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| H1 Eli Lake / Washington Times: EXCLUSIVE: Secret U.S.-Israel nuclear accord in jeopardy — President Obama's efforts to curb the spread of nuclear weapons threaten to expose and derail a 40-year-old secret U.S. agreement to shield Israel's nuclear weapons from international scrutiny, former and current U.S. and Israeli officials and nuclear specialists say. Israel would inform, not ask U.S. before hitting Iran Strategic Posture of the United States: Final Report Source: Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States Executive Summary (PDF; 580 KB) + Full Report (PDF; 2.9 MB) -- The report provides over 100 findings and recommendations on critical issues related to U.S. nuclear strategy. Key themes on which recommendations are focused include (1) challenges and opportunities inherent in the current security environment; (2) the roles, functions, and projection of U.S. nuclear forces, including missile defense; (3) the safety, security, and reliability of the nuclear stockpile; (4) the state of the nuclear weapons complex; (5) arms control and nonproliferation; and (6) additional steps for the prevention of proliferation and the protection against nuclear use. WSJ · Uranium Traces Found in Egypt International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors discovered traces of highly enriched uranium, a fuel that can be used to make nuclear weapons, at a site in Egypt, according to excerpts of a report by the U.N. agency. Rivals in Iran's Election Take Aim at Ahmadinejad Ahmadinejad's rivals in the June presidential elections are seeking to distance themselves from his tough-talking style. Obama: Tougher Treaty to Halt Nuke Weapons Needed The Times US will still rule the post-crisis world As green shoots sprout on Wall Street, other nations are emerging from the recession in a worse shape Anatole Kaletsky China is far too poor, too technologically backward and too inward-looking to be a credible economic leader Financial Times Oil groups to end 40-year exile from Iraq BP and Shell are preparing to go back into Iraq by the end of the year, in spite of Baghdad’s failure to pass an oil law and continuing concerns over security How banks learnt to play the system The results of the US stress tests are a harsh judgment on the biggest US banks and a damning verdict on Basel and two decades of capital adequacy regulation. If governments want to do better this time, they must learn the lesson that banks faced with new balance sheet rules will strive to evade those rules, writes John Gapper Heritage soars 25% on Kurdistan find The independent explorer’s discovery of an oilfield in the Iraqi region that it estimates could yield 4.2bn barrels of oil sends its shares soaring but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding oil licences in the area Insolvent banks should feel market discipline Matthew Richardson and Nouriel Roubini on US stress tests Hyperactive Sarkozy has failed to deliver The president has elevated action over results, writes Zaki Laïdi Syria takes cold comfort from crisis The nation is not immune to the global downturn but its isolation from the west and the nascent state of its economy have proved a shield from the worst effects Ascendant China eclipses trailblazing Japan David Pilling looks at an Asian superpower Guardian This epochal crisis requires us to resolve the paradox of capitalism Timothy Garton Ash: At work, we're told to be diligent and disciplined; elsewhere, hedonistic and self-indulgent. We need a sustainable model · China ready for post-Kyoto deal on climate change Dramatic reversal in US position under Obama has brought Beijing to table, says UK climate secretary Basque country: Nation building, not nationalism Editorial: If Eta stops the violence, maybe Basque nationalists can enjoy the autonomy they so crave The end of Lebanon's Cedar Revolution Nicholas Noe: The west must recognise that a Hezbollah victory in elections could force it into responsibility and disarmament Ahmadinejad's messianic connections Meir Javedanfar: The Iranian leader's mentor thinks war would hasten the Mahdi's return. Fortunately he and his allies have no nuclear access Pakistan: Blunders of the Taliban Editorial: Neither of the two leaders whom Obama met in Washington inspires confidence Washington Post National Security Adviser Jones Says He's 'Outsider' in Frenetic White House The Baby Boomers' Retirement Bummer By David Ignatius Baby boomers might deny it, but data show a major retirement crisis in the cards. In Pakistan, 'Great Rage, Great Fear' Refugees Fleeing Swat Valley Tell of Taliban Crimes, Abuses Editorial No Questions Asked What will unconditional aid buy from Egypt's Hosni Mubarak When the crisis is over, we must understand a ‘new normal’ Kenneth Rogoff : Global growth is almost certain to remain lower than the pre-crisis boom years for some time to come. Breaking Faith with Israel - ashington Times editorial. Will the United States sell out its strongest ally in the Middle East to cozy up to its worst enemy? Behind the Military Mutiny in Georgia - John Wendle, Time Rozen Behind the scenes of the Peres-Obama meeting Hamas Feels Heat from Syria - Speical Correspondent, Asia Times New York Times National Security Adviser Tries Quieter Approach Civilian Deaths Imperil Support for Afghan War Concern increases about American raids as the Obama administration prepares to increase forces in Afghanistan. As Stress Tests Are Revealed, Markets Sense a Turning Point Stress tests to be released Thursday suggest some banks still need money. But additional funds won’t necessarily come from the government. Emphasis on Al Qaeda at Three-Way Talks Ha’aretz – Abbas to give U.S. 'complete' Mideast peace planInitiative to include Arab gestures to Israel; Arab sources: Concessions on right of return not being mulled Will Obama's denuclearization plan mean 'Dimona for Natanz'? Obama intends to strengthen global nuclear monitoring, and Israel will be asked to contribute to the effort Settlement expansion seeing biggest boost since 2003West Bank construction has been accelerating, putting Israel on a collision course with the U.S Nation building for PalestineIf Netanyahu and Mubarak agree at Sharm el-Sheikh that they intend to stop Iran and build Palestine, we can reasonably assume they will find a partner in Obama. I. Harel: Netanyahu shouldn't go to Obama like a shtetl Jew begging for protection Jerusalem PostPM seeks to upgrade diplomatic role of moderate Arab states | The Battle for Turkey's Future - Soner Cagaptay, Washington Institute Armenia: Dropping Out of Negotiations Yerevan has decided to withdraw from talks with Azerbaijan Turkey’s Local Elections of 2009: Results, Trends and the Future ALI CARKOGLU Read complete text (PDF) Saudis, Egypt snatch Syrian-Israel peace track from Turkey. Assad ... BBC Peace in sight? Hopes for a deal in Nagorno-Karabakh are increasing CSM Cyprus: Are old friends offering new hope for unity? The presidents leading either side of the divided island are longtime allies. Muqtada comes in from the cold Asia Times The Western perception of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is of a firebrand militant attached to strings pulled in Iran. The face Muqtada presented on a visit to Turkey at the weekend - his first public appearance in nearly two years - told a very different story, one of a "cultural, economic and political rebellion", no guns, and of solidarity with Ankara on the issue of Kurds. - Sami Moubayed Al Hayat The Iranian-Turkish Umbrella Elias Harfoush - The least that can be said about Muqdata’s Turkey visit is that it is exceptional Armenia: Karabakh Leaders Uneasy with Armenia-Azerbaijan 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 Turkish strikes on Iraq killed 10 PKK rebels: agency U.S. Fears Violence Ahead of Kurdistan Regional Elections FT Heritage soars 25% on Kurdistan find The independent explorer’s discovery of an oilfield in the Iraqi region that it estimates could yield 4.2bn barrels of oil sends its shares soaring but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding oil licences in the area Iran 'continues PJAK bombings in Iraq' PRESS TV Saudis, Egypt snatch Syrian-Israel peace track from Turkey. Assad ... İsrail Parlamentosu Ermeni İddialarını Görüşmeyi Reddetti Türk Uçakları Kuzey Irak'taki PKK Mevzilerini Bombaladı Muqtada comes in from the cold Asia Times The Western perception of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is of a firebrand militant attached to strings pulled in Iran. The face Muqtada presented on a visit to Turkey at the weekend - his first public appearance in nearly two years - told a very different story, one of a "cultural, economic and political rebellion", no guns, and of solidarity with Ankara on the issue of Kurds. - Sami Moubayed PKK leader: We want bloodshed to end Heritage Oil says makes big oil find in Kurdistan WPR Blog | Is Iraqi Kurdistan Now a Free-Fly Zone? Oil find in northern Iraq The National
| 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 National Security Adviser Tries Quieter Approach Civilian Deaths Imperil Support for Afghan War Concern increases about American raids as the Obama administration prepares to increase forces in Afghanistan. As Stress Tests Are Revealed, Markets Sense a Turning Point Stress tests to be released Thursday suggest some banks still need money. But additional funds won’t necessarily come from the government. Emphasis on Al Qaeda at Three-Way Talks Ambush by an Ally Chills Trust in Iraqi Units Two Baghdad Bombs Kill at Least 11 Iranian Court Will Review Prison Term for Journalist Dozens Injured in Georgia in Protesters’ Clash With Police Retaliating, Moscow Plans to Expel 2 NATO Officials Czech Vote Advances A Treaty For Europe How We Tested the Big Banks By TIMOTHY GEITHNER The strategy of the stress tests was to lift the fog of uncertainty over bank balance sheets and to help ensure that the major banks had the capital to continue lending Pakistan Strife Fills a Hospital With Refugees Battles unfolding across a 50-mile arc northwest of Pakistan’s capital are driving civilians from their homes The Torture Debate: The Missing Voices While the personal accounts from prisoners subjected to brutality are being suppressed, culpable ex-officials are busily trying to rewrite history. The Torture Debate: The Lawyers Bar association disciplinary committees are not set up to do investigations into torture, but the use of documentary evidence is enough to proceed. Here's hoping for someone Gail Collins likes, and David Brooks can live with. White House Memo: With Gay Issues in View, Obama Is Pressed to Engage | H5 Washington Post National Security Adviser Jones Says He's 'Outsider' in Frenetic White House The Baby Boomers' Retirement Bummer By David Ignatius Baby boomers might deny it, but data show a major retirement crisis in the cards. In Pakistan, 'Great Rage, Great Fear' Refugees Fleeing Swat Valley Tell of Taliban Crimes, Abuses Editorial No Questions Asked What will unconditional aid buy from Egypt's Hosni Mubarak How a Free-Trade Pact With Georgia Could Help Heal the Wounds of War By John F. Kerry and David Dreier, The U.S. must cooperate with Moscow but also protect the freedom of the fledging democracy on its border. Joint Probe Planned Of Deadly U.S. Strike In West Afghanistan Red Cross Says Children, Women Died Stress Test Finds Strength in Banks Uncertainty Remains, but Officials Say Most Have Capital to Outlast Recession Obama Stresses Joint Action Against Taliban Push in South Asia FBI's Lapses on Terrorist Watch List Put Nation at Risk, Report Warns The Stakes at Notre Dame for President Obama and U.S. Catholics Words From Rome Change The Debate on Inviting Obama By E.J. Dionne Jr., The Vatican alters the debate with a surprisingly positive take on the president. Most of Any Vaccine for New Flu Strain Could Be Claimed by Rich Nations' Preexisting Contracts Rich Nations Have Preexisting Contracts At Least 12 Killed in 2 Baghdad Car Bombings The Obama Administration's Adventures in Running Chrysler and General Motors By George F. Will, His bankruptcy plan for Chrysler is akin to extracting sunbeams from cucumbers. U.S. Running Out of Time to Join Shanghai Expo State Dept. Pushing Participation After Chinese Officials Expressed Dismay to Clinton Obama's Budget Knife Yields Modest Trims Plan Likely to Face Tough Fight on the Hill Washington Sketch: Newspapers Get Some Old-Fashioned Love in the Senate Jack Kemp's Gifts to the Republican Party By David S. Broder, Even today's most impressive Republicans don't offer what Jack Kemp did. Bush Administration Officials Behind Interrogation Memos May Avoid Professional Sanctions | H6 Guardian This epochal crisis requires us to resolve the paradox of capitalism Timothy Garton Ash: At work, we're told to be diligent and disciplined; elsewhere, hedonistic and self-indulgent. We need a sustainable model · China ready for post-Kyoto deal on climate change Dramatic reversal in US position under Obama has brought Beijing to table, says UK climate secretary Basque country: Nation building, not nationalism Editorial: If Eta stops the violence, maybe Basque nationalists can enjoy the autonomy they so crave The end of Lebanon's Cedar Revolution Nicholas Noe: The west must recognise that a Hezbollah victory in elections could force it into responsibility and disarmament Ahmadinejad's messianic connections Meir Javedanfar: The Iranian leader's mentor thinks war would hasten the Mahdi's return. Fortunately he and his allies have no nuclear access Pakistan: Blunders of the Taliban Editorial: Neither of the two leaders whom Obama met in Washington inspires confidence Obama meets Karzai and Zardari Doubts remain in Washington over the ability of Afghan and Pakistani presidents to keep promises Occupation 'compromises Bethlehem' Israeli military presence around historic city is undermining its economy and future, says UN report · Israel lobby bids to halt policy shift Congress members urged to sign letter to Obama calling for Israel to set pace in Palestinian talks · Czech parliament ratifies Lisbon treaty Hurdle for EU treaty overcome despite mood of euroscepticism in Prague Officials say move in retaliation for expulsion from Nato's headquarters of two Russian diplomats · Stress tests on US banks don't worry the market 7 May 2009: Nils Pratley: Investors over here have learned that greater government ownership of a bank doesn't necessarily kill a share price US strategy in Latin America was wrong Mark Weisbrot: The Obama administration admits its approach must change, as Latin American countries unite against the US Afghan-wards Christian soldiers? Brian Whitaker: The US military stands accused of breaking its own rules by attempting to convert Afghans to Christianity |
| H7 Hamas Feels Heat from Syria - Speical Correspondent, Asia Times National Security Adviser Tries Quieter Approach BY: Tina Wolfe | The Washington Times Syria has taken the first steps toward recognizing its longtime client, Lebanon, as a separate sovereign country, but the relationship could take new turns depending on the results of the June 7 Lebanese elections and the prospect for Syria-Israel peace. · Lebanon: Court Decision Reverberates BY: Dominic Moran | ISN Security Watch A UN tribunal's decision not to prosecute Lebanese generals in connection with a political assassination bodes ill for the court and anti-Syrian movements. Lebanon in Advance of Elections INSS An Israeli article assessing the issues and parties in the forthcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections The World's Most Important Election BY CHARLES FERGUSON Electing the Nuclear Pope The IAEA will select its next leader through secrets and posturing. Khalid Mishal and Mama America : Tariq Alhomayed US Pursuing Cautious Engagement with Syria in Wake of Lebanese Elections Joyce Karam The Obama Bubble: Buying Time for Renewed American Engagement, By Steve Clemons + Obama and U.S. Strategy: A New Beginning, By Anthony H. Cordesman + Obama's First Steps: What Comes After the 'Listening Phase'? By Nikolas Gvosdev Nikolas K. Gvosdev is on the faculty of the U.S. Naval War College. + Obama's Folly: Courting Our Enemies and Criticizing Ourselves, By Joshua Muravchik The Concept of Normative Power in World Politics DIIS A 5-page Danish brief aiming to clarify the concept of normative power in world politics as developed in European Union (EU) studies over the last ten years Economic Crisis Raises Fears of Extremism in Western Countries Support for Nuclear Reductions Builds with Two New Bipartisan Reports Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation · Costs of War: The Fear Virus BY: Shaun Waterman | ISN Security Watch A virulent disease sweeps the US, but it isn't swine flu. The fear virus, spawned by the war on terrorism, causes an over-reaction to the H1N1 flu that could be more dangerous and costly than the actual disease. · Obama's Cuba Policy: Are Times Changing? BY: Joseph Germani | Diplomatic Courier Latin American leaders at the recent Summit of the Americas took the opportunity to pressure President Obama to lift the almost half-century old trade embargo on Cuba. Pressure has also mounted within the United States from certain quarters, especially the agricultural sector, for a more open policy towards Cuba The inadequacy of international law The troubling notion that international law has no practical advice for a state facing terrorist attacks other than to grin and bear it is increasingly pervasive. What is Feltman Doing in Damascus? Syria and Washington, the Likely Path Ahead The Time Bomb for the Baby Boomers - David Ignatius, Washington Post
NPR Would Nuclear Deterrence Work With Iran, Taliban? NATO A Magnet For Spies Over Decades NATO's decision to expel two Russian diplomats on spying charges is only the latest espionage incident in a long line of such cases. The Western alliance was a natural target of Soviet espionage efforts during the Cold War, and Russia has evidently inherited that interest. And of course, the West has had its own agents working for the benefit of the alliance. When Israel Manipulates the Iranian Nuclear Weapon Elias Harfoush Arab States, like Israel, Fear an Obama “Engagement” with A-jad’s Iran
| H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq US-Backed Iraqi Fighters Desert Posts Q&A with Iraqi PM Nuri al Maliki US envoys make second trip to Syria since March Gates Touts Strength of US-Saudi Ties IAEA: High-Enriched Uranium Traces Found in Egypt Saudi Leaders Refuse To Give New Money To IMF Rivals in Iran's Election Take Aim at Ahmadinejad Ahmadinejad's rivals in the June presidential elections are seeking to distance themselves from his tough-talking style. Syria takes cold comfort from crisis The nation is not immune to the global downturn but its isolation from the west and the nascent state of its economy have proved a shield from the worst effects Expert: Iran could get nukes within months (UPI) -- Iran poses the greatest threat to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, a nuclear-arms expert with the Council on Foreign Relations said. U.S. links Syrian ties to Lebanese vote (UPI) -- A visit by top U.S. officials to Damascus is expected to couple the Lebanese parliamentary elections with Syrian efforts at engagement, analysts said. Truck bomb loaded with vegetables kills 11 in Baghdad Sen. Kerry: US No Longer Wants Iranian 'Regime Change' US Allies in Mideast Cautious Over Iran Overtures Iraq urged to stop death penalty Dubai's glitz lost in grim life Migrant laborers have been hit hard since the city's construction boom came to a screeching halt. | H9 Ha’aretz – Abbas to give U.S. 'complete' Mideast peace planInitiative to include Arab gestures to Israel; Arab sources: Concessions on right of return not being mulled Will Obama's denuclearization plan mean 'Dimona for Natanz'? Obama intends to strengthen global nuclear monitoring, and Israel will be asked to contribute to the effort Settlement expansion seeing biggest boost since 2003West Bank construction has been accelerating, putting Israel on a collision course with the U.S Nation building for PalestineIf Netanyahu and Mubarak agree at Sharm el-Sheikh that they intend to stop Iran and build Palestine, we can reasonably assume they will find a partner in Obama. Peres tells Ban: Israel will never accept UN Gaza probe I. Harel: Netanyahu shouldn't go to Obama like a shtetl Jew begging for protection Gideon Levy: Peres' propaganda for Netanyahu and Lieberman is pathetic Peres hasn't forgotten the hollow old slogans about Israel's yearning for peace, slogans for which one might still find dubious buyers only occasionally in America. Jerusalem PostPM seeks to upgrade diplomatic role of moderate Arab states |
| US, Karzai seek to mend fraying relationship at summit Washington has been increasingly critical of the Afghan president. But with Karzai likely to win reelection this year, both sides will want to dial back the recriminations. Are Pakistani Taliban finding new foothold in south? Analysts say political leaders could strengthen militants' appeal if they do not manage deep ethnic tensions – which resulted in clashes that killed 30 people last week. With piracy odds in their favor, ships shun armed guards The small number of successful pirate attacks, an increase in military patrols, and legal concerns have kept many firms from hiring security. The Obama doctrine: Charm enemies, arm-twist friends For a friendly foreign leader, a visit to the White House can be a visit to the woodshed. Cyprus: Are old friends offering new hope for unity? The presidents leading either side of the divided island are longtime allies. Boost national cybersecurity without stifling freedom The US government should apply stricter control over its own network, but it should leave public networks alone. A newspaper business model that's working We make community news free and have watched profits soar. Helene Cooper / New York Times: Must Read: Changing Relations with Pakistan Watch Daniel Markey's House Testimony on the Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship This Backgrounder looks at what Chinese military modernization means for both East Asia and the United States. India looks on as China-India equation still uncracked FT Ascendant China eclipses trailblazing Japan David Pilling looks at an Asian superpower A delicate detente As the global crisis hits exports to the west, Taipei is turning to its old enemy to forge economic links. Although mistrust remains, Beijing is now more receptive Transcript: Senior ex-US diplomat Blackwill on India-US relations In a new interview with CFR, Bruce Riedel, who chaired a special interagency committee to develop President Obama's policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, says concerns about internal violence in Pakistan are rapidly escalating and that the United States should quickly ramp up aid to Pakistan. Stratfor Geopolitical Diary: The Criticality of Pakistan's Swat Region Islamabad’s impending operations in Swat could make or break the regional fight against the Taliban Don't count on Nawaz Sharif to save Pakistan Outside View: To save Pakistan (UPI) -- As today's trilateral meetings among U.S. President Barack Obama, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Zardari begin, the mood in Washington, amplified by a media that reports Pakistan is in chaos and could implode, is especially grim. Many observers see this as Obama's greatest foreign policy test and one in which no U.S. option looks particularly appealing. Obama Lauds Afghan, Pakistani Efforts After a White House summit, Obama said recent violence in Pakistan and Afghanistan underscores the security link between both countries and the U.S. A White Paper on Australia's Enduring Challenge A recently released study maps out Australia's defense plans for the foreseeable future. Is China still a country that needs financial help? US Kills 100 Afghans, 'Mostly Civilians' Civilians pay price of war from above Robert Fisk: Of course there will be an inquiry. And in the meantime, we shall be told that all the dead Afghan civilians were being used as "human shields" by the Taliban and we shall say that we "deeply regret" innocent lives that were lost. Obama hails unity over al-Qaeda Barack Obama says after talks with the Afghan and Pakistani leaders that they are united in the goal of defeating al-Qaeda. Delhi's turn in Indian election India's capital Delhi goes to the polls as the country reaches the fourth phase of its marathon general election. India Enters Fourth Round of Vote Thousands of voters lined up outside polling stations in New Delhi, part of the country's monthlong election expected to elect a new Parliament by early next month. A 'Vietnam' Warning in Pakistan - Robert Dreyfuss, The Nation
Pakistan Besieged by Taliban, Fixated on India - Irshad Manji, Globe & Mail Beijing's Propaganda Goes Global - Gordon Chang, Forbes Pakistan Goes All Out for War - David Blair, Daily Telegraph
Pakistan-US Relations Are Upside Down Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons, Safe or Not? Nuclear Spin in Indian Elections - N.V. Subramanian, Japan Times
Administration Is Keeping Ally at Arm's Length · Bad Times Return to Karachi BY: Sara Stuteville | Global Post Renewed violence in this Pakistani port city is threatening its status as a safe haven from troubles further north. Obama pledges 'commitment' to Afghan, Pakistan leaders President Barack Obama Wednesday pledged a "lasting commitment" by the U.S. to the democratic governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan after an unusual three-way meeting that ended with promises but no concrete agreements Holbrooke Makes Case for Increased US Aid to Pakistan - Dan Robinson, Voice of America. Strategy for Stabilizing Afghanistan Pivots Toward Pakistan - Barry Newhouse, Voice of America. Call Off the Drones? - Max Boot, Commentary opinion | H11 IHT Cooperation? Your Call, NATO - Dmitry Rogozin, Int'l Herald Tribune Counting Votes, Kremlin Style What the Kremlin wants, the Kremlin gets, except when the Kremlin’s man chooses to go his own way. The Torture Debate: The Missing Voices While the personal accounts from prisoners subjected to brutality are being suppressed, culpable ex-officials are busily trying to rewrite history. The Torture Debate: The Lawyers Bar association disciplinary committees are not set up to do investigations into torture, but the use of documentary evidence is enough to proceed. Mr. Obama, Mr. Zardari and Mr. Karzai If there is any hope of defeating the Taliban, Congress must support President Obama’s plan to deal with Pakistan and Afghanistan as an integrated regional problem. Your Call, NATO By DMITRY ROGOZIN A Russian view: The West is fanning needless tensions and pushing Russia eastward. A Russia Test By DENIS CORBOY, WILLIAM COURTNEY, and KENNETH YALOWITZ A Western view: Russia may be underestimating the price of new adventures in Georgia. Asia Helps Itself By PHILIP BOWRING Growing cooperation in Asia should be seen more as a defensive response to the economic crisis than as aggressive pan-Asian regionalism. A Deep Bench By ANN ALDRICH, ALEX FRONDORF and RICHARD J. HAWKINS President Obama should select a nominee with experience that no other sitting justice has — service as a trial judge on a federal district court. EUROPE European press review Europe will have to pull itself out of the current recession. Sarkozy seeks substance to burnish style With waves of discontent lapping at the Elysée, the ‘Omni-president’ has wisely adopted a low profile on the second anniversary of his presidency Not Your Grandfather’s Eastern Bloc: The EU New Member States as Agenda OSI This 69-page study analyses the positions of the 10 new Member States in Central and Eastern Europe in seven key areas including energy, foreign policy and economy EU Offers Russia's Neighbors Perks for Energy The Moscow Times BACKGROUND: The EU's pipeline dreams U.S., Europe Differ | H12 RFE/RL Google News Azerbaijan Anti-government clash in Georgia Anti-government protesters and police clash in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, over the alleged beating of a local journalist. Behind the Military Mutiny in Georgia - John Wendle, Time Georgia's mutiny mystery By LINCOLN MITCHELL Georgian Opposition Clash With Police in Tbilisi Armenia: Karabakh Leaders Uneasy with Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks The Ukrainian-Russian Cultural Conflict Der Spiegel Seething in Georgia: Poverty and Powerlessness Fuel Growing Rage Moscow Playing Hard-Ball in its Quasi-Partnership with NATO Is Russia Really "Lost"? · Central Asia and the U.S.-Russia 'Reset' BY: Peter Kiernan | World Politics Review President Barack Obama didn't look into Dimitry Medvedev's eyes and claim that he saw the Russian president's soul at the G-20 summit in early April. But the meeting between the two leaders has potentially set the stage for a more pragmatic relationship between Washington and Moscow. Russian President's Power in Doubt - Peter Fedynsky, Voice of America. Moscow To Expel 2 NATO Envoys |
| H13 The Times US will still rule the post-crisis world As green shoots sprout on Wall Street, other nations are emerging from the recession in a worse shape Anatole Kaletsky China is far too poor, too technologically backward and too inward-looking to be a credible economic leader Knocking Heads Obama must force the Afghan and Pakistani leaders to confront the terrorist threat Airstrike deaths overshadow Obama's summit Hour-long raid reported to have left dozens of civilians dead as US President has first summit with Afghan leader Russia expels envoys as Nato war games begin Nato diplomats expelled by Russia appears to be timed to coincide with start of Nato's military exercised in Georgia Clinton - 'deep regret' over deadly US airstrike Secretary of State expresses remorse for bombing in Afghanistan as President Karzai and Pakistani leader are in US Wall Street Journal Obama's Gitmo Mess Britain Will Remain a Global | H14 Financial Times Oil groups to end 40-year exile from Iraq BP and Shell are preparing to go back into Iraq by the end of the year, in spite of Baghdad’s failure to pass an oil law and continuing concerns over security How banks learnt to play the system The results of the US stress tests are a harsh judgment on the biggest US banks and a damning verdict on Basel and two decades of capital adequacy regulation. If governments want to do better this time, they must learn the lesson that banks faced with new balance sheet rules will strive to evade those rules, writes John Gapper Heritage soars 25% on Kurdistan find The independent explorer’s discovery of an oilfield in the Iraqi region that it estimates could yield 4.2bn barrels of oil sends its shares soaring but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding oil licences in the area Insolvent banks should feel market discipline Matthew Richardson and Nouriel Roubini on US stress tests Hyperactive Sarkozy has failed to deliver The president has elevated action over results, writes Zaki Laïdi Syria takes cold comfort from crisis The nation is not immune to the global downturn but its isolation from the west and the nascent state of its economy have proved a shield from the worst effects Ascendant China eclipses trailblazing Japan David Pilling looks at an Asian superpower A delicate detente As the global crisis hits exports to the west, Taipei is turning to its old enemy to forge economic links. Although mistrust remains, Beijing is now more receptive Billions required to bolster US banks Shares jump as gaps appear manageable Red-faced IMF fixes east Europe error Debt of crisis-hit region overstated A Budget blast for Downing Street The criticisms raised by the Treasury select committee are the conclusions of a group of MPs in which Labour backbenchers form a majority. The Treasury must spell out options for plugging the fiscal gap Testing times for Geithner’s plans By the end of Thursday, the US will have published detailed results of its banks, revealing a great deal more about them than any other country, and in striking contrast to Europe’s reluctance to act Gold sales cost Europe’s central banks $40bn Europe’s central banks are $40bn poorer than they might have been after they followed a British move taken 10 years ago to shrink the Bank of England’s gold reserves, analysis by the Financial Times has shown Obama holds talks with Zardari and Karzai Barack Obama, US president, on Wednesday welcomed the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan to the White House, as Islamabad intensified attacks against Taliban militants in the northern Swat valley Emerging markets rally leads the rebound One asset class still stands out Murdoch challenges Amazon’s Kindle model Experiment with news on mobile devices Until death or a downturn do us part Does economic turmoil wreck marriages, asks Jonathan Guthrie Truck bomb kills 10 in Baghdad market A truck bomb has killed 10 people and wounded 37 others when it exploded in a wholesale vegetable market in southern Baghdad, according to police | H15 Los Angeles Times U.S., Afghanistan and Pakistan vow joint effort against militants At a White House summit, Obama says he and the other leaders "fully appreciate" the regional threat posed by Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Obama juggles Afghan and Pakistani allies Both countries distrust each other, and neither is happy with the U.S., but we all need each other to... Spain considers prosecuting U.S. officials for torture How and why a Spanish judge might put Bush administration lawyers on trial for... NATO war games launch despite Russia's fierce objections Moscow has called the NATO military exercises in Georgia, which includes U.S. troops, 'open provocation' and threatened grim consequences Georgia puts down mutiny in tank battalion President Mikheil Saakashvili says he personally handled negotiations at the rebel military base. He suggests Russia sought to mount a coup. Red Cross confirms Afghan civilian toll Estimates of the number of people killed by U.S. airstrikes in western Afghanistan rise as high as 100. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the U.S. 'deeply regrets' the loss of life Editorial |
| A Cheney Cover-Up? — Someone in the White House tried to deep-six Philip Zelikow's anti-torture memo Poll: Don't investigate torture techniques — Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin White House Cheat Sheet: Republican Recruiting Recovering — (Photo - Toni L. Sandys/ The Washington Post) — Republicans, out of power in Washington and struggling badly to find new leaders to match President Obama at the national level, are on the verge of a series of recruiting successes | H17 Daily Telegraph Could Labour turn into a liberal party? | H18 Independent Civilians pay price of war from above Robert Fisk: Of course there will be an inquiry. And in the meantime, we shall be told that all the dead Afghan civilians were being used as "human shields" by the Taliban and we shall say that we "deeply regret" innocent lives that were lost. Leading article: Air strikes will not bring stability to Afghanistan · Leading article: Wanted: new political thinking · Milburn tells PM: Don't betray Blair Former health secretary warns party against lurching to the left David Remes: Obama talked a good game on Guantanamo. But what's he done? |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Unfinished Business: The Negotiation of the CTBT and the End of Nuclear Testing UNIDIR This 383-page report aims to provide the international community with insights and signposts as to how to bring the CTBT into force and give it the teeth, through the International Monitoring System embodied in the Treaty, that the world needs and demands White House Is Firm on Shaking Up Military Spending Army manual: Focus on root causes critical (UPI) -- A new U.S. Army field manual calls on troops to address an insurgency's root problems and suggests military solutions alone cannot solve them. It's time to update the counterinsurgency manual Why Civilian Integration is Essential in Post-Stability Operations (Full PDF Article) David Barstow / New York Times: Inspector at Pentagon Says Report Was Flawed — In a highly unusual reversal, the Defense Department's inspector general's office has withdrawn a report it issued in January exonerating a Pentagon public relations program that made extensive use of retired officers who worked as military analysts for television and radio networks. US Interrogators May Have Killed Dozens David Remes: Obama talked a good game on Guantanamo. But what's he done? Focus on terrorism misleading? (UPI) -- Governments should focus less on fighting terror because that might mean losing sight of other important issues, Germany's potential next foreign minister said. Pentagon will miss chemical weapons deadline by 9 years | H20 Slate Your Search Returned 12 Million Books Google's goal of a universal online library would be great for humanity. It can still be great for authors and publishers, too. Feed the World: The Challenge of Agricultural Development IPN This 24-page paper focuses on food, first surveying long-term trends in global demand and supply to put recent price changes into perspective. It evaluates various factors which underpin the high prices experienced in 2007 and 2008, including the conversion of crops into liquid fuels (“biofuels”). The paper concludes with lessons we should have learned recently about food scarcity and its alleviation Muhammad Yunus: HEALTH CARE CAN BE MADE AFFORDABLE FOR THE POOR | H21 The democratic nature of the net has created a mass of undifferentiated data, accurate, speculative, and absurd. Consider conspiracy theories... more» Big Media, RIP - Johnnie Roberts, Newsweek Can a click replace a glance? Newspapers offered a serendipitous reading experience that online formats haven't managed to replicate. Murdoch challenges Amazon’s Kindle model Experiment with news on mobile devices Until death or a downturn do us part Does economic turmoil wreck marriages, asks Jonathan Guthrie 101 Undiscovered Free Apps and Services for Web Users Who gets to change the rules of English usage? We all do, says Patricia O’Conner. When enough of us decide that “cool” means “hot,” change happens... more» Want To Know What's Really Killing Newspapers? Yelp. Donkey basketball banned Here she comes: Saudi Arabia's Miss Beautiful Morals Debunking 10 Myths About Dieting |
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