| H1 Newsweek A Conversation with Barack Obama “We embarked on a strategic review that involved every aspect of our government's involvement—Defense, State Department, intelligence operations, aid operations. Once that strategic review had been completed, then I sat in a room with the principals and argued about it, and listened to various perspectives, saw a range of options in terms of how we could move forward; asked them to go back and rework their numbers and reconsider certain positions based on the fact that some of the questions I asked could not be answered. And when I finally felt that every approach—every possible approach—had been aired, that all the questions had either been answered or were unanswerable, at that point I had to make a decision and I did.” NYRB Obama and the Middle East By Hussein Agha & Robert Malley The Obama administration seems prepared to devote considerable diplomatic, economic, and, perhaps, political capital to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The goal, once the ground has been settled, will be to achieve a comprehensive, two-state solution. But would the Israeli and Palestinian people welcome it? Would they see it as ending their conflict or merely opening its next round? What, in short, would a two-state solution actually solve? Pakistan on the Brink By Ahmed Rashid Pakistan is close to the brink, perhaps not to a meltdown of the government, but to a permanent state of anarchy, as the Islamist revolutionaries led by the Taliban and their many allies take more territory, and state power shrinks. There will be no mass revolutionary uprising like in Iran in 1979 or storming of the citadels of power as in Vietnam and Cambodia; rather we can expect a slow, insidious, long-burning fuse of fear, terror, and paralysis that the Taliban have lit and that the state is unable, and partly unwilling, to douse. Financial Times Middle East test of Obama’s resolve Every serious peace plan is premised on Israel returning to its pre-1967 frontiers and a Palestinian state on the remaining 22 per cent of colonial Palestine. Now is the time to get the deal done Indian voters show the way forward The victory for the Congress party reveals Indian democracy’s ability to push back against caste-based populism; sectarian Hindu revivalism; and regional parties who hold the national interest hostage Newsweek Fareed Zakaria » Ha’aretz – Netanyahu unlikely to back Palestinian state at Obama meeting Benn How does an Israeli diplomatic visit to the U.S. work? Aide: Obama, Netanyahu to focus on Iran during U.S. meet National Security Council chief: Iran an existential matter; PM to meet AIPAC on Sunday, Obama on Monday Rumsfeld And Iraq: He Shall Be Judged - Robert Draper, GQ MagazineDid Rumsfeld Ruin Bush? Read it at GQ Might Donald Rumsfeld be left off the guest list for Bush administration reunions? In a piece for GQ, Robert Draper interviews former officials and discovers "intense feelings of ill will toward Donald Rumsfeld." In interviewing these officials, Draper writes, it "becomes evident that Rumsfeld impaired administration performance on a host of matters extending well beyond Iraq to impact America's relations with other nations, the safety of our troops, and the response to Hurricane Katrina." Rumsfeld sought to please Bush by playing to his religiosity—Draper's most shocking find is Defense Department intelligence briefing covers featured biblical quotes. One person said, if leaked, the memos "would be as bad as Abu Ghraib." A former cabinet official puts its plainly: "Don did not like to play well with other people." FT Arab states discuss Israel concessions Talks are under way among several Arab states on measures that would reward Israel if it commits to a total freeze on the expansion of Jewish settlement as part of a comprehensive American Middle East peace plan CFR Stephen C. Freidheim Symposium on Global Economics Video, Audio, Transcript: Joseph Nye, Philip Zelikow, Sebastian Mallaby, and Richard Medley discuss the global consequences of the financial crisis Wall Street Journal The High Price of Deterring Iran By Emanuele Ottolenghi
Who would stop a nuclear Islamic Republic from swallowing the oil-rich Gulf and fomenting unrest in the Mideast? Netanyahu and Obama Have a Shared Interest in Iran By Reuel Marc Gerecht
The success of both men depends on stopping the mullahs from getting the bomb. The Elite Gather in Greece The Bilderberg Group is meeting in Greece for a secretive annual rendezvous of top politicians and business leaders. Russia, Italy to Double Pipeline Capacity Russian and Italian firms agreed to expand the capacity of a new gas pipeline into Europe that will bypass Ukraine, in a challenge to a rival project backed by the U.S. and EU. New York Times World Watches for U.S. Shift on Mideast By DAVID KILCULLEN and ANDREW McDONALD EXUM Drone attacks in Pakistan are doing more harm than good. The goal should be to isolate the extremists by adopting policies that build local partnerships. By ROGER COHEN Obama should tell Netanyahu the status quo is not in anyone’s interest. By MARTIN VAN CREVELD President Obama must force the Israelis and Palestinians to do what they themselves are unable to do. Israel’s Fears, Amalek’s Arsenal By JEFFREY GOLDBERG Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s challenge is to convince President Obama that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose an existential threat to Israelis, as well as to Americans. The China Puzzle By DAVID LEONHARDT We need China to buy our government bonds to keep our interest rates down. But that’s just the beginning of the problem. Lessons the Teacher Forgot By PETER S. GOODMAN It’s almost amusing now: America once lectured China on economic responsibility. Bibi and Obama: A Dangerous Dance - Shmuel Rosner, The New Republic Washington Post Celeste Ward -- The Pentagon's Obsession With Counterinsurgency How Obama Is Like George H.W. Bush on Foreign Policy By Carlos Lozada, His hero? Lincoln. His challenges? FDR-like. His speeches? Downright Reaganesque, we're told. But when it comes to foreign policy, who knew Obama would emulate George Bush? No, not the son, but the kinder and gentler one: George H.W. Bush. A War Over Exchange Rates Could Undermine Recovery By Sebastian Mallaby, Those who are ignorant of history will be condemned to repeat it, as a teacher no doubt told you long ago. But the urgent question today is actually the opposite one: Can a team that is positively steeped in history -- particularly the history of the 1930s -- avoid the mistakes of that era and... Obama and Israel's Netanyahu Likely to Have Calm Meeting Despite Differences Differences Unlikely to Come to Fore Guardian Barack Obama to push Israel for two-state pledge US president to press Binyamin Netanyahu to commit to establishment of Palestinian state Obama bids for Middle East peace President signals a very different approach to the Jewish state as US wants 'real results' New series: China at the crossroads In the first part of our week-long portrait of China, Tania Branigan reports on city workers returning to village life due to economic hardships Militants test readiness of Iraq's forces as US prepares to leave
USA Today Obama's Dangerous Debt - Robert Samuelson, Newsweek
Bob Gates, America's Secretary Of War - Katie Couric, 60 Minutes
America's Spy Agencies Are Being Undermined - Washington Times
Mideast Contest Of Wills - Jackson Diehl, Washington Post
Bad Cop-Good Cop, Netanyahu Can Help Obama - David Paul Kuhn, RCP Rand Review Bridge the Gulf To Advance Negotiations with Iran, Cede Conventional Wisdom By Frederic Wehrey Jerusalem Road Doesn't Go Through Tehran - Leon Hadar, Foreign Affairs Pajamas Media » The Key to an Honorable Exit from Iraq
By Michael Weiss What would the Middle East look like if Iran gets the bomb? Al Awsat On the Verge of a Hezbollah State Independent Robert Fisk’s World: The West awaits the return of friendly 'democrats' to Lebanon Daily Star Can Obama meet the challenge of brokering an Arab-Israeli peace? CFR Syria Looking for Improved Relations with Obama Administration ANALYSIS / Netanyahu's problem will be the Palestinians, not Iran If Obama shows understanding on the Iranian issue, Netanyahu will be more flexible on other matters CSM Could Taliban get keys to Pakistan's A-bomb? Experts see the Islamic fighters as less of a risk than radical insiders gaining access to nuclear materials. Islamist offensive ruins the West's plan for Somalia Militant Islamists have the moderate government surrounded in Mogadishu. If they took over, it would be a devastating blow to US counter-terrorism and anti-piracy efforts in East Africa. FT Russia and Italy sign gas supply deal Vladimir Putin and Silvio Berlusconi oversee an agreement between Moscow’s Gazprom and Rome’s Eni to double the capacity of the South Stream pipeline, intensifying concerns about the EU’s energy security WSJ Russia, Italy to Double Pipeline Capacity Russian and Italian firms agreed to expand the capacity of a new gas pipeline into Europe that will bypass Ukraine, in a challenge to a rival project backed by the U.S. and EU. Indian Voters Reach for Era of Stability A strong showing by India's Congress party gives a decisive mandate to Prime Minister Singh and raises hopes for economic reforms The Times Conquering Congress India’s election has delivered the best result: stability and a strong government Sri Lanka rebels 'call ceasefire' Tamil Tiger rebels holed up in a tiny enclave in northern Sri Lanka have "decided to silence their guns", a rebel spokesman says. UN 'concern' over Sri Lanka Pleas for restraint ignored Q&A: Sri Lanka crisis The Times Iran tops Israel’s agenda Today’s US-Israeli summit is scripted to end happily. Any real differences will be exposed later Alon Pinkas | H2 Newsweek Soner Cagaptay On Turkey's Ergenekon Case . The Ergenekon case exposes the power of a shadowy Islamic brotherhood that controls the Turkish police. US - Turkey Partnership: Committee: House Foreign Affairs - Testimony: Ian Lesser [read full story] Daily Star EditorialErdogan is under fire for policies, while Lebanese leaders simply fan fires Washington Post Land Dispute Between Arabs, Kurds Simmers in Iraq Kurd-Arab Conflict Echoes in Parliament Iraq deal to revive gas pipeline A consortium of oil companies plans to revive a project to supply gas from Iraq's Kurdish region to Europe. FT Boost for Nabucco from Iraq gas deal Europe took a surprise step towards reducing its dependence on Russian gas as two of its oil companies agreed to develop a gas field in Kurdistan, Iraq’s semi-autonomous region Kurdistan gas offers EU respite Ha’aretz Turkey may cancel Israel drone deal over missed deadlines Turkey urges Israel to accept Syria's overtures Kongre'de Türk Amerikan İlişkileri Değerlendirildi U.S. House of Representatives - Subcommittee on Europe The United States and Turkey: A Model Partnership Is The Karabakh Peace Process In Jeopardy? BY LIZ FULLER
Just one week ago, it seemed as though Armenia and Azerbaijan were closer than they had been for years to resolving the Karabakh conflict. Turkey opts for tsarist regime to bypass bureaucratic impediments U.S. Karabakh Envoy Defends His Role Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani president's foreign-policy adviser said he sees double standards and clear evidence of "Christian solidarity" among the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Minsk Group. Novruz Mammadov said that the co-chairs might also be manipulating the talks for professional reasons. The Minsk Group mediates negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh Ignatius Davos Olayını Değerlendirdi 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 Iraqi oil minister rejects Kurdish oil plan Shahrestani says the Iraqi government is under no obligation to ensure that foreign companies are paid for oil sent through pipelines from Kurdistan into Iraq and then exported Iraq deal to revive gas pipeline A consortium of oil companies plans to revive a project to supply gas from Iraq's Kurdish region to Europe. Can the election eliminate the domination of the 2 leading parties?
Kurdish Aspect Israeli involvement in Northern Iraq | Pakistan Daily Iraqi gas to launch Nabucco by 2014: Botas source SNAP ANALYSIS: Iraqi Kurdistan to export gas to Europe, Turkey
Reuters SCENARIOS-Turkey's southeast poses big challenges PUKmedia :: English - Barham Salih: PUK Capable to overcome challenges Border conflicts test Kurdish tightrope act Kurdish Globe IRA model for Kirkuk Middle East Times Cooperation Between Peshmarga and the Police in Kirkuk | MZM.com A Taste of Kurdistan - a Correspondents Journey Cevdet Aşkın Pajamas Media » The Key to an Honorable Exit from Iraq
By Michael Weiss Google News Greece Cyprus Turkish Cypriot Press ABHaber Dış Basında Türkiye-AB İlişkileri Günlük Haftalık EU says military should not speak beyond its remit Russia and Turkey start gas talks Turkey hails resumption of Syrian-European-US talks Wexler urges US to positively 'channel' Turkey's value NATO warned against simulating Turkish soldiers in Afghanistan Gazprom Ready to Buy All Gas From Azeri Nabucco Base Bloomberg From Empire to Republic: Turkish Nationalism and the Armenian Genocide FACTBOX-Nabucco pipeline project facts FACTBOX-Major energy pipelines in central/south Europe EU no anchor for foreign investors Secular Turkey Hangs in the Balance - Barbara Lerner, National Review 'Gül and Erdoğan differ on Armenia' Mr. Fein's Turkish Adventure | Asbarez reflections: [Soner Cagaptay's Fight against Turkey] By Mehmet Kalyoncu Turkey's rising film talent Variety Domuz Gribi Bu Kez Türkiye ve Hindistan'da First case of swine flu confirmed in Turkey - health minister | H3 Son Dakika Milliyet Hürriyet Zaman GH Türkiye Birinci Sayfalar Akşam Birgün Bugün Cumhuriyet Dünya Hürriyet Milli Gazete Milliyet Posta Radikal Referans Sabah Star Taraf Tercüman Türkiye Vakit Vatan Yeni Şafak Zaman Arşiv Video NTV CNNTürk Milliyet Cengiz Çandar Ahmet Taşgetiren Ruşen - Çakır Taha Akyol Fikret Bila Hasan Cemal Murat Yetkin İsmet Berkan Fehmi Koru Taha Kıvanç Şamil Tayyar Ali Bayramoğlu Soli Özel Yasemin Çongar Ertuğrul Özkök Hasan Ünal Ahmet Hakan M Ali Birand Cüneyt Ülsever Enis Berberoğlu Oktay Ekşi Özdemir İnce Mehmet Y Yılmaz ERDAL ŞAFAK ENGİN ARDIÇ EMRE AKÖZ Umur Talu HASAN BÜLENT KAHRAMAN NAZLI ILICAK MEHMET BARLAS MAHMUT ÖVÜR YAVUZ DONAT Ekonomi ABDURRAHMAN YILDIRIM Ercan Kumcu Erdal Sağlam |
| H4 New York Times World Watches for U.S. Shift on Mideast By ROGER COHEN Obama should tell Netanyahu the status quo is not in anyone’s interest. By MARTIN VAN CREVELD President Obama must force the Israelis and Palestinians to do what they themselves are unable to do. Israel’s Fears, Amalek’s Arsenal By JEFFREY GOLDBERG Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s challenge is to convince President Obama that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose an existential threat to Israelis, as well as to Americans. Death From Above, Outrage Down Below By DAVID KILCULLEN and ANDREW McDONALD EXUM Drone attacks in Pakistan are doing more harm than good. The goal should be to isolate the extremists by adopting policies that build local partnerships. By DAVID LEONHARDT We need China to buy our government bonds to keep our interest rates down. But that’s just the beginning of the problem. Lessons the Teacher Forgot By PETER S. GOODMAN It’s almost amusing now: America once lectured China on economic responsibility. PAUL KRUGMAN The Perfect, the Good, the Planet The climate change legislation now on the table isn’t the bill we’d ideally want, but it’s vastly better than no bill at all. By RICHARD A. POSNER
Reviewed by JONATHAN RAUCH Richard A. Posner argues that “the antics of crooks and fools” are not to blame for the financial crisis, but rather flaws in the system itself. Editorial Photographs and Kangaroo Courts President Obama must create clear rules to deal with detainees. And unless there is a full accounting of what went wrong, he risks repeating the same mistakes. So Far So Good It looks as if Chrysler will emerge from its restructuring a more sensible company. But still looming is the fate of General Motors. Notes From Another Credit Card Crisis By SUKI KIM Americans’ credit card debt has risen to the point where it now tops $960 billion. If it’s any consolation, South Koreans have been there, done that and come out alive — if just barely. From a Theory to a Consensus on Emissions Cap and trade, hatched as an academic theory in obscure economic journals, has become the policy of choice in the debate over how to slow the heating of the planet. All Disasters Are Local In responding to disasters, Americans must look beyond government for help. We need “whole of society” not just “whole of government” responses. Governing Party in India Scores Victory Self-Ruled Region Remains Wary of Russian Backers Expense Claims Scandal Expands in Britain’s Labor Party Utah Governor Chosen as Ambassador to China Images, the Law and War By ADAM LIPTAK What happens when the First Amendment is matched up against an enemy’s intentions? What President Obama cites as dangers, a court might find mere speculation. 25 Militants Are Killed in Attack in Pakistan News Analysis: Modest Successes and Missed Chances in Pope’s Trip Conservatives Map Strategies on Court Fight Preparing to oppose the confirmation of President Obama’s eventual choice to succeed Justice David H. Souter, conservative groups are working together to stockpile ammunition. By EDUARDO PORTER Bankers have an uncanny ability to keep landing in finance’s glittering fold while regular mortals are still suffering from the economic fallout they unleashed. MAUREEN DOWD Cheney, Master of Pain The question of what Nancy Pelosi knew or didn’t, or when she did or didn’t know, is irrelevant to how W. and Dick Cheney broke the law and authorized torture. NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF This Mom Didn’t Have to Die In West Africa, women face threats from warlords and exotic disease, and something even deadlier — motherhood. | H5 Washington Post Celeste Ward -- The Pentagon's Obsession With Counterinsurgency Obama, Netanyahu Differ on Goals By Jackson Diehl, Will today's meeting between Obama and Netanyahu inaugurate an era of negotiation and detente, or of deepening conflict? Obama's Dangerous Debt By Robert J. Samuelson, His budget is a case study in political expediency and economic gambling. Gen. Jones and the Anonymous Long Knives By Sally Quinn, Usually the trashing of the national security adviser takes longer. Land Dispute Between Arabs, Kurds Simmers in Iraq Kurd-Arab Conflict Echoes in Parliament How Obama Is Like George H.W. Bush on Foreign Policy By Carlos Lozada, His hero? Lincoln. His challenges? FDR-like. His speeches? Downright Reaganesque, we're told. But when it comes to foreign policy, who knew Obama would emulate George Bush? No, not the son, but the kinder and gentler one: George H.W. Bush. A War Over Exchange Rates Could Undermine Recovery By Sebastian Mallaby, Those who are ignorant of history will be condemned to repeat it, as a teacher no doubt told you long ago. But the urgent question today is actually the opposite one: Can a team that is positively steeped in history -- particularly the history of the 1930s -- avoid the mistakes of that era and... Obama and Israel's Netanyahu Likely to Have Calm Meeting Despite Differences Differences Unlikely to Come to Fore Pelosi vs. the CIA: The Spies Stand Up to the Speaker By David Ignatius, It has been the nightmare scenario ever since the modern system of congressional oversight of intelligence was created in the late 1970s: When a scandal erupts, a member of Congress will put his (or her) political interests above those of the intelligence agency whose secrets he (or she) has sworn... The Take: As President, Obama Is Unafraid to Disappoint His Allies By Dan Balz, Through much of last year's campaign, Barack Obama enjoyed the acclaim of a politician who seemed adept at making himself all things to almost all people. Liberals, moderates, even some conservatives, Democrats, independents and even some Republicans all found in Obama change they could believe in. Iraqis and American Soldiers Anxious Over U.S. Withdrawal From Sadr City Locals, Americans Fear Return of Mayhem As Detroit Crumbles, China Emerges as Auto Epicenter Withdrawal Deadlines The bilateral security agreement that went into effect this year includes three deadlines for the withdrawal Manmohan Singh of Congress Party Is Reelected as India's Prime Minister Congress's Singh Becomes First Full-Term Prime Minister in 40 Years to Be Reelected Scientists Consider Age of Swine Flu Victims Evidence of Pandemic Potential Scientists Say Relative Youth of Ill People Is Evidence of Pandemic Potential Tamil Tiger Rebels Admit Defeat in Sri Lanka, Vow to Silence Guns Editorial Mr. Obama's War? No. Like it or not, it's America's war Antitrust Challenges for the Obama Administration By Steven Pearlstein, The president has a chance to make antitrust laws work. Sticking With Tribunals The president's changes would improve military commissions, but Congress should play its part. The Tiananmen Diaries By Perry Link, PRISONER OF THE STATE The Secret Journal of Zhao Ziyang Obama Picks Huntsman, Republican Governor of Utah, as Ambassador to China Huntsman Was Potential 2012 Challenger Once-Struggling Fiat Could Become No. 3 World Automaker With GM, Chrysler Deals Formerly Struggling Automaker Aims to Be World's Third-Largest Some Call It Torture. In One Poll, Most Call It Justified. Islamist Rebels Threaten Somalia's Government 10-Day Offensive Revives Fears That Radical Islamist Insurgents Could Take Powe Into the Thicket on Torture By Jim Hoagland, President Obama's effort to block the release of photographs of U.S. prisoner abuse is a mistake that can be corrected. Another Threatened Newsroom Species It's time to start thinking of an alternative to the traditional ombudsman model. Greed's Saving Graces By George F. Will, Open Markets are the best way to combat greed. Visit Stubhub.com for proof. William J. Dobson - The Best Guide for Gitmo? Look to Singapore. At Geithner's Treasury, Key Decisions on Hold Many Advisers' Roles Are Undefined And Others Still Awaiting Confirmation Cold Reality Addressing climate change is a job for Congress, not the Endangered Species Act. Obama Addresses Abortion Protests in Commencement Speech at Notre Dame Obama Calls for 'Open Minds' Amid Abortion Debate Obama Confronts Foes With Faith By E. J. Dionne, At Notre Dame, Obama gave the most radical and most conservative speech of his presidency. Science Digest: Melting of Ice Sheet Might Not Be as Worrisome as Was Thought A new study has found that one of the worst-case scenarios for sea-level rise -- the melting of an Antarctic ice sheet that is as vast as Texas and as thick as 1.8 miles -- would not be as bad as previously thought. India's Hindu Nationalist BJP Party Reflects on Election Loss Israel's Netanyahu Arrives in Washington for First Meeting With Obama | H6 Guardian Barack Obama to push Israel for two-state pledge US president to press Binyamin Netanyahu to commit to establishment of Palestinian state Obama bids for Middle East peace President signals a very different approach to the Jewish state as US wants 'real results' Challenges ahead for China as it looks to get growth back on trackPolitical reform, energy needs and bridging the wealth gap are among the pressing issues for Beijing New series: China at the crossroads In the first part of our week-long portrait of China, Tania Branigan reports on city workers returning to village life due to economic hardships Unemployment forces Chinese migrants back to the countryside Factory to farm: millions who had enjoyed a taste of city freedom are returning to their villages Economy and the environment: growing pains Editorial: Protecting the planet often suffers because of our reckless pursuit of growth but politicians keep taking the easy option Tamil Tigers leader 'died in bunker' Rebel fighters reported to be blowing themselves up, and leader said to have died in bunker Sri Lanka: the bloody end of battle Editorial: The international community must insist on transparency and accountability for the Tamil civilians now in government hands US abortion views 'irreconcilable' Barack Obama strives for common ground and urges campaigners not to demonise each other Tamil Tigers' last retreat cut off Government defies calls for halt to fighting and UN accusations of bloodbath The week Britain turned its anger on politicians Row over MPs' expenses threatens legitimacy of mainstream parties offering themselves for government Cameron can't run away from Europe Nick Cohen: There's nothing compassionate about the friends the Tory leader is making on the Continent |
H7 Rand Review Bridge the Gulf To Advance Negotiations with Iran, Cede Conventional Wisdom By Frederic Wehrey Jerusalem Road Doesn't Go Through Tehran - Leon Hadar, Foreign Affairs Pajamas Media » The Key to an Honorable Exit from Iraq
By Michael Weiss NYT World Watches for US Shift on Mideast What would the Middle East look like if Iran gets the bomb? Al Awsat On the Verge of a Hezbollah State Independent Robert Fisk’s World: The West awaits the return of friendly 'democrats' to Lebanon Daily Star Can Obama meet the challenge of brokering an Arab-Israeli peace? CFR Syria Looking for Improved Relations with Obama Administration Obama's Unwise Pledge to Muslims - David Frum, National Post
Islam's Trillion Dollar Economy - Carla Power, Time
This moribund body needs a new home in the UAE Sultan Al Qassemi : Predating the United Nations, the European Union, Asean and almost every other regional body is an institution based in Cairo known as the Arab League.
Dictatorship: Tunisia's Undeserved Fate - Bassam Bounenni, Daily Star | H8 Iraq Updates IraqSlogger Google News Iraq Iran Syria Mideastwire.com - NPR Iraq Militants test readiness of Iraq's forces as US prepares to leave USA Today Iraq deal to revive gas pipeline A consortium of oil companies plans to revive a project to supply gas from Iraq's Kurdish region to Europe. raq Stability May Stall as US Withdraws Troops, Haass Says Ernesto Londoño / Washington Post:
Iraqis and American Soldiers Anxious Over U.S. Withdrawal From Sadr City Iraqi oil ministry under fire over low exports and revenue Iraqi oil minister rejects Kurdish oil plan Shahrestani says the Iraqi government is under no obligation to ensure that foreign companies are paid for oil sent through pipelines from Kurdistan into Iraq and then exported More pain to come for Mideast economies The Middle East is not yet through the worst of the economic crisis because non-performing loans are likely to rise and the full impact of declines in tourism and remittances has still to be felt, experts have warned Iraq deal to revive gas pipeline A consortium of oil companies plans to revive a project to supply gas from Iraq's Kurdish region to Europe. Boost for Nabucco from Iraq gas deal Europe took a surprise step towards reducing its dependence on Russian gas as two of its oil companies agreed to develop a gas field in Kurdistan, Iraq’s semi-autonomous region Shell, CNPC Agree on Iraq Stakes Child Recruited by Terrorists Kills Five Police in Kirkuk Iranian Reformist Paper Shut Down After One Day Six years after it was shut down, Iran’s reformist “Yas No” newspaper reappeared on newsstands. Its writers and editors hoped the opposition publication would give a boost to reformist presidential candidate Mir Hossein Musavi in the upcoming election. Few expected that it would survive just one day before being banned again. History made in Kuwait as women elected US-educated liberal Aseel al-Awadhi and Rula Dashti are the first women to win seats in the oil-rich Gulf state’s parliament Iraqis and American Soldiers Anxious Over U.S. Withdrawal From Sadr City Locals, Americans Fear Return of Mayhem Islamist offensive leaves West's Somalia strategy in tatters Islamist Rebels Threatening Fragile Somali Government Iran president's denial of Holocaust becomes campaign issue A reformist challenger says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's stance has isolated Iran internationally. Iraqis Pursue Corruption Purge Iraqi Trade Minister Abdul Falah al-Sudani is set to appear before parliament for public testimony over allegations of malfeasance on his watch. Albright group lauds Lebanese election (UPI) -- Lebanon has improved its electoral system substantially as it prepares for June parliamentary elections, though security issues remain, observers said. Iran's Rezaei promises economic reform (UPI) -- Conservative Iranian presidential contender Mohsen Rezaei has employed economic reform as part of his campaign platform ahead of the June vote. Muslim Brotherhood in decline? UPI) -- The once-radical Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt finds itself struggling for support following a modest shift into political life, The Wall Street Journal reports. US and Iraqi Partners Share Recognition | H9 Ha’aretz – Netanyahu unlikely to back Palestinian state at Obama meeting Benn How does an Israeli diplomatic visit to the U.S. work? Aide: Obama, Netanyahu to focus on Iran during U.S. meet National Security Council chief: Iran an existential matter; PM to meet AIPAC on Sunday, Obama on Monday Strong advisor to a weak government
Obama: I can't tell Israel not to fear Iran U.S. president tells Newsweek he understands very clearly Israel sees Iran as an 'existential threat.' Netanyahu to tell Obama: Time 'running out' on Iran PM will also present security demands he views as essential to any final-status deal with the Palestinians ANALYSIS / Netanyahu's problem will be the Palestinians, not Iran If Obama shows understanding on the Iranian issue, Netanyahu will be more flexible on other matters ANALYSIS / Netanyahu is capable of reaching peace It doesn't matter what Netanyahu says during his White House visit, but what he does when he returns to Israel. U.S. Jews seek clues to Obama Israel policy in Netanyahu visit The 78% of American Jews who voted for Obama want to know if that now conflicts with loyalty to Israel Editorial Say 'yes' to Obama Netanyahu must choose between continuing the policy of intransigence, settlements and footdragging, and taking part in the new world order. Act now The millions of Israelis who are prepared to exchange territories for peace understand that Netanyahu cannot be exempt from taking action. Israel, PA hold secret meetings over renewing peace talks Contact comes despite PA's demand that settlement construction end first; Peres: Israel wants talks now Levy Please, with might Obama is the final hope: Only if he throws his entire weight into the process will anything in the Middle East start moving. Bar’el Netanyahu is good for Obama If in D.C. Bibi says 'two states for two peoples', Obama will have his first Israeli political achievement. EldarNegotiations - an obstacle to peace To convince both Palestinians and Israelis that the rules of the game have changed, Obama must demand that Netanyahu carry out his part of an agreement he actually signed with Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat. ANALYSIS / Netanyahu's only card to play with Obama is Iran Poll: 40% of Israeli Arabs believe Holocaust never happened Survey also finds that only 41% of Israeli Arabs recognize Israel's right to exist as Jewish state Peres: If Assad wants Israel-Syria peace, why is he shy? President urges Syrian counterpart to agree to direct talks, says time is ripe to advance Mideast peace New residents account for one-third of West Bank settlement growth Arab League: Israel's nuclear program more worrying than Iran Peace Now: 'Natural growth' - Israel's trick for W. Bank expansion Deputy FM: Assad wants only peace process, not actual peace accord ElBaradei: Israeli strike on Iran would be 'insane' What kind of normalization? If Israel holds negotiations with Syria and the Palestinians, it will need to present a more practical, exact characterization of its demands than what it used in the peace agreement with Egypt. Amira Hass / Israel won't let books, music, clothes into Gaza 'Iran presidential hopeful, 12, wants to move Israel to Hawaii' N PICTURES / Israeli premiers meet American presidents Jerusalem Post Netanyahu to focus on Iran with Obama, adviser says Security adviser Arad buoyed by president saying all options are on the table; hints premier won't publicly endorse two-state solution. Netanyahu has more to lose if Obama meeting goes sour, pundits claim Some news outlets, including Fox News, play up Netanyahu's possible support for a two-state solution. Arabs slam bill to criminalize 'nakba' MK proposes 3 years in jail for commemorations; study: 40% of Israeli Arabs say Shoah didn't happen Likud ministers ready to resist PA state Concern spurred by 'Post' report on AIPAC lobbying for Palestinian State with PMO's blessing. Barak to force Iran expert Lubrani out Senior officials tell 'Post' that power struggles between Mossad, Defense Ministry lead to decision. '31% of Israelis call Obama pro-Israel'Poll shows that current US administration lags far behind George W. Bush's 88% approval rating. Iran to mass produce long-range missiles Israeli estimates: Teheran to develop 500 missile launchers, 1,000 missiles in next 6 years. After meeting Jordanian king on sidelines of World Economic Forum, president asks "if President Assad really wants peace, why is he shy?" By DAVID HOROVITZ It's not that votes won't be counted on election day in Iran, but that the results will be manipulated. '40.5% of Israeli Arabs deny Holocaust' Study also finds 41% of Arab sector recognizes Israel as Jewish state, down from 65.6% in 2003. 'Obama should push for 2-state solution' PA official tells 'Post' Netanyahu wants to "turn the Palestinian issue into an economic problem." US to Israel: Tone down rhetoric on IranThreats against Teheran could only strengthen Ahmadinejad ahead of elections, officials say. Dispensing with anti-Jewish myths ranks low on the priority list for most European leaders. Yedioth Ahronoth Peres to Assad: Don't be shy Syrian President Assad should not by 'shy,' embark on direct talks with Israel if he truly wants peace, Peres says; president meets with Jordan's King Abdullah, says Israel willing to resume talks with Palestinians immediately Presidential demagoguery Natural growth a foolish excuse used by Peres to justify settlement construction Obama on Iran: All options on table Where is Bibi’s agenda? Daily Alert.org – Hebrew Press Editorials (2008) - Middle East Progress - EJC Israeli Press Review – Google News Israel - Palestine Obama courts Israel with pact against Tehran Times Online Netanyahu may endorse Palestinian state on US trip Hamas says Israel recognition not for discussion Iran, Not Palestine, Tops Israel's agenda - Alon Pinkas, The Times CFR Netanyahu-Obama Meeting: Don't Expect ConfrontationIn a new interview with CFR.org, Martin Indyk, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, says Obama's meetings with Netanyahu likely won't produce open confrontation, as some analysts have predicted. Indyk adds, however, that Netanyahu may have trouble reconciling Obama's calls for a two-state solution with the demands of his political base. WINEP Are Obama and Netanyahu Destined to Clash? Heritage The Obama-Netanyahu Meeting: Finding Common Ground WSJ Obama, Netanyahu to Seek Consensus Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, in their first summit meeting, will seek common ground on Palestinian statehood and Iran's nuclear program. You may not know it, Bibi, but Obama is your real friend Tony Karon : In the name of “friendship” George Bush retrenched the US role of mediating between Israel and its Arab neighbours, instead lining America up squarely behind Israel’s right-wing leaders as they marched determinedly away from the two-state solution envisaged by the Oslo Accords. Official: Israeli PM likely to back two-state plan Palestinian security forces must aspire to serving the state
By Mohammed Najib
Pope's Visit Satisfies Few - Matt Beynon Rees, Global Post
Grading Pope Benedict's Mideast Trip - Jeff Israely, Time
A Flawed Pitch to Netanyahu - Michael Goodwin, New York Daily News Palestinian Reconciliation Talks Resume Israeli official says Syria's Assad insincere on peace Pope Ends Holy Land Tour Pope Benedict assured his followers in the Holy Land that peace is possible, as he ended his Mideast visit with a pilgrimage to the site of Jesus' crucifixion |
| H10 Christian Science Monitor Ahead of summit, Obama and Netanyahu press different agendas When the leaders meet Monday, the US will push for progress toward a Palestinian state, while Israel will ask for a harder line on Iran. Could Taliban get keys to Pakistan's A-bomb? Experts see the Islamic fighters as less of a risk than radical insiders gaining access to nuclear materials. Islamist offensive ruins the West's plan for Somalia Militant Islamists have the moderate government surrounded in Mogadishu. If they took over, it would be a devastating blow to US counter-terrorism and anti-piracy efforts in East Africa. Young Algerians, struggling to find opportunities, look to Europe for a better future President Bouteflika is pledging $150 billion to create jobs. Algerian young people – an estimated 70 percent of whom can't find work – are getting impatient. Pressed on Palestinian state, Netanyahu changes the subject – to Iran Ahead of his Monday meeting with Obama, who supports a two-state solution, the Israeli prime minister wants to make Iran's nuclear ambitions the focus of regional diplomacy. Mideast leaders defend free market at economic forum Despite capitalism's recently damaged reputation, participants at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East this weekend agreed that minimal regulation was key to growth. Why India's ruling party triumphed Despite economic downturn, voters gave the Congress Party a surprisingly strong mandate. Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers admit defeat The militant group's chief of international relations announced Sunday that the war had reached its 'bitter end.' ASIA Indian Voters Reach for Era of Stability A strong showing by India's Congress party gives a decisive mandate to Prime Minister Singh and raises hopes for economic reforms The Times Conquering Congress India’s election has delivered the best result: stability and a strong government Sri Lanka rebels 'call ceasefire' Tamil Tiger rebels holed up in a tiny enclave in northern Sri Lanka have "decided to silence their guns", a rebel spokesman says. UN 'concern' over Sri Lanka Pleas for restraint ignored Q&A: Sri Lanka crisis Challenges ahead for China as it looks to get growth back on trackPolitical reform, energy needs and bridging the wealth gap are among the pressing issues for Beijing New series: China at the crossroads In the first part of our week-long portrait of China, Tania Branigan reports on city workers returning to village life due to economic hardships 5 Challenges Facing India's Victors - Jyoti Thottam, Time Heritage Foundation U.S.-India Relations: Ensuring Indian Prosperity in the Coming Demographic Boom Potential Obama Rival Chosen as China Envoy Washington Post The China Puzzle By DAVID LEONHARDT We need China to buy our government bonds to keep our interest rates down. But that’s just the beginning of the problem. For Pakistanis, what is 'Islamic law'? By Feisal Naqvi Interview: Asif Ali Zardari His country has been named the most dangerous place on earth COMMENT: Chinese support crucial to victory China’s aid to Sri Lanka jumped from a few million dollars in 2005 to almost $1bn, replacing Japan as the biggest foreign donor Tigers’ harsh taming Sri Lanka: As the army closes in on the last redoubt of the Tamil rebels, a 25-year civil war is ending – with aid from Beijing that gives rise to concerns about a ‘string of pearls’ strategy Yasheng Huang: Rural financial stability protected the country in the 1980s, and it is to the countryside that leaders must look again Francis Deng: The standoff might be coming to an end, but a military victory will not be sustainable unless legitimate grievances are addressed, writes the UN special adviser on prevention of genocide Dibyesh Anand: Following its election victory, Congress should work with like-minded parties rather than depend on dynastic charisma Sri Lanka faces 'unimaginable catastrophe' Asia’s longest-running civil war neared its endgame, with up to 50,000 ethnic Tamils pinned in a tiny pocket of land May 17 ANNOUNCEMENT# 96 - The Urdu-Pashtu Media Monitoring Project Progress Comes to India - Slowly - Shashi Tharoor, RealClearWorld
Will Hindu Nationalists Gain in India? - Joseph Loconte, Weekly Standard
Will More Aid Help Af-Pak? - Stephen Kaplitt, Washington Times
Sri Lanka Sees End To Its 26-Year War Sri Lanka's president said Asia's longest-running insurgency had been vanquished, after troops trapped the remnants of the Tamil Tigers and a rebel leader surrendered. Four senior Tamil Tigers 'dead' The Sri Lankan military says four senior Tamil Tigers have been killed as fighting rages in a tiny enclave in the north-east. Midnight in the Century in Pakistan - Bernard-Henri Levy, Politico War may not quash Tamil aspirations | H11 IHT EUROPE European press review Russia and Italy sign gas supply deal Vladimir Putin and Silvio Berlusconi oversee an agreement between Moscow’s Gazprom and Rome’s Eni to double the capacity of the South Stream pipeline, intensifying concerns about the EU’s energy security Russia, Italy to Double Pipeline Capacity Russian and Italian firms agreed to expand the capacity of a new gas pipeline into Europe that will bypass Ukraine, in a challenge to a rival project backed by the U.S. and EU. Heritage Recommendations for the New U.S. Ambassador to NATO A review of The Euro: The Politics of the New Global Currency by David Marsh (and more and more). EU industry emissions fall 3% in 2008 Three per cent fall in GHG emissions was claimed by the European Commission as a victory for environmental policies, but carbon traders were quick to note that the recession also played a part CEPS Annual Conference 2009: "The Quest for European Leadership" The European Union's Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has told the visiting foreign minister of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sven Alkalaj, that the divided country must consolidate its central authorities or risk damaging its chances of one day joining the bloc. He also sought to stamp out criticism that its leadership in Bosnia is either weak or lacking altogether. From Esprit, before we ask the question of a social Europe, a legal solution to the co-existence of social Europes (in the plural) must be attempted. From Social Europe, the dawn of a new era: An article on social democracy after the financial crisis. France is four months ahead of other European countries in its economic recovery plan, according to the minister in charge of the €26bn fiscal stimulus Boost for Nabucco from Iraq gas deal Europe took a surprise step towards reducing its dependence on Russian gas as two of its oil companies agreed to develop a gas field in Kurdistan, Iraq’s semi-autonomous region | H12 RFE/RLIs The Karabakh Peace Process In Jeopardy?
BY LIZ FULLER
Just one week ago, it seemed as though Armenia and Azerbaijan were closer than they had been for years to resolving the Karabakh conflict. Ukraine's economic straits raise worries about radicalism Gains by a far-right party in regional polls and the murder of a Ukrainian nationalist have caused concern. But many caution that radicals hold limited appeal at the national level. Russia signs deals for its 'EU rival' pipeline Russia Still Has Georgia On Its Mind
Investor's Business Daily Gazprom Ready to Buy All Gas From Azeri Nabucco Base
Bloomberg Google News Azerbaijan Georgia may remain without gas even in the presence of Nabucco Who's the Boss in Russia? - Fishman, Mayetnaya & Guseva, Newsweek Rise of Radicalism in Ukraine? - James Marson, Christian Science Monitor
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| Today’s US-Israeli summit is scripted to end happily. Any real differences will be exposed later Alon Pinkas Preparedness is All Swine flu is still out there, spreading sickness and notching up fatalities. There is no case for panic, but every need to remain alert to the danger Conquering Congress India’s election has delivered the best result: stability and a strong government Defeated Tamil Tigers admit 'bitter end'After 26 years of fighting for an ethnic Tamil homeland, and final spate of suicide attacks, Sri Lanka rebels silence their guns NEW: Tamil Tigers warn of mass suicide Pakistan to attack Bin Laden’s lair Pakistan is to extend its war on the Taliban into areas bordering Afghanistan where Osama Bin Laden is believed to be hiding Obama courts Israel with pact against Tehran President Barack Obama hopes to tempt Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli leader, with the prospect of an alliance against a nuclear Iran Cheney is not the best spokesman for Cheney. He has an approval rating of 30% and a disapproval rating of 63% Higher taxes are in our future, as is the inevitable queuing with which patients in Canada and Britain are familiar Wall Street Journal The High Price of Deterring Iran By Emanuele Ottolenghi
Who would stop a nuclear Islamic Republic from swallowing the oil-rich Gulf and fomenting unrest in the Mideast? Netanyahu and Obama Have a Shared Interest in Iran By Reuel Marc Gerecht The success of both men depends on stopping the mullahs from getting the bomb. What's Another $108 Billion? Your latest donation to the IMF. Derivatives and the Wisdom of Crowds INFORMATION AGE
By L. Gordon Crovitz
Smart reform yields more information, not more regulation. Remember those toxic assets? They're mostly still around
By David Ignatius Crash Course The Nobel-winning economist talks about Long-Term Capital Management, why math still helps banks to manage risk and whether he is the intellectual father of the credit-default swap. | H14 Financial Times Middle East test of Obama’s resolve Every serious peace plan is premised on Israel returning to its pre-1967 frontiers and a Palestinian state on the remaining 22 per cent of colonial Palestine. Now is the time to get the deal done Indian voters show the way forward The victory for the Congress party reveals Indian democracy’s ability to push back against caste-based populism; sectarian Hindu revivalism; and regional parties who hold the national interest hostage History lessons to shape US-Israel summit As Benjamin Netanyahu heads to the White House for his first meeting with Barack Obama, both leaders must be hoping that history is not about to repeat itself Sound and fury in the world economy Economies are behaving unpredictably and will continue to do so. The instability is both cause and consequence of the great uncertainty that has been spreading out from the financial markets America requires a dose of healthcare reality Breaking the link between employers and health insurance would make excellent sense. Unfortunately voters do not believe it and nor do politicians of either party, writes Clive Crook Tigers’ harsh taming Sri Lanka: As the army closes in on the last redoubt of the Tamil rebels, a 25-year civil war is ending – with aid from Beijing that gives rise to concerns about a ‘string of pearls’ strategy Kuwaiti women win parliament seats for first time Women have won four seats in Kuwait’s parliament following Saturday’s election, the first to do so in the Gulf Arab state’s history in what will be a blow to the Islamists - Global Insight: Realism for the road ahead At the meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, self-congratulation was replaced by genuine debate on the crisis, and on possible ways out US poised for finance regulation shake-up Congress will next month start the biggest regulatory overhaul of the US financial system in decades, bringing into the open a frantic lobbying effort between banks, regulators and policymakers on what it contains and who pays for it US urgency eases on key pillar of reform If there is another lurch downwards in the economy after weeks of relative calm, it appears policymakers will again have to react “on the fly” rather than turn to new regulatory tools Obama names Republican governor as envoy to China S President Barack Obama named the Republican governor of Utah to be the next US ambassador to China, a pivotal post in relations between the United States and a major emerging economic power Sarkozy’s war on virtual piracy France is right to regulate the internet, says Christopher Caldwell How second-rate politicians brought Westminster low hat has been truly shocking about the MPs’ expenses row has been the ‘littleness’ of it all. This is the scandal at the heart of British politics, writes Matthew Engel - | H15 Los Angeles Times President Obama's first test on Middle East peace A much anticipated meeting with Israel's new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu takes place Monday at the White House. Will the president try to push for a quick solution or take a gradual approach? Afghan civilian deaths: Who is to blame? Commanders and villagers give conflicting accounts of the attack that Afghan officials say killed 140 civilians, a toll disputed by the U.S. But injured girls make clear the costs for two families. Tamil Tigers admit defeat at hands of Sri Lankan military The beaten and battered rebel group, reportedly trapped in a 300-square-yard area, has offered to lay down arms. The military, however, says the force continues to attack Somaliland strives to stand out in troubled region The breakaway republic hopes to become Africa's newest state, wooing international support with state-of-the-art elections. But it faces the corruption, injustice and tensions endemic to the region India's Congress Party wins strong support in national elections Prime Minister Manmohan Singh calls it a 'massive mandate.' State television says the Congress alliance is likely to win about 261 seats in parliament, just short of the 272 needed for a majority. Obama picks GOP's Jon Huntsman as ambassador to China The Utah governor's nomination for the ambassadorship is a surprise but is met with praise from Republicans and Democrats Violence across northern Pakistan Eleven people are killed in two bomb blasts in Peshawar; 29 villagers are reported killed in suspected drone attacks in North Waziristan; and 49 Taliban militants are slain by troops in Swat. Iran president's denial of Holocaust becomes campaign issue A reformist challenger says President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's stance has isolated Iran internationally. EditorialThe 'war on drugs' is over The Obama administration is moving toward demilitarizing a health problem. The psychology behind boom and bust Doyle McManus Dramatic physical reactions to making and losing money help fuel our economy's.. By Michelle Goldberg The answer to too many people in some places and too few in others is to allow... The Old World is becoming new, even as America -- at last -- is getting a little older. |
| H16 American Politics The Calm Before the Storm By PETER BAKERPresident Obama and Congress have thus far avoided direct conflict. It’s just a matter of time before a showdown comes. The GOP's Paranoid Foreign Policy Newsweek Midnight in the Century in Pakistan - Bernard-Henri Levy, Politico Government Money Is a Toxic Asset - David Ignatius, Washington Post
Obama Can’t Turn the Page on Bush - Frank Rich, New York Times
Obama Avoids the Crocodile - Pat Buchanan, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Why Keynes Was Wrong - Benn Steil, Forbes
Notes Toward a Theory of Obama
What we've learned so far about the president. Jacob Weisberg realclearpolitics memeorandum Daily Beast Cheat Sheet Politico ABC’s The Note – MSNBC FirstRead – Time ThePage Politico Playbook PoliticsHome fivethirtyeight US News Political Bulletin Conservatives Plan to Question Obama's Supreme Court Pick on Gay Marriage Same-Sex Unions Supplant Abortion As Social Priority for Conservatives The Next Crisis Is On The Way - Clive Crook, National Journal · Even with Obama in charge, anti-war Democrats powerless If we really want to fix inequality, it's time for a new approach (By Richard Thompson Ford, Boston Globe) Some on left souring on Obama
Once Upon a Time in 2002 - Victor Davis Hanson, Washington Times
Anti-War Voices Lose Influence - Salena Zito, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Legalize and Tax Every Vice - Nick Gillespie, New York Times
| H17 Daily Telegraph Suffering in Sri Lanka Telegraph View The defeat of the Tamil Tigers will bring a terrible episode in Sri Lanka to a close. What's Really Wrong with Britain - Iain Martin, Daily Telegraph | H18 Independent Leading article: Afghanistan is a worthwhile mission Patrick Cockburn: These killings will only strengthen the Taliban Rupert Cornwell: Not a U-turn, he's just making the best of a bad job Robert Fisk’s World: The West awaits the return of friendly 'democrats' to Lebanon The bitter end Sri Lanka claims it has defeated the Tamil Tigers, but the tide of refugees leaves a legacy of hate. Dead or alive? Fate of feared Tamil leader remains a mystery Nirmala Rajasingam: Sri Lanka's silenced dissenters still speak volumes Leading article: The war may be ending, but the struggle will go on Two in five shun three main parties After 10 days of headlines that have devastated Parliament, The IoS reveals the strength of the public revolt |
| H19 Military Intelligence Terrorism Defeated Tamil Tigers admit 'bitter end'After 26 years of fighting for an ethnic Tamil homeland, and final spate of suicide attacks, Sri Lanka rebels silence their guns NEW: Tamil Tigers warn of mass suicide No Food for Thought: The Way of the Warrior The new leader of American forces in Afghanistan exemplifies an old military ideal: the notion that soldiers should live austere, even ascetic lives. An uplifting account of how Special Forces soldiers joined with mounted local militias to defeat the Taliban in 2001 Obama's Dangerous Debt - Robert Samuelson, Newsweek
Bob Gates, America's Secretary Of War - Katie Couric, 60 Minutes
The State of Surveillance BOOKSHELF By Jacob Sullum ritain is one of the most watched societies in the world—from cameras to communications. Can it happen here? EditorialThe 'war on drugs' is over The Obama administration is moving toward demilitarizing a health problem. Study Urges Using Neuroscience to Improve U.S. Soldiers' Performance Shootings at Iraq Stress Clinic Highlight Mental Health Challenges for Military As Repeated Deployments Take Toll, Army Expands Prevention, Treatment Efforts Operation Snakebite An investigative reporter recounts the recapture of an Afghan town by British troops, providing a voice of doubt, criticism and anger for an army trying to make sense of the war | H20 Slate Notes Toward a Theory of Obama What we've learned so far about the president. Jacob Weisberg Tacking global warming is proving a low-priority problem By Bjorn Lomborg Poor Nations Face Flu Vaccine Lockout A scramble among wealthy countries to guard against a flu pandemic has raised concerns about how poorer nations will cope. | H21 The Elite Gather in Greece The Bilderberg Group is meeting in Greece for a secretive annual rendezvous of top politicians and business leaders. WSJ Clarity Is Missing Link in Supply Chain The world's complex "just in time" manufacturing supply chains are making it tough for any single link in the chain to know what's going on just a few links away. Online content: As media owners find ad revenue alone will not sustain their businesses, they face a battle to convince freeloading consumers to pay Laws That Could Save Journalism
By Bruce Sanford and Bruce Brown
Washington Post, The authors contend that the newspaper industry should be bailed out legally by Congress. They suggest a few new laws that force websites to negotiate with copyright holders over the value of their content, federalize the "hot news" doctrine, eliminate ownership restrictions, use tax policy to promote the press, and grant an antitrust exemption. Link to full text in primary source. Angry students expose worst-taught degrees Cuts in teaching hours and growing class sizes have created a new mood of militancy with protests spreading to campuses Why Democracies Need an Unlovable Press A study of the US fourth estate’s ability to create trouble for the establishment comes as the UK press is doing the same, writes John Lloyd A philosopher once asked, “What’s it like to be a bat?” – now a staple of Phil 101 courses. But how about: “What’s it like to be a baby?”... more» Atheists: No God, no reason, just whining By Charlotte Allen Superstar atheists are motivated by anger -- and boohoo victimhood Doyle McManus Dramatic physical reactions to making and losing money help fuel our economy's.. Norway storms to Eurovision win Andrew Lloyd Webber’s attempt to win back the song title for Britain was defeated by a runaway victory for a Norwegian singer Tenacity and trophies Editorial:Sir Alex Ferguson may not seem an iconic figure, but his career demonstrates the value of having a long-term vision in an ephemeral world An Edible History of Humanity Exploring the roots of civilisation, the author argues that the crops and animals we now eat are the product of genetic engineering and displacement over thousands of years The Future of the News Industry Jon Meacham » A New Magazine for a Changing World Steal This Book (for $9.99) Welcome to the latest dust-up in publishing: How much should an e-book cost? The secret behind good leadership Harvard professor Ronald Heifetz argues that anyone can be taught to mobilise the community and adapt to meet challenges. Dinner with the FT: Sir Tom Stoppard. With a revival of 'Arcadia' and a new version of 'The Cherry Orchard', the playwright does not seem to be thinking of slowing down, and is beginning to feel delinquent about his next piece America’s phobia of banks Andrew Jackson was the sworn enemy of paper currency, writes Simon Schama 'The Third Reich at War' By RICHARD J. EVANS
Reviewed by WALTER REICH This riveting final volume to Richard J. Evans’s magisterial trilogy illuminates the endless human capacity for evil and self-justification. Red alert Three authors remind us that there is still mileage in the theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
The Rise and Fall of Communism
The Frock-Coated Communist
Marx A half-century ago, the researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson brought sex into the laboratory. Should we get the doctor out of the bedroom? It is 30 years since the Sony Walkman first appeared – and half of the populace became deaf to the existence of the other half. A.N. Wilson finds nothing to celebrate... more» Maureen Dowd Admits Inadvertently Lifting Line From TPM's Josh Marshall |
and I’ll send you the details. 
