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| H1 NYT Pakistan Strife Raises U.S. Doubts on Nuclear Arms As the insurgency spreads in Pakistan, senior U.S. officials say they are increasingly concerned about new vulnerabilities for Pakistan’s arsenal. News Analysis: Israel Faces a Hard Sell in Bid to Shift Policy Ha’aretz – Poll: Most Jewish Israelis back attack on Iran ADL poll finds a majority of those who favor strike would maintain their support even if U.S. opposed strike Amir Oren / If Israel acquiesces on Iran, world will follow suit Israel's ambiguity has failed to attract international support or deter Iran's drive for nuclear weapons Pentagon chief to reassure Mideast allies over Iran outreach Gates vows Washington would be 'tough-minded' with Tehran if its overtures were rebuffed Newsweek Evan Thomas: Why Presidents Need Contrarians Smart decisions don't grow in a vacuum. The most successful presidents recognize the fact and encourage debate—and even rivalry—between their advisers. They do their best to consider the options fully. All the same, it's harder than many people might imagine for our national leaders to keep the field of opinions from turning into a monoculture. The Dilemma of Dissent by Richard N. Haass You try to make the best of an executive decision you think is wrong. But there's a limit. A former Bush aide looks back. Country Reports on Terrorism 2008 Source: U.S. Department of State From Chapter 1. Strategic Assessment: National Counterterrorism Center: 2008 Report on Terrorism (PDF: 594 KB) Source: National Counterterrorism Center Has Pakistan's Army Changed Its Stripes? - Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek Pakistan's military has lost every conventional war. It's far better at guerrilla wars. Farewell to the American Century - Andrew Bacevich, Salon As the US Retreats, Iran Fills the Void Wall Street Journal By AMIR TAHERI Convinced that the Obama administration is preparing to retreat from the Middle East, Iran's Khomeinist regime is intensifying its goal of regional domination. It has targeted six close allies of the U.S.: Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Morocco, Kuwait and Jordan, all of which are experiencing economic and/or political crises. Hamas: U.S. Diplomacy's Final Frontier - Peter Beinart, Time
Moment of Truth in Pakistan - David Ignatius, Washington Post opinion. CFR An Unsettling Settlement: The 1922 Middle East Peace Agreement Seen Today (Audio) David Fromkin US General Says Pakistan Could be Just Two Weeks from Collapse - Isambard Wilkinson, Daily Telegraph. Obama's Chess Masters - Robert Dryfuss, Rolling Stone. The president has assembled a trusted circle of advisers to oversee all aspects of national security directly from the White House. Garbage, Lies, and Uncertainties (Full PDF Article) Deception vs. Risk in War by Bing West · MARC LYNCH How Syria sees the world CFR Obama Broadening Afghanistan War Into 'War of Choice' and Not ... - Council on Foreign Relations Asia Times US hides behind Iran sanctions threat Proposed legislation introduced into the United States Senate this week would place "crippling sanctions" on Iran by targeting its energy imports. Tehran has reacted angrily, placing a question mark over any further moves towards US-Iran dialogue. It could be that this was precisely Washington's intention. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi Now for the next 100 days ... Russia, China on comradely terms Gates: Military Options Against Iran Would Only Provide Temporary, Ineffective Fix Sunday Times Iraq bloodshed rises as US allies defect Obama’s withdrawal pledge is at risk as militias paid by the US begin to rejoin the insurgency McClatchy In Baghdad, Iraqis fear return of sectarian bloodshed Restaurants, cafes and parks are still busy in Baghdad, despite a rise in violence over the last two months. But even as they crowd Baghdad's public spaces, Iraqis acknowledge that they are worried about what the upswing in violence may mean. Most say they don't expect a return of widespread sectarian killing, but many also said they believe things could quickly change A Wise Man Looks at Obama-Era Ties to Russia, China Washington Post U.S. Options in Pakistan Limited Nation Rife With Security Issues, Infighting, Anti-American Sentiment Can the U.S. Counter the Taliban's Advance in Pakistan? By Jackson Diehl, The U.S. may be too late to counter the Taliban's advance in Pakistan. New York Times After the Great Recession By DAVID LEONHARDT President Obama discusses how his policies on schools, energy and health care might change daily life in America. The Mellow Doctrine By ROGER COHEN Foes of the United States have been disarmed by Barack Obama’s no-drama diplomacy Pakistan: Struggling to See a Country of Shards By SABRINA TAVERNISE The country’s competing impulses are so different that they are hard to see together in the same frame. Her Rival Now Her Boss, Clinton Settles Into New Role - Mark Landler Afghan Governor Leaves Presidential Race Independent The rise and rise of Russian nationalism Los Angeles Times Forget blaming Bush: This is Obama country By Peter Nicholas With a bolstered majority in Congress, a budget blueprint and a Supreme Court vacancy, the president has crossed a line: He's fully responsible Options for Mideast peace fade fast In its quest for a two-state solution, the U.S. must move quickly to overcome... Is the Darfur bloodshed genocide? Opinions differ U.S. presidents and some activist groups have called the bloody campaign by the Sudanese Arab-led government and allied militias 'genocide.' But others doubt the violence fits the legal definition U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan 'backfiring,' Congress told Doyle McManus Predator missile strikes aimed at Al Qaeda often go astray, enraging the people and threatening the... In Iraq's Anbar province, the Awakening grapples with a new role The group has gone from fighting militants to the task of governance after its slate wins provincial elections. It has a grand $11-billion reconstruction plan -- but a $100-million budget. The Observer· Iraq: Our duty does not end with the soldiers' exit Editorial: A problem with the Iraq war from the outset was that it was devised as a military adventure Bosnia lurches into a new crisis Nationalist passions that brought war to Balkan state re-emerge as communities struggle in poor economy · Pakistan opposition chief Nawaz Sharif wooed by US Obama administration seek closer ties with Nawaz Sharif as country struggles to overcome Taliban Martin Walker / Woodrow Wilson International Center …: The World's New Numbers — “Here lies Europe, overwhelmed by Muslim immigrants and emptied of native-born Europeans.” That is the obituary some pundits have been writing in recent years. But neither the immigrants nor the Europeans are playing their assigned roles. Ha’aretz – Benn Is Netanyahu bringing Israel closer to a 'second Holocaust'? 'IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, preparing for attack on Iran' Hamas: We won't oppose Israel-Syria talks Gaza officials tell A-Sharq al-Awsat peace negotiations won't affect group's own relations with Damascus Bar’el Obama is no Chamberlain The U.S. president merely wants to try something still untried: dialogue with Iran, a country that has developed many advanced technologies, not just nuclear. Levy Poets beware Locking up three and a half million Palestinians in the occupied territories and denying them basic human rights has already undermined Israel's pretentions of democracy, but now dangerous cracks are appearing in our Jews-only democracy. National Interest Triple Threat by Morton Abramowitz Instead of squabbling over trade and deficit issues, America, Japan and China should work together by creating a trilateral forum. by Jacob Heilbrunn Barack Obama has scuttled the GOP and seems triumphant at home. But with ominous clouds gathering abroad, foreign policy has the potential to wreck his presidency. Jerusalem Post Editor's Notes: A cold dose of realism
Ayalon: Israel accepts 2-state solution Ahead of Lieberman's trip to Europe, deputy FM says government must "abide by previous commitments." [ YAAKOV KATZ ] WSJ Trade Tumbled in 4th Quarter Trade between developed nations fell at an unprecedented rate in the final three months of 2008, although there are signs that the pace of decline is slowing, the OECD says Daily Star The four generals and Mideast impunity By Rami G. Khouri Why is the burden of US-Iran engagement only on Washington? Guardian · Internet 'draining world power' Soaring online demand sapping electricity at increasing rate, say scientists and industry executives Simon Tisdall / Guardian: Fears over Pakistan nuclear projects — Pakistan's army: as inept as it is corrupt Mustafa Qadri: The answer to why Pakistan's mighty army seems impotent against Taliban insurgents is that it is more mafia than military Analysis: AIPAC decision a victory - with qualifiers A hole big enough for a sequel. USIP Event: The U.S. Occupation of Iraq: What Lessons Should be Learned? When a military junta is the best you can hope for Stephen Roach looks at China's response to the global financial crisis, and worries that Beijing does not understand the need for rebalacing. The Role of the Ambassador in International Relations Ambassador Donald Blinken | H2 US says Turkey's controversial Ergenekon probe details 'murky' ALİ H. ASLAN - Obama'nın Türkiye'de demokrasi testi:Ergenekon ÖMER TAŞPINAR Yeni kabine ve Washington New Turkish foreign minister says seeks greater regional role Iraqi President Says Will Not Barter Disputed City Guardian Escaping a vile past Christopher de Ballaigue FT Turkey’s AKP pins revival on cabinet changes Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces a sweeping reshuffle as he tries to get a better grip on economic policy and revive his party’s fortunes after a bruising electoral setback Moving Beyond the Middle East - David Ignatius, Foreign Policy For three decades, David Ignatius has talked to all camps in the fractious Middle East. Then came Davos, and an effort to “moderate” a conversation between irreconcilable sides on the Gaza war. The center not only cannot hold, he concludes—it no longer exists. Turkey: May Day Highlights Workers’ Concerns about the Economy May Day is traditionally an occasion for labor unions to mark accomplishments and air grievances. The day in Turkey this year was especially laden with political significance, given the battering that the country’s working class has taken amid the global economic downturn. 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 What is Moqtada al-Sadr doing in Turkey? Foreign Policy BBC · Part Three Can the Kurdish region of Iraq maintain its fragile stability? Kurdish vote may bring strife as change looms AFP Davutoglu, the architect of Turkey's foreign policy activism Turkish-Syrian Security Cooperation Testing Turkish Foreign Policy Qubad's Blog: The Kurdish Lobby By Qubad Talabany Iraq's Kurds Condemn Cross-Border Attacks by Iran PJAK told to stop cross border attacks on Iran PRESS TV – Reclusive Iraqi Cleric Al-Sadr visits Turkey Rival Islamist Groups Vie for the Support of Southeast Turkey's ... Iran Helicopters Strike Iraq Kurd Villages New Candidate Emerges Among Iraq's Kurds Turkey's trade in Iraq amounted to 6 billion USD in 2008 Dispaly Article Talabani to Retire after End of Term Sadr Appears in Public for First Time in Two Years – in Turkey Elections in Kurdistan: To Have or not to Have the Right to Vote Turkey's pro-Kurdish DTP politicians hold two-day hunger strike Iran shells Kurdish rebel positions in north Iraq Iran, Turkey could team up in regional markets: envoy Election campaigns begin in earnest in Kurdistan Kurdish Globe DNO Intl To Focus On Oil Production, Cut Back Exploration Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık · The Turkey-Armenia Road Map BY: Stephen Kinzer | The Guardian Last week's agreement promises to rebuild relations between Turkey and Armenia, but it does not go as far as it could have. · 'There Is Hope Once Again' BY: Daniel Steinvorth | Der Spiegel Turkey wants reconciliation with its neighbor Armenia, 94 years after the Armenian genocide. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Aram Atesyan says he is confident, but warns against overly high expectations that relations could normalize quickly. FT Global insight: EU‘s eastern diplomacy needs tailoring Brussels pushes partnership approach · Slump Hits Armenia Despite Its Isolation Armenia's economy has been hit hard as Armenians living abroad send less money home, and now some expats are back looking for jobs and exacerbating the problem. Armenia: Obama Escapes Blame for Omission Rather than blame US President Barack Obama, many Armenians are holding Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan responsible for the American leader’s failure to use the word "genocide" in an April 24 speech to commemorate Ottoman Turkey’s 1915 massacre of an estimated 1.5 million ethnic Armenians. US Secretary of State agrees that Annan Plan failed because it ... Azerbaijan Looking at Narrow Gas Export Options Jamestown Foundation Roger Cohen The Mellow Doctrine New York Times Secular Turkey performs a finely tuned balancing act LEADERSHIP: The Thousand Year War Alman Okullarında 'İslam Dini Dersleri' Tartışması Armenia Struggles As Remittances Slow Biden welcomes progress in Turkey-Armenia ties Liberal Turks call pogrom a 'genocide' Iason Athanasiadis ... Top Azeri envoy on way to Ankara Anti-US sentiment in Turkey not as evident ARMENIA: OBAMA ESCAPES BLAME FOR OMISSION Clinton to meet Azeri, Armenian counterparts in Washington Türkiye Basın Özgürlüğünde 'Kısmen Özgür' Türkiye Dini Özgürlükler Raporunun Takip Listesinde Hedo Okur Tuncay Nihat Altintop | 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 After the Great Recession By DAVID LEONHARDT President Obama discusses how his policies on schools, energy and health care might change daily life in America. ROGER COHEN The Mellow Doctrine Foes of the United States have been disarmed by Barack Obama’s no-drama diplomacy. It is neither idealistic nor classic realpolitik. Pakistan: Struggling to See a Country of Shards By SABRINA TAVERNISE The country’s competing impulses are so different that they are hard to see together in the same frame. Pakistan Strife Raises U.S. Doubts on Nuclear Arms As the insurgency spreads in Pakistan, senior U.S. officials say they are increasingly concerned about new vulnerabilities for Pakistan’s arsenal. News Analysis: Israel Faces a Hard Sell in Bid to Shift Policy Pakistan Says Islamic Court Fulfills Deal With Taliban Editorial Still Unfinished Business Washington needs to be pressing the Shiite-led government a lot harder to make the political changes necessary to hold the country together. Her Rival Now Her Boss, Clinton Settles Into New Role - Mark Landler Pakistan’s Islamic Schools Fill Void, but Fuel Militancy Pakistan’s poorest families have turned to Islamic schools that feed and house children while pushing a militant brand of Islam. PAUL KRUGMAN Falling Wage Syndrome Even if the recession is declared over, there still are not enough jobs — which is a recipe for continuing wage cuts, which will in turn keep the economy weak. By ALLAN H. MELTZER Why the Federal Reserve must start to demonstrate the kind of courage and independence it has not recently shown. Afghan Governor Leaves Presidential Race Gunfight Breaks Out as Iraqi Soldiers Try to Arrest Trade Officials No Signs of Sustained Global Spread of Swine Flu In Capital of Mexico, Cabin Fever Takes Hold Communists’ Land Plan Could Backfire in India Russia Digs In Alongside Breakaway Territories Political Memo: A Puzzle Over Intentions of Russia’s President Editorial Counting Votes, Kremlin Style What the Kremlin wants, the Kremlin gets, except when the Kremlin’s man chooses to go his own way. Tests of Banks May Bring Hope More Than Fear The Obama administration seems prepared to say that while a few of the biggest 19 banks may need more cash, the system is more solid than analysts fear. MAUREEN DOWD How Character Corrodes The Republicans’ newfound concern about checks and balances is touching, given what the Bush administration did to undermine the process. FRANK RICHEnough With the 100 Days Already President Obama’s high marks by the public and the press are all ludicrously provisional. It’s too early to judge the results of any policy. NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF A Nation of Typhoid Marys The flu crisis should be a wake-up call, a reminder that one of the nation’s vulnerabilities to the possible pandemic is our deeply flawed medical system. The World Economy, Still Waiting Economic stimulus alone will not stop global indicators from sinking; there must be stronger regulation of financial markets 100 Days in the Footsteps of F.D.R. and L.B.J. By SAM TANENHAUS The ’30s were about recovery, the ’60s race. President Obama faces both challenges. U.S. Media See a Path to India in China’s Snub After years of the cold shoulder from Chinese censors and regulators, entertainment giants are shifting their efforts to a regional rival. Interrogation Debate Sharply Divided Bush White House Voices Reflect Rising Sense of Racial Optimism More Americans indicated that they were feeling optimistic about race relations, yet no one claimed that racial prejudice has disappeared. Chrysler’s Fall May Help Administration Reshape G.M. If the Chrysler legal process unfolds as the White House hopes it will in coming weeks, the bankruptcy option may look increasingly attractive for General Motors as well. As a Professor, a Pragmatist About the Supreme Court President Obama will likely favor a pragmatist with a limited view of the role of courts, former colleagues and students said. Jack Kemp, Star on Field and in Politics, Dies at 73 Selling Democracy (and Tea) in India By NARESH FERNANDES The sluggish turnout in an election contradicts India’s perception of itself as a deeply rooted democracy. Swine Flu: First, Sow No Panic By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL Hand-washing is the first lesson from SARS to apply to swine flu. Another is: Masks are only rarely useful | H5 Washington Post U.S. Options in Pakistan Limited Nation Rife With Security Issues, Infighting, Anti-American Sentiment Can the U.S. Counter the Taliban's Advance in Pakistan? By Jackson Diehl, The U.S. may be too late to counter the Taliban's advance in Pakistan. Krauthammer Torture? No. Except . . . Make-or-Break Moment in Pakistan's Struggle With the Taliban By David Ignatius Expert Groups Largely Back Obama's Nuclear Stance - Walter Pincus By Jim Hoagland The Big Idea -- The Power Problem By Carlos Lozada, Page B04 President Obama may have difficulty resisting the allure of military might. Karzai's Would-Be Competition in Disarray As Afghan President Heads to Washington, No Challengers Emerge for Election Cautious Optimism from U.S., Mexico on Outbreak After a week of alarm, a new strain of swine flu may prove not to be as lethal as initially feared; Mexico says virus is "in its declining phase." Pomfret: Did Communists Really Win in China? Can Detroit's Automakers Save Themselves? By David S. Broder, Checking in on the Economy Way too soon to break open the champagne A capable but struggling democratic government needs more support from the United States. The Obama Administration Is Buying Time on Immigration By E.J. Dionne Jr The Obama administration is slowly building consensus rather than moving fast. The Obama Administration's Bias Against Oil and Natural Gas By Robert J. Samuelson, In his zeal to create new energy jobs, Obama leaves out a vital sector. By Michael Gerson, Jack Kemp was the most influential modern Republican who never became president. Taliban Resumes Patrols in Swat Fiat in Talks To Acquire GM Europe Jack Kemp, Nine-Term GOP Congressman From New York, Dies Benjamin Wittes -- On the Supreme Court, What Price Diversity? By Benjamin Wittes Julia E. Sweig — Give Guantanamo Back to Cuba By Julia E. Sweig, Page B02 Don't just shut it down. Give it back to the Cubans. Reihan Salam -- Specter's No Big Loss for the GOP, But Others Could Be By Reihan Salam, Page B03 It's the Republican party's frame of mind. An Open Letter To President Obama From Wilhelm Ii, German Kaiser And King Of Prussia Buffett Praises U.S. Decisions on Economy 4th-Grader Questions Rice on Waterboarding Ex-Secretary of State Stresses Legality In India, Educated but Unemployable Youths Graduates Find Schools Don't Foster Skills Needed for Changing Economy | H6 Guardian · Internet 'draining world power' Soaring online demand sapping electricity at increasing rate, say scientists and industry executives Simon Tisdall / Guardian: Fears over Pakistan nuclear projects — Pakistan's army: as inept as it is corrupt Mustafa Qadri: The answer to why Pakistan's mighty army seems impotent against Taliban insurgents is that it is more mafia than military The Taliban's perversion of sharia law Houriya Ahmed: The Taliban have perverted sharia law in a way that shames Islam and contravenes human rights · Refugees on a wild frontier between army and Taliban Islamabad's war with its militants is destroying lives and dislocating communities, as civilians flee in rising numbers · Islamic games suspended over Gulf row Iran announces cancellation of sporting event meant to promote Islamic harmony · For all the debate on the worth of aid, we can well afford to pay the price Madeleine Bunting: Voguish disaffection with helping Africa is born of false hopes and flawed critiques. The moral case to do more is compelling The Observer· Iraq: Our duty does not end with the soldiers' exit Editorial: A problem with the Iraq war from the outset was that it was devised as a military adventure Bosnia lurches into a new crisis Nationalist passions that brought war to Balkan state re-emerge as communities struggle in poor economy · Pakistan opposition chief Nawaz Sharif wooed by US Obama administration seek closer ties with Nawaz Sharif as country struggles to overcome Taliban · Paddy Ashdown upbeat on Bosnia's future - but wants help from US Country's former UN high representative says the chances of things going wrong in troubled region are avoidable · Hamid Karzai rival pulls out of Afghanistan presidential race Gul Agha Sherzai makes u-turn, leaving incumbent Hamid Karzai in strong position to win re-election in August 'Fair' is horribly abused Will Hutton: Life may not be fair, but that's still no excuse for an unjust society · Gordon Brown - why a clever man ends up making a fool of himself Andrew Rawnsley: Gordon Brown is blundering into self-inflicted debacles because he lacks emotional intelligence and some basic political radar BNP exploit public's fury at politicians Anger towards Westminster, as expenses and effects of recession are being exploited by the far-right The Observer profiles Benedict XVI, the less than infallible pontiff, and Sergey Brin, master of the online universe Key minister savages PM over 'lamentable' failures Cracks appear in cabinet after disastrous and humiliating week for Gordon Brown · Israel bombs tunnels on Gaza-Egypt border Israeli aircraft attack three smuggling tunnels, after Gaza militants fire two mortar shells at southern Israel | ||
| H7 Moving Beyond the Middle East - David Ignatius, Foreign Policy WINEP Disrupting Tehran's Export of Technology and Weapons Washington needs to better constrain Tehran's ability to arm allies and surrogates hostile to U.S. interests. Doing so will enhance U.S. leverage in possible negotiations with Tehran, Matthew Levitt writes. The Coming Order: Strategic and Geopolitical Impacts of the Economic Crisis, World Politics Review An article examining the strategic and geopolitical implications of the economic crisis · The Answer To Ahmadinejad BY: Dieter Bednarz and Erich Follath | Der Spiegel In a SPIEGEL Interview, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's challenger in the Iranian election, Mir Hossein Mousavi, discusses his chances of beating the president in June and the West's illusions regarding Tehran's nuclear policy. How Will Personal Freedom Play Out in Iran's Election? BY: Afshin Shahi | The Daily Star Although in most countries the state has a limited interest in people's personal affairs, Iran has retained a say over such matters, including personal appearance, whether an individual's clothing or hairstyle. The Islamic Republic rests on an ideology that believes in "collective morality" in an Islamic contex Nasrallah: Caught in a Trap : Tariq Alhomayed Financial Crisis Causing Drop In Media Freedom Worldwide A report by the U.S.-based watchdog Freedom House says the global financial crisis is having a negative impact on freedom of the press. Released ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the report indicates that the crisis is providing oppressive governments with new tools to tighten their grip on the media Accountability time for UN investigators How will personal freedom play out in Iran's election? A Shot in the Arm for Hezbollah - Sami Moubayed, Asia Times Iran: Is Ahmadinejad Trying to Pull Off a May Surprise? Obama's Letter to Iran - Vartan Gregorian, US News & World Report WASHINGTON AND THE IRANIAN BOMB The West's Preventative Capitulation
The Real Danger of Global Warming - Vaclav Klaus, RealClearWorld
Besieged Group in Iraq Holds Key in Iran - Robin Corbett, Wash Times A President Goes Friending - Jim Hoagland Ex-Spy Sits Down With Islamists and the West - Robert F. Worth, New York Times. What swine flu tells us about global cooperation A Historic Day for Iraq – but Not in the Way the British Want to Believe by Robert Fisk Swine flu 'in decline' in Mexico Swine flu in Mexico, the epicentre of the global outbreak, has peaked, the Mexican health minister says. Robert Fisk’s World: Right to the very end in Iraq, our masters denied us the truth WHO warns against flu complacency Health experts say countries must not lower their guard over swine flu, as Mexico says the virus may have peaked. 18 Countries New reports showed the A/H1N1 swine flu had spread to 18 countries, as the World Health Organization moved closer to officially declaring the new strain a global pandemic. , The threat of deadly new viruses is on the rise due to population growth, climate change and increased contact between humans and animals. Larry Brilliant on what the world needs to do to prepare. A shot in the arm for Hezbollah Boston Globe Faces Shutdown Failed negotiations with unions lead owner to threaten to shut down the newspaper in 60 days. | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Iraq bloodshed rises as US allies defect Obama’s withdrawal pledge is at risk as militias paid by the US begin to rejoin the insurgency US, Iraq at Odds Over Extending Pullout McClatchy In Baghdad, Iraqis fear return of sectarian bloodshed Restaurants, cafes and parks are still busy in Baghdad, despite a rise in violence over the last two months. But even as they crowd Baghdad's public spaces, Iraqis acknowledge that they are worried about what the upswing in violence may mean. Most say they don't expect a return of widespread sectarian killing, but many also said they believe things could quickly change IRAN-U.S.: In its annual report on state sponsors of terrorism, the U.S. State Department said Iran is the "most active state sponsor of terrorism" (RFE/RL) and that Tehran's role in both planning and financing terror operations serves as a major destabilizing force in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Iran Helicopters Strike Iraq Kurd Villages U.S.: Iran Remains Most Active State Sponsor of Terrorism Iraq Bloodshed Rises as US Allies Defect - Ali Rifat, Hala Jaber and Sarah Baxter, The Times. Sunni militia leader held in Iraq Iraq Govt Moving To Permit Foreign Land Ownership - PM · Old Troubles Stir in Baghdad BY: Roula Khalaf | Financial Times As Iraq sells itself to the world more vigorously – on Thursday it held an investment conference in London – violence has been surging. And it is reviving some of the old fears that many had assumed were buried. Independent Iraq: 'Basra is now worse than when the British troops arrived' Six years after the invasion, the BBC's Hugh Sykes reflects on the changing security picture Belarus Selling Iran Iskander-M Missiles 2 US Troops Killed by Iraqi Soldiers - Saif Hameed and Liz Sly, Los Angeles Times. In Baghdad, Dread Grows with Death Toll - Liz Sly, Los Angeles Times. U.K. Ends Combat Operations in Iraq The U.K. ended its combat mission in Iraq after six years, leaving the south of the country relatively stable. Al-Qaida activity growing in Iraq? Ross brings nuclear message to Middle East Hezbollah spy thriller grips Arab world US-Allied Iraqi Militia Strikes Over Late Pay · Saudi Religious Police Feel the Heat GlobalPost Feared and loathed by many Saudis, the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice gets a little disciplining of its own. Ahmadinejad to meet Assad in Syria Iranian president expected to meet terror leaders and formulate strategy ahead of Obama overtures A Hard-Liner Attacks Ahmadinejad · Damascus prepares to receive Feltman, Gul, and Ahmedenejad · Stumbling blocs - The National Newspaper Lebanese elections Senior US diplomats set to return to Syria soon Rebuffing Maliki, US Won't Let GIs Face Trial Torture-tape Gulf prince accused of 25 other attacks Middle East slump in investment banking Investment banking revenue tumbled 45 per cent to $103m in the first three months as the global financial crisis and a slowing trickle of petrodollars took its toll on Gulf states Between Iraq and a marketplace | H9 Ha’aretz – Poll: Most Jewish Israelis back attack on Iran ADL poll finds a majority of those who favor strike would maintain their support even if U.S. opposed strike Amir Oren / If Israel acquiesces on Iran, world will follow suit Israel's ambiguity has failed to attract international support or deter Iran's drive for nuclear weapons Pentagon chief to reassure Mideast allies over Iran outreach Gates vows Washington would be 'tough-minded' with Tehran if its overtures were rebuffed Benn Is Netanyahu bringing Israel closer to a 'second Holocaust'? 'IDF staged drills over Gibraltar, preparing for attack on Iran' Israel's next ambassador to U.S. tells AIPAC: We won't let Iran get nuclear weapons Hamas: We won't oppose Israel-Syria talks Gaza officials tell A-Sharq al-Awsat peace negotiations won't affect group's own relations with Damascus Bar’el Obama is no Chamberlain The U.S. president merely wants to try something still untried: dialogue with Iran, a country that has developed many advanced technologies, not just nuclear. Levy Poets beware Locking up three and a half million Palestinians in the occupied territories and denying them basic human rights has already undermined Israel's pretentions of democracy, but now dangerous cracks are appearing in our Jews-only democracy. Understandings before a clash Engaging the Americans in "arm-wrestling" will not help. Ultimately, Israel is a democratic country where the Knesset makes the decisions. One month on, how is Avigdor Lieberman faring as foreign minister? Ahead of Lieberman's first trip abroad, Haaretz looks at the promises and changes he has brought to the ministry Deputy FM: Israel accepts two-state route to peace accord Israel set to quit divided Lebanon border town Netanyahu candidate Michael Oren tapped as U.S. envoy US Jewish Professor Probed Over Criticism of Israel German politician: Netanyahu won't harm Israel-EU ties Jerusalem Post Editor's Notes: A cold dose of realism
Ayalon: Israel accepts 2-state solution Ahead of Lieberman's trip to Europe, deputy FM says government must "abide by previous commitments." Gingrich tells 'Post': Obama is endangering Israel Before addressing AIPAC, fmr. house speaker says policies on Iran, Palestinians are "weak" and "the clearest adoption of weakness since Carter." Livni: On Iran, there's no opposition In AIPAC address, opposition leader says she favors 2-state solution out of necessity, despite own beliefs. Analysis: AIPAC decision a victory - with qualifiers A hole big enough for a sequel. 'Netanyahu, Mubarak to discuss threats' Egyptian official tells 'Post' leaders will discuss issues of Iran, threat of extremism and Schalit UN to probe Israel's torture record Physicians for Human Rights claim interrogations of Palestinian patients increased by 15% in past year. Israelis like Obama, his policies - less Bar-Ilan University poll finds 47% still uncertain about president's stand on Israel and Mideast issues. AIPAC to lobby for two-state solution Delegates to conference will ask their congressmen to back vision of viable Palestinian state. Our man in Washington Michael Oren will be at his most effective if Netanyahu can articulate coherent and sensible policies. Oren: Israel won't allow nuclear Iran presumed ambassador says Jerusalem won't remain passive but it is still committed to peace Taking stock [ YAAKOV KATZ ] · Singing Israel's praises abroad [ HERB KEINON, · One civilization clashing [ CAROLINE GLICK Biden, Kerry to be featured speakers at AIPAC conference Yedioth Ahronoth PA to press for 2-state deal Abbas to tell Obama resuming talks with Israel hinges on its approval of two-state solution Rules of game changing/ Shiffer Israelis officials can’t keep up with dramatic changes in America’s Mideastern policy 'Israel must make decisions' President Peres’ meeting with Obama to serve as introduction to Bibi’s visit, says Eitan Haber Iran says US violating anti-nuclear arms accord by 'providing nuclear aid to Zionists and India' Clinton: No Possibility of Funding Hamas – Assad says isolating Hamas, Hizbullah 'counterproductive' if US wants to seek peace Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine JTA: Case against ex-AIPAC staffers dropped Roosevelt and the Jews: A Debate Rekindled By PATRICIA COHEN A forthcoming book contends that Franklin Delano Roosevelt tried to rally the world’s democracies and relocate millions of European Jews to undeveloped areas in Latin America and Africa. Israel's Diplomatic Isolation - American Enterprise Institute A “Secret” Database of Israeli Settlements · What Happened to the Israeli Left? BY: Evan R. Goldstein | Foreign Policy Consider the election results from February. The Labor party, which dominated Israeli politics until 1977 and has been the traditional home of the Zionist left, came in fourth with a meager 13 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, its worst showing in the history of the state. Meretz, the other "major" left-wing party, garnered a pathetic three seats. Netanyahu heads for collision with Obama administration Hizbullah's Struggle to Change the Lebanese Regime - Brig. Gen. (res.) Dr. Shimon Shapira and Yair Minzili (Note: The English text of the 2009 Hizbullah platform appears at the end of this essay.) (Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Majority in U.S. Oppose Israeli Settlements - World Public Opinion IDF Military Exercise Raises Specter of Iran Strike Defense Lawyers Credit Obama Team for Dismissing AIPAC Case CQ's Stein: Rep. Jane Harman Story Is Not About Porter Goss Neil A. Lewis / New York Times: U.S. to Drop Spy Case Against Pro-Israel Lobbyists Jerry Markon / Washington Post: Prosecutors to Drop Charges Against Two Former AIPAC Lobbyists Saudi Arabia: US Lied, Saudi King Did Not Meet Peres AIPAC Set to Push Iran Legislation at Annual Meet The real game behind Bibi’s Jewish state’ ultimatum Tony Karon : President Mahmoud Abbas was on solid ground when he rebuffed Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand that he recognise Israel as a “Jewish state”. · U.N. Seeks End to Razing of Homes in East Jerusalem BY: Isabel Kershner | The New York Times The United Nations is calling on Israel to freeze all pending demolition orders against Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem in a new report that reflects growing international concern over developments in the contested city. Russia's legal nihilism is more illegally present than ever By Susanne Scholl Four arrested in West Bank unrest Hamas: U.S. Diplomacy's Final Frontier - Peter Beinart, Time
When Barack Meets Bibi by Simon Tisdall
From Forward, a review of The Jews as a Chosen People by S. Leyla Gurkan; The Chosen: The History of an Idea, the Anatomy of an Obsession by Avi Beker; and Who Are the Real Chosen People? by Reuven Firestone. Rise of the New Yiddishists: Thirty years ago the American Jewish fiction of Philip Roth and Saul Bellow was all about Yiddish insults, blonde shiksas, and getting away from the past; today’s talented crop of young Jewish writers, such as Nathan Englander, Michael Chabon, and Dara Horn, are weaving tales bound in a newfound ethnic pride that has revitalized Jewish literature in America. The AIPAC Case in Washington, Iraq, and Beyond | ||
| Souter retirement gives Obama early Supreme Court pick But the court's balance of power may not change much, as Justice Souter, a conservative choice, consistently voted liberal. Government's role in economy getting too big? The US might have headed off a deeper recession by investing hundreds of billions into major companies. But it drives up deficits and creates uncertainty among investors. Swine flu: Why such a huge response to so few cases? Scientists are only now getting a handle on the details of the outbreak, so governments have taken a path of caution. Arab forum tackles a Washington taboo The Doha Debates dared to discuss the US relationship with Israel in Washington – and got away with it. My Iraq: a reporter's 20-year retrospective Recession and flu show borderless world The flow of capital and travelers across international borders has accelerated in recent years, presenting new challenges. On Sunday talk shows, he says the 'big tent' party of Reagan and the late Jack Kemp has been replaced by rigid conservatism. An interview with a jailed Somali pirate leader Behind the bare brick walls of a desolate former British colonial prison in Somali land, five jailed Somali pirates didn't seem very fearsome at all. US wants to export 30 Guantánamo inmates but Europe is balking Was attorney general Eric Holder's visit to Berlin last week a 'diplomatic begging tour'? In replacing Souter, how far left will Obama go? He'll face pressure from his liberal base in his pick for the Supreme Court. Pakistan resumes peace talks with Taliban amid heavy offensive To bolster tenuous progress, the Army must push on to drive the Taliban out of Swat Valley, according to some analysts. Moment of Truth in Pakistan - David Ignatius, Washington Post opinion. Pakistan and the Mad Mullahs of the Mountain : Amir Taheri Egmont This 31-page Belgian paper aims to return to the core of crisis management in Afghanistan and stimulate a broad debate about a grand strategy Despite Taliban turmoil, Pakistan expands nuke plants Pakistan: Struggling to See a Country of Shards By SABRINA TAVERNISE The country’s competing impulses are so different that they are hard to see together in the same frame. US Drone Attacks in Pakistan 'Backfiring,' Congress Told - Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times opinion. Has Pakistan's Army Changed Its Stripes? - Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek CSIS Pakistan: Struggling Through the Perfect Storm Teresita Schaffer Read More Pakistan moving closer to confronting the Taliban in Swat Pakistan on Sunday edged closer to a major conflict with Taliban militants as a controversial peace deal with Islamic extremists in the Swat valley near the Afghan border began to unravel, according to military officials and politicians. Taliban militants were suspected in the beheading of two Pakistani soldiers and there were reports that the militants were openly patrolling streets, in violation of a ceasefire
· Islamic Law Ushers in Reign of Terror in Pakistan's Swat Valley BY: Saeed Shah | McClatchy Newspapers Two weeks after the Pakistani government capitulated to Islamist demands and imposed Islamic law throughout the Swat valley, armed militants are patrolling the streets of the district capital and masked gunmen have taken control of outlying districts, where they're terrorizing residents and using intimidation to close girls' schools. Parsing Obama's 'Af-Pak' Strategy In an interview with RFE/RL, strategic affairs analyst Julian Lindley-French says the next two years will be critical for Western stabilization efforts in Afghanistan, and suggests U.S. President Barack Obama's new "Af-Pak" strategy will require a robust economic development plan to succeed John Bolton: We May Have to Acquiesce in a 'Pakistani Military Takeover' Have Pakistan's leaders lost their minds? · DAVID ROTHKOPF When a military junta is the best you can hope for U.S. Aims to Unify Efforts on Afghan Border Obama will seek a unified strategy to subdue Islamist militants in the tribal regions straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan when he meets with the presidents of the two nations this week Afghan Presidential Hopeful Promises Taliban Talks BY: Ralph Peters | New York Post Our diplomats and generals can't understand why Pakistan's million- man military avoids confronting the Taliban as the extremists tear into the country's flesh. BY: Arnaud de Borchgrave | The Washington Times The struggle in Afghanistan and Pakistan is President Obama's most urgent foreign policy and national security priority. Pakistan Pursues Two-Track Approach to Taliban - Matthew Rosenberg and Zahid Hussain, Wall Street Journal. Japan offers $100bn for Asian economies Taliban defy call to lay down arms Pakistan Opposition Leader: Obama's Statement Raises Concerns About Sovereignty Holbrooke Says Pakistan Civilian Govt Capable of Resolving Issues Kabul's New Elite Live High on West's Largesse US Faces Iraq-like Spending Problems in Afghanistan - Gordon Lubold, Christian Science Monitor. Taking the Fight to the Taliban BY: Trudy Rubin | Miami Herald In the imposing Bala Hisar fort looking down over this frontier city, Maj. Gen. Tariq Khan is planning how to stop the Taliban advances Obama set for 'intense' Pakistan, Afghan summit Fear Reigns in India's Maoist-Run Countryside Beyond the Strait: PLA Missions other than Taiwan SSI This 404-page US volume analyzes the PLA’s involvement in disaster and humanitarian relief, United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKO), counterterrorism and border defense, security in outer space and cyberspace, and the level of activity in regional “joint” operational contingencies. On the whole, the volume provides a discerning analysis of these varied PLA developments and how they affect policy towards both Taiwan and the entire Asia-Pacific region · Why Hasn't the Pakistani Army Defeated the Taliban Insurgents BY: Fred Kaplan | Slate Pakistani troops The Pakistani army's belated assault this week on Taliban insurgents in Buner district—just 60 miles from the capital, Islamabad—is more than merely welcome. Selling Democracy in India - Naresh Fernandes, New York Times China: Superpower or Sissy? - Thomas P. M. Barnett, Esquire
Now, US Sees Pakistan as a Cause Distinct From Afghanistan - Mark Landler and Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times. An illusion of global governance Climate Change and the Energy Challenge: A Pragmatic Approach for India PESD Stanford A 29-page US working paper offering a fromework for a strategy to inform which efforts offer the most leverage on warming emissions and which are most credible because they align with India’s own interests Civil War in Pakistan - Ralph Peters, New York Post
The myth of Talibanistan Karzai's Would-Be Competition in Disarray - Pamela Constable, Washington Post. Afghan Governor Leaves Presidential Race - Abdul Waheed and Carlotta Gall, New York Times. An illusion of global governance Behind the Afghan propaganda Invisible History: Afghanistan's Untold Story by Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould Pakistan: sources of turmoil Paul Rogers Pakistan's deep social divisions reinforce the perils of a military reponse to Taliban advance · India's Great Election Circus BY: Neeta Lal | Asia Sentinel In what is being touted as the world's largest democratic voting exercise, India is in the throes of general elections to choose 543 members to its 15th Lok Sabha, or parliamentary lower house. More than 714 million voters are exercising their franchise between April 16 and May 13. China Can Achieve Low Carbon Growth: Pathways for Low Carbon Development SPRU This 80-page UK report shows that decoupling the growth of carbon emissions from economic development is challenging but achievable in China. It reveals the various pathways that will lead to low carbon development in China Pakistani Outpost Attacked; 18 Dead - Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times.
China Lends Hand in Southeast Asia - Brian McCartan, Asia Times
· Japan Edges Back Into Deflation BY: Michiyo Nakamoto | Financial Times Japanese consumer prices fell in March for the first time in 18 months, stoking fears that the recession afflicting Japan could be aggravated by persistent deflation. America Will Not Protect Us, Warns Rudd - Jonathan Pearlman, Sydney Morning Herald | EUROPE European press review nd NATO: Interlocking or Interblocking? BY: Stéphanie Hofmann and Ken Weisbrode | World Politics Review With many of the world's navies engaged in anti-pirate patrols off the coastal waters of Somalia, it's no surprise to find French, German and Spanish frigates among them. The frigates are there, though, not under their respective national commands, but rather under that of a joint EU naval force. Global insight: EU needs diplomacy in east Brussels pushes partnership approach Martin Walker / Woodrow Wilson International Center …: The World's New Numbers — “Here lies Europe, overwhelmed by Muslim immigrants and emptied of native-born Europeans.” That is the obituary some pundits have been writing in recent years. But neither the immigrants nor the Europeans are playing their assigned roles. On the march French see EU's eastward push as a threat The World Should Thank Germany - Hans-Werner Sinn, RealClearWorld Reflections on the Revolution in Europe , FT.com The pain in Spain: On May Day, nearly 1 in 5 are jobless, but few seem angry In Madrid, the workers' day was marked by samba dances, not brick-throwing. Spain Avoids Unrest As Economy Slumps The very factors that make some European economies sluggish and inflexible during times of plenty also help cushion the impact of the downturn. Why is the EU worrying about budget deficits? Re-thinking Europe’s Naval Power SDA A 20-page Belgian report of an event held to assess the future for multinational naval operations and to consider the need for a collective EU naval strategy · An Ever-Fearful Europe Risks Forfeiting the Future BY: Philip Stephens | Financial Times Americans are happy to take risks while Europeans strive to avoid them. This is as often reflected in their respective economic performances during good times as in their reactions at moments of crisis. Assessing the Security Implications of Balkan Integration SDA This 28-pager Belgian discussion paper considers the arguments for and against stabilising Balkan countries through integration into the EU and NATO Buyer's Remorse in the European Union - Leo Cendrowicz, Time Fiat plans European car supergroup Joins Chrysler and GM unit | H12 RFE/RL Russia's Labor Pain Casts Shadow Russia's industrial workers are in no mood to celebrate this May Day. Unemployment is skyrocketing and more layoffs loom. Wage arrears are piling up. Strikes are proliferating. Is Russia on the verge of labor unrest? ussia Agrees Cooperation With Breakaway Regions Russia's president and the de facto leaders of the breakaway Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have signed in Moscow agreements on cooperation in protecting the regions' border with Georgia. The regions declared independence following the August 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, and Moscow recognized them shortly after. Georgia regards them as occupied Georgian territory TLS Who runs the Soviet Church?The Russian Orthodox Church has survived Communism, the Patriarch is the politician's best friend, but who co-opted whom? CSIS
Google News Azerbaijan Russia, China on comradely terms Russian leaders in election dilemma Medvedev a possible spoiler to Putin Russia: A Firmer Grasp on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium Moscow has taken another step to thwart Europe's plans to wean itself from Russian energy supplies The Road to Moscow Nixon Center A US article proposing a new route for US-Russia relations · EU Condemns Russian Agreement With South Ossetia, Abkhazia BY: Leigh Phillips | EU Observer Russia has taken official control of the borders of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in a 10-year deal with the two Georgian breakaway regions. The European Union alongside Nato and the United States have condemned the development as a breach of the 2008 Russia-Georgia peace agreement brokered by the EU Putin, Medvedev Play the Democracy Game - Dmitry Sidorov, Forbes Russian Troops Patrol Rebel Borders With South Ossetia
Russia Digs In Alongside Breakaway Territories - Ellen Barry, New York Times. DT Tensions over Georgia Telegraph View: The Kremlin has no right to dictate terms to Tbilisi. | ||
| H13 The Times Iraq bloodshed rises as US allies defect Obama’s withdrawal pledge is at risk as militias paid by the US begin to rejoin the insurgency Swine flu cases peak but virus may return Swine flu peaks in Mexico and US but it is expected to return with a vengeance in autumn, World Health Organisation says Hamid Karzai gets clear road to re-election The Afghan President's likely victory in August poll follows increasing Western criticism of corruption of his government White House allies who hardly inspire confidence After months criticism of Hamid Karzai, the Obama Administration has suddenly reined in its opprobrium Guantánamo returns to haunt Barack Obama US President on the verge of breaking two key campaign promises in his attempt to shut notorious detention centre Man infects pigs with swine flu on farm in Canada First case of transmission from humans to animals as diplomatic row erupts in Asia after hotel is quarantined with guests inside Thatcher's Legacy Won't Rust Easily - Charles Powell, The Times A Draw in Iraq, No Victory Near in Helmand - Michael Clarke, Troops need to believe that they risk their lives for things that are genuinely important It is time to invoke the spirit of Maggie The task of turning the country around is becoming as urgent as when Thatcher swept into power 2,000 villagers held as human shields Taliban militants inflict reign of terror on villagers in Pakistan, using kidnapping and murder to impose their will IN DEPTH: Mutant fears over 'mild flu' Experts say swine flu appears less virulent than the typical seasonal virus, but are still concerned about its future path Wall Street Journal · As the U.S. Retreats, Iran Fills the Void By Amir Taheri By Ann Mettler · Dollar Demand Is Strong, but Lending Lags Behind Foreign banks are pulling dollars out of their U.S. branches at a record pace. Financial Stimulus Plans: Recent Developments in Selected Countries | H14 Financial Times Global insight: EU‘s eastern diplomacy needs tailoring The bloc’s new ‘Eastern Partnership’, to be launched this week, is a vessel rocking from side to side even before it starts its voyage. Each of the six ex-Soviet states involved presents distinctive challenges US must pause for thought as old troubles stir in Baghdad It was with great relief, if a little surprise, that the world greeted Iraq's improved security following the previous US administration's temporary troop surge. Republicans all at sea as party sinks The party needs to frame practical, coherent, and above all centrist alternatives to what Mr Obama and his congressional allies are doing. Instead, it wants to shore up its base, chant its slogans and purge its moderates. Yet this gleeful suicidal tendency is sad as well as funny, says Clive Crook Glimmers of hope on US economy The US manufacturing sector is still shrinking but at a much slower pace, a key survey showed, while battered US consumers started to feel more confident about the economy Anniversary blues It is five years since the European Union enlarged to include eastern Europe in what has proved to be a successful policy. EU leaders must continue to emphasise the benefits of expansion A new order fit for the post-crisis world Lady Thatcher would despise today’s vision
Europe must learn from Japan’s experience Wolfgang Münchau on learning from mistakes Troubled banks must be allowed a way to fail Thomas Hoenig on US financial institutions Jobs in balance in £1bn Eurofighter order Agreement on a third production run of 236 aircraft between the four partner nations on the programme has been held up as the MoD and Treasury have tried to agree a deal over funding Lieberman visits European leaders Israel’s foreign minister, head of a far-right party, arrived in Rome for the first of a series of meetings with European leaders aimed at calming tensions between the EU and his government Ukraine shows signs of recovery After a 25% annual fall in Kiev’s GDP, there are indications of a rebound in steel production, helped by the sharp devaluation of the hryvnia, and good prospects for a bumper harvest Back-seat driving The US government is right to place Chrysler, and perhaps GM, into Chapter 11 bankruptcy but handing majority ownership of the two companies to the auto-workers union will not solve Detroit’s problems The recession and the return of taxes If public debt is to be be brought under control, more national income must be diverted from spending to debt service, presenting an opportunity to make the first steps towards badly needed tax reforms Concerns raised over EU hedge fund rules Planned regulations will make it more expensive to run funds from offshore centres and may drive many of these onshore, while affecting other classes of alternative investment A lesson for bankers from the birds and the bees The dynamics of the modern financial network make it comparable to other complex networks, such as rainforests, writes Gillian Tett Extinction has a weird appeal There is a new fascination for life after people, says Christopher Caldwell An ever-fearful Europe risks forfeiting the future End the paralysis, says Philip Stephens Politicians should be paid for results Create the right incentives, says Iain Pears Republican retreat US politics: The defection of a moderate senator is a fresh blow for the Grand Old Party, already facing a catastrophic loss of support and deeply divided over how to claw back power | H15 Los Angeles Times Forget blaming Bush: This is Obama country By Peter Nicholas With a bolstered majority in Congress, a budget blueprint and a Supreme Court vacancy, the president has crossed a line: He's fully responsible Options for Mideast peace fade fast In its quest for a two-state solution, the U.S. must move quickly to overcome... Is the Darfur bloodshed genocide? Opinions differ U.S. presidents and some activist groups have called the bloody campaign by the Sudanese Arab-led government and allied militias 'genocide.' But others doubt the violence fits the legal definition U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan 'backfiring,' Congress told Doyle McManus Predator missile strikes aimed at Al Qaeda often go astray, enraging the people and threatening the... In Iraq's Anbar province, the Awakening grapples with a new role The group has gone from fighting militants to the task of governance after its slate wins provincial elections. It has a grand $11-billion reconstruction plan -- but a $100-million budget. Iraqi police arrest high-ranking member of U.S.-allied movement U.S. has a 45-year history of torture The difference between American involvement in South American atrocities in 1964 and 'enhanced interrogation' now is that some modern-day officials appear proud of themselves Replacing Souter Obama appears to be looking for real-world experience in a successor to the... Trying to find a job is not a job By Barbara Ehrenreich Keeping the unemployed busy is an exercise in denial -- and social control. How about, 'South Korea: Way better than you think it is'? South Korea has decided the world doesn't appreciate it enough, so it's spending millions of dollars to develop a national brand. Look out, Coca-Cola. You too, Czech Republic. Israel picks historian Michael Oren as ambassador to U.S. The New York-born dual citizen, a prize-winning author who is well connected in U.S. political circles, is likely to be an effective advocate for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Ahmadinejad accused of fabricating crowds Rivals say the Iranian president has been busing in students and soldiers to swell the audiences for his speeches Editorial | ||
| Jack Kemp, quarterback turned politician, dies — Isn't Barack Obama president? Then why are so many of his key Cabinet jobs still unfilled? It shouldn't take so long to get presidential nominees confirmed. Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin Dissecting the 2008 Electorate: Most Diverse in U.S. History The first chapter from The Strategic President: Persuasion and Opportunity in Presidential Leadership by George C. Edwards III Cantor: 'We've got a lot to learn' from Obama Obama revelling in U.S. power unseen in decades The Obama Administration Is Buying Time on Immigration By E.J. Dionne Jr The Obama administration is slowly building consensus rather than moving fast. | H17 Daily TelegraphTensions over Georgia Telegraph View: The Kremlin has no right to dictate terms to Tbilisi. Former MI6 chief: Britain 'dragged' into Iraq war Nigel Inkster, former MI6 deputy director, reveals reservations over the war at the top level within the Secret Intelligence Service. Battle rages over our tragic failure in Afghanistan There is a fierce conflict between the MoD, determined to conceal how far its strategy is failing in Afghanistan, and other Government players who realise our policy must be completely rethought, says Christopher Booker. Harriet Harman: I'd fight for the leadership Labour's deputy leader would oppose a unity candidate and fight for the leadership of the party should backbenchers attempt to force Gordon Brown from office before the General Election, The Telegraph has learnt. Swine flu: 'much worse' is to come warns minister Doctors are being warned to prepare for a second wave of swine flu hitting Britain in the autumn, the Health Secretary disclosed Tories must do more than wait for victory To convince voters, David Cameron's Conservatives need to develop a positive alternative programme for when they take power, says Janet Daley. | H18 Independent Iraq: 'Basra is now worse than when the British troops arrived' Six years after the invasion, the BBC's Hugh Sykes reflects on the changing security picture Patrick Cockburn: A land darkened by the shadow of the Taliban Blears: PM's failure to connect with voters 'lamentable' Cabinet minister appears to court the sack with scathing article on Gordon Brown's faltering premiership. | ||
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Can NATO's Solidarity Crisis be Fixed? SDA This 20-page study publishes the findings of an online consultation considering NATO's credibility as a constructive global security player Who's In Charge During Swine Flu Crisis? - Bulletin of Atomic Scientists SIPRI ARMS TRANSFERS DATA, 2008 SIPRI This 8-page Swedish fact sheet provides measures of trends in international transfers of major conventional weapons
EU and NATO: Interlocking or Interblocking? BY: Stéphanie Hofmann and Ken Weisbrode | World Politics Review With many of the world's navies engaged in anti-pirate patrols off the coastal waters of Somalia, it's no surprise to find French, German and Spanish frigates among them. The frigates are there, though, not under their respective national commands, but rather under that of a joint EU naval force. "The American Military Advisor" - Michael J. Metrinko, Middle East Quarterly US Takes Dutch Military as Role Model in Afghan Operation - Jay Solomon, Wall Street Journal The Future of Nuclear Weapons in NATO FES, SIPRI This 50-page study examines the role of nuclear weapons in European security The Defense Science Board (DSB) has posted the unclassified version of their latest report - Time Critical Conventional Strike from Strategic Standoff Re-thinking Europe’s Naval Power SDA A 20-page Belgian report of an event held to assess the future for multinational naval operations and to consider the need for a collective EU naval strategy The New Balance: Limited Armed Stabilization and the Future of U.S. Landpower Pirates and How to Deal with Them Chatham House An 8-page UK briefing note on dealing with piracy off the Somali coast CONFRONTING PIRACY Beyond the Strait: PLA Missions other than Taiwan SSI This 404-page US volume analyzes the PLA’s involvement in disaster and humanitarian relief, United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKO), counterterrorism and border defense, security in outer space and cyberspace, and the level of activity in regional “joint” operational contingencies. On the whole, the volume provides a discerning analysis of these varied PLA developments and how they affect policy towards both Taiwan and the entire Asia-Pacific region U.S.-Mexico Strategic Partnership Needed to Help Mexico Improve Its Security Institutions Training Afghans as Bullets Fly: A Young Marine’s Dream Job - C. J. Chivers, New York Times. Did Pentagon Lose Billions, Pennies at a Time? U.S. allies losing asylum bids over definition of 'terrorist' McClatchy Newspapers Forced to flee his homeland because he supported America's ideals, Tsegu Bahta thought he'd be embraced by the country he emulated and respected. Instead, the U.S. has branded him a terrorist. Bahta is among at least 6,000 immigrants who've tried to find refuge in the U.S. only to be told that they don't qualify because the Patriot Act and other post-9/11 laws label members of armed groups terrorists, even if they supported pro-democracy efforts and opposed despots and dictators | H20 Slate All the President's Accomplices Climate Change and Security Egmont A 12-page report of a conference held to discuss what influence the risks and challenges of climate change will have on the African continent and how they should be dealt with NYT obtains green strategy memo: Stop use of term 'global warming'! | H21 An invention that could change the internet for ever The revolutionary new web software could put giants such as Google in the shade. More on Beauty by Roger Scruton. From Standpoint, an article on imaginary Islamist think-tanks. For a happier life, shake off your misplaced optimism When an exception is misrepresented as a rule, our misfortunes weigh down on us like particular curses, writes Alain de Botton David Brooks: Genius: The Modern View A catechism for a system that endures The assumption that pursuit of self-interest within the conventions of society will promote the public interest may be succeeded by a mushy collectivist pseudo-altruism, in which jealousy and envy get a free ride, writes Samuel Brittan No natives allowed Over the last century, the conservation movement has created some beautiful parks - and millions of refugees. (By Mark Dowie, Boston Globe) Truth matters, but the best way to get at truth is to allow an open contest of ideas. That’s why we need freedom of speech... more» Why don’t students like school? Because school requires them to think abstractly – not something our brains are designed to enjoy... more» Post-Google, plagiarism is a different art: add little observations that differ from the original. Reorder paragraphs, with new quotes, spurious or ad hoc... more» A review of The Letters of Samuel Beckett, Volume I: 1929-1940 (and more and more and more An excerpt at The Myth of American Exceptionalism by Godfrey Hodgson (and more God Talk By STANLEY FISH A new book suggests that believing in technology and progress might be more superstitious than believing in religion. Quality of Living global city rankings 2009 (Top 50) Direct to Complete List (Top 50 Cities) Is a high IQ a burden as much as a blessing? They know what you're thinking Research into brain scanning is advancing fast and controversial testing includes prisoner interrogation and advertising Mums going for the burn boost baby IQ Women who exercise during pregnancy are helping to boost their child’s IQ, according to new research Who Should Own the World's Antiquities? The animated Jean-Jacques Rousseau with his Armenian caftan. The portly, amiable David Hume. They must have made a very odd couple... more» “Capitalism is nothing but a false religion, with Mammon as its god and Adam Smith as its high priest.” How true is this claim?... more» As his first feature film appears, just how seriously should we be taking Armando Iannucci, Britain's pre-eminent satirist? The first chapter from The Bounds of Reason: Game Theory and the Unification of the Behavioral Sciences by Herbert Gintis From The Futurist, a special issue on how "wild cards" may reshape our future. The female advantage A new reason for businesses to promote women: it's more profitable | ||
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