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| H1 Stratfor Second Quarter Forecast 2009: Global Trends --- Second Quarter Forecast 2009: Regional Breakouts Financial Times Flames to douse America and Iran: As it tries to reset relations, Washington faces the problem that Tehran’s nuclear programme is gathering pace all the while – and regional powers are at best wary McClatchy U.S. experts: Pakistan on course to become Islamist state A growing number of U.S. intelligence, defense and diplomatic officials have concluded that there's little hope of preventing nuclear-armed Pakistan from disintegrating into fiefdoms controlled by Islamist warlords and terrorists, posing the a greater threat to the U.S. than Afghanistan's terrorist haven did before 9/11 Plan for Palestinian state is 'dead end,' Israel tells U.S. In a direct challenge to President Barack Obama's commitment to rejuvenate moribund Mideast peace talks, Israel on Thursday dismissed American-led efforts to establish a Palestinian state and laid out new conditions for renewed negotiations Mitchell visit to Israel: Does Obama's path to Iran pass through Jewish settlements? Peace envoy's trip is part of sweeping effort to demonstrate a broader US approach toward regional peace. Obama's back door to Iran ties First create trust by seeking a deal on Afghanistan – it's a mess for both. Briefing: Who are the Taliban? The umbrella organization includes many different groups fighting the Afghan government and Western forces. Emanuel Says Obama Insists On Implementing Two State Solution, No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Ha’aretz – Obama wants Israel to hold parallel talks with Palestinians and Syria U.S. believes breakthrough in peace process between Israel and the Arab states would curb Iran's influence. Yossi Melman / I would advise Netanyahu to attack Iran Such a move would serve the interests of the West and the Arab world, but they can ill afford to admit it IDF deal for F-35 sours over soaring costs of fighter jets Senior IAF officers insist on purchasing the jets to deal with future battle threats ANALYSIS / Israel will need F-35s to deal with Iran If Russia supplies the Iranians with S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, IDF will urgently need a stealth plane Why there is Always a Military Solution Asharq Alawsat By Amir Taheri Guardian · Sarkozy's verdict on fellow leaders Obama 'not always up to scratch' and Zapatero 'perhaps not very intelligent', says French premier Russia ends Chechen campaign End to counterterrorist operations in Chechnya signals formal end of Kremlin's war in republic Analysis: pullout overdue and overplayed How world economies measure up in a global recession A round up of international economies and how well they are coping during the recession Geopolitical Diary: Russia Announces Mission Complete The Kremlin said April 16 that its counterterrorism operations in Chechnya have concluded. Fouad Ajami on how history may yet prove Samuel Huntington’s "clash of civilizations" right Speaking Truth to Muslim Power - Reuel Marc Gerecht, Wall Street Journal Obama does no favors to Islam by ignoring its internal debates. More and more and more on The Gamble by Thomas Ricks. Stop calling Iran's leaders irrational ACLU: Abuse of Power: The Bush Administration's Secret Legal Memos New York Times Interrogation Memos Detail Harsh Tactics by the C.I.A. As the White House released secret memos describing interrogation techniques, it said it would not prosecute those who carried out the practices. President Obama’s Statement Read the Memos Taliban Exploit Class Rifts to Gain Ground in Pakistan The militants have organized landless tenants against wealthy landlords in a strategy that poses broad dangers for the rest of Pakistan. DAVID BROOKS A Loud and Promised Land In Israel, the most emotionally intense experiences are national ones, so the public-private distinction was bound to erode PAUL KRUGMAN Green Shoots and Glimmers With all the talk of signs of recovery, there are still real reasons to be cautious about the economic outlook. President Obama's Statement on the Memos Los Angeles Times Iranian scholar has advice for U.S. on Afghanistan Changiz Pahlavan offers insights into the Afghan culture and how Iran might help the West deal with its neighbor U.S. envoy George Mitchell meets with Israeli foreign minister Mitchell presses for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who opposes Palestinian statehood, says a 'new approach' is needed. Russia says its military operation in Chechnya is over Moscow transfers more power to Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, a friend of the Kremlin who critics say has tortured and killed his opponents. Washington Post New Interrogation Details Emerge as Administration Releases Justice Department Memos As It Releases Justice Dept. Memos, Administration Reassures CIA Questioners Memos: No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3a | No. 3b | No. 4a | No. 4b Kurds, Arabs Maneuver Ahead of U.N. Report on N. Iraq U.S.-Israel Divide Emerges On Palestinian Peace Talks Barack Obama's 'New Foundation' - a Sting in Four Parts By Charles Krauthammer If only his big ideas for health care and deficit reduction weren't constructed over sand. Bush-era interrogations: From waterboarding to forced nudity The long-awaited release Thursday of four Bush-era memos lays out in clinical detail many of the controversial interrogation methods secretly authorized by the Bush administration — from waterboarding to trapping prisoners in boxes with insects — while former President George W. Bush was publicly condemning the use of torture Jerusalem Post Agreeing to a toothless state would be no less of a danger Int'l law would not necessarily require Palestinian compliance with pre-state accords about armed force. The real two-state problem Mitchell is pressing Israel, but prime obstacle is W. Bank-Gaza divide. Afghanistan's National Security Forces - Council on Foreign Relations The Economist France's president Super-Sarkozy falls to earth A president who is surprised by the extent of his own unpopularity Greece's troubled government An Aegean fog The Economist Democracy in India India's jumbo election The worst possible way of choosing an Indian government—apart from all the others India's election The untouchable and the unattainable As India’s general election begins, a dalit leader from its largest state and most important battleground, Uttar Pradesh, hones her national ambitions Charlemagne Dragon nightmares The European Union finds it hard to agree over how to deal with China Time Russia Rearms By VIVIENNE WALT With the economy sputtering, Moscow plans to spend big on weapons production — to boost its own armed forces and export By CARLA POWER Why democracy is not always the surest path to peace | H2 Washington Post Kurds, Arabs Maneuver Ahead of U.N. Report on N. Iraq U.N. is expected to propose joint administration of Kirkuk and make a case for the annexation of some areas to the Kurdistan government. Brookings U.S.-Turkish Relations: A Historic Era? View Full Transcript » The Day After II: Reconstructing a Reunited Cyprus PRIO An 80-page Norwegian report examining a range of scenaria for a reunited Cyprus, and attempting to answer some of the key questions uppermost in Cypriotsʼ minds: “How much will the solution cost? How can it be financed? What will be the impact on jobs and growth?” USIP The Kurds in Syria: Fueling Separatist Movements in the Region? :Turkey Considers Building Two Military Bases in Iraq to Counter the PKK - The Jamestown Foundation Turkish unemployment reaches historic high Kurds anxious over US withdrawal NATO, Afghanistan and Turkey’s role- ÖMER TAŞPINAR Kurdish conference in Arbil postponed indefinitely The Turkish Bridgehead Turkey is often mentioned as the West’s bridgehead to the Middle East—but Turkey could just as well be the Islamic world’s bridgehead in Europe. · Another Long March Through The UN BY: Paul Marshall | The Weekly Standard In the April 4-5 NATO meetings in Europe, most European nations backed former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen for the new head of NATO. Turkey, however, objected -- so strongly that it took President Obama's personal intervention with Turkey's President, Abdullah Gul, to have Rasmussen grudgingly accepted. Turkey faces more trying times - The National Newspaper 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 Kurds anxious over US withdrawal Iraq's Kurds Dispute Critical Human Rights Report Statement on the Amnesty International Report on Human Rights in ... Kurdish Globe Escaping Egypt, talking Turkey Jewish Advocate Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık Armenia hopeful of imminent deal with Turkey | Markets | Reuters Counterpoint: Turkey, Armenia and the question of genocide - Full Comment Denial and the Turkish National Security Concept Armenian Weekly :AFP: Clinton calls for Cyprus solution soon 'Talat-Clinton Görüşmesi Yapıcı Geçti' Talat: Yeni Yönetimin Yaklaşımı Çok Sıcak Turkey not mediator on Nagorno-Karabakh (UPI) -- Armenian officials discounted claims that Turkey is acting as a mediator for settling disputes over the Nagorno-Karabakh district in Azerbaijan. :Turkish Cypriot leader says he will welcome appointment of US envoy Europe Should Nurture Turkey, Not Overreact to ‘Creeping Islamic ... Armenian talks must run parallel with Nagorno-Karabakh: Turkish FM Diaspora jump Armenians find unlikely bedfellows in Lebanon election
An ever-thickening plot Ha'aretz It is election time in northern Cyprus Azerbaijan’s spanner in the works Armenian Village Plans for Turkish Border Opening Amidst rising international expectations of an Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, hopes are rising fast in the Armenian border village of Margara that this hamlet of 1,500 people -- site of the only bridge between Armenia and Turkey -- will soon become the two countries’ central land link. Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop FROM THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE; 100, 75, 50 Years Ago 1909 Threat of Civil War in Turkey Constantinople In the last twenty-four hours, the situation in Turkey has taken a character which threatens civil... Turkish Bank Lowers Benchmark Rate to Record 9.75% (Update1) - Bloomberg.com Turkey's central bank cuts rates more than expected to record low - MarketWatch | 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 Interrogation Memos Detail Harsh Tactics by the C.I.A. As the White House released secret memos describing interrogation techniques, it said it would not prosecute those who carried out the practices. President Obama’s Statement Read the Memos Taliban Exploit Class Rifts to Gain Ground in Pakistan The militants have organized landless tenants against wealthy landlords in a strategy that poses broad dangers for the rest of Pakistan. DAVID BROOKS A Loud and Promised Land In Israel, the most emotionally intense experiences are national ones, so the public-private distinction was bound to erode PAUL KRUGMAN Green Shoots and Glimmers With all the talk of signs of recovery, there are still real reasons to be cautious about the economic outlook. Editorial Fighting Piracy in Somalia Pirates can't be allowed to roam the seas unchallenged. But a solution won't come through military means alone. Russia Ends Operations in Chechnya 3 Courses With Sarkozy, Skewered Leaders on Side Turning Tables, U.S. Troops Ambush Taliban With Swift and Lethal Results Suicide Attack Kills at Least 15 in Iraq In Mexico, Obama Seeks Curbs on Arms Sales Latin American Leaders Aim to Redefine Relationship With United States Spain’s Attorney General Opposes Prosecutions of 6 Bush Officials on Allowing Torture Local Issues Dominate as India Votes World Briefing | Middle East: Israel: Netanyahu Demands Recognition of Israel First Clinton, in Visit to Haiti, Brings Aid and Promises Support Study Finds Pattern of Severe Droughts in Africa Now It’s Up to Us By HUSSAIN ABDUL-HUSSAIN My friend Mohamed opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq, even though he suffered under Saddam Hussein. But now he has changed his view. Banking Industry Showing Signs of a Recovery Despite a wave of profits, tough times may not be over, and banks are setting aside money for future loan losses. Control of Cybersecurity Becomes Divisive Issue Roxana Saberi Iran’s government needs to release a journalist, Roxana Saberia, who was unjustly imprisoned and put an end to using innocent people as political pawns. | H5 Washington Post New Interrogation Details Emerge as Administration Releases Justice Department Memos As It Releases Justice Dept. Memos, Administration Reassures CIA Questioners Memos: No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3a | No. 3b | No. 4a | No. 4b Kurds, Arabs Maneuver Ahead of U.N. Report on N. Iraq U.S.-Israel Divide Emerges On Palestinian Peace Talks Barack Obama's 'New Foundation' - a Sting in Four Parts By Charles Krauthammer If only his big ideas for health care and deficit reduction weren't constructed over sand. Editorial Dealing With a Disgrace President Obama strikes a wise balance in coming to terms with the torture of terrorism suspects. Year-Old Liberal Jewish Lobby Has Quickly Made Its Mark J Street Is Leading Pro-Israel PAC, Filings Show, Though Year-Old Group Has Attracted Criticism Leadership | Aspen Institute's Walter Isaacson explains how the news media should have used bolder ideas to embrace the Internet. The Cuba Embargo a Proven Failure By Michael Kinsley An experiment in stopping communism continues after nearly five decades of failure. Why President Obama Can't Ignore 'Tea Bag' Protest Anger By Eugene Robinson Mad-as-hell Americans reflect a sentiment the Republicans might use to attack Obama. Red Faith, Blue Faith By Michael Gerson Newsweek's cover story declaring the 'fall of Christian America' is accurate, but incomplete. Role of Bush NSA Plan Under Review Obama Administration Attuned to Privacy, Security Issues in Protecting Networks For Obama, Calderón, a Meeting of Minds Leaders Disagree on One Issue: Urgency of Reinstating U.S. Ban on Assault Weapons Banks Rush to Repay U.S. Funds, but Cling To Other Lifelines J.P. Morgan Says Aid Is a 'Scarlet Letter' | H6 Guardian · Sarkozy's verdict on fellow leaders Obama 'not always up to scratch' and Zapatero 'perhaps not very intelligent', says French premier End to counterterrorist operations in Chechnya signals formal end of Kremlin's war in republic Analysis: pullout overdue and overplayed Obama releases Bush · How world economies measure up in a global recession A round up of international economies and how well they are coping during the recession The British in Iraq - a 'bloody mess' A look at the Iraq war from an intelligence and political perspective, as British troops prepare to leave · We were liberators Tom Beckett: There is no talk of victory but my men and I fought to make a better place of Basra - and succeeded · Obama pledges support in drug fight President says US will support Mexico's controversial offensive against warring drug traffickers · West fears UN summit will be derailed Efforts under way to salvage 'Durban II' conference amid fears that Muslim countries may exploit event · Hopebroken and hopesick, Obama fans need a new start Naomi Klein: The penny has dropped: hope alone won't save the world. Time for a fresh lexicon. And to hope less, demand more Piracy: a symptom of Somalia's disease Guillermo Bettocchi: The collapse of the state, lawlessness and anarchy lie behind the piracy the west focuses on – we must help find a cure · Is the global recession truly ending? Politicians and officials now claim green shoots of recovery are emerging, but they can get it wrong · Eritrea: The world's biggest prison Editorial: Damning human rights report is tragedy for those who fought for an independent Eritrea |
| H7 Fouad Ajami on how history may yet prove Samuel Huntington’s "clash of civilizations" right Speaking Truth to Muslim Power - Reuel Marc Gerecht, Wall Street Journal Obama does no favors to Islam by ignoring its internal debates. More and more and more on The Gamble by Thomas Ricks. Stop calling Iran's leaders irrational Obama grows a spine on the Mideast · Africa: Hizbollah’s Other Haven BY: Anita Gossman | ISN Security Watch Weak governance, porous borders and limited security make Africa a haven for Hizbollah, which has been active across Africa since its inception in the early 1980s. More than anything, Hizbollah dominates the illicit gem trade in Africa. The Tyranny of Oil: The World`s Most Powerful Industry, and What We Must Do to Stop It Antonia Juhasz, associate fellow with the Institute for Policy Studies, a fellow with Oil Change International, and a senior analyst for Foreign Policy In Focus Amid dire economic news, China sees a glimmer of hope Quarterly economic growth is the worst it's been for 17 years, but figures show the government's stimulus could be taking effect US as 'Nation Builder': Delusions of Omnipotence by William Pfaff
U.S. & Cuba: New Direction for Old Problem (pdf) - Truman Project Five governments that deserve to fail Cuba is 'willing to talk to US' Give us more money and we'll fight the pirates, Somalia says As the American skipper once held hostage by pirates reached dry land here Thursday aboard a U.S. warship and his 19-man crew received a heroes' welcome in the U.S., the source of the piracy plague in the Indian Ocean — Somalia — said it could help fight the problem with a little more financial aid. Is the Stock Market an "Efficient" Market?--Posner Comments on the Efficiency of Stock Markets-Becker | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Egypt versus HizbullahThey really don't like each other Iraq: One in seven joins human tide spilling into neighbouring countries Suicide blast hits Iraq army base A suicide bomber in Iraq's Anbar province injures 26 people in an attack on an army base, officials say. Tehran becomes biggest importer of wheat Iran's Revolutionary Guards lead fight on sex web sites Assad hails diplomatic moves toward Beirut (UPI) -- Efforts by researchers and academics to address the challenges of improving Syrian and Lebanese relations speak of common ties, the Syrian president said. Tehran issues statement on Nasrallah (UPI) -- Iranian lawmakers Thursday stepped further into the row between Cairo and the Lebanese Hezbollah by issuing a statement in support of the resistance movement. Iranian opposition threatened in Iraq (UPI) -- Some 3,500 members of an Iranian opposition group living in Iraq need to be protected by international authorities, a European parliamentarian said. No word on release of Hariri suspects (UPI) -- There is no word on the release of four Lebanese generals detained in connection with the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, officials said. Egypt seeks arrest of Hezbollah chief (UPI) -- Cairo said it may issue charges and move for international arrest warrants for Hezbollah officials amid allegations of a terrorist plot on Egyptian soil. U.S. Pushes for Censure of Iran, Syria The Obama administration is pushing for a formal U.N. censure of Iran and Syria over an arms-smuggling case. | H9 Ha’aretz – Obama wants Israel to hold parallel talks with Palestinians and Syria U.S. believes breakthrough in peace process between Israel and the Arab states would curb Iran's influence. Yossi Melman / I would advise Netanyahu to attack Iran Such a move would serve the interests of the West and the Arab world, but they can ill afford to admit it IDF deal for F-35 sours over soaring costs of fighter jets Senior IAF officers insist on purchasing the jets to deal with future battle threats ANALYSIS / Israel will need F-35s to deal with Iran If Russia supplies the Iranians with S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, IDF will urgently need a stealth plane Livni to Mitchell: We don't gain from stagnant peace process Peres: Talk of IDF attack on Iran is 'not true' Jerusalem Post Agreeing to a toothless state would be no less of a danger Int'l law would not necessarily require Palestinian compliance with pre-state accords about armed force. The real two-state problem Mitchell is pressing Israel, but prime obstacle is W. Bank-Gaza divide. Who'll represent Israel at AIPAC? Netanyahu unlikely to attend parley, Lieberman may be too controversial. Analysis: Why Mitchell is bypassing Damascus Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Emanuel Says Obama Insists On Implementing Two State Solution, No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Envoy's Two-State Push Meets Skepticism Stark differences between U.S. and Israeli policy were clear in meetings between the U.S. envoy and Israeli leaders. Peres says Israel won't hit Iran's nuclear sites Netanyahu calls for recognition Israel's new PM says he will discuss a Palestinian state if Palestinians first recognise Israel as a Jewish state. Year-Old Liberal Jewish Lobby Has Quickly Made Its Mark J Street Is Leading Pro-Israel PAC, Filings Show, Though Year-Old Group Has Attracted Criticism Daily Star Time for real progress on a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict BBC Is a Mouthpiece for the Israel Lobby - Robert Fisk, The Independent Henry Feingold on the state of Jewish lobby in America by Shmuel Rosner |
| Mitchell visit to Israel: Does Obama's path to Iran pass through Jewish settlements? Peace envoy's trip is part of sweeping effort to demonstrate a broader US approach toward regional peace. Obama's back door to Iran ties First create trust by seeking a deal on Afghanistan – it's a mess for both. Briefing: Who are the Taliban? The umbrella organization includes many different groups fighting the Afghan government and Western forces. Terror memos authorized harsh interrogation techniques Obama releases four secret memos detailing detainee treatment under Bush. Human rights groups slam his promise not to prosecute intelligence officials. Afghanistan's controversial law emboldens women's rights activists Hundreds in Kabul staged a rare rally Wednesday, defying counterprotesters' stones and insults. Drug war at forefront of Obama's visit to Mexico He's likely to stress shared responsibility for rising border violence during trip that begins Thursday. Military services largely on board with Gates's defense budget But it could be the lull before the storm as lobbyists and lawmakers begin to weigh in on controversial cuts. Piracy now high on Washington agenda Secretary Clinton vows action, and seeks an international effort against the Somali pirates Summit needs a strong Obama, not an apologetic one Economic blame, Cuba, and Chávez, challenge new US-Latin American relations. The real value of hard times: retrieving our ideals Today's difficulties won't bring reformation unless we learn to identify and value the essential over the extraneous. The Economist Democracy in India India's jumbo election The worst possible way of choosing an Indian government—apart from all the others India's election The untouchable and the unattainable As India’s general election begins, a dalit leader from its largest state and most important battleground, Uttar Pradesh, hones her national ambitions Charlemagne Dragon nightmares The European Union finds it hard to agree over how to deal with China what’s to become of "Chimerica"? Niall Ferguson investigates Obama Overstates Taliban Threat - John Mueller, Foreign Affairs BY LAURA ROZEN Everything you need to know about India's elections BY DAN TWINING Why terrorists love Pakistan so much BY TOM RICKS Afghanistan's National Security Forces - Council on Foreign Relations Afghan Defense Chief Unhappy with Obama Plan - Council on Foreign Relations Turning Tables, US Troops Ambush Taliban With Swift and Lethal Results Déjà Vu All Over Again in Afghanistan by William Astore and Tom Engelhardt China plans to expand navy New submarine class draws US attention Finally, the US sees that an Afghan solution involves Pakistan The mother of all cockfights Development Cooperation for Social Safety Nets in East and Southeast Asia KIEP This 60-page Korean paper attempts to highlight the nature and magnitude of the impact of the globalization and demographic transition shocks, especially the demographic transition shock, and discuss policy needs, challenges, and issues in institutionalizing the social safety nets in the region. The paper concludes with recommendations including the role of international development cooperation · China Tells Pakistan to Tackle Militancy BY: Vivian Salama | The National China has called upon Asif Ali Zardari, the president of Pakistan, to take action against its growing militant problem, citing the links between extremist activities in both countries. · Deals Help China Expand Its Sway in Latin America BY: Simon Romero and Alexei Barrionuevo | The New York Times As Washington tries to rebuild its strained relationships in Latin America, China is stepping in vigorously, offering countries across the region large amounts of money while they struggle with sharply slowing economies, a plunge in commodity prices and restricted access to credit. · Monthlong India Election Begins BY: Mark Magnier and Pavitra Ramaswamy | Los Angeles Times The young are wooed and urban voters have more clout as India starts its staggered election amid complaints that key issues are being ignored. About 714 million Indians are eligible to vote. Asian nations unite Fidel V Ramos: The thaw in China-Taiwan relations should set the tone for Asian leaders meeting at the Boao Forum Radical Pakistani cleric, out on bail, calls for revolution · U.S., Japan Pledge $2 Billion to Pakistan The U.S. and Japan pledged $1 billion each to help Pakistan battle extremist violence and bolster its economy, kicking off an international donors conference. The Pentagon's New Red Scare - Doug Bandow, Cato Institute BY: Bradley K. Martin | Global Post Although it's gone unnoticed by foreign analysts who looked in vain for the names of his three sons in recent lists of top-level appointments, it appears Kim actually has his successor in place. Paek Se Bong was re-elected this month by the Supreme People’s Committee. China Juggles Its Future in Africa - Bright Simons, Asia Times Can China Catch a Cool Breeze?
China has a key role in bringing North Korea back down to earth The rogue state must end its childish ways, or face the full force of sanctions, writes Con Coughlin. More than a tale of two personalities If incumbent Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the Congress party and Lal Krishna Advani of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party had their way, India's 714 million voters would make a straight choice between the two of them over the month-long elections that began on Thursday. It's not as simple as that. The Third Front, a loose coalition of regional parties with the left acting as the pivot, is screaming to be heard. - Santwana Bhattacharya | EUROPE European press review The Economist France's president Super-Sarkozy falls to earth A president who is surprised by the extent of his own unpopularity Greece's troubled government An Aegean fog The German economy Clunk-clicked Croatia and Europe A Balkan state in balk Protests in Moldova and Georgia Street scenes Charlemagne Dragon nightmares The European Union finds it hard to agree over how to deal with China Moldova threatens Europe’s eastern overtures Nicu Popescu on the risk to the European Union The eastern hood Romania’s decision to offer fast-track citizenship to one million Moldovans highlights one of the problems facing the EU: how to deal with neighbours it does not plan to embrace as members Economic Crisis Defines German Election - Der Spiegel Sarkozy snipes at ‘dim’ Spanish PM and ‘weak’ Barack Obama Obama: Germany's Miracle Man - Claus Christian Malzahn, Der Spiegel Eurozone shows few signs of recovery Data show industrial production down 20 per cent Tax cut talk to dominate German election The German election will be fought on a platform of tax cuts and state handouts despite Angela Merkel, chancellor, insisting that Berlin would not spend its way out of the financial crisis French president criticises world leaders France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy is well known for his blunt speaking and ascerbic observations and managed to insult three of his closest allies over lunch | H12 RFE/RL Time Russia Rearms By VIVIENNE WALT With the economy sputtering, Moscow plans to spend big on weapons production — to boost its own armed forces and export Google News Azerbaijan Russia lifts 'terror zone' restrictions in Chechnya Declaration brings end to years of conflict – and a new 'dictatorship' Kadyrov used Kremlin blessing to eliminate enemies and take office Russia 'ends Chechnya operation' Russia ends its decade-long "counter-terrorism operation" against separatist rebels in the republic of Chechnya. Nightmare over? Chechnya may still come back to bite Russia Moscow urges Nato to cancel Georgia exercises Georgia decries ‘Cold War mentality’ Russian Forces Deploying for Possible Action in Georgia EU Envoy In Tbilisi, As Opposition Appears Split A European Union envoy is in Tbilisi to try to mediate an end to a week-long political standoff between President Mikheil Saakashvili and opposition leaders who are demanding his resignation. Street protests continue in the Georgia capital, but some opposition leaders are hinting that they might be ready to negotiate. Kremlin Ends Military Lockdown in Chechnya The Kremlin ended a 10-year lockdown of Chechnya, further empowering the former warlord it picked to control a region ravaged by two wars in 15 years. Georgia Doubts Russian Military Action on Exercises · Ukraine's Orange Revolution Fades Into Disillusion BY: Natalia A. Feduschak | The Washington Times Four years after the Orange Revolution propelled Mr. Yushchenko and a team of Western-oriented reformers to power, Ukraine is in a quagmire and Mr. Yushchenko - once the darling of the George W. Bush administration - has approval ratings of 3.5 percent. Turkmenistan: Pipeline Spat With the Kremlin Turns Into a Political Test of Strength BY: David Trilling | Eurasianet The gas-blast row between Turkmenistan and Russia shows that the geopolitical balance in the Caspian Basin energy contest may be shifting. The Kremlin, along with its energy appendage, Gazprom, now appears to lack the power and the resources to call the shots Moldova & Georgia: Revolution to Nowhere - B. Kagarlitsky, Moscow Times Tajikistan's warning that it could see domestic "political disorder" is an attempt to get attention from larger powers US Seeks Transit Deal With Turkmenistan A rocky beachhead: Instability in Georgia puts US geostrategic plans at risk Kadyrov's New Ichkeria BY: Sergei Markedonov | The Moscow Times At first glance, it would seem that the recent murder of Sulim Yamadayev in Dubai placed the ""Chechnya problem"" again in the spotlight after several years of being in the shadows Georgia: Opposition Ready for Dialogue -- On Its Terms |
H13 The Times India starts to vote What matters is not the size of India's democracy but whether it offers a choice Sarkozy takes a swipe at 'weak' President Obama French leader also tells guests at the Elysée Palace that he pushed Merkel into a corner after briefings against US leader ANALYSIS: This quarrel is political and personal Why Sarkozy can't cope with Obama The French President's whispering is beyond the pale Catherine Philp Documents blow the lid on CIA interrogations Memos drawn up by Bush administration authorised the use of insects, simulated drowning, and sleep deprivation Chechen rebellion 'has been crushed' A decade after Vladimir Putin rose to power pledging to restore Kremlin rule, Russia says it is ending 'counter-terror operations' Obama offers Mexico 'true partnership' As President Obama arrives in Mexico, the first visit by US leader for 12 years, at least 16 killed in drugs cartel clash Wall Street Journal Hayden and Mukasey: The President Ties His Own Hands on Terror Goodbye Bland Affluence U.S. officials get the support they deserve. Obama Says Cuba Has the Next Move During a visit to Mexico, Obama said the U.S. would wait for new gestures from Havana before taking further action. The Obama opening does little for Castro's political prisoners | H14 Financial Times Flames to douse America and Iran: As it tries to reset relations, Washington faces the problem that Tehran’s nuclear programme is gathering pace all the while – and regional powers are at best wary After Guantanamo: time to cut the wire around Cuba On the question of relations with the Castro regime Mr Obama has joined the long list of presidents imprisoned by the humiliation of the early 1960s. His team’s desire to invite comparisons between their man and Jack Kennedy is well known. Hanging on to JFK’s Cuba policy is surely a step too far, writes Philip Stephens Washington steps up Mexico drug war help The US president on Thursday began his first trip to Latin America by offering an olive branch to one of the US’s most bitter critics, President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela Suicide bomber kills 16 in west Iraq base A suicide bomber wearing a vest packed with explosives has killed at least 16 people and wounded 50 others at a military base in Iraq’s western Anbar province, the army and police said A long cool look at budget deficits Samuel Brittan looks at budget deficits The eastern hood Romania’s decision to offer fast-track citizenship to one million Moldovans highlights one of the problems facing the EU: how to deal with neighbours it does not plan to embrace as members The world must feed its hungry To encourage efficient global food production patterns, governments must adopt policies to ensure that food exporters and importers alike have well-functioning international markets Capitol capital If default rates in this crisis are similar to those of the 1982 recession, US banks will need at least $1,500bn to stay afloat, much more than the Treasury is currently authorised to spend Vampire pensions could be a corporate nightmare Charles Millard on America’s vampire pensions Moldova threatens Europe’s eastern overtures Nicu Popescu on the risk to the European Union The role of the state is crucial in this crisis Pat McFadden on the dangers of intervention Moscow urges Nato to cancel Georgia exercises A new dispute has erupted between Russia and Nato with Moscow calling for Nato military exercises in Georgia to be postponed or cancelled | H15 Los Angeles Times Iranian scholar has advice for U.S. on Afghanistan Changiz Pahlavan offers insights into the Afghan culture and how Iran might help the West deal with its neighbor U.S. envoy George Mitchell meets with Israeli foreign minister Mitchell presses for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who opposes Palestinian statehood, says a 'new approach' is needed. Russia says its military operation in Chechnya is over Moscow transfers more power to Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, a friend of the Kremlin who critics say has tortured and killed his opponents. Iraq suicide bomber attacks army base Dozens are injured, but the number of deaths is unclear in the bombing in Anbar, a province considered a security success story In Mexico, Obama stops short of promising assault weapons ban After meeting with President Calderon, Obama says he would push for a regional treaty to curb small-arms trafficking. But he acknowledges the difficulty of trying to revive the assault weapons ban. A call to partnership with Mexico Obama arrives in Mexico City declaring solidarity with a neighbor plagued by drug violence. U.N. nuclear inspectors leave North Korea Seals are removed and cameras switched off at a nuclear plant. The U.N. Security Council recently condemned the communist nation's rocket launch Lack of news about China has nothing to do with bias By Timothy Garton Ash Comprehensive foreign coverage doesn't fit into the financial structure of... Greenhouse gas rules could fuel oil dependence By Gal Luft California's proposed emissions standards favor petroleum over biofuels The crucial need for the 'War on Terror' For the sake of civilization, we should hope that a report... Editorial |
| From Hoover Digest, what sustains the conservative agenda? What makes it distinctive and coherent? In a word, principle Obama's Faulty 'Foundation' - Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post Obama Becomes America's Leading Critic - Emmett Tyrrell, Am. Spectator Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin Barack Obama annouces high-speed rail plan for 10 busiest US routes | H18 Independent Somalia's silent exodus Daniel Howden: As the world follows the escapades of the country's pirates, civilians are fleeing the anarchy on land, creating the world's biggest refugee camp. Britain's 'shameful' failure to respond to UN calls for aid Iraq: One in seven joins human tide spilling into neighbouring countries Daniela Kroslak: The key to security at sea is stability on land Russia lifts 'terror zone' restrictions in Chechnya Declaration brings end to years of conflict – and a new 'dictatorship' Kadyrov used Kremlin blessing to eliminate enemies and take office The Big Question: Is Britain going to be able to support an ever-expanding population? Barack Obama: We must provide banks with both capital and confidence | |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism What Will Replace The 'War On Terror'? Since 2001, U.S. security strategy has been guided by the "global war on terror." First introduced to describe the determination to stamp out terrorism worldwide, the phrase for many came to represent Washington's controversial means of combating the phenomenon. Now, the Obama administration has quietly dropped the phrase in favor of the language of diplomacy and what it calls "smart power." The Role of PRTs on the Battlefield (Full PDF Article) April issue of the CTC Sentinel is now posted – The Sentinel is the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point’s public fac Obama exempts CIA 'torture' staff President Barack Obama says CIA agents will not be prosecuted for harsh interrogation techniques during the Bush era. GOP Strategist: My Party Needs to Stand for Something ACLU: Abuse of Power: The Bush Administration's Secret Legal Memos New York Times: Interrogation Memos Detail Harsh Tactics by the C.I.A. — President Obama's Statement on the Memos Michael Scherer / Time: Bush Approved Use of Insects in al-Qaeda Interrogations Professors in the Trenches: Deployed Soldiers and Social Science Academics (Part 3) Term IW Stirs Debate | H20 Slate By MICHAEL SCHUMAN The recession is costing the world's army of migrant workers their jobs. Some are headed for greener pastures. Some are headed home, where poverty awaits How to Raise The Standard In America's Schools Our students are falling behind their counterparts in the rest of the world, threatening the U.S.'s economic future. Why national education standards are the only way to fix the system | H21 “Liberty is a form of order,” writes Roger Scruton, “not a license for anarchy and self-indulgence. We should cease to mock the things that mattered to our parents”... more» The New Frugality: How Americans Are Cutting Back The Great Recession is transforming how we spend, whom we trust, where we save and what we really value Selection bias in politics There was a lawyer, an engineer and a politician... A review of Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life by Neil Strauss (and an interview and more and more and more). A look at the genius behind Google’s web browser (and a review of Planet Google: One Company’s Audacious Plan to Organize Everything We Know by Randall Stross at Bookforum) An article on the Googlization of small business: The great — and scary — prospect of relying on the search giant. Should I Opt for Circumcision? A review of The Wikipedia Revolution: How a Bunch of Nobodies Created the World’s Greatest Encyclopedia by Andrew Lih (and more). · The futurologists don't want to hear it, but live performance is booming Simon Jenkins: The Bolívar orchestra is thrilling proof of the folly of writing off an activity because a new medium renders it 'obselete' Jane Austen managed to tickle a sweet spot in the modern mind in a way that shows we are not so far removed from early Homo sapiens... more» |
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