afghanistan The ICC needs the UN Afua Hirsch: By its failure to back up the ICC's pursuit of Omar al-Bashir, the UN is throwing the international court's credibility into question |
| H7 Stephen Walt Foreign Policy Challenges Facing the New Administration William Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the U.S. Department of State The Obama Administration and Implications for Freedom and Democracy in the Middle East - Scott Carpenter The U.S. government can use Arab governments' insecurity regarding Iran as leverage to encourage real reform. (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) NATO at 60: A Hollow Alliance by Ted Galen Carpenter The Time Has Come to Abolish Arab Summits BY: Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed | Asharq Alawsat Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak did well when he decided not to attend the latest summit in Doha, because there is no use in summits that end in bitterness and create negative popular impressions. Arab League Fudges Key Issues BY: Dominic Moran | ISN Security Watch Nothing new in Obama's policy
GulfNews By Amir Taheri Don't Repeat Iraq Waste Trudy Rubin | Miami Herald One of the pitfalls President Obama wants to avoid in Afghanistan is the gross waste of reconstruction aid that went on in Iraq Authoritarian powers who softened their rule to boost growth now face growing political unrest — but lack the old means to contain it. 'US OK with UK's overture to Hizbullah' — Article's topics: Hizbullah, Britain, Barack Obama — The Obama administration is “comfortable” with the British government's attempts to engage Hizbullah, a senior British diplomat asserts. Obama's Bipartisan Foreign Policy - Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times Silverman: "The Sons of Iraq and Iraqi Politics" Now It's Obama's World - Jim Hoagland, Washington Post
Hoping for Humanitarian Gesture from Iran - Daniel Levinson, RCW
'New World Order' Simply a Fantasy - Simon Heffer, Daily Telegraph
The West's Fatal Overdose at G-20 - Gabor Steingart, Der Spiegel
Talking Turkey, Islam Listening - Jack Miles, Los Angeles Times
So, What Was Achieved at G-20? - Arvind Subramanian, Forbes
A Different Global Landscape - Philip Stephens, Financial Times Who Is Sheikh Abu Mansoor Al-Amriki? - Maureen Callahan, New York Post A Different Kind of American Exceptionalist - Michael Scherer, Time Nuclear option Is talk of a nuclear weapon-free world just a dream? A Latin America game plan President Obama's visit to Mexico and then his participation in the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad, will be his first visit to Latin America. He can make excellent use of this opportunity if he keeps a few key points in mind, and uses the meeting as much to listen as to speak. (By Abraham F. Lowenthal, Boston Globe) | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Clock Ticks for Iran Despite Obama's Offer of Talks - Louis Charbonneau The U.S. will push for new UN sanctions against Iran later this year if President Obama's effort to improve relations fails to stop Tehran from pursuing its nuclear program. But plans for a fourth round of international sanctions will remain on hold at least until after Iran's presidential elections in June, diplomats said. In Iraq, Political Ambiguity - Anthony Shadid, Washington Post Baghdad bans two South Korean companies from oil fields Old Alliances Shift After January Vote
Washington Post Iraqi Forces Arrest More US-Allied Sunni Guards Larijani met Iraqi officials, Ayatollah Sistani Major Kurdish Parties Extend Strategic Pact US, Iraqi Troops Join for Census, Aid Distribution in Villages – AFPS
Coalition Air Weapons Team Strikes Roadside Bombers in Iraq - AFPS
Black Funeral Banners Belie Iraq's Declining Death Toll - Los Angeles Times Asian Firms on Iraq Shortlist for Oil Deals | H9 Ha’aretz – U.S. envoy: Arab peace initiative will be part of Obama policy 2002 deal offers normalized Arab-Israeli ties in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories. Netanyahu: Peace policy to be set within weeks U.S. green light for Israeli attack on Iran will have to wait Avineri What to speak with Hamas about Recently, more and more voices have been heard saying that the only way to reach an Israeli-Palestinian accord is by talking to Hamas. Gideon Levy: Israel's reported strike in Sudan - just propaganda? Nobody knows for sure what was bombed, how much and why; Sudan, after all, is far away. Saudi prince: Divisions among Arabs helped Iran's regional rise Former ambassador to U.S. calls Islamic Republic 'a paper tiger with claws of steel.' Police: Lieberman probe likely to yield corruption charges Who are the 50 most influential rabbis in the U.S.? Lieberman's paradoxical strength The era of panic has begun: Avigdor Lieberman is foreign minister. All the flaws, failures, successes and the peace the Netanyahu government might forge hinge on that obstacle named Lieberman. Kazakhs want to buy Israeli surveillance technologies Israel pleased with Danish PM's appointment as new NATO chief 'IDF Gaza testimonies are completely unfounded' Obama says Teheran has "clear choice" to cease nuclear activity or face increased isolation. By MENACHEM Z. ROSENSAFT
As supporter of the peace movement, I believe it behooves everyone to give new PM some breathing space. Security and Defense: Who's in charge of whom and over what? Yedioth Ahronoth 'Obama's pretest for Iran' Analyst says US president's reaction to N. Korea rocket launch will be his first test of leadership 'Pope a persona non grata' Bar-Ilan Prof. Hillel Weiss writes article referring to Benedict XVI as 'the chosen Trojan horse' Mystery in Sudan Hagai Segal wonders why people talk about Sudan bombing but not about Egyptian conduct 'Arrow-3 missile in jeopardy'
Due to economic downturn, US Congress to discuss plans to cut security budget, including funding of advanced Israeli missile defense system; Jerusalem fears policy may also affect future sale of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft 'More active US role needed' In meeting with congressmen, Assad urges more active US part in Mideast peace process Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Israel on Trial - New York Times opinion Finally, harsh realism from Israel Far from disparaging peace, Israel Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called for pursuing it with the respect and realism it deserves. (By Jeff Jacoby, Globe Columnist) Israeli Unity Government Anchored to Iranian Nuclear Emergency - Meyrav Wurmser
Israel's formation of a national unity government, a common strategy by parliamentary governments in times of war or national emergencies, is a move to gird the Jewish state for an impending crisis involving Iran's nuclear program. The writer is director of the Center for Middle East Policy at the Hudson Institute. (Washington Times) Is This a New Netanyahu? - Nicholas Goldberg, Los Angeles Times
The new Israeli foreign minister is a troublesome anti-Arab demagogue who threatens to derail the two-state solution that is the only real pathway to peace and security in the Middle East. (Boston Globe) Britain Says US Doesn't Object to Efforts to Engage Hezbollah - LA Times
A Mideast Play's Uncertain Script - Washington Post opinion
Will Bibi Bring Peace with Syria? - Scott MacLeod, Time A Match Made in Tel Aviv by Leon Hadar Lynch Palestine Just Got More Depressing Barak: Netanyahu's Fig Leaf Buffer - Gwynne Dyer, Japan Times Face of Palestinian 'Resistance' - Jonathan Tobin, Commentary Magazine Israel's War Conduct on Trial - George Bisharat, New York Times A review of Speaking of Jews: Rabbis, Intellectuals, and the Creation of an American Public Identity by Lila Corwin Berman Poll Shows India is Israel’s Best Friend; Russians Like Us Too Unusually small sex differentials in mortality of Israeli Jews: What does the structure of causes of death tell us? Source: Demographic Research For Hizbullah Leader Mughniyah, the Cause of Annihilating Israel Took Precedence |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Don't be naive about Russia's real aims By Ariel Cohen Obama lays out steps for a nuclear free world In Prague speech Sunday, the US president talked about Iran, North Korea, Russia, and how to stop the spread of nuclear weapons Obama said N. Korea 'broke the rules.' Now what? N. Korea's missile launch Sunday complicates the long-term strategy of the US and her Asian allies toward Pyongyang's nuclear program. Obama, the pragmatist, wins NATO kudos but few troops for Afghan mission The US president got a ringing endorsement of his new Afghanistan strategy – but only 3,000 new, mostly non-combat troops. North Korea's challenge for Obama The US must pressure China to rein in its ally. Outrage over Taliban flogging of Pakistani girl could threaten peace deal A video of a girl being lashed 34 times for allegedly being seen with a man who was not her husband has prompted a chorus of condemnations led by President Asif Ali Zardari. US-Iran thaw could bolster Afghanistan rebuilding efforts In The Hague this week, Iranian officials offered to cooperate with the US. Iran has pursued an ambitious redevelopment effort in Afghanistan since 2001. The G-20 can do better next time What didn't happen at the London summit matters more than what did. ASIA NATO Drags Feet Over Forces for Obama's Afghan Offensive - Matthew Campbell and Isabel Oakeshott, The Times NYT Magazine Can Pakistan Be Governed? By JAMES TRAUB Terrorists. Secessionists. Angry neighbors. Smoldering generals. And Asif Ali Zardari, with the job of keeping his country from becoming the most dangerous failed state in the world. NATO Boosts Afghanistan Presence - Jonathan Weisman, Wall Street Journal Pakistan Bristles at U.S. Accusations Pakistan's leaders are frustrated by recent broadsides by U.S. officials accusing Islamabad's spy service of aiding the Taliban, setting the stage for what could be contentious meetings when top American officials visit. Tom Barnett India's rising role in globalization Scripps Howard. Obama Wins NATO Backing for Afghanistan - Jon Ward, Washington Times Stephen Walt The Af-Pak muddle Discarding Old Afghan Stereotypes - M. Ashraf Haidari, Washington Times The great jumble sale of troop offers made by Nato countries for Afghanistan's upcoming elections is beginning to unravel No accord at UN talks on N Korea An emergency UN Security Council meeting on North Korea's rocket launch ends without agreement, officials say. NYT News Analysis: Time Is Short as U.S. Presses Pakistan, a Reluctant Ally
Af-Pak: Becoming Talibanistan? - Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, Hindustan Times
India's Dynastic Hope Kicks off Campaign - The Economist
Can China Save the World? - Brian Klein, Far Eastern Economic Review
Rasmussen Reports: 57% Want Military Response to North Korea Missile Launch
Reassessing Foreign Aid to Pakistan - Lawrence Korb, American Progress
When North Korea declared that it was planning to launch a satellite, the United States should have shrugged and gone about its business. Instead, the Obama administration has exaggerated the importance of the launch by treating it as a national security threat. (By John Feffer, Boston Globe) Thousands Flee US Drone Attacks on Pak Border North Korean Rocket Passes Over Japan Obama's Neoliberals: Selling His Afghan War One Report at a Time by Jeremy Scahill
China's Superpower 'Coming Out Party' - Alan Fong, China Post
StratforAfghanistan: A Pakistani Role in the U.S. Strategy for the Taliban The United States needs Pakistan to help it differentiate between the pragmatic Taliban and the irreconcilable ones as it attempts negotiations. Will the West stand up for the women of Afghanistan? China's Other Ethnic Problem NATO Pledges More Troops for Afghanistan, But Not Combat Forces - Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times Can Pakistan Be Governed? - New York Times Foreign Policy The Sick Man of Asia Think Again: Japan's Lost Decade US Set to Win Only Small Shows of Support on Afghanistan - Jonathan Weisman, Wall Street Journal Video of Taliban Flogging Rattles Pakistan - New York Times UN to respond to N Korea launch The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session to discuss a controversial rocket launch by North Korea. Afghanistan Still Needs NATO - The Guardian
Opportunity to Do Right in Afghanistan - The National
Defiant N. Korea Launches Missile - Blaine Harden, Washington Post India's failing secularism Kapil Komireddi: In a supposedly secular state, India's religious minorities find themselves in an increasingly precarious position Shadow of Mahathir looms large Chiew-Siah Tei: As Malaysia's fifth prime minister resigns, many fear his successor will take a hard line Japan and its Western allies face resistance from the two states in seeking a tough response to the North Korean rocket launch
Defying World, North Koreans Launch Rocket - New York Times
Pakistan: Armed, Unstable, Extremely Dangerous - Miami Herald Kim's Targets - Wall Street Journal opinion Time for a North Korea Strategy - Douglas Paal, Carnegie Endowment
North Korea Launches Rocket - Wall Street Journal
Mumbai Massacre Kicks off an Arms Race BY: Siddhartha Srivastava | Asia Sentinel In the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks last November, India's defense sector has gone into a frenetic round of acquisitions pegged at US$50 billion over the next five years, to all intents and purposes all of it focused on Pakistan, either for conventional or so-called "asymmetric warfare." Japan Rewrites Script - Washington Times opinion Let's hope Obama keeps his cool John Gittings: It's easy to get exercised about North Korea but Washington's relationship with Pyongyang lies at the heart of non-proliferation | By SALOMÉ ZOURABICHVILI Georgians need an uncompromising international commitment to the basic institutions of democracy, not foreign support for individual leaders. EUROPE European press review Europe may think it has retired from its historical tasks, having done and suffered so much. But history will not let Europe off the hook quite so easily, writes Adam Kirsch... more» Der Spiegel Agreement Reached on Rasmussen: Obama Saves NATO Governments from Summit Shame Afghanistan, US Leadership Dominate NATO's Historic 60th Anniversary Summit - Sonja Pace, Voice of America Europeans Offer Few New Troops for Afghanistan - Steven Erlanger and Helene Cooper, New York Times Czechs Could Shoot Down Hope for Missile Defense
NATO at 60 Faces Growing Pains - Gwynne Dyer, Japan Times
NATO's Existential Crisis - Robert Fox, The Guardian Sectarian Tension Returns to Northern Ireland - Bryan Coll, Time EU Could Do More for Peace, Ahtisaari Says BY: Elitsa Vucheva | EU Observer The EU should be more active in peace mediation and boost its expertise in that field, former Finnish president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari said on Wednesday (1 April), suggesting that setting up a European Institute for Peace could be one way to do this. Working With Our Friends in Europe BY: Nicholas Burns | The Boston Globe European governments need to work harder to convince their publics that they have as much of a stake in facing global threats as we do. EU Dreams in Communist Moldova BY: Uwe Klussman | Der Spiegel Europe's last Communist regime is looking increasingly shaky. The population in Moldova, which holds parliamentary elections this Sunday, wants reunification with Romania -- and the EU membership it would bring. Macedonia’s Ivanov poised for election win Gorge Ivanov, the conservative candidate, looked set to win presidential elections on Sunday with voter turnout likely to be just high enough to avoid repeating the polls Ivanov wins Macedonia elections Gjorgje Ivanov leads in a presidential run-off in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, with half the votes counted Opinion: How to save the market economy in Europe Europe must seize the chance to get the best out of competing economic models and firm up market integration by moderating tax competition, writes Mario Monti Macedonia votes for new president The people of Macedonia vote in the final round of a presidential poll seen as key to its future EU and Nato membership. America will not pressure Greece for the name of Macedonia Europe's only Communist leader set to leave quietly as former Soviet republic looks for closer links to the European Union Strong earthquake hits central Italy An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale has rocked central Italy seriously damanging some houses and causing a few structures to collapse in a mountainous region east of Rome | H12 RFE/RL Google News Azerbaijan Stratfor Geopolitical Diary: Russia Moves From Offense to Defense The last week of summits has put Russia in a position where it must focus on defending its former Soviet territory. Re-Booting NATO-Russia Relations - Dmitry Rogozin, RealClearWorld Don't be naive about Russia's real aims By Ariel Cohen · Kazakhstan Eyes Nuclear Fuel Deal Kazakhstan approached the White House in recent weeks to volunteer to host an international "nuclear fuel bank," where nations that renounce nuclear weapons can purchase fissile fuel for nuclear energy reactors. Stratfor Update: Russia and Obama's Nuclear Challenge Obama announced new features in American foreign policy April 5 in Europe. While his approach may be perceived as less harsh than that of his predecessor, a quick glance indicates that if anything, his policy will be even more direct in countering the Russian resurgence Russia Keeps Some Troops in Georgia, Defying Deal BY: C.J. Chivers | The New York Times Nearly eight months after the war between Russia and Georgia, Russian troops continue to hold Georgian territory that the Kremlin agreed to vacate as part of a formal cease-fire, leaving a basic condition of that agreement unfulfilled A Fresh Start for Georgia - Salome Zourabichvili, New York Times Why a Russian 'Reset' Won't Work - Svante Cornell, RealClearWorld The Moscow Delusion - Rich Lowry, National Review US, Russia Ties on New Trajectory - M K Bhadrakumar, Asia Times Top Chechen 'behind Gulf murder' Dubai police say a senior Chechen official was behind the apparent killing of a rival of the Russian region's president. |
| H13 The Times One day, we must deal with Kim Jong Il The North Korean leader's regime is cruel and absurd, but his actions have to be understood as well as condemned to secure a safer world Michael Wills Nato is the only plausible means by which the West can work together to ensure their - and our – safety Stephen Pollard Nuclear Threats and Rewards The abolition of nuclear weapons is a worthy aim with no immediate prospect of realisation. Meanwhile, proliferation to rogue states must be vigorously countered North Korea rocket puts Obama on nuclear alert President faces his first big test on security as North Korea launch a missile designed to carry a warhead as far as Alaska It is time all Nato countries did their bit How do we get reluctant nations to commit the troops necessary to stabilise Afghanistan? Nato drags feet over Afghan offensive President Obama has reason to be disappointed by Europe's response to his plea to commit extra troops for the region ANALYSIS: what difference does the launch make? What difference will today's rocket launch make, and what can the world do? The answer to both is: not very much The great jumble sale of troop offers made by Nato countries for Afghanistan's upcoming elections is beginning to unravel While President Obama focuses on reducing US and Russian nuclear warheads, the hidden dangers remain Obama wants world with no nuclear weapons In speech in front of 20,000 crowd in Prague, President said he would push all atomic nations to reduce arsenals Reasons to be cheerful Are chinks of light emerging in the economic gloom? North Korea 'fails to place satellite into orbit' Despite scheme's alleged failure, communist state's decision to fire intercontinental rocket led to global condemnation Gordon Brown needs to add a domestic story to his role on the world stage The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the nuclear threat from Tehran. · The Song of Kim Jong Il The condemnations will probably soon become concessions. A Missile Shot for Iran By Gordon G. Chang
North Korea's rocket launch has repercussions far beyond its borders. Martin Feldstein: Geithner's Bank Plan Is a Good Start By Ronan Farrow
Obama should be careful about lending legitimacy to bad actors. Carl Schramm: Giving Capitalism Its Due Hedge Fund Paid Summers $5.2 Million in Past Year From Bubble to Depression? By Steven Gjerstad and Vernon L. Smith
Why the housing crash ruined the financial system but the dot-com collapse did no Susan Lee / Forbes:
It Really Is All Greenspan's Fault — Ask John Taylor ... Susan Lee / Forbes:
It Really Is All Greenspan's Fault — Ask John Taylor ... | H14 Financial Times A wider order comes into view The G20 summit revealed the world’s more multipolar character – but the eastward transfer of economic power will give rise to tensions The fiscal hole that must be filled Congress is preparing to underwrite a large and permanent expansion of US government spending obligations while failing to expand the tax base. So for how long will Barack Obama be able to keep his pledge not to raise income taxes for almost all Americans, asks Clive Crook Editorial Obama gets less than he deserves Europe gave the US president rave reviews and words of friendship but little of substance. The G20 failed to agree on stronger fiscal expansion and Nato promised no serious help in rooting out al-Qaeda Obama brings unity to Nato Barack Obama used his magic to broker a deal between Abdullah Gul, Turkey’s president, and Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Denmark’s prime minister, for Mr Rasmussen to become Nato secretary-general Obama in Europe: overtures to ovations The enthusiasm with which the US president is being met on his first big foreign foray reflects his keenness to engage with ordinary citizens and world leaders alike Not time to pause Through this crisis the Bank of Japan has been overly hesitant. It must be bolder, and boost the supply of money to the economy by a greater degree. It is time to return to formal quantitative easing. Eastern intentions The EU must show its commitment to solving the economic crisis by stepping in to help credit-starved eastern European countries before their problems start to make an impact on western Europe Morality half remembered Christopher Caldwell on the politics of right and wrong Anders Fogh Rasmussen is appointed secretary-general US prepared to oust bank chiefs Tim Geithner warned on Sunday that the US government would consider ousting board members at American banks as a condition for giving them “exceptional” assistance in the future IMF urges eastern EU to adopt euro Crisis-hit European Union states in central and eastern Europe should consider scrapping their currencies in favour of the euro even without formally joining the eurozone, according to the International Monetary Fund | For now at least, Republicans have found little to disagree with in his handling of foreign policy. U.N. Security Council fails to agree on North Korea reaction Turkey awaits Obama with mixed emotions Turks are excited about his visit, seen with pride as affirmation of the nation's importance NATO pledges more troops for Afghanistan, but not combat forces The U.S. sought troops to fight the Taliban, but Obama still calls the commitment 'a strong down payment' on the Afghan mission Britain says U.S. doesn't object to efforts to engage Hezbollah The Bush administration had criticized the idea of approaching the Lebanon-based Shiite Muslim group, but a British official likens it to outreach to the IRA that led to peace talks The court's refusal to reinstate a tough law on junk e-mails is likely to be... The U.S., and now other countries, are conducting legal inquiries into Bush-... His return as the leader of Israel raises questions about whether he will be a... FBI database links long-haul truckers and serial killings More than 500 female victims are listed. Most were killed and their bodies dumped at spots along trucking routes crisscrossing the U.S. NATO leaders name new secretary general Denmark's prime minister will lead the organization. Earlier, Obama and other alliance leaders met on a bridge joining France and Germany, two nations with a history of conflic North Korea's rocket launch: the fallout Tensions remain high after the launch, condemned by the West for its nuclear-arms ramifications. North Korea declares a success. Officials elsewhere say the rocket and satellite fell into the sea Black funeral banners belie Iraq's declining death toll They still dot the capital, reminding Iraqis that the embers of the recent civil war still burn. A recent banner honors two Christian women, killed because of their faith, their family says Video of Taliban flogging girl stirs anger in Pakistan The 17-year-old is believed to have been punished for refusing to marry a militant commander in the Swat Valley. A human rights activist calls the whipping 'intolerable. |
| H16 American Politics Obama spends big now, talks austerity later — 10 years later | McClatchy President Barack Obama boasts that he'll reduce spending on key domestic nondefense programs to their lowest levels since the 1960s, but he and Democrats in Congress are on a spending spree not seen since then The Atlantic Online: How the Crash Will Reshape America — The Next Economic Landscape — The housing bubble was the ultimate expression, and perhaps the last gasp, of an economic system some 80 years in the making, and now well past its “sell-by” date. Jon Meacham / Newsweek: The End of Christian America — The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades. How that statistic explains who we are now—and what, as a nation, we are about to become Obama and the Confidence Game - Peter Baker, New York Times
President Must Do Better Domestically - Michael Goodwin, NY Daily News
The First Shrink - Maureen Dowd, New York Times
Obama: The Master of Misdirection - Fred Barnes, Weekly Standard
Bernanke's Radicalization - Simon Johnson & James Kwak, Washington Post
An Artificial Energy Crisis - Newt Gingrich, Newsweek
Obama Treads a Fine Line with North Korea - Peter Foster, The Telegraph
Axelrod hits back at Cheney: Not behaving like a ‘statesman’ Kathleen Parker / Washington Post: Is a New Generation of Christians Finished with Politics? — Is the Christian right finished as a political entity? Or, more to the point, are principled Christians finished with politics? Daniel Dombey / Financial Times:
US may cede to Iran's nuclear ambition realclearpolitics memeorandum Daily Beast Cheat Sheet Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin | America 'to slash military spending' Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, will on Monday offer proposals to slash spending on major military projects in what aides called a "fundamental shift in direction". North Korea: pathetic, but still dangerous Telegraph View: Although it is hard to take Kim Jong-il's regime seriously, its missile is still a grave matter. Actions are harder than words with North Korea Barack Obama is facing the first major foreign policy test since he took office, and he will have to tread a fine line in his dealings with North Korea, write Peter Foster and Philip Sherwell. | Nato at 60: What you need to know Leading article: Two cheers for Gordon G20: A citizen’s guide Last week’s demonstrations deflected attention from the decisions taken to tackle the global economic meltdown. Hamish McRae: This summit won't save the world, but at least it has made an important start Danish Prime Minister elected secretary-general |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Gates Planning Major Changes In Programs, Defense Budget - R. Jeffrey Smith and Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post Judging the War on Terror - Los Angeles Times editorial Fiscal 2010 Budget to Reflect ‘Fundamental Shift’ in Defense – AFPS Rewired For War: Militant Operating Environments Irregular Warfare and Adaptive Leadership (Full PDF Article) Provincial Reconstruction Teams: How Do We Know They Work? - Dr. Carter Malkasian and Dr. Gerald Meyerle, Strategic Studies Institute Parallel Governance and Modern Insurgencies (Full PDF Article) | H20 Slate The US needs a Department of Development: Foreign assistance isn’t only a moral gesture, it’s also essential to our national security. New Study Identifies Emerging Threats to Internet Freedom
Source: Freedom House Biofuels are the worst enemy of the world’s rainforests and of the people who depend on them. Heather Rogers explains... more» | H21 The other kind of smart Is it time for schools to try to boost kids' emotional intelligence? (By Drake Bennett, Boston Globe) From Policy Review, is pornography the new tobacco? Mary Eberstadt on another curious reversal in moralizing Murdoch says papers should charge on Web Niebuhr and Obama: What does the president’s taste for the theologian foretell? Brain Researchers Open Door to Editing Unwanted Memory A molecule that could allow scientists to erase memories is among a series of discoveries in neuroscience, a field expanding almost as rapidly as the set of ethical questions it prompts George Frideric Handel, musical genius, was also a binge eater and boozer whose gargantuan appetites brought on lead poisoning... more» 'The Letters of Samuel Beckett' The publication of Beckett’s letters, both brilliant and humanly forthcoming, is an elating cultural moment. Is there a bit of OCD in all of us? One in every 50 people suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder – and new research suggests that many more exhibit at least some of its symptoms Jakub Grygiel on the power of statelessness: The withering appeal of governing; and a review of Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori and Rom Brafman. An Afghan jihadi goes to Harvard - and then goes back (By Samuel P. Jacobs, Boston Globe) Andrew Bacevich reviews David Kilcullen's The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One. How we ended up with such vile ideas about marriage? Growing up on Facebook: Can you forge your future self when you never leave the present? An interview with Fran Dolan, author of Marriage and Violence: The Early Modern Legacy. Plastic fantastic Porn is for keeping your mind off sex, says Clive James Mecca mosques 'wrongly aligned'
Some 200 mosques in Islam's holiest city, Mecca, point the wrong way for prayers, reports from Saudi Arabia say. A review of Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life by Dacher Keltner. The ascendancy of politics: Around the world, political capital is replacing plain old capital. A look at journalism’s culpability in the economic crisis. When we do hit bottom — this year or years from now — how will we know? Nicholas Carr on how the Internet is rewiring our brains Gates Planning Major Changes in Defense Programs, Budget — Proposal Said to Move Focus To Counterinsurgency Efforts We don’t know what work is – until we lose it Having a job gives you dignity, a sense of purpose, something to get up for in the mornings In Praise of the American Short Story In an age pressed for time, rediscovering the pleasures of compression in the work of masters such as Flannery O’Connor, John Cheever and Donald Barthelme. |
