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| H1 Newsweek - The Secret of His Success by Fareed Zakaria What Obama has been able to accomplish in his first 100 days is enough to make any president envious. Obama's first big diplomacy test: Iran Can the president's philosophy of talking with the enemy keep Iran away from nuclear weapons? Could Iraq violence affect US withdrawal plan? The recent spate of attacks have come as US troops are preparing to pull out of urban areas. The danger of an Israeli strike on Iran The US needs to make it clear it will not tolerate a first strike. A Swat down for Pakistan – and Obama Zardari learns how not to deal with jihadists while the US weighs how to play the bully. Barack Obama and the new place of American power A new spirit of humility is clearly evident, but will the Obama administration agree to expand the 'Big Five' on the UN Security Council? Without bold, urgent action, the country – and its nuclear weapons – could fall to the Taliban The Big Sleep in Iraq - Nir Rosen, The National A Tale of Two Iraq Wars - Zbigniew Brzezinski, Foreign Affairs NYT ROGER COHEN Clinton’s Mideast Pirouette The sparring between the U.S. and Israel has begun, and that’s a good thing, with criticism coming from an unlikely source — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Obama's Sins of Omission - Andrew Bacevich, Boston Globe Obama Sustains the Status Quo WSJ With Funds, Political Peril Awaits IMF In exchange for new funding, the IMF has been handed tough assignments in fighting the global recession and staving off another one. Washington Post Topic A -- The Next 100 Days of the Obama Administration The Post asked former officials, strategists and others what the administration should focus on Can Obama's Mideast Strategy Survive a Strike Against Iran? By Jim Hoagland President Obama's national security aides are struggling to conclude a strategic review of U.S. policy toward Iran. The review is certain to be comprehensive, imaginative -- and largely silent to irrelevant on the most difficult choices about Iran that Obama will face over the next year or two. A Conflicted Strategy in Afghanistan By David Ignatius Editorial Sound the Alarm What does the Obama administration hope to accomplish by publicly warning of a Pakistani collapse? Mohammed Hanif — Pakistan Bows to the Taliban's Rise Pakistan has driven a military dictator from power but now seems to be preparing for a different surrender. Finance Chiefs Back a Bolder IMF, Bigger Role for Emerging Nations Ha’aretz – 'Iran arms ship bound for Gaza downed near Sudan' Sudanese sources tell Egyptian paper vessel allegedly bombed by U.S. or Israeli sources operating in area Clinton: U.S. will never sell out Lebanon for Syria deal Top U.S. diplomat pays surprise visit to Lebanon ahead of vote that could see Hezbollah gain influence 'Israel will not attack Iran - even if sanctions fail' Lieberman tells Austrian daily that Israel cannot resolve militarily the entire world's problem. Zvi Bar'el / No need to use Iran as excuse for 'regional peace' Whether Mideast peace materializes or not, it's hard to believe U.S. will halt thaw in its ties with Iran. Marc Lynch Previewing Iran's presidential election Newsweek Michael Meyer: 20 Years After the Cold War's End CFR Symposium: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and U.S. National Security Symposium with Daniel Markey, Lisa Curtis, Ronald Neumann, Karen DeYoung, Clare Lockhart, John Nagl, J. Alexander Thier, Kori Schake, and Joseph Lieberman Op-ed: "The Holes in the President's Afghanistan Plan," by Leslie Gelb (Daily Beast) Foreign Affairs: "How Dangerous Are the Taliban?" by John Mueller Guardian· IMF: As bad as ever Editorial: Of the three major commitments of $100bn each, only Japan has coughed up, while the US and the EU are not even at the the-cheque's-in-the-post stage · World arms trade up 20% in five years, says peace research group International weapon dealing continues to grow with America accounting for the largest proportion · Obama has had an epoch-defining 100 days. But vultures are gathering Gary Younge: We have seen the scale and scope of his ambition. But every element in the president's agenda carries a clear possibility of failure Jeffrey Sachs: Water shortages will not go away by themselves. They are a global problem and demand a global reponse Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) · Global Strategic Assessment 2009: America's Security Role in a Changing World [Preview] National Intelligence Council (NIC) · The Impact of Climate Change to 2030 Commissioned Research Reports Al Awsat Ahmadinejad and the 'Sunrise Power' of Iran : Amir Taheri Asia Times Ungainly friendship Axis of Convenience by Bobo Lo Foreign Affairs The Ways of Syria Fouad Ajami As Washington considers a rapprochement with Bashar al-Assad’s Syria, Itamar Rabinovich’s commanding new book makes clear that change will not come quickly or easily -- and, if the past is any indication, it may not come at all. Read New York Times Obama at 100 Days: How Does He Compare? By LOU CANNON, ROBERT DALLEK, ROGER MORRIS, JEAN EDWARD SMITH and RICHARD REEVES Five historians’ final installments for an online series about how Barack Obama’s initial 100 days in office compare with those of some of his modern predecessors’. How Dramatic is the Reverse in U.S. Foreign Policy? BY: Jon Haron-Feiertag | Diplomatic Courier The scope of the changes engineered by the Obama administration appears to be broader and deeper than ever before. The question is: why? The reasons are hard to discern but there seem to be three foremost. Financial Times Alphabet recession The tried and tested letters and symbols no longer adequately describe the economic cycles of these uncertain times. Economic forecasting should surely employ the more exotic characters on the keyboard The road to the republic Iran has had so much bad press that we fail to realise that it is heir to a rich culture of enormous age, depth and resilience Obama’s needless fight over torture The drive for prosecutions is a furiously partisan project. Already, little hope remains of a bipartisan approach to the myriad problems that confront Barack Obama’s administration. If the US president fails to get a grip on this new controversy, the prospect of any such co-operation will be nil, writes Clive Crook Fed study puts ideal US interest rate at -5% Staff research suggests the Fed should maintain unconventional policies that provide stimulus equivalent to the negative rate, such as expanding its asset purchases by even more than the $1,150bn authorised at the last meeting IMF says national deficits to remain sky-high Budget deficits across the industrialised world will remain sky-high next year even after countries scale back their fiscal stimulus packages, the International Monetary Fund warned Precarious position Pakistan’s army: As Taliban forces advance, fears are growing that Islamabad can marshal neither the military will nor civilian back-up to curb extremist gains Jerusalem Post 'Iran will honor any two-state decision made by Palestinians' Ahmadinejad urges other nations to respect Palestinians' right to determine their fate, says research questioning Holocaust should be permitted. 'Without benchmarks, US dialogue with Iran will fail' In exclusive interview, new minister Ya'alon tells 'Post,' "There's nothing to talk about" with the PA unless it recognizes Israel as Jewish state. The Observer · Clinton pledges to keep troops in Iraq if violence escalates US secretary of state reassures Iraqi leaders after surge in attacks prompts fears security gains could unravel · Britain's no longer a world power, so let's be a better, fairer nation Will Hutton: Over the next decade, Britain will become a middle-ranking European country as its economic and political pretensions evaporate How the horrors of war nearly destroyed me Peter Beaumont has reported from war zones for 20 years. His new book is a disturbing and graphic examination Washington Post An Interview With Economist Nouriel Roubini Ironies of 'a Devout Non-Ideologue' By E.J. Dionne Jr The most intriguing aspect of his presidency has been how he combines intelligence and intellect. Time Will Shi'ite Militias Seek Revenge in Iraq? IHT First, Reform the I.M.F. BY: Mark Weisbrot | International Herald Tribune The International Monetary Fund is making the same mistakes it made in the Asian crisis. Governments should not commit more money to the organization until it adopts serious reforms Asia Times CHAN AKYA West traps Russia in its own backyard American diplomats are scouring Central Asia for chances to drive wedges between Moscow and regional capitals in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and, increasingly, Turkmenistan. They're scrambling to convince the energy producers to "defect" from the Russian middle man and gain direct access to the international market. The relentless US hammering is eroding Russia's position. - M K Bhadrakumar FT Wolfgang Münchau: The eurozone needs a co-ordinated strategy By pursuing what they mistakenly perceive to be their national interest, European leaders not only damage the prospects of the eurozone, they end up damaging themselves, writes Wolfgang Münchau Fear and envy on the world's financial reconstruction trail By Dominique Moisi The world is united in anger Dominique Moisi: Economic recovery will not mark the end of populist discontent. Resentment will linger long after the crisis has passed US to Pakistan: 'Stop Taliban Now – or We Will' MESH Measuring Iraq IsraPundit What Israel does for the U.S. • 'The Reawakened Specter of Iraqi Civil War' by Michael Wahid Hanna, MERIP Events in Pakistan, Afghanistan Overtake Obama's New Strategy India Says Pakistan Still Aiding Kashmir Rebels Atlantic Council · Afghanistan Report: A Ten-Year Framework for the Future Asia Society · Back From the Brink?: A Strategy for Stabilizing Afghanistan-Pakistan Brookings Early Prospects of the Obama Administration's Strategic Agenda with China The Times Barack Obama is unhappy with much that preceded his occupation of the White House ANALYSIS: The threat that forced a fight Athough Pakistan denies it, the decision to attack the Taleban in the region of Lower Dir is the result of US pressure America pins its hopes on ‘Dad’s Army’ Militia seeks to replicate success of the 'Sons of Iraq' volunteers who turned the apparently hopeless US war on its head COMMENT: Virus could spread through UK The H1 virus is a deadly mix of swine, bird and human flu and could be a considerable threat to Britain during winter Q&A: Should we be worried about swine flu? Times health reporter assesses how worried Britons should be about rise of deadly new strain of swine flu in Americas The fewer warheads Russia and America have, the harder it is to maintain global balance Tehran launches its custard pie strike Iran knows that opposing Zionism and adopting the cause of the plight of Palestinians appeals to the muslim on the street Independent Did Torture Kill More Americans Than 9/11? Israel's secret plan for West Bank expansion Palestinians condemn 'extremely dangerous' scheme to grow settlement Patrick Cockburn: How well was the Iraq war reported? · Akbar Ahmed: Lose lawless tribal areas and you lose Pakistan itself Is the Federal Reserve Losing Its Independence? Posner Barack Obama Is No Jimmy Carter. He's Richard Nixon. US Foreign Policy and President Obama Brookings Institution - | H2 Statement of President Barack Obama on Armenian Remembrance Day Obama Commemorates Armenian Tragedy but Doesn't Say 'Genocide' FT Editorial Armenia’s grief There seems to be a serious intent in both Ankara and Yerevan to find a way forward on reconciliation. But pressure on them both for more progress and a clear timetable is still essential Obama breaks campaign pledge to preserve Turkish relations Turkey objects to Obama's view of Armenian killings Turkey says Obama failed to mention slain Turks WSJ Turkish Deal Arouses Suspicion in Glendale Turkey and Armenia may be about to embark on a historic diplomatic thaw, but distrust remains high in Glendale, Calif., the large community of Armenian expatriates in the U.S. Turkey, Armenia Sketch Out New Ties Transcript: Armenia's Serzh Sargsyan Hugh Pope'We Are All Armenians' Obama was right not to jeopardize reconciliation between Ankara and Yerevan. Turkey to command Somalia anti-piracy force: US Center for the Study of Intelligence (CSI) · Studies in Intelligence, v. 53, no. 1, December 2008 *Greek Intelligence and the Capture of PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan in 1999 by Miron Varouhakis FT.com / UK - Thaw between Turkey and Armenia shifts alliances in South Caucasus EDM Turkish Government Stalling on Nabucco Project Ahead of Critical Deadlines Ali H Aslan 24 Nisan ve sonrası ÖMER TAŞPINAR Ergenekon in the eyes of the outside world LA Times Marking Armenian Genocide, Many Feel Snubbed by Obama Defining a Future As Neighbors Final Peace Between Turkey, Armenia Hard to Achieve Say Experts Türkiye '24 Nisan Açıklamasına' Karşı Çıktı NATO member Turkey and Syria hold first joint military exercise RFERL Turkish Schools Coming Under Increasing Scrutiny In Central Asia The governments of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan fear the schools promote pan-Turkic and religious ideas that could jeopardize the region's secular order. Do Turkish schools have more than education on their agendas? FACTBOX-Turkey cabinet reshuffle plans, key posts OpenDemocracy Turkey in transition: reality and image Günes Murat Tezcür The very clash of interests dividing Turkey may be the route to its democratic deepening [NEWS ANALYSIS] Despite much resistance, experts urge ... steadfastness in Turkey-Armenia talks 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 20 Killed in Clash in Iran, Near Iraq's Kurdish Region The future of Kirkuk will be decided through the Kurdish parliament Mullen Cautions Iraq on Arab-Kurd Confrontations Talabani looks forward to cooperation with Syria Kurdistan in the Age of Globalisation Turkey and Syria to stage joint military exercise World Bulletin [ Turkey, Syria to stage joint military exercise for first time ] World Bulletin [ Turkish army says to sign cooperation deal with Kuwait ] President Barzani and Admiral Michael Mullen, US Chairman of Joint ... Kurdistan for Sale Kurdish Aspect - :Israel raps US over Turkey, Lebanon arms deal Turkey's pro-Kurdish party protests PKK-related arrests PUKmedia :: English - Barham Salih and General Odierno discuss ... Iranian Kurdish representative, Sharif Behruz testified before the ... Oil export ban costs Iraq dearly, Kurds say Ashti Hawrami: Kurdistan Region is Capable of Extracting Oil and ... An affective judicial system is the best judge of a functioning ... AKP's many faces Iraqi Kurdistan: Meeting with British Parliamentarians Fars-Armenian friendship weakens in Iran because of Southern ... Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık Hoping to tip the scales of US, Turkey trade Turkish minister denies reports of gas price hike by Azerbaijan BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey criticises Obama comments Erdoğan to visit Russia next month, report says Aspen Atlantic Group studies Turkish politics in Ankara Amnesty International Obama’s message brings no relief to Ankara Turkey Says Obama Failed to Mention Slain Turks RFE Where Energy Interests Collide If all the energy-export projects envisioned for the South Caucasus were to be built, hundreds of billions of dollars could be flowing through the region annually. Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia find themselves in an enviable position, spurring fierce competition for their favor Region Presents Tangled Web Of Shifting Allegiances Turkey and Armenia are moving quickly to restore relations, and the prospect of a settlement beckons in Nagorno-Karabakh. But as the South Caucasus seeks to resolve old conflicts, a battle for regional influence continues between the United States, Russia, Turkey, and Europe -- with energy raising the stakes Speech by HE Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey Turkey expects EU to open tax chapter after Voters to decide the fate of faith in Berlin schools Controversial referendum today determines if students get the option to study ethics or religion. A Future for Turks, Armenians - Suat Kiniklioglu, Today's Zaman MIL) U.S. DEFENSE INDUSTRY FIRM TO INVEST IN TURKEY - Turk.Net AFP: Crisis warms Turks to opening Armenia border Plenty of dismay for all to share The Hindu : International : Turkey, Armenia ink historic accord Turkey and Australia: Bound by Gallipoli - Murat Ersavci, Today's Zaman Ankara denies Baku planning gas price hike International defense fair to open in Turkey Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop :Country profile: Turkey | The Guardian Marshall Berman on Orhan Pamuk and modernist liberalism. | 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 Obama at 100 Days: How Does He Compare? By LOU CANNON, ROBERT DALLEK, ROGER MORRIS, JEAN EDWARD SMITH and RICHARD REEVES Five historians’ final installments for an online series about how Barack Obama’s initial 100 days in office compare with those of some of his modern predecessors’. ROGER COHEN Clinton’s Mideast Pirouette The sparring between the U.S. and Israel has begun, and that’s a good thing, with criticism coming from an unlikely source — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Iraq Resists Pleas by U.S. to Placate Hussein’s Party Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has refused to reconcile with officials of Saddam Hussein’s party, which he blames for some recent bombings. Editorial 60 Miles From Islamabad Washington can not waste more time enabling Pakistan’s denial of the mortal threat that the Taliban poses to the country’s fragile democracy. PAUL KRUGMAN Money for Nothing It’s necessary to rescue Wall Street to protect the economy, but financial firms should be acting like public utilities, not returning to the practices and paychecks of 2007 Iraq’s False Spring Everywhere, it seems, flowers are harbingers of hope and renewal. Baghdad is different. Pakistani Army Tries to Stem Taliban Advance Exceptions to Iraq Deadline Are Proposed Russian Mayor Walks Into Chess Master’s Trap Iran Preparing Response to Nuclear Talks Offer Clinton Says Moderation Is Lebanon’s Best Hope After a U.S. Raid: 2 Iraqis Dead, Protests and Regrets U.S. Plans Informal Meetings With Cuba In Pakistan, Guile Helps Taliban Gain The fall of Buner, a strategic district in Pakistan, involved tactics that could be replicated elsewhere. Telling the Brutal Truth By CLARK HOYT What do you call interrogation like this? Frank Rich The Banality of Bush White House Evil Torture was a tool in the campaign to exploit 9/11 so that fearful Americans would support a war that had nothing to do with Al Qaeda. NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF Time to Come Clean President Obama worries that a commission to investigate torture and tally its costs would distract from focusing on the economy, but the truth is the opposite. THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN Moore’s Law and the Law of More Without a fixed, durable price on carbon, none of the Obama clean-tech initiatives will have an impact on climate change or make America the leader in the next great industrial revolution. No, You Can’t Get an Upgrade By DAVID SEGAL America’s mania for bigger and better meets the recession. Mexico Takes Powers to Isolate Cases of Swine Flu Lebanon Arrests 3 on Charges of Spying for Israel On Iraq Trip, Clinton Reassures a Nation Still Jittery After Recent Suicide Attacks Jailed U.S. Reporter Refuses Food in Iran I.M.F. Planning to Sell Bonds to Finance New Loans North Korea Says It Has Restarted Nuclear Work 'The Myth of American Exceptionalism' By GODFREY HODGSON A British author criticizes the United States in the wake of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the 2008 financial debacle. 'God Is Back' By JOHN MICKLETHWAIT and ADRIAN WOOLDRIDGE God is enjoying an international comeback with the help of a model made in America, argue two editors at The Economist. After an Off Year, Wall Street Pay Is Bouncing Back If the pace set in the first quarter continues all year, the average pay for bankers — much of it in bonuses — will rebound from the lows of last year. Shortage of Doctors Proves Obstacle to Obama Goals One proposal — to increase Medicare payments to general practitioners, at the expense of high-paid specialists — has touched off a lobbying fight. Geithner, as Member and Overseer, Forged Ties to Finance Club During five years as head of the New York Fed, Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner built unusually close relationships with Wall Street executives. U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency Over Swine Flu U.S. health officials said that they had confirmed 20 cases of swine flu in the country and expected to see more as investigators track the path of the outbreak. Editorial The Stress Test Results If the stress tests provide credible information, the government will have what it needs to deal forcefully with the banking mess — assuming the White House also has the will to do what is needed . A Crack in the Wall of Secrecy The Senate needs to pass a measure to make it harder for any administration to dodge exposure of illegal behavior by brandishing specious state-secrets claims. Dick Cheney: The Visible Man By JOHN HARWOOD In a sharp break with longstanding practice, the former vice president has emerged as the highest-profile critic of the new administration In Budapest, a Snapshot of a World Now at Risk By MARCUS MABRY A visit to Eastern Europe shows how far the region has come in 20 years, and how much it stands to lose in the current economic crisis. MAUREEN DOWD Slouching Towards Oblivion Old-school newspapers seem like aging silent film stars, stricken to find themselves outmoded by technology. The Rocket Science of Missile Threats By WILLIAM J. BROAD Many Western analysts greeted North Korea’s failure to put a satellite into orbit early this month with scorn. But advocates of missile defense took a different line. Neo-Nazi Group Resurfaces, Citing Obama As Economic Turmoil Mounts, So Do Attacks on Hungary’s Gypsies Study Says Warming Poses Peril to Asia | H5 Washington Post Topic A -- The Next 100 Days of the Obama Administration The Post asked former officials, strategists and others what the administration should focus on Can Obama's Mideast Strategy Survive a Strike Against Iran? By Jim Hoagland President Obama's national security aides are struggling to conclude a strategic review of U.S. policy toward Iran. The review is certain to be comprehensive, imaginative -- and largely silent to irrelevant on the most difficult choices about Iran that Obama will face over the next year or two. A Conflicted Strategy in Afghanistan By David Ignatius Editorial Sound the Alarm What does the Obama administration hope to accomplish by publicly warning of a Pakistani collapse? Deaths in U.S. Raid Elicit Anger in Iraq: Prime Minister Threatens to Prosecute Troops Premier Threatens to Prosecute Troops Clinton Visits Lebanon as Key Elections Loom Pentagon Lags in Developing Nonlethal Weapons, GAO Says An Interview With Economist Nouriel Roubini Ironies of 'a Devout Non-Ideologue' By E.J. Dionne Jr The most intriguing aspect of his presidency has been how he combines intelligence and intellect. Mohammed Hanif — Pakistan Bows to the Taliban's Rise Pakistan has driven a military dictator from power but now seems to be preparing for a different surrender. Finance Chiefs Back a Bolder IMF, Bigger Role for Emerging Nations Anxiety Over Flu Virus Grinds Mexico City to a Halt Capital Grinds to a Halt as Suspected Deaths Rise to 103 In Islamabad, a Sense of Foreboding Pakistanis Nervously Look to Northwest, Where Taliban Fighters Are Taking Control Mark Danner -- The Paradoxes of the Torture Scandal Michael Scheuer -- Osama, Obama and Torture Walter Pincus -- The CIA Will Pay the Price Obama Off to Solid Start, Poll Finds But Release of Memos on Detainee Interrogations Reveals Deep Partisan Split Effectiveness Of Harsh Questioning Is Unclear Detainee May Have Faced Few Traditional Tactics What the Justice Department Memos Reveal About Coercive Interrogations By Michael Gerson, The Justice Department memos make the use of coercive techniques more understandable Clinton Reiterates U.S. Commitment to Anxious Iraqis Latest Attacks Fuel Residents' Anxiety By Robert J. Samuelson, nvironmentalists maximize the dangers of global warming while pretending we can conquer it at virtually no cost. Stop Scapegoating: Why Obama Should Stick to His Guns on Torture Prosecutions Obama Should Stand Against Prosecutions By David S. Broder dealism Amid the Cynicism of Russian Politics Winning Candidate From Ruling Party Renounces Fraudulent Victory Advisers Pressed On Memo Fallout Obama's Stance On Trials Is Issue As Nation's Mood Lifts, Can Obama Capitalize? By Dan Balz By Ruth Marcus, Page A13 Heavy lifting lies ahead, in part because the president put off tough choices. In South Carolina Town, Economic Calamity Since Obama's Inauguration In a South Carolina Town Where the Downturn Has Deepened Since the Inauguration, Two Obama Supporters Have Struggled, Going From 'Fired Up' to Tired Out The Answer Lies in What We Want to Be By Kathleen Parker, Several years ago, I asked a veteran journalist for advice. The Wreck of the Racial Spoils System By George F. Will, The Final Triumph of Chiang Kai-shek Review by Laura Tyson Li, Page B01 In China, he is now regarded as a patriot who made valuable contributions to the nation. WHO Cites Potential for Swine Flu Pandemic Mexico's Leader Orders Sweeping Measures As Cases Exceed 1,000 Making Federal Jobs Cool Once Again By Fred Hiatt, Obama is missing his chance to make government younger, nimbler and more talented. | H6 Guardian· IMF: As bad as ever Editorial: Of the three major commitments of $100bn each, only Japan has coughed up, while the US and the EU are not even at the the-cheque's-in-the-post stage · World arms trade up 20% in five years, says peace research group International weapon dealing continues to grow with America accounting for the largest proportion · Obama has had an epoch-defining 100 days. But vultures are gathering Gary Younge: We have seen the scale and scope of his ambition. But every element in the president's agenda carries a clear possibility of failure Jeffrey Sachs: Water shortages will not go away by themselves. They are a global problem and demand a global reponse Call for global action as swine flu outbreak spreads US declares health emergency as death toll rises to 86, and governments are on high alert Carbon capture and storage: A victory for green thinking Editorial: Last week our government gave a rare demonstration of environmental leadership Iraq's cabinet investment drive Drop in value of commodity forces Iraqi government to look abroad for foreign money · We deserve a full confession rather than a shallow apology Julian Glover: Our politicians peddled an economic illusion. They need to show us they now realise they're the reason for the failure Editorial: Only government can provide the structure and incentives to tackle climate change · Ahmadinejad gets warning on poison pens Advisors warn Iran's president that letters sent by the public he is so keen to correspond with may contain poisons · Pakistani troops kill at least 10 Taliban fighters Military operation aimed at halting the growth of extremism on Afghan border results in 'scores' of Taliban deaths The Observer · Clinton pledges to keep troops in Iraq if violence escalates US secretary of state reassures Iraqi leaders after surge in attacks prompts fears security gains could unravel · Britain's no longer a world power, so let's be a better, fairer nation Will Hutton: Over the next decade, Britain will become a middle-ranking European country as its economic and political pretensions evaporate How the horrors of war nearly destroyed me Peter Beaumont has reported from war zones for 20 years. His new book is a disturbing and graphic examination of the psychology of killing · Will we need to close the door to Pakistan's dispossessed? Nick Cohen: Our leaders are losing sleep over the Taliban's advance and what that could spell for Britain · I never believed the US would turn on its torturers so swiftly Philippe Sands: The world is watching as America attempts to come to terms with the abuse it unleashed in the aftermath of 9/11 and trying to digest the full implications of last week's extraordinary events · The Tories must unveil their vision of Britain Editorial: The Conservatives make a lot of noise about debt, but for reasons that have little to do with economics · Carbon capture and storage: A victory for green thinking Editorial: Last week our government gave a rare demonstration of environmental leadership · Obama's excellent 100 days Editorial: President Obama has already restored to his country much of the international authority it lost under President Bush · Pandemic fears as killer flu virus sweeps Mexico Up to 70 dead as swine flu outbreak sweeps Mexico and crosses US border |
H7 · How Dramatic is the Reverse in U.S. Foreign Policy? BY: Jon Haron-Feiertag | Diplomatic Courier The scope of the changes engineered by the Obama administration appears to be broader and deeper than ever before. The question is: why? The reasons are hard to discern but there seem to be three foremost. Apr 24 IA# 511 - Muslim Brotherhood Debates Its Position on the Shi'a Will we see intra-Shia violence in Iraq soon? BY TOM RICKS Brookings What Europe Can Do for Iraq: A Blueprint for Action CSIS How Soon Is Safe?: Iraqi Force Development and "Conditions-Based" Us Withdrawals Swine Flu: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Outbreak · Economic Crisis Underlines Need for U.S. National Security Reform BY: Norman Augustine | World Politics Review As the IMF and the Joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee meet in Washington this weekend, they will undoubtedly be discussing what most Americans are only dimly aware of: The recession is a global national security problem. Fear and envy on the world's financial reconstruction trail By Dominique Moisi The world is united in anger Dominique Moisi: Economic recovery will not mark the end of populist discontent. Resentment will linger long after the crisis has passed U.S. Can't Fix World Economy Alone, Economist Says The International Monetary Fund's new "World Economic Outlook" forecasts that the global economy will shrink by 1.3 percent this year. Even more depressing was its forecast for the United States, the prime contributor to the world economy. So why have U.S. President Barack Obama and his top economic aides been striking a cautiously optimistic tone in recent days? RFE/RL asked Desmond Lachman, a former economist at the IMF and now a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, who's right · Lebanon Beyond Sectarianism BY: Chris Phillips | The Guardian The rise of two political blocs in Lebanon suggests a new non-religious electoral system is evolving in the country. New America Foundation · Revitalizing U.S. Democracy Promotion FACTBOX-Obama relies on small band of trusted advisers A pirate in the dock, and the US in murky waters Tony Karon : There’s nothing new about the United States making tragically misguided judgement calls in Somalia. Who is Responsible for the Safety of Iraq? : Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed Let Syria be First : Tariq Alhomayed Daily Star Clinton's visit showed that new US thinking has yet to materialize Arab education displays its discontents By Raja Kamal Challenge to the statesmanship of Mr al Maliki Years of sectarian and political violence in Iraq have shown that the overwhelming defeat of one camp is all but unachievable while political settlement and power-sharing is still a work in progress. · Regional Emerging-Economy Hotbeds Weather Economic Storm BY: Simon Roughneen and Diana Ionescu | World Politics Review As an IMF note to the G-20 leaders gathered at the recent London summit put it, "Growth also plunged across a broad swath of emerging economies. Against this backdrop, global activity is expected to contract in 2009 for the first time in 60 years." · Saudis Clamp Down on Internet Cafes The Media Line Saudi Arabia is introducing new security measures in Internet cafes, which human-rights activists say are meant to curb access to information in the kingdom and are infringing on civil liberties. Tehran Launches Custard Pie Strike - Dominic Lawson, The Times The Looming Threat of Nuclear Iran - Bob Feferman, RealClearWorld Security Before Politics - Porter Goss, Washington Post
Is Clinton’s Visit to Lebanon a Challange to Syria or just a pep rally? | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Could Iraq Violence Affect US Withdrawal Plan? - Gordon Lubold, Christian Science Monitor Iraq's cabinet investment drive Drop in value of commodity forces Iraqi government to look abroad for foreign money Saudi Arabia considers giving women the vote Saudi Arabia is considering allowing women to vote in municipal elections this year but they would still be barred from running for office, a senior government official has said. Iraq says US raid violated pact · U.S. Seeks to Assure Arabs on Iran Obama is dispatching his point man on Iran to the Middle East in an effort to win greater support for the U.S.'s engagement strategy toward Tehran. Iran, Iraq: An Agreement on an Oil Pipeline The pipeline deal reached between Iraq and Iran will help both countries increase revenues, and it likely will not be blocked by the United States. (With STRATFOR map) US to Keep Troops in Iraq if Violence Escalates Top militant 'arrested in Iraq' Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki confirms that Sunni insurgent leader Abu Omar al-Baghdadi has been arrested, in a BBC interview. · Ahmadinejad: 'We Welcome Change' Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he welcomed a new beginning in his nation's relationship with the U.S., but declined to commit to any timetable or specifics for negotiating with the U.S. and European nations. Iran 'would support two-state solution' for Israel President Ahmadinejad recognises Israel's right to exist, saying it would be "fine" if the Palestinians reached two-state solution Baghdad Bombings: Is Iraq Unraveling Again? Iraq Resists Pleas by U.S. to Placate Hussein's Party In Baghdad visit, Clinton reassures Iraqis Storm of Violence in Iraq Strains Its Security Forces Americans Accused of Stealing Fuel in Iraq Sliding back? An upsurge of violence rings alarm bells in Iraq Al Qaeda's roars back in Iraq against double target: US and Iranians Ali Khamenei charges US military in Iraq, Israeli intelligence with attacks that killed Iranian pilgrims Former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi Talks to Asharq Al-Awsat Iraqi Oil: Black Gold or Black Hole? Sons of Iraq find Kirkuk arms caches | Stars and Stripes U.S. Raid Tests Iraq Security Pact Iraq's prime minister demanded that U.S. commanders hand over soldiers responsible for a deadly predawn raid for possible trial. Clinton, in Iraq, Blames ‘Rejectionists’ for Violence US calls for 'fair' Lebanon poll Anger at Deadly US Military Raid in Southern Iraq Iraq Bombings Threaten to Renew Chaos - Larry Kaplow, Newsweek Iraqi Forces Dismantle Two Booby-Trapped Cars, 20 Bombs in Baghdad Assad appoints new Cabinet ministers (UPI) -- Syrian President Bashar Assad replaced several ministers in his Cabinet and created a new ministry in the second major shake-up of his administration. Petraeus: It Will Take Iraq Time to Put Down Extremists Hezbollah Win in Lebanon Poll Would Be Big Upset Lebanese Parliament Based on Sectarian Split Saberi 'on hunger strike' in Iran A US-Iranian reporter jailed a week ago by Tehran on charges of spying is in the fifth day of a hunger strike, her father says. Clinton Offers Support for Lebanon Hillary Rodham Clinton met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman in a sign of American support ahead of polls that will pit the country's Western-leaning political establishment against a newly invigorated Hezbollah. Egypt-Iran War of Words Flares - Abraham Rabinovich, The Australian. Iraq Detains Its Own Commanders After US Raid Iraqi Speaker Rules Out Extended Parliament Term Saudis use soft touch to 'save' former militants (AFP) Al-Maliki Denounces US Raid as Violating SOFA; Larijani dissatisfied with US | H9 Ha’aretz – 'Iran arms ship bound for Gaza downed near Sudan' Sudanese sources tell Egyptian paper vessel allegedly bombed by U.S. or Israeli sources operating in area Clinton: U.S. will never sell out Lebanon for Syria deal Top U.S. diplomat pays surprise visit to Lebanon ahead of vote that could see Hezbollah gain influence 'Israel will not attack Iran - even if sanctions fail' Lieberman tells Austrian daily that Israel cannot resolve militarily the entire world's problem. No such thing as a free lunch Netanyahu should listen to Clinton and not come to Washington with empty hands. Yossi Melman / Israeli spies don't work just for Mossad Zvi Bar'el / No need to use Iran as excuse for 'regional peace' Whether Mideast peace materializes or not, it's hard to believe U.S. will halt thaw in its ties with Iran. EU president: Europe underestimates the Iranian threat Yehuda Ben-Meir: Lieberman is no racist Barak: Israel must reach settlement with Syria Lieberman says ready for Syria talks, but without preconditions or focus on Golan pullout as starting point. Israeli FM: Syria Is No Partner for Peace Ahmadinejad: Obama support of 'Gaza massacre' was big mistake Bibi should shoot for the net Soon Netanyahu will discover what most of us have known for a long time, that a daring regional peace plan must be put forward. Jewish World 'Obama's rabbi': Support for Israel doesn't mean blanket approval Was the Gaza school bombed by IAF a 'legitimate target'? Jerusalem Post 'Iran will honor any two-state decision made by Palestinians' Ahmadinejad urges other nations to respect Palestinians' right to determine their fate, says research questioning Holocaust should be permitted. 'Without benchmarks, US dialogue with Iran will fail' In exclusive interview, new minister Ya'alon tells 'Post,' "There's nothing to talk about" with the PA unless it recognizes Israel as Jewish state. Iran: We've arrested spies for Israel Intelligence minister says group of people wanted to "carry out explosions, particularly before election." Lieberman: Conflict more 'religious' In 'Post' interview, FM says biggest obstacle to peace is 'the Iranians.' The genocide mechanism Framing genocide as self-defense can turn decent people into killers. Accommodating Ahmadinejad [ DAVID HOROVITZ, Yedioth Ahronoth 'Israel blackmails patients' Netanyahu’s tough choices/ Haber Benjamin Netanyahu discovering that things look different from Prime Minister’s Office In rare sit-down with ABC, Iranian president also sets terms for US talks, discusses Holocaust Egyptian paper says ship transporting arms to Hamas in Gaza attacked off Sudanese shore Time for Arabs to face truth/ Bechor For first time in 60 years, Arabs must ask themselves tough questions about Israel Hagai Segal says Palestinian demand for state fueled by anti-Semitic desire to harass Jews Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine
· Two Israeli Politicians to Keep an Eye On BY: Matt Beynon Rees | Global Post Prime Minister Netanyahu's picks for two top posts are both from former Soviet states, but they have different styles. Israel's secret plan for West Bank expansion Palestinians condemn 'extremely dangerous' scheme to grow settlement · DAVID ROTHKOPF Israel's new U.S. ambassador is a great choice Jerusalem mayor defends home demolitions Nir Barkat says there is ‘no politics’ behind orders to demolish houses in Arab East Jerusalem and explains that the city is tasked with upholding the law The Israel Factor: Obama's Iran-policy doesn't make sense by Shmuel Rosner Israel tries to reclaim initiative as international pressure builds Benjamin Netanyahu has been in office for less than a month, but the new Israeli prime minister is already feeling the heat of international diplomacy. Over the past... Nothing will stunt Palestinian rebirth By Rami G. Khouri Israel and New Realities Gaza's separation from the West Bank is Israel's great triumph By Amira Hass Keeping the Palestinian Solution Separate from the Nuclear Dispute with Iran Raghida Dergham - The most important test for US President Barack Obama in his efforts to reach peace in the Middle East will not be the test of intentions, resolve and belief in the ability to achieve the two-state solution, i.e. to establish the state of Palestine alongside a secure Israel. East Jerusalem anger as Israel demolishes homes Is Lieberman Hurting Israel in Europe? - David Hazony, Commentary Mag Dangers of an Israeli First Strike - Walter Rodgers, Christian Science Monitor
• 'The Power of Statelessness' by Jakub Grygiel, Policy Review, Hoover Institution |
| Obama's first big diplomacy test: Iran Can the president's philosophy of talking with the enemy keep Iran away from nuclear weapons? Could Iraq violence affect US withdrawal plan? The recent spate of attacks have come as US troops are preparing to pull out of urban areas. The danger of an Israeli strike on Iran The US needs to make it clear it will not tolerate a first strike. A Swat down for Pakistan – and Obama Zardari learns how not to deal with jihadists while the US weighs how to play the bully. Barack Obama and the new place of American power A new spirit of humility is clearly evident, but will the Obama administration agree to expand the 'Big Five' on the UN Security Council? Did CIA 'enhanced interrogation techniques' work or not? Forget whether or not the 'torture' tactics on Al Qaeda suspects were justifiable. Debate now rages as to whether they were effective. Engineering suddenly hot at universities The recession and a desire to make a difference drive more students toengineering programs. But the US still faces a shortage in the profession. US to Pakistan: 'Stop Taliban Now – or We Will' Events in Pakistan, Afghanistan Overtake Obama's New Strategy India Says Pakistan Still Aiding Kashmir Rebels Atlantic Council · Afghanistan Report: A Ten-Year Framework for the Future Asia Society · Back From the Brink?: A Strategy for Stabilizing Afghanistan-Pakistan Brookings Early Prospects of the Obama Administration's Strategic Agenda with China A mortal threat from Pakistan The world properly shudders as the Taliban press their advantage in an increasingly unstable nuclear power. Why Pakistan cannot be allowed to become a failed state.
Steve Walt Nobody Has a Clue on Pakistan In Pakistan, Guile Helps Taliban Gain Why China Keeps Backing Pyongyang - Jonathan Holslag, Japan Times
CSIS The Dynamics of the "AfPak" Conflict: Metrics and Status Report Pakistan's Terrorist Windfall - Brahma Chellaney, Japan Times
Newsweek To Save Pakistan Get the Army Out of Politics
Washington Has Limited Options in Trying to Halt Possible "Meltdown" in Pakistan -- Experts A Lean, Green Detroit in the Far East - Melinda Liu, Newsweek CSIS Critical Questions: Taliban Expansion in Pakistan: The Buner District Falls to Militants Center for Nonproliferation Studies · Engaging China and Russia on Nuclear Disarmament · CSIS · China's Long March to Retirement Reform Our Military Humiliation in Afghanistan is a Scandal and the Cover-up is an Even Greater One - Christopher Booker, Daily Telegraph opinion Amnesty, Disarming of Taliban Being Discussed in Pakistan US Must Be Seen as Reliable Partner of Pakistan, Says Petraeus Pakistanis Caught Between Taliban and Military Destroying Afghan Opium Crop: but Does It Help? Congress. House. Armed Services Committee · Hearings Government Accountability Office (GAO) · Afghanistan: Key Issues for Congressional Oversight GAO-09-473SP Pakistan Diplomat Faults US Strategy Time How India's Young and Restless Are Changing Its Politics End Game in Sri Lanka? - Nira Wickramasinghe, Forbes
Some Pakistani Civilians Stand Up to the Taliban Can Afghans Regain Lost Valley? No Way, Police Say Holbrooke: No Evidence India Supporting Terror in Pakistan A Talk with the "Taliban-Maker" Sound the Alarm - Washington Post editorial Pakistan Fires Peace Deal Architect Pakistan fired an official who played a key role in crafting a peace deal that has given the Taliban control of the Swat Valley as militants partially pulled backed from a neighboring area. The Taliban’s “AfPak” Strategy: A Jihadi Preemptive War
INSS The Future of Pakistan-U.S. Relations: Opportunities and Challenges Bill Roggio / The Long War Journal: Pakistani military, Taliban maneuver for position in northwest Ann Scott Tyson / Washington Post: 'The Hindus: An Alternative History' By WENDY DONIGER Wendy Doniger tries to remedy the enduring impression of a “unified Hinduism” created in large part by the first British scholars of India. The Mercenary Debate: Three Views Beijing's Taiwan Gambit - Parris Chang, Wall Street Journal
Petraeus: What I Learned in Iraq, and How it Applies to Afghanistan - Christa Case Bryant and Carol Huang, Christian Science Monitor Professors in the Trenches: Deployed Soldiers and Social Science Academics (Part 5) How to solve Pakistan’s problem Nadeem Ul Haque When mosques become places of learning, fundamentalism will dissolve Rising Tide Of Militancy Feeds Pakistan Nuke Fears Islamic militants are challenging government authority in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, and fresh advances are bringing the insurgency closer to major cities. How confident should we be that Pakistan's nuclear weapons won't fall into the wrong hands? The criminals running the Af-Pak border BY GRETCHEN PETERS Islamists pull back in Pakistan, or is it just for the cameras? Armed Taliban extremists began what they said was a pull-out Friday from Buner, just 60 miles from Islamabad, after they raised an international alarm by moving within striking distance of cutting off the capital from the country's northwest. Falungong silent in China, thriving abroad
· Pakistan Moves Against Militants Pakistan launched an operation against militants in a district covered by a government-backed peace deal. Sri Lanka rebels declare cease-fire Tamil Tiger rebels declared a unilateral cease-fire today as a top UN official pressed Sri Lankan leaders to let aid into the northeastern war zone. · Snooping Dragon Raises Ante BY: Kerri Houston Toloczko | The Washington Times The report released in late March from Canadian security analysts describing cyberhacking by the Chinese government and this week's news of China's incursion into the U.S. electrical grid came as no surprise to China watchers. · Beijing's Taiwan Gambit BY: Parris H. Chang | The Wall Street Journal The common story line with respect to China-Taiwan relations is that Ma Ying-jeou's election as Taiwan's president in 2008 has represented the signal change in the cross-Strait dynamic. China's Health Care Reform Dedux Nixon Center Jay Taylor / Washington Post: The Final Triumph of Chiang Kai-shek — Chiang Kai-Shek and the Struggle for Modern China — Belknap. — 722 pp. $35 AEI The Problems and Potential of China's Pharmaceutical Industry | H11 IHT First, Reform the I.M.F. BY: Mark Weisbrot | International Herald Tribune The International Monetary Fund is making the same mistakes it made in the Asian crisis. Governments should not commit more money to the organization until it adopts serious reforms EUROPE European press review CHAN AKYA G-8's first bankruptcy The United Kingdom is the leading candidate for the first sovereign bankruptcy among Group of Eight countries. Rather than learn from the downward spiral of its financial system, the government is crawling back towards populist socialism in a move that is destined to destroy the economy. Wolfgang Münchau: The eurozone needs a co-ordinated strategy By pursuing what they mistakenly perceive to be their national interest, European leaders not only damage the prospects of the eurozone, they end up damaging themselves, writes Wolfgang Münchau Devil Is In Detail Of EU Energy Strategy There has been broad agreement within the EU on the need for a diversification of energy suppliers and new import routes. But divisions quickly emerge when the topic turns to specific projects, and critics suggest national and private interests threaten to eclipse the exigencies of the EU as a whole Economic Crisis Will Forge Stronger Europe - Brookings Institution · Europe's Neighbours Falling Short on Democracy BY: Toby Vogel | European Voice Several of the European Union's immediate neighbours are deficient in democratic governance and respect for human rights, according to a review of the Commission's European Neighbourhood Policy. The menace in Europe's Midst Nixon Center This 3-page US article examines the rising terrorist threat posed by second generation Muslim immigrants to the UK UK defies Eurofighter payment calls Gordon Brown has defied calls to make a £1bn payment for Eurofighter Typhoon jets as European leaders rounded on the UK prime minister for holding up the defence project Britain: The G8's First Bankruptcy? - Chan Akya, Asia Times
Euro area unemployment up to 8.5% - EU27 up to 7.9% Border dispute a bar to further enlargement | H12 RFE/RL West traps Russia in its own backyard American diplomats are scouring Central Asia for chances to drive wedges between Moscow and regional capitals in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and, increasingly, Turkmenistan. They're scrambling to convince the energy producers to "defect" from the Russian middle man and gain direct access to the international market. The relentless US hammering is eroding Russia's position. - M K Bhadrakumar ( Newsweek A Warm Spell in the Kremlin? Medvedev Makes Nice Google News Azerbaijan The Oligarchs in the Government BY: Kirill Kabanov | The Moscow Times Corruption has become Russia's most profitable business. According to experts, the corruption market is worth $300 billion annually. INSS Repairing U.S.-Russian Relations: A Long Road Ahead · Fraud claims as Kremlin's man heads for win in mayoral poll Opposition groups accuse pro-Kremlin local administration of dirty tricks to ensure victory of Anatoly Pakhomov Russian Death Squads ‘Pulverise’ Chechens - Mark Franchetti, The Times. Elite commandos have broken their silence to reveal how they torture, execute and then blow captives to atoms to obliterate the grisly evidence. Starting over Why the US and Russia want a new nuclear treaty
Russian Mayor Walks Into Chess Master’s Trap |
| H13 The Times Barack Obama is unhappy with much that preceded his occupation of the White House ANALYSIS: The threat that forced a fight Athough Pakistan denies it, the decision to attack the Taleban in the region of Lower Dir is the result of US pressure America pins its hopes on ‘Dad’s Army’ Militia seeks to replicate success of the 'Sons of Iraq' volunteers who turned the apparently hopeless US war on its head COMMENT: Virus could spread through UK The H1 virus is a deadly mix of swine, bird and human flu and could be a considerable threat to Britain during winter Q&A: Should we be worried about swine flu? Times health reporter assesses how worried Britons should be about rise of deadly new strain of swine flu in Americas The fewer warheads Russia and America have, the harder it is to maintain global balance Tehran launches its custard pie strike Iran knows that opposing Zionism and adopting the cause of the plight of Palestinians appeals to the muslim on the street A shoddy budget from a discredited government This recession is exposing Mr Brown for what he is: an old Labour party machine politician Swine flu deaths spark worldwide health alert Authorities worldwide are scrambling to contain a new strain of flu that has already killed at least 81 people in Mexico 'Many dead' as Pakistani army attacks Taleban Troops and helicopter gunships confront militants near Swat Valley after America criticises government's inactivity Wind, sea, coal and nuclear power. Yes please As climate change ministers gather in Washington today we must try every energy option to shift to a low-carbon world Ed Miliband Under Brown the party is moving uncomfortably close to the semi-socialist trade union past Blair tried to leave behind Sunday Times Americans told to wear masks as swine flu spreadsOutbreak that has killed 81 has moved from Mexico to the US, with further suspected cases in New Zealand and Europe Q&A - should we be worried about swine flu? ‘Stop the Taliban now – or we will’ The United States is getting tough with the Pakistan government as terrorists move to within 60 miles of the capital Islamabad Allies split with US over torture According to a State Department official the use of harsh interrogation techniques on captured terrorists caused a rift with leading US allies Wall Street Journal Is 'Liberal Interventionism' Dead? By James Taranto Tony Blair still backs it--but the answer is up to President Obama. Rubin: Why Obama Shook Chávez's Hand We Need Public Directors on TARP Bank Boards By Robert B. Reich The government's role should be honest and transparen U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency The Obama administration declared a "public health emergency," as U.S. health officials warned that further cases of swine flu are likely to emerge in the U.S. · Let the Senate Investigate the Interrogations By Dianne Feinstein IMF Gains Traction Major developing countries are coalescing around a plan to buy the IMF's first bond issue. Judy Shelton: The IMF's Gold Gambit Misconceptions About the Interrogation Memos By William M. McSwain Strengthen U.S.-China Trade Ties By Chen Deming Swine Flu Fears Spark Global Triage Global health officials mobilized to combat a deadly strain of flu, as new cases were reported in locales stretching from New Zealand to Ohio. · Euro's Rise Depends The euro has the potential to break higher versus the dollar this week, but its rally could falter, given the changeable nature of currency markets. Analysis: IMF relevant again, will big plans work? After an Off Year, Wall Street Pay Is Bouncing Back — Berkeley Economist Emmanuel Saez Wins Clark Medal | H14 Financial Times Alphabet recession The tried and tested letters and symbols no longer adequately describe the economic cycles of these uncertain times. Economic forecasting should surely employ the more exotic characters on the keyboard The road to the republic Iran has had so much bad press that we fail to realise that it is heir to a rich culture of enormous age, depth and resilience Obama’s needless fight over torture The drive for prosecutions is a furiously partisan project. Already, little hope remains of a bipartisan approach to the myriad problems that confront Barack Obama’s administration. If the US president fails to get a grip on this new controversy, the prospect of any such co-operation will be nil, writes Clive Crook Fed study puts ideal US interest rate at -5% Staff research suggests the Fed should maintain unconventional policies that provide stimulus equivalent to the negative rate, such as expanding its asset purchases by even more than the $1,150bn authorised at the last meeting IMF says national deficits to remain sky-high Budget deficits across the industrialised world will remain sky-high next year even after countries scale back their fiscal stimulus packages, the International Monetary Fund warned Precarious position Pakistan’s army: As Taliban forces advance, fears are growing that Islamabad can marshal neither the military will nor civilian back-up to curb extremist gains Swine flu triggers alerts worldwide Governments and health authorities worldwide went on the alert for a possible influenza pandemic as the death toll from a new strain of swine flu in Mexico reached 81 Analysis: A flood of criticism US politics: Obama’s release of Bush-era ‘torture memos’ lays bare the extent of interrogation practices but risks derailing the broader agenda of the new president Eurozone banking needs a co-ordinated strategy Wolfgang Münchau on illusory national interests Spending choices How to raise the revenue or cut the spending needed to address UK debt is a debate not just about where the axe will fall but about the sort of society the country’s citizens want Armenia’s grief There seems to be a serious intent in both Ankara and Yerevan to find a way forward on reconciliation. But pressure on them both for more progress and a clear timetable is still essential Japan’s deceptive green shoots The US and Europe must avoid a vicious spiral resulting from the negative feedback between the financial system and the real economy, without the benefit of prodigious foreign demand Marriage, not dating, is the key to healthy regulation Eric Dinallo on commitment-shy insurers Let central banks direct the supply of credit Expand their monetary armoury, says Stephen Green IMF says existing stimulus could suffice The head of the International Monetary Fund said that if countries are successful in cleansing their financial systems, the fiscal stimulus already implemented for 2009 “may be enough” Analysis: A flood of criticism US politics: Obama’s release of Bush-era ‘torture memos’ lays bare the extent of interrogation practices but risks derailing the broader agenda of the new president Labour’s affair with bankers is to blame for this sorry state Little has changed. The UK government still sees financial services through the eyes of the financial services industry, writes John Kay No honour among pirates Christopher Caldwell plunders pirate ethics Outside Edge: Maestros, mitts and the best laid plans John Gapper on the vagaries of pitches, stadiums and concert halls Abuse of the law handed victory to terrorists Philip Stephens on the twisted logic of torture The US needs to raise its educational sights Sudden debt? If this government is to retain the debt market’s confidence it must shed its reputation for overly optimistic forecasts and must also try to avoid rolling over a large amount of debt at any one time - Iraq killings prompt fear of renewed strife Two suicide bombers have killed at least 75 people outside a Shia shrine in northern Baghdad, igniting fears the Iraqi capital could again descend into sectarian violence | Editorial |
| OBAMA: PORTRAIT OF A HIGH-PRESSURE PRESIDENCY What's behind Obama's big shift He is overseeing the boldest expansion of government in a generation. Is it a 'new pragmatism' right for the times or dangerous overreach by a young president? Frank Rich / New York Times: The Banality of Bush White House Evil — WE don't like our evil to be banal. 58% Oppose Further Investigation of U.S. Torture Allegations Obama Repeatedly Reminds House GOP Of Their Zero Stimulus Votes Obama's first 100 days in office haven't been quiet President Barack Obama's first 100 days on the job exploded with activity on many fronts: the $787 billion economic stimulus, the order to close the Guantanamo Bay prison within a year, a withdrawal plan for Iraq, an expansion of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and outreach to several hostile nations Bill Maher / Los Angeles Times: The GOP: divorced from reality — The Republican base is behaving like a guy who just got dumped by his wife. — If conservatives don't want to be seen as bitter people who cling to their guns and religion and anti-immigrant sentiments, they should stop being bitter and clinging to their guns, religion and anti-immigrant sentiments. Yes, National Review, We Did Execute Japanese for Waterboarding Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin An excerpt from The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan: A History of the End of the Cold War by James Mann (and more and more and more). Chris Lehmann reviews The Man Who Sold the World: Ronald Reagan and the Betrayal of Main Street America by William Kleinknecht (and more). John Dean reviews Howard Fineman's The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Inspire and Define Our Country. David S. Broder / Washington Post: Stop Scapegoating — Obama Should Stand Against Prosecutions Unchecked Spending May Doom Obama's Plans - Albert Hunt, Bloomberg
Who Will Lead the 'Post-American Era'? - Mark Steyn, OC Register
| H17 Daily Telegraph Our military humiliation in Afghanistan is a scandal - and the cover-up is an even greater one The under-funded British Army is being forced to make the same mistakes in Afghanistan that it made in Iraq, says Christopher Booker. Iran 'would support two-state solution' for Israel President Ahmadinejad recognises Israel's right to exist, saying it would be "fine" if the Palestinians reached two-state solution Saudi Arabia considers giving women the vote Saudi Arabia is considering allowing women to vote in municipal elections this year but they would still be barred from running for office, a senior government official has said. Thatcher's revolution 30 years on Her successors ruined the prosperous Britain she created. Now we must strive to re-build it, says Edwina Currie. | H18 Independent Did Torture Kill More Americans Than 9/11? Swine flu sweeps globe The Mexican outbreak of swine flu is likely to arrive in Britain, the scientist heading the UK's response said last night. · Swine Flu: Who is at risk? What are the symptoms? · Leading article: The world must work together against this threat Israel's secret plan for West Bank expansion Palestinians condemn 'extremely dangerous' scheme to grow settlement Patrick Cockburn: How well was the Iraq war reported? · Akbar Ahmed: Lose lawless tribal areas and you lose Pakistan itself · Robert Fisk's World: Everyone wants to be an author, but no one is reading books |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Joint Force Quarterly (JFQ), no. 52, 1st Quarter 2009 CIA official: no proof harsh techniques stopped terror attacks on America Undercutting assertions by former vice president Dick Cheney and other former Bush administration officials, the CIA inspector general in 2004 found that there was no conclusive proof that waterboarding or other harsh interrogation techniques helped the Bush administration thwart any "specific imminent attacks," 'Blood and Rage' By MICHAEL BURLEIGH 'The Accidental Guerrilla' By DAVID KILCULLEN · CIA Contractors Get the Boot BY: Jody Ray Bennett | ISN Security Watch The Pentagon is ordered to bar private contractors from interrogation and security operations in accordance with the defense secretary’s new budget proposal. Brookings Institution Document: Military Agency Called Harsh Methods ‘Torture,’ Questioned Their Effectiveness — Porter J. Goss / Washington Post: CIA official: no proof harsh techniques stopped terror attacks Congress. Senate. Armed Services Committee Nuclear Terrorism: Assessing the Threat, Developing a Response CSBA A 116-page US study assessing key aspects of a potential nuclear terrorist threat British Spy Loses Secrets in a Handbag on a Bus NATO: An Alliance of Equals - Michel Rocard, RealClearWorld
Punishing Acts of WMD Proliferation: More Easily Said than Done SIPRI This Swedish essay examines the practicalities of punishing acts of WMD proliferation Social Software and National Security: An Initial ‘Net Assessment’ (PDF; 540 KB) Declassified Narrative on DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s Opinions on the CIA Detention and Interrogation Program (PDF; 179 KB) The menace in Europe's Midst Nixon Center This 3-page US article examines the rising terrorist threat posed by second generation Muslim immigrants to the UK Greg Miller / Los Angeles Times: CIA reportedly declined to closely evaluate harsh interrogations — A review of The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One by David Kilcullen (and an interview). Effectiveness of Harsh Questioning Is Unclear Center for the Study of Intelligence (CSI) · Studies in Intelligence, v. 53, no. 1, December 2008 Hybrid Threats: Reconceptualizing the Evolving Character of Modern Conflict | H20 Slate We're All Torturers Now National Intelligence Council (NIC) What will happen when the climate starts to change and the rivers dry up and a whole way of life comes to an end? The people of Australia's Murray-Darling Basin are finding out right now (and more). Mexico flu sparks global action National public health bodies are co-ordinating their work to prevent the spread of a new swine flu virus, the UN says. The truth about climate change is that we know the bad truth | H21 Inside the baby mind It's unfocused, random, and extremely good at what it does. How we can learn from a baby's brain. (By Jonah Lehrer, Boston Globe) Beyond belief Research on religion goes after a new target: the secular (By Nathan Schneider, Boston Globe) From TAC, a review of John Rawls' A Brief Inquiry Into the Meaning of Sin and Faith. An interview with Alain de Botton, author of The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work (and more and more and more). Why bad jokes are easier to remember than the good ones. Gertrude Himmelfarb reviews The Philosophers' Quarrel: Rousseau, Hume, and the Limits of Human Understanding by Robert Zaretsky and John T. Scott. With Kindle, Can You Tell It’s Proust? By JOANNE KAUFMAN The publishing world is all caught up in weighty questions about the Kindle and other electronic books and readers. From The Daily Beast, a review of Kevin Roose's An Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University (and more and an interview and an excerpt) The Unlikely Revolutionary: Simon Johnson isn't a populist — he just thinks bankers run the country. More and more and more and more on The Future of Liberalism by Alan Wolfe. Reportage: Of couples and copulas How the broken-heart syndrome led to a mathematical formula so brilliant that it sparked a market boom and so flawed that it is blamed for bringing down Wall Street Reportage: Seeing the future A small band of futurists is plotting to save the world Very soft dominoes Surprising insights from the social sciences Seedy, desparate men and women: traitors, unhappy adulterous lovers, murderers. No one has ever wanted to be a Graham Greene character... more» Franz Kafka lived out his humdrum life in Prague. As he said, “Prague doesn’t let go. The old crone has claws. One has to yield”... more» Universities in trouble. The collapse last year of institutional investments has been spectacular, with higher education hit hard... more» A.N. Wilson has been a believer, then an atheist, and has come out the other side as a believer once again. He explains his personal pilgrimage... more» Mark Edmundson wants his fellow literature profs to give up “readings” of works of literary art. Ignore Marx’s, Freud’s, Foucault’s, or Derrida’s points of view: just read the books... more» · Bob will be bringing it all back home again Erica Davies: The Dylan thing is not about the voice or the staging, but the poetry, vision and depth of understanding an interview with Roger Scruton on conservatism, aesthetic judgements and his status as an establishment outsider The truth about forgiveness: After his son was murdered, Bernard Williams became consumed by anger and depression; there was, he came to realize, only one way to save himself. Steven Johnson on how the e-book will change the way we read and write Pithy Peace Treaties? Diplomats Turn to Twitter Billionaire bonfire wipes out £155bn fortuneThe collapse, revealed in the 2009 Sunday Times Rich List, is the biggest annual fall since it was first compiled Obesity pill is no silver bullet Diet pills have only a modest role in fighting obesity. Tackling the problem should begin with a substantial element of individual responsibility but also with a substantial element of government help Growing Up Buckley By CHRISTOPHER BUCKLEY The author of 14 books — including the forthcoming “Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir” — reflects on his relationship with his parents. I mourn the death of local newspapers Henry Porter: Films about journalism can only hint at the vital, exciting and romantic work of the city reporter One Internet Village, Divided: In Developing Countries, Web Grows Without Profit |
Google News Slate Today's Papers SWJ Blog Media Roundup CFR Daily Brief CFR Daily Opinion Roundup memeorandum antiwar.com book forum FBIS University Channel DocuTicker Arts & Letters Daily PolicyPointers cursor raw story fora.tv realclearworld realclearpolitics PoliticsHome Drudge Report Current News Early Bird OpinionSource truthout Dayan Current Contents Blogometer Wikipedia technorati Slate's Today's Blogs ABC’s The Note eurointelligence The Page First Read Daily Beast Cheat Sheet | IraqSlogger Global Power Barometer Juan Cole - Kevin Drum - Gideon Rachman - Mark Kleiman - Belgravia Dispatch - washington realist - Tom Barnett - democracy arsenal - Josh Marshall - Daniel Drezner - Laura Rozen - the washington note - MondoWeiss - David Corn - SyriaComment - Israel-Syria Peace Society - William Arkin - Phil Carter - Ross Douhat Marc Ambinder Helena Cobban - MatthewYglesias - Oxblog - Brad DeLong - coming anarchy Rosner's Domain Wonkette Tom Hayden Paul Goble Abu Muqawama George Packer The Swamp | Foreign Policy Blogs Passport : Tom Ricks : Dan Drezner : Stephen Walt : David Rothkopf : Marc Lynch : The Cable : Madam Secretary : Shadow Govt. : The Argument : The Call PostGlobal - AmericaAbroad -The Corner - Passport - huffingtonpost / Pajamas Media / Open University / Today in Iraq / CounterterrorismBlog OutSide the Beltway - InstaPundit - winds of change Kausfiles - Becker Posner-andrewsullivan.com - Registan - armscontrolwonk - IsraPundit Regime Change Iran – Martin Kramer - Dani Rodrik |
