COMMENTARIES, OPINIONS, AND EDITORIALS
Fortress China Raises the Drawbridge -- David Kelly, The Australian
When China Rules the World -- Charlie Gillis, Maclean's
China's Too Incompetent For World Leadership -- John Lee, Foreign Policy
The Myth of China's Homogeneity -- Brahma Chellaney, Japan Times
What We Need to Know About Russia -- Richard Pipes, Moscow Times
Israel's Secret Peace Deal -- Aluf Benn, Haaretz
Damning Pictures of Gaza Campaign -- Christoph Schult, Der Spiegel
Al-Qaeda's Resurgence in Yemen -- Gregory Johnsen, Washington Institute
The West Must Isolate Iran -- Raymond Tanter, Middle East Strategy
Should Obama Talk to Ahmadinejad? -- Reza Aslan, Christ. Science Monitor
Tehran Holds Truth Hostage -- Jacki Lyden & Azar Nafisi, Globe and Mail
Ahmadinejad's Second Term -- Abbas Milani, The New Republic
Can Europe Can Make Peace in the Middle East? -- Rami Khouri, Daily Sta
Lessons from North Korea's Playbook -- Kim Myong Chol, Asia Times
Full Version: Foreign Policy Commentary
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Foreign Policy and National Defense > Foreign Policy & National Defense Issues Archive
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
THE ROVING EYEKashmir: Ground zero of global jihad
The jihad waged by Pakistani militants in divided Kashmir and the Taliban-backed jihad in Afghanistan against foreign troops have always been two sides of the same coin. The Taliban have established roots in Pakistan's Swat Valley, which lies between the borders of Afghanistan and Kashmir. If they become entrenched, Jihad International Inc will have a vital corridor linking these areas. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 16,'09)
China stalls on the AfPak road
The few terror attacks or attempted plots China has experienced are only a minute sample of what will hit the Asian giant if United States efforts collapse in Afghanistan and Pakistan's government crumbles under the Taliban. This calls for a redesign of Beijing's platform in the AfPak struggle. - Walid Phares (Jul 16,'09)
The empress, the eunuch and $4 billion
Whether one views it as a spiritual saga of love and loyalty or a wholly material struggle of greed and gall, the court drama playing out in Hong Kong has a very lucrative prize - more than US$4 billion. This is the estate a geomancer claims was willed to him by his "empress". The rival claimant dismisses this as the fanciful talk of a eunuch. - Kent Ewing (Jul 16,'09)
War of words for Cambodia, Thailand
Thailand and Cambodia remain entrenched in a military standoff over the ancient Preah Vihear temple, despite a recent flurry of bilateral diplomatic overtures. Sources say the Thais have doubled their troop level to 4,000, while there are claims Cambodia has added six tanks to its 9,000 soldiers in the area. Mind games aside, more conflict is likely in the cards. - Stephen Kurczy (Jul 16,'09)
Clinton sends warning to Iran
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's speech preceding her departure on Friday for a five-day trip to India and Thailand spelled out the State Department's role in US foreign policy - a role that has been overshadowed by President Barack Obama. Clinton stressed "smart power", took swipes at former president George W Bush and told Tehran the "time for action is now". - Jim Lobe (Jul 16,'09)
US diplomacy leaves Kurds adrift
A series of events and statements strongly indicates possible behind-the-scenes diplomacy by United States Vice President Joe Biden led to the indefinite postponement of a referendum on Iraqi Kurdistan's draft constitution. The delay of the controversial charter comes as Biden takes charge of Washington's Iraq policy amid desperate calls for national reconciliation. (Jul 16,'09)
Beijing can't bury the Xinjiang story
Taking a cue from protests in Iran, where new media tools ensured the story was broadcast to the world, Beijing was eager to put its own version of the July 5 riots in Xinjiang out as quickly as possible. This is symbolic of profound changes taking shape in China's fast-developing society - a trend the communist mandarins can no longer fully control. (Jul 16,'09)
Time to Rethink Afghan Strategy by Patrick Seale
Western policy has served to merge Taliban, Pashtun and al-Qaeda into a single enemy. Instead of making the world safer, the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan seem in danger of creating still more enemies for the West.
more...
The Courage of Natalya Estemirova by Katrina vanden Heuvel (The Nation)
We honor the courage of Natalya Estemirova. She was a tenacious opponent of rights abuses and a powerful voice for justice in her country.
more...
A Magnificent Arab Woman and a Lost Arab World by Nadia Hijab
Wadad Makdisi Cortas (1909-1979) was a brilliant, teacher and leader, and a keen observer of a world in rapid transition. Her memoirs reveal a lost Middle East: a world of a kind of wholeness that shattered throughout the passage of her life..
more...
The Right Strikes Back! by Immanuel Wallerstein
The left came to power in Latin America because of U.S. distraction and good economic times. Now it faces continued distraction but bad economic times. And now the right in Latin America -- by coup or vote -- will come back to power.
more...
European Hardball by Rami G. Khouri
An important but now vacant diplomatic space needs to be filled in Middle East facilitation. The European Union can fill that space with the right policies and with the right approach. Here are three suggestions for the EU.
more...
Israel’s Obsession with Iran’s Nuclear Programme by Patrick Seale
What is really at stake: Israel wants no restraint on its freedom to attack its neighbours at will. It is doubtful, for example, that Israel would have attacked Lebanon in 2006 or Gaza in 2008-9, if Iran had had a nuclear capability.
more...
Human Connections on a Chicago Bus by Rami G. Khouri
The conversation and gestures of appreciation and acknowledgment lasted no more than 10 seconds. But packed into that moment was a whole universe of human connectedness and warmth, immense dignity and professionalism.
more...
Western policy has served to merge Taliban, Pashtun and al-Qaeda into a single enemy. Instead of making the world safer, the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan seem in danger of creating still more enemies for the West.
more...
The Courage of Natalya Estemirova by Katrina vanden Heuvel (The Nation)
We honor the courage of Natalya Estemirova. She was a tenacious opponent of rights abuses and a powerful voice for justice in her country.
more...
A Magnificent Arab Woman and a Lost Arab World by Nadia Hijab
Wadad Makdisi Cortas (1909-1979) was a brilliant, teacher and leader, and a keen observer of a world in rapid transition. Her memoirs reveal a lost Middle East: a world of a kind of wholeness that shattered throughout the passage of her life..
more...
The Right Strikes Back! by Immanuel Wallerstein
The left came to power in Latin America because of U.S. distraction and good economic times. Now it faces continued distraction but bad economic times. And now the right in Latin America -- by coup or vote -- will come back to power.
more...
European Hardball by Rami G. Khouri
An important but now vacant diplomatic space needs to be filled in Middle East facilitation. The European Union can fill that space with the right policies and with the right approach. Here are three suggestions for the EU.
more...
Israel’s Obsession with Iran’s Nuclear Programme by Patrick Seale
What is really at stake: Israel wants no restraint on its freedom to attack its neighbours at will. It is doubtful, for example, that Israel would have attacked Lebanon in 2006 or Gaza in 2008-9, if Iran had had a nuclear capability.
more...
Human Connections on a Chicago Bus by Rami G. Khouri
The conversation and gestures of appreciation and acknowledgment lasted no more than 10 seconds. But packed into that moment was a whole universe of human connectedness and warmth, immense dignity and professionalism.
more...
Indonesia wakes up to terrorSuicide bombings at two luxury hotels in Jakarta on Friday morning spoiled a triumphant moment for Indonesia. After veering toward chaos a decade ago, the archipelago had witnessed a four-year lull in terror attacks en route to becoming the world's third-largest democracy. The new attacks underscore President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's shortcomings in the fight against homegrown terrorism. - Gary LaMoshi (Jul 17,'09)
Pakistan wields a double-edged sword
Refugees are slowly trickling back to their homes in the Pakistani tribal areas after several months of military operations against Taliban militants. Islamabad touts this as proof that its heavy hand is doing the job. The reverse is closer to the truth, as the bullets and bombs are turning previously sympathetic tribal leaders into resolute opponents of the army. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 17,'09)
Lies and illusions in Afghanistan
The heart of Kabul is now hidden behind grey sandbags protecting men out of their depth, projecting also their fears. A new documentary film shows how hard it is to recognize an enemy or help a friend in Afghanistan, where citizens fear to tell the truth and Americans can't bear to look it in the face. - Ann Jones (Jul 17,'09)
Washington funds its Uyghur 'friends'
If the United States is not openly on the side of the Uyghurs, there are plenty of signs of substantive support. One that's getting notice in Washington and Beijing is the role of the National Endowment for Democracy, a non-governmental organization that dispenses money from the US Congress - including US$200,000 a year to the World Uyghur Congress, blamed for triggering the July 5 riots. - Donald Kirk (Jul 17,'09)
India plays catch-up in the great game
To the United States, Central Asia is a region of crisis, whereas to China it is a region of opportunity to realize its political, strategic and economic aspirations. If India is to catch up in this region, where it has for years been known for its "masterly inactivity", it needs to come to a mutual understanding with China. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 17,'09)
Think-tanks with Chinese characteristics
Many believe that modern think-tanks were born in the United States, but China has a partnership between intellectuals and policymakers that dates to ancient dynasties. As China's era of technocrats winds down, a weighted emphasis on the social sciences has returned and leadership positions are increasingly going to those trained in politics, economics and law. - Erdong Chen (Jul 17,'09)
BOOK REVIEW
Outplaying your partner
Poorly Made in China by Paul Midler
Lead paint in toys and melamine in baby milk formula are not surprises to the author but predictable outcomes from a manufacturing culture in China that takes customers for granted and assumes no responsibility for its outputs. This expose is a cautionary tale that strikes at the very heart of United States diplomacy with China. It is a fascinating, funny and important book. - Muhammad Cohen (Jul 17,'09)
Obama's Foreign Policy Report Card - David Ignatius, Washington Post
Labour's Unending Love Triangle - Martin Ivens, Sunday Times
A Way Forward in Africa - Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek
How the Jakarta Bombers Did It - Hannah Beech, Time
Will the U.S.-Japan Alliance Survive? - Joseph Nye, RealClearWorld
Britain's Two-Party Reign Is Ending - Andrew Rawnsley, The Observer
One Iranian Cleric Seeks Mantle of Khomeini - Elaine Sciolino, NY Times
Honduras 'Coup' a Loss for Chavez - Christopher Caldwell, Weekly Standard
The Curious Case of Hillary Clinton - Rupert Cornwell, The Independent
Was Hillary Sensible, or Just Deceitful? - Rami Khouri, Daily Star
Iran Says No to Compromise - Amir Taheri, New York Post
Europe Must Reaffirm Its Space Ambitions - Louis Gallois, Der Spiegel
India Just Now Playing the Great Game - M K Bhadrakumar, Asia Times
How the U.S. Oversimplifies Global Conflict - Tony Karon, The National
Canada's Anti-American Reflex - Robert Fulford, National Post
Labour's Unending Love Triangle - Martin Ivens, Sunday Times
A Way Forward in Africa - Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek
How the Jakarta Bombers Did It - Hannah Beech, Time
Will the U.S.-Japan Alliance Survive? - Joseph Nye, RealClearWorld
Britain's Two-Party Reign Is Ending - Andrew Rawnsley, The Observer
One Iranian Cleric Seeks Mantle of Khomeini - Elaine Sciolino, NY Times
Honduras 'Coup' a Loss for Chavez - Christopher Caldwell, Weekly Standard
The Curious Case of Hillary Clinton - Rupert Cornwell, The Independent
Was Hillary Sensible, or Just Deceitful? - Rami Khouri, Daily Star
Iran Says No to Compromise - Amir Taheri, New York Post
Europe Must Reaffirm Its Space Ambitions - Louis Gallois, Der Spiegel
India Just Now Playing the Great Game - M K Bhadrakumar, Asia Times
How the U.S. Oversimplifies Global Conflict - Tony Karon, The National
Canada's Anti-American Reflex - Robert Fulford, National Post
Terrorists Target Indonesia's Moderate Muslims - Washington Times
Iran's Leadership Crisis Helps No One - The National
How the U.S. Can Lead in Europe - Washington Post
Troops Are More Important Than Labour - Daily Telegraph
Iran's Leadership Crisis Helps No One - The National
How the U.S. Can Lead in Europe - Washington Post
Troops Are More Important Than Labour - Daily Telegraph
Clinton delivers unwanted tidings to New Delhi
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's first high-level visit to India - which started in Mumbai on Friday - brought with it startling tidings. Indians are dismayed to learn the Obama administration's priorities now lie elsewhere. Clinton - though upbeat - made it clear the US-India relationship is a bit like a marriage, where one partner simply needs some space. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 20, '09)
Ahmadinejad rings the changes
Shaking up his cabinet despite the objections of hardliners and clearly less bellicose in his speeches, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's new term is shaping up as more moderate than his previous four years. Although likely to be welcomed by reformists and the West, the new path may prove to be a survival strategy. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 20, '09)
Conflicts in China's North Korea policy
China's indifference to United Nations efforts to block North Korean arms shipments flies in the face of world opinion and could doom the plan. Beijing has clear motives: a reunified Korea might recognize United States supremacy in the region, and if North Korean refugees flood into China, it could spark more ethnic separatism. - Cynthia Lee (Jul 20, '09)
Nepal's king reflects beyond the throne
Nepal's deteriorating law-and-order situation and political uncertainty have many doubting the country’s peace process will be completed anytime soon. Looking on from the sidelines is former king Gyanendra, who points out the people have got what they voted for. As for reports he is becoming more "ambitious", he does not rule out making himself available should his services be required for national unity. - Dhruba Adhikary (Jul 20, '09)
Middle East Christians hit the road
Recent attacks on six Iraq churches highlight the plight faced by Christians in the Middle East. Their populations, even in strongholds like Bethlehem, are steadily decreasing as they head for the West. At the same time, the exodus is leading to increases in foreign remittances to the region. - Stephen Starr (Jul 20, '09)
COMMENT
Vietnam failing rights standard
Vietnam has made significant economic progress in the past decade, partly due to renewed trade ties with former adversary the United States, but in other areas it lags. After the prominent imprisonment of a priest and attorney over criticism of the government, some voices in Washington say the country should be put back on the US's human-rights blacklist. - Maran Turner (Jul 20, '09)
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's first high-level visit to India - which started in Mumbai on Friday - brought with it startling tidings. Indians are dismayed to learn the Obama administration's priorities now lie elsewhere. Clinton - though upbeat - made it clear the US-India relationship is a bit like a marriage, where one partner simply needs some space. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 20, '09)
Ahmadinejad rings the changes
Shaking up his cabinet despite the objections of hardliners and clearly less bellicose in his speeches, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's new term is shaping up as more moderate than his previous four years. Although likely to be welcomed by reformists and the West, the new path may prove to be a survival strategy. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 20, '09)
Conflicts in China's North Korea policy
China's indifference to United Nations efforts to block North Korean arms shipments flies in the face of world opinion and could doom the plan. Beijing has clear motives: a reunified Korea might recognize United States supremacy in the region, and if North Korean refugees flood into China, it could spark more ethnic separatism. - Cynthia Lee (Jul 20, '09)
Nepal's king reflects beyond the throne
Nepal's deteriorating law-and-order situation and political uncertainty have many doubting the country’s peace process will be completed anytime soon. Looking on from the sidelines is former king Gyanendra, who points out the people have got what they voted for. As for reports he is becoming more "ambitious", he does not rule out making himself available should his services be required for national unity. - Dhruba Adhikary (Jul 20, '09)
Middle East Christians hit the road
Recent attacks on six Iraq churches highlight the plight faced by Christians in the Middle East. Their populations, even in strongholds like Bethlehem, are steadily decreasing as they head for the West. At the same time, the exodus is leading to increases in foreign remittances to the region. - Stephen Starr (Jul 20, '09)
COMMENT
Vietnam failing rights standard
Vietnam has made significant economic progress in the past decade, partly due to renewed trade ties with former adversary the United States, but in other areas it lags. After the prominent imprisonment of a priest and attorney over criticism of the government, some voices in Washington say the country should be put back on the US's human-rights blacklist. - Maran Turner (Jul 20, '09)
Russia, China numbers missing
The recent visit by China's President Hu Jintao to Russia aimed at deepening the two countries' strategic partnership and developing energy cooperation. But the sums do not quite add up. - Sergei Blagov
Asia's rise far from inevitable
Conventional wisdom has it that the global economic crisis is accelerating the transfer of power and influence from the West to Asia, yet in reality there are few signs of the vaunted "decoupling". The real gainers will be those countries that adopt a new production mindset. - Brad Glosserman
CHAN AKYA
Goldman's
Atlas shrug
No sooner does a Wall Street firm announce bumper earnings than all the communists squirm out of the woodwork to criticize it for "profiteering", whatever that means. It is very much the job of capitalists to make money off the idiocy of communists and socialists, and given the rich pickings across the world, more are likely to follow Goldman Sachs principles than those of communists in government.
CREDIT BUBBLE BULLETIN
Asia reflation moves
to the wild side
Asian reflation is poised to take on a wild life of its own, forcing policymakers at some point to accept that dollar flows are destabilizing and unmanageable. China, in particular, faces an intensifying predicament, with a rejuvenated boom that will prove impervious to central bank tinkering and an ever-increasing accumulation of IOUs of deteriorating quality.
The recent visit by China's President Hu Jintao to Russia aimed at deepening the two countries' strategic partnership and developing energy cooperation. But the sums do not quite add up. - Sergei Blagov
Asia's rise far from inevitable
Conventional wisdom has it that the global economic crisis is accelerating the transfer of power and influence from the West to Asia, yet in reality there are few signs of the vaunted "decoupling". The real gainers will be those countries that adopt a new production mindset. - Brad Glosserman
CHAN AKYA Goldman's
Atlas shrug
No sooner does a Wall Street firm announce bumper earnings than all the communists squirm out of the woodwork to criticize it for "profiteering", whatever that means. It is very much the job of capitalists to make money off the idiocy of communists and socialists, and given the rich pickings across the world, more are likely to follow Goldman Sachs principles than those of communists in government.
CREDIT BUBBLE BULLETIN
Asia reflation moves
to the wild side
Asian reflation is poised to take on a wild life of its own, forcing policymakers at some point to accept that dollar flows are destabilizing and unmanageable. China, in particular, faces an intensifying predicament, with a rejuvenated boom that will prove impervious to central bank tinkering and an ever-increasing accumulation of IOUs of deteriorating quality.
How Obama is Losing Britain - Richard Heller, Daily Beast
China's Blueprint for the World - Thomas P. M. Barnett, WPR
America's Left Turn in Honduras - Mary O'Grady, Wall Street Journal
Will Obama Pay For Selling Out Israel? - Jonathan Tobin, Jerusalem Post
What Does it Mean to Engage the Middle East? - Jon Alterman, CSIS
The War for Afghan Hearts & Minds - Greg Mills, Mail and Guardian
The British Sour on Afghanistan - Michael Glackin, Daily Star
10 Commandments of U.S. Foreign Policy - Stephen Walt, Foreign Policy
Obama's Bad Timing in the Middle East - H.D.S. Greenway, IHT
Why China Foils U.S. Efforts on North Korea - Cynthia Lee, Asia Times
China's Blueprint for the World - Thomas P. M. Barnett, WPR
America's Left Turn in Honduras - Mary O'Grady, Wall Street Journal
Will Obama Pay For Selling Out Israel? - Jonathan Tobin, Jerusalem Post
What Does it Mean to Engage the Middle East? - Jon Alterman, CSIS
The War for Afghan Hearts & Minds - Greg Mills, Mail and Guardian
The British Sour on Afghanistan - Michael Glackin, Daily Star
10 Commandments of U.S. Foreign Policy - Stephen Walt, Foreign Policy
Obama's Bad Timing in the Middle East - H.D.S. Greenway, IHT
Why China Foils U.S. Efforts on North Korea - Cynthia Lee, Asia Times
A Settlement Freeze Hurts Palestinians - Elliott Abrams, National Review
Time to Leave Afghanistan? Not Yet - Thomas Friedman, New York Times
Like It or Not, China Isn't Going Away - Tom Plate, Japan Times
Why No More Suicide Bombers? - Christopher Hitchens, The Australian
The World's Duty to Somalia - Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, Washington Post
North Korea's First Family - Evan Thomas & Suzanne Smalley, Newsweek
Blair and Barroso: Europe's Team from Hell - Wolfgang Munchau, FT
The Billionaire Who Wants to Change Russia - Peter Savodnik, Time
Peter Mandelson's Path to Prime Minister - William Rees-Mogg, The Times
Taking Aim at Pyongyang's Palace Economy - Sung-Yoon Lee, FEER
Why Does the West Knock South Africa? - Themba Maseko, The Guardian
Kevin Rudd's China Challenge - Michael Danby, Wall Street Journal
The Rise of Radicalism in Central Asia - M.K. Bhadrakumar, The Hindu
Solving Argentina's Dirty War Mysteries - Anil Mundra, Global Post
Time to Create a World Nuclear Bank - Mohamed ElBaradei, Globe and Mail
Time to Leave Afghanistan? Not Yet - Thomas Friedman, New York Times
Like It or Not, China Isn't Going Away - Tom Plate, Japan Times
Why No More Suicide Bombers? - Christopher Hitchens, The Australian
The World's Duty to Somalia - Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, Washington Post
North Korea's First Family - Evan Thomas & Suzanne Smalley, Newsweek
Blair and Barroso: Europe's Team from Hell - Wolfgang Munchau, FT
The Billionaire Who Wants to Change Russia - Peter Savodnik, Time
Peter Mandelson's Path to Prime Minister - William Rees-Mogg, The Times
Taking Aim at Pyongyang's Palace Economy - Sung-Yoon Lee, FEER
Why Does the West Knock South Africa? - Themba Maseko, The Guardian
Kevin Rudd's China Challenge - Michael Danby, Wall Street Journal
The Rise of Radicalism in Central Asia - M.K. Bhadrakumar, The Hindu
Solving Argentina's Dirty War Mysteries - Anil Mundra, Global Post
Time to Create a World Nuclear Bank - Mohamed ElBaradei, Globe and Mail
Why No More Suicide Bombers?
- Christopher Hitchens, The Australian
A Settlement Freeze Hurts Palestinians
- Elliott Abrams, National Review
Obama's Foreign Policy Report Card
- David Ignatius, Washington Post
North Korea's First Family
- Evan Thomas & Suzanne Smalley, Newsweek
Last 7 Days
China: An Empire in Denial
- Gideon Rachman, Financial Times
China's Too Incompetent For World Leadership
- John Lee, Foreign Policy
Obama Is No Friend of Israel
- David Rothkopf, Foreign Policy
- Christopher Hitchens, The Australian
A Settlement Freeze Hurts Palestinians
- Elliott Abrams, National Review
Obama's Foreign Policy Report Card
- David Ignatius, Washington Post
North Korea's First Family
- Evan Thomas & Suzanne Smalley, Newsweek
Last 7 Days
China: An Empire in Denial
- Gideon Rachman, Financial Times
China's Too Incompetent For World Leadership
- John Lee, Foreign Policy
Obama Is No Friend of Israel
- David Rothkopf, Foreign Policy
COMMENTARIES, OPINIONS, AND EDITORIALS
The War for Afghan Hearts & Minds -- Greg Mills, Mail and Guardian
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-07-20-a-b...earts-and-minds
The British Sour on Afghanistan -- Michael Glackin, Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?ed...ticle_id=104373
Time to Leave Afghanistan? Not Yet -- Thomas Friedman, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/opinion/...edman.html?_r=1
Obama Escalates Afghanistan Quagmire -- Patrick Krey, New American
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/us...ign-policy/1450
10 Commandments of U.S. Foreign Policy -- Stephen Walt, Foreign Policy
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/0...us_policy_wonks
Clinton's Blueprint for the World -- Thomas P. M. Barnett, WPR
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/Article.aspx?id=4091
Indonesia Is a Model Muslim Democracy -- Paul Wolfowitz, Wall Street Journal opinion
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124779665773055715.html
How to Achieve a Lasting Peace -- Ehud Olmert, Washington Post opinion
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9071603584.html
Arabs Need to Talk to the Israelis -- Shaikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, Washington Post opinion
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9071602737.html
The Rise of Radicalism in Central Asia - M.K. Bhadrakumar, The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/20/stories...72055470800.htm
Kevin Rudd's China Challenge - Michael Danby, Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124802973178862981.html
Like It or Not, China Isn't Going Away -- Tom Plate, Japan Times
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20090719tp.html
Why China Foils U.S. Efforts on North Korea -- Cynthia Lee, Asia Times
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/KG22Ad01.html
Taking Aim at Pyongyang's Palace Economy -- Sung-Yoon Lee, FEER
http://www.feer.com/international-relation...-Palace-Economy
A Charade in Chechnya -- Los Angeles Times editorial
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...0,3160839.story
The Billionaire Who Wants to Change Russia -- Peter Savodnik, Time
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/...1910604,00.html
The War for Afghan Hearts & Minds -- Greg Mills, Mail and Guardian
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-07-20-a-b...earts-and-minds
The British Sour on Afghanistan -- Michael Glackin, Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?ed...ticle_id=104373
Time to Leave Afghanistan? Not Yet -- Thomas Friedman, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/opinion/...edman.html?_r=1
Obama Escalates Afghanistan Quagmire -- Patrick Krey, New American
http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/us...ign-policy/1450
10 Commandments of U.S. Foreign Policy -- Stephen Walt, Foreign Policy
http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/0...us_policy_wonks
Clinton's Blueprint for the World -- Thomas P. M. Barnett, WPR
http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/Article.aspx?id=4091
Indonesia Is a Model Muslim Democracy -- Paul Wolfowitz, Wall Street Journal opinion
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124779665773055715.html
How to Achieve a Lasting Peace -- Ehud Olmert, Washington Post opinion
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9071603584.html
Arabs Need to Talk to the Israelis -- Shaikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, Washington Post opinion
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9071602737.html
The Rise of Radicalism in Central Asia - M.K. Bhadrakumar, The Hindu
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/20/stories...72055470800.htm
Kevin Rudd's China Challenge - Michael Danby, Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124802973178862981.html
Like It or Not, China Isn't Going Away -- Tom Plate, Japan Times
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20090719tp.html
Why China Foils U.S. Efforts on North Korea -- Cynthia Lee, Asia Times
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/KG22Ad01.html
Taking Aim at Pyongyang's Palace Economy -- Sung-Yoon Lee, FEER
http://www.feer.com/international-relation...-Palace-Economy
A Charade in Chechnya -- Los Angeles Times editorial
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...0,3160839.story
The Billionaire Who Wants to Change Russia -- Peter Savodnik, Time
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/...1910604,00.html
Jihadi confession rocks India, Pakistan
The decision by a Pakistani militant to plead guilty to his part in the terror attack on the Indian city of Mumbai last November - after insisting in court for 65 days that he was innocent - has stunning implications. Not only has Mohammad Ajmal Amir "Kasab" revealed gory details of the rampage by the 10 gunmen, he has provided an opportunity for Delhi and Islamabad to get back to peace talks that were so violently interrupted by the incident. - Neeta Lal (Jul 21, '09)
Contexts of terror in Indonesia
If those responsible for Friday's bombings in Jakarta hoped to gain the sympathy of Indonesians by attacking expatriates, they failed. Of the 37 victims whose nationalities are known, 60% were Indonesians. As for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's landslide victory this month, the bombings will not derail his inauguration. Nor will they do more than temporary damage to the Indonesian economy. - Donald K Emmerson (Jul 21, '09)
Prayers and politics in Iran
Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's Friday prayer speech has less dramatic ramifications than Western media would have us believe. The fact he was allowed to take the podium in the first place shows the Iranian crisis is neither a revolution nor a power struggle among the "old-guard" clergy. Rather, it's part of a wider battle in society that has been raging for over 100 years. - Shahir Shahidsaless (Jul 21, '09)
To deal or not to deal
Previously staunch supporters of Iran-United States dialogue now say it must be put on hold - "to see how things shake out on the ground". But others say Iran's influence in countries of interest to the US and strategic concerns over its nuclear program mean there is no time to lose. (Jul 21, '09)
A failure of state and military in Afghanistan
Three decades of fighting, treachery, reprisals and collaboration have spawned much hatred and mistrust among Afghans, while the absence of a coherent government makes Kabul incapable of creating and directing a viable military. This means Afghanistan's counter-insurgency operations will continue to be led by Western forces - the least desirable option. - Brian M Downing (Jul 21, '09)
FILM REVIEW
Supreme Leader Marcello Mastroianni
Forget Iran's Ali Khamenei. Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni is the real supreme leader. Just watch him in Pietro Germi's 1961 black-and-white masterpiece, Divorzio all'italiana, or Federico Fellini's iconic La Dolce Vita. They don't make movies like that anymore. But how about a Divorce - Italian-style set in the Pashtun tribal areas, with a US Marine eloping with a local girl? Or better yet, in Barbarella fashion, with a sexy drone. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 21, '09)
Doubts over Obama's 'peace engine'
There is growing disbelief among Israelis and Palestinians that the administration of President Barack Obama can resolve their deep-rooted conflict without laying out specific terms. The Palestinian Authority is skeptical of the White House's ability to pressure Israel, while the Israeli government hopes Obama's promise of change is just so much talk. (Jul 21, '09)
The decision by a Pakistani militant to plead guilty to his part in the terror attack on the Indian city of Mumbai last November - after insisting in court for 65 days that he was innocent - has stunning implications. Not only has Mohammad Ajmal Amir "Kasab" revealed gory details of the rampage by the 10 gunmen, he has provided an opportunity for Delhi and Islamabad to get back to peace talks that were so violently interrupted by the incident. - Neeta Lal (Jul 21, '09)
Contexts of terror in Indonesia
If those responsible for Friday's bombings in Jakarta hoped to gain the sympathy of Indonesians by attacking expatriates, they failed. Of the 37 victims whose nationalities are known, 60% were Indonesians. As for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's landslide victory this month, the bombings will not derail his inauguration. Nor will they do more than temporary damage to the Indonesian economy. - Donald K Emmerson (Jul 21, '09)
Prayers and politics in Iran
Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's Friday prayer speech has less dramatic ramifications than Western media would have us believe. The fact he was allowed to take the podium in the first place shows the Iranian crisis is neither a revolution nor a power struggle among the "old-guard" clergy. Rather, it's part of a wider battle in society that has been raging for over 100 years. - Shahir Shahidsaless (Jul 21, '09)
To deal or not to deal
Previously staunch supporters of Iran-United States dialogue now say it must be put on hold - "to see how things shake out on the ground". But others say Iran's influence in countries of interest to the US and strategic concerns over its nuclear program mean there is no time to lose. (Jul 21, '09)
A failure of state and military in Afghanistan
Three decades of fighting, treachery, reprisals and collaboration have spawned much hatred and mistrust among Afghans, while the absence of a coherent government makes Kabul incapable of creating and directing a viable military. This means Afghanistan's counter-insurgency operations will continue to be led by Western forces - the least desirable option. - Brian M Downing (Jul 21, '09)
FILM REVIEW
Supreme Leader Marcello Mastroianni
Forget Iran's Ali Khamenei. Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni is the real supreme leader. Just watch him in Pietro Germi's 1961 black-and-white masterpiece, Divorzio all'italiana, or Federico Fellini's iconic La Dolce Vita. They don't make movies like that anymore. But how about a Divorce - Italian-style set in the Pashtun tribal areas, with a US Marine eloping with a local girl? Or better yet, in Barbarella fashion, with a sexy drone. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 21, '09)Doubts over Obama's 'peace engine'
There is growing disbelief among Israelis and Palestinians that the administration of President Barack Obama can resolve their deep-rooted conflict without laying out specific terms. The Palestinian Authority is skeptical of the White House's ability to pressure Israel, while the Israeli government hopes Obama's promise of change is just so much talk. (Jul 21, '09)
Iran's Tragic Joke - Roger Cohen, New York Times
Clinton's Unwanted Tidings for India - M K Bhadrakumar, Asia Times
China's Tough Road from Xinjiang - Melik Kaylan, Forbes
Never Again in North Korea? Think Again - Jonah Goldberg, LA Times
Assassination: A Brief History - George Jonas, Foreign Policy
U.S. and Russia: Beyond Reset - Yevgeny Bazhanov, Moscow Times
Will Kremlin Really Probe Activist Murder? - Uwe Klussmann, Der Spiegel
India on the Backburner - Christopher Badeaux, The New Ledger
Jihad in Indonesia's Classroom - Sally Neighour, The Australian
Flying Iran's Hazardous Skies - Reuben Johnson, Weekly Standard
A Case for Temporary Mideast Peace Deal - Shira Herzog, Globe and Mail
Distortion Stokes West's Hostility to Islam - Alaa Al Aswany, The Guardian
The NATO-ization of Finland? - Daniel McGroarty, RealClearWorld
Why World Needs an U.N. Army - Gideon Rachman, Financial Times
Asia's Weakness in Global Economy - Andrew Sheng, China Post
The Compass: Did North Korea Fake Its Nuclear Test?
Clinton's Unwanted Tidings for India - M K Bhadrakumar, Asia Times
China's Tough Road from Xinjiang - Melik Kaylan, Forbes
Never Again in North Korea? Think Again - Jonah Goldberg, LA Times
Assassination: A Brief History - George Jonas, Foreign Policy
U.S. and Russia: Beyond Reset - Yevgeny Bazhanov, Moscow Times
Will Kremlin Really Probe Activist Murder? - Uwe Klussmann, Der Spiegel
India on the Backburner - Christopher Badeaux, The New Ledger
Jihad in Indonesia's Classroom - Sally Neighour, The Australian
Flying Iran's Hazardous Skies - Reuben Johnson, Weekly Standard
A Case for Temporary Mideast Peace Deal - Shira Herzog, Globe and Mail
Distortion Stokes West's Hostility to Islam - Alaa Al Aswany, The Guardian
The NATO-ization of Finland? - Daniel McGroarty, RealClearWorld
Why World Needs an U.N. Army - Gideon Rachman, Financial Times
Asia's Weakness in Global Economy - Andrew Sheng, China Post
The Compass: Did North Korea Fake Its Nuclear Test?
Jihadi confession rocks India, Pakistan
The decision by a Pakistani militant to plead guilty to his part in the terror attack on the Indian city of Mumbai last November - after insisting in court for 65 days that he was innocent - has stunning implications. Not only has Mohammad Ajmal Amir "Kasab" revealed gory details of the rampage by the 10 gunmen, he has provided an opportunity for Delhi and Islamabad to get back to peace talks that were so violently interrupted by the incident. - Neeta Lal (Jul 21, '09)
Contexts of terror in Indonesia
If those responsible for Friday's bombings in Jakarta hoped to gain the sympathy of Indonesians by attacking expatriates, they failed. Of the 37 victims whose nationalities are known, 60% were Indonesians. As for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's landslide victory this month, the bombings will not derail his inauguration. Nor will they do more than temporary damage to the Indonesian economy. - Donald K Emmerson (Jul 21, '09)
Prayers and politics in Iran
Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's Friday prayer speech has less dramatic ramifications than Western media would have us believe. The fact he was allowed to take the podium in the first place shows the Iranian crisis is neither a revolution nor a power struggle among the "old-guard" clergy. Rather, it's part of a wider battle in society that has been raging for over 100 years. - Shahir Shahidsaless (Jul 21, '09)
To deal or not to deal
Previously staunch supporters of Iran-United States dialogue now say it must be put on hold - "to see how things shake out on the ground". But others say Iran's influence in countries of interest to the US and strategic concerns over its nuclear program mean there is no time to lose. (Jul 21, '09)
A failure of state and military in Afghanistan
Three decades of fighting, treachery, reprisals and collaboration have spawned much hatred and mistrust among Afghans, while the absence of a coherent government makes Kabul incapable of creating and directing a viable military. This means Afghanistan's counter-insurgency operations will continue to be led by Western forces - the least desirable option. - Brian M Downing (Jul 21, '09)
FILM REVIEW
Supreme Leader Marcello Mastroianni
Forget Iran's Ali Khamenei. Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni is the real supreme leader. Just watch him in Pietro Germi's 1961 black-and-white masterpiece, Divorzio all'italiana, or Federico Fellini's iconic La Dolce Vita. They don't make movies like that anymore. But how about a Divorce - Italian-style set in the Pashtun tribal areas, with a US Marine eloping with a local girl? Or better yet, in Barbarella fashion, with a sexy drone. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 21, '09)
Doubts over Obama's 'peace engine'
There is growing disbelief among Israelis and Palestinians that the administration of President Barack Obama can resolve their deep-rooted conflict without laying out specific terms. The Palestinian Authority is skeptical of the White House's ability to pressure Israel, while the Israeli government hopes Obama's promise of change is just so much talk. (Jul 21, '09)
The decision by a Pakistani militant to plead guilty to his part in the terror attack on the Indian city of Mumbai last November - after insisting in court for 65 days that he was innocent - has stunning implications. Not only has Mohammad Ajmal Amir "Kasab" revealed gory details of the rampage by the 10 gunmen, he has provided an opportunity for Delhi and Islamabad to get back to peace talks that were so violently interrupted by the incident. - Neeta Lal (Jul 21, '09)
Contexts of terror in Indonesia
If those responsible for Friday's bombings in Jakarta hoped to gain the sympathy of Indonesians by attacking expatriates, they failed. Of the 37 victims whose nationalities are known, 60% were Indonesians. As for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's landslide victory this month, the bombings will not derail his inauguration. Nor will they do more than temporary damage to the Indonesian economy. - Donald K Emmerson (Jul 21, '09)
Prayers and politics in Iran
Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's Friday prayer speech has less dramatic ramifications than Western media would have us believe. The fact he was allowed to take the podium in the first place shows the Iranian crisis is neither a revolution nor a power struggle among the "old-guard" clergy. Rather, it's part of a wider battle in society that has been raging for over 100 years. - Shahir Shahidsaless (Jul 21, '09)
To deal or not to deal
Previously staunch supporters of Iran-United States dialogue now say it must be put on hold - "to see how things shake out on the ground". But others say Iran's influence in countries of interest to the US and strategic concerns over its nuclear program mean there is no time to lose. (Jul 21, '09)
A failure of state and military in Afghanistan
Three decades of fighting, treachery, reprisals and collaboration have spawned much hatred and mistrust among Afghans, while the absence of a coherent government makes Kabul incapable of creating and directing a viable military. This means Afghanistan's counter-insurgency operations will continue to be led by Western forces - the least desirable option. - Brian M Downing (Jul 21, '09)
FILM REVIEW
Supreme Leader Marcello Mastroianni
Forget Iran's Ali Khamenei. Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni is the real supreme leader. Just watch him in Pietro Germi's 1961 black-and-white masterpiece, Divorzio all'italiana, or Federico Fellini's iconic La Dolce Vita. They don't make movies like that anymore. But how about a Divorce - Italian-style set in the Pashtun tribal areas, with a US Marine eloping with a local girl? Or better yet, in Barbarella fashion, with a sexy drone. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 21, '09)Doubts over Obama's 'peace engine'
There is growing disbelief among Israelis and Palestinians that the administration of President Barack Obama can resolve their deep-rooted conflict without laying out specific terms. The Palestinian Authority is skeptical of the White House's ability to pressure Israel, while the Israeli government hopes Obama's promise of change is just so much talk. (Jul 21, '09)
Clinton talks tough in Thailand
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton brought more to Thailand this week than diplomatic platitudes and pastel pantsuits. Announcing "the US is back in Southeast Asia", the former first lady set a new course for American policy in a region that has recently felt unloved by Washington. Along the way, she pulled no punches with Myanmar, North Korea or Iran. - Jakkapun Kaewsangthong and Charles McDermid (Jul 24, '09)
Nuclear powers revert to playground taunts
A hissy fit between the United States and North Korea this week, with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling North Korea's leaders "unruly teenagers" and Pyongyang saying she is a "primary-school girl", may illustrate the depth of tensions over their nuclear standoff but does little to resolve it. - Donald Kirk (Jul 24, '09)
NEW GREAT GAME REVISITED, Part 2
Iran, China and the New Silk Road
China's block on Iran's full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization last year might signal that a Beijing-Tehran axis doesn't exist, yet a strategic alliance between the pair is essential to counter Western influence in their domain. For China, Iran is all about Pipelineistan, the Asian Energy Security Grid and the New Silk Road. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 24, '09)
This article concludes a two-part report.
Part 1: Iran and Russia, scorpions in a bottle
DPJ faces pragmatism poser
The Democratic Party of Japan is poised to end the near-perpetual 50-year rule of the country's Liberal Democratic Party. Yet even as domestic issues look certain to seal election victory, the party is facing a split with an important ally over defense matters and its leaders' warming relations with a concerned United States. - Kosuke Takahashi (Jul 24, '09)
China's concubine culture is back
China's ancient concubine
culture, illegal during the Mao Zedong era, is again in vogue with the rich and powerful, and most certainly with government officials. An estimated 95% of officials caught for corruption were keeping at least one mistress - and in one case it was 140. It seems concubines' appetites for gifts and cash can push a man to abuse his power. - Stephen Wong (Jul 24, '09)
Why Myanmar's elections will work
As Myanmar's 2010 elections approach, some locals are grudgingly warming to the junta. With one proviso - the fragile economic growth must continue and there must be some semblance of wealth redistribution. The trend is not new to allies like Singapore, which has long known regular elections in hand with economic progress can gradually legitimize authoritarian rule. - James Gomez (Jul 24, '09)
Karzai accused of media stranglehold
A media-monitoring unit has claimed that incumbent President Hamid Karzai is unfairly dominating the airwaves only a month ahead of Afghanistan's elections. In fact, it seems the state-run media find his every meeting, trip, signature or speech totally newsworthy. More than just bad television, during a presidential campaign the Karzai-mania reeks of media bias. - Sayed Yaqub Ibrahimi (Jul 24, '09)
BOOK REVIEW
Courage versus power
Dreams and Shadows by Robin Wright
Offering a realistic appraisal of the promise and limitations of moderate agents of change in a politically pent-up region, this book pries open a window to the Middle East's lesser-known strain of citizen activism against both dictatorship and Islamist terrorism. The US attack on Iraq, for instance, stranded new democracy activists throughout the Middle East and handed the initiative to violent actors. - Sreeram Chaulia (Jul 24, '09)
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton brought more to Thailand this week than diplomatic platitudes and pastel pantsuits. Announcing "the US is back in Southeast Asia", the former first lady set a new course for American policy in a region that has recently felt unloved by Washington. Along the way, she pulled no punches with Myanmar, North Korea or Iran. - Jakkapun Kaewsangthong and Charles McDermid (Jul 24, '09)
Nuclear powers revert to playground taunts
A hissy fit between the United States and North Korea this week, with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling North Korea's leaders "unruly teenagers" and Pyongyang saying she is a "primary-school girl", may illustrate the depth of tensions over their nuclear standoff but does little to resolve it. - Donald Kirk (Jul 24, '09)
NEW GREAT GAME REVISITED, Part 2
Iran, China and the New Silk Road
China's block on Iran's full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization last year might signal that a Beijing-Tehran axis doesn't exist, yet a strategic alliance between the pair is essential to counter Western influence in their domain. For China, Iran is all about Pipelineistan, the Asian Energy Security Grid and the New Silk Road. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 24, '09)
This article concludes a two-part report.
Part 1: Iran and Russia, scorpions in a bottleDPJ faces pragmatism poser
The Democratic Party of Japan is poised to end the near-perpetual 50-year rule of the country's Liberal Democratic Party. Yet even as domestic issues look certain to seal election victory, the party is facing a split with an important ally over defense matters and its leaders' warming relations with a concerned United States. - Kosuke Takahashi (Jul 24, '09)
China's concubine culture is back
China's ancient concubine
culture, illegal during the Mao Zedong era, is again in vogue with the rich and powerful, and most certainly with government officials. An estimated 95% of officials caught for corruption were keeping at least one mistress - and in one case it was 140. It seems concubines' appetites for gifts and cash can push a man to abuse his power. - Stephen Wong (Jul 24, '09)Why Myanmar's elections will work
As Myanmar's 2010 elections approach, some locals are grudgingly warming to the junta. With one proviso - the fragile economic growth must continue and there must be some semblance of wealth redistribution. The trend is not new to allies like Singapore, which has long known regular elections in hand with economic progress can gradually legitimize authoritarian rule. - James Gomez (Jul 24, '09)
Karzai accused of media stranglehold
A media-monitoring unit has claimed that incumbent President Hamid Karzai is unfairly dominating the airwaves only a month ahead of Afghanistan's elections. In fact, it seems the state-run media find his every meeting, trip, signature or speech totally newsworthy. More than just bad television, during a presidential campaign the Karzai-mania reeks of media bias. - Sayed Yaqub Ibrahimi (Jul 24, '09)
BOOK REVIEW
Courage versus power
Dreams and Shadows by Robin Wright
Offering a realistic appraisal of the promise and limitations of moderate agents of change in a politically pent-up region, this book pries open a window to the Middle East's lesser-known strain of citizen activism against both dictatorship and Islamist terrorism. The US attack on Iraq, for instance, stranded new democracy activists throughout the Middle East and handed the initiative to violent actors. - Sreeram Chaulia (Jul 24, '09)
Memo to Clinton: U.S. Is Not the Top Dog - Simon Tisdall, The Guardian
Lowering Expectations in Afghanistan - Mark Thompson, Time
Hillary Makes the Right Call on India - Gordon Chang, Forbes
North Korea & Burma: Axis of Weasels - Robert Christian, Asia Chronicle
From War Criminal to New Age Guru - Jack Hitt, New York Times
How Canada Can Squeeze Iran - Brad Sherman, National Post
Terror Can't Sink Indonesia - Greg Sheridan, The Australian
Trust Me, Obama Means Business on Settlements - Debra Delee, Daily Star
Indonesia Needs to Get Tougher - James Van Zorge, Asia Sentinel
North Korea's Grade School Taunts - Donald Kirk, Asia Times
Lowering Expectations in Afghanistan - Mark Thompson, Time
Hillary Makes the Right Call on India - Gordon Chang, Forbes
North Korea & Burma: Axis of Weasels - Robert Christian, Asia Chronicle
From War Criminal to New Age Guru - Jack Hitt, New York Times
How Canada Can Squeeze Iran - Brad Sherman, National Post
Terror Can't Sink Indonesia - Greg Sheridan, The Australian
Trust Me, Obama Means Business on Settlements - Debra Delee, Daily Star
Indonesia Needs to Get Tougher - James Van Zorge, Asia Sentinel
North Korea's Grade School Taunts - Donald Kirk, Asia Times
Hamas Shifts from Rockets to Public Relations - Ethan Bronner, NY Times
Will Asia's Economies Lead the Way? - Jong-Wha Lee, The Japan Times
China's Economy Is Ready to Burst - Vitaliy Katsenelson, Foreign Policy
Hillary's India Trip All About America - Siddharth Varadarajan, The Hindu
Georgians Want a Pluralistic Democracy - Irakli Alasania, WSJ
Oil and Autonomy at Stake in Iraq - Peter Goodspeed, National Post
A Possible Exit Strategy in Iran? - Mahjoob Zweiri, Jordan Times
Europe Is in the Slow Lane - Philip Stephens, Financial Times
Berlusconi: King of the Bimbo Jungle - Peter Popham, The Independent
Why Have Syria-Saudi Ties Improved Now? - Ben Gilbert, Global Post
Turkey's Regional Peace Role in Question - Thomas Seibert, The National
Leaving Afghanistan Would Be a Mistake - David Aaronovitch, The Times
Sacrifice in Afghanistan - Oliver North, Washington Times
Jacob Zuma's Presidency Is in Jeopardy - Megan Lindow, Time
Cutting the F-22 Makes Sense - Matthew Yglesias, The American Prospect
Will Asia's Economies Lead the Way? - Jong-Wha Lee, The Japan Times
China's Economy Is Ready to Burst - Vitaliy Katsenelson, Foreign Policy
Hillary's India Trip All About America - Siddharth Varadarajan, The Hindu
Georgians Want a Pluralistic Democracy - Irakli Alasania, WSJ
Oil and Autonomy at Stake in Iraq - Peter Goodspeed, National Post
A Possible Exit Strategy in Iran? - Mahjoob Zweiri, Jordan Times
Europe Is in the Slow Lane - Philip Stephens, Financial Times
Berlusconi: King of the Bimbo Jungle - Peter Popham, The Independent
Why Have Syria-Saudi Ties Improved Now? - Ben Gilbert, Global Post
Turkey's Regional Peace Role in Question - Thomas Seibert, The National
Leaving Afghanistan Would Be a Mistake - David Aaronovitch, The Times
Sacrifice in Afghanistan - Oliver North, Washington Times
Jacob Zuma's Presidency Is in Jeopardy - Megan Lindow, Time
Cutting the F-22 Makes Sense - Matthew Yglesias, The American Prospect
What Did Clinton Accomplish in India? - CSIS
Afghanistan: Can We Really Win? - CSIS
The Giant, Clumsy Panda of Asia - Lowy Institute
The G8's Too-Easy Consensus - Peterson Institute for International Economics
Afghanistan: Can We Really Win? - CSIS
The Giant, Clumsy Panda of Asia - Lowy Institute
The G8's Too-Easy Consensus - Peterson Institute for International Economics
Is the Non-Aligned Movement Alive or Dead? by Patrick Seale
It would seem that although the Cold War is long since over, the Non-Aligned Movement has yet to develop the cohesion which might make it a force in international affairs.
more...
Tehran Journal -- 22 July by Laleh Azadi
This movement is about reclaiming the spirit and intent of the Islamic Revolution -- even if most of us were born after it. We want the right to be free from tyranny, the right to choose, and the right to a voice.
more...
Dynamics for Peace in the Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
Three critical dynamics may determine whether the Middle East conflict moves towards peace: US-Israel relations, Israeli compliance with international laws and norms, and the capacity of the Arabs to engage meaningfully in promoting a credible peace process.
more...
Israel's Illegal Threat Diplomacy by Nadia Hijab
If the world doesn’t want to spend the next 42 years trying to unravel the consequences of another Israeli attack -- this time against Iran -- it must act fast.
more...
The Battle of the Pipelines by Patrick Seale
A high priority for the European Union is a 3,300 km pipeline project, named Nabucco, which plans to carry gas from non-Russian sources. Russia is pressing ahead with an alternative pipeline, named South Stream.
more...
Will She or Won’t She? by Rami G. Khouri
Hillary Clinton has articulated exciting new parameters for American foreign policy, and presumably she understands the full implications of her speech. We will find out soon if her actions follow suit, or if this is merely another round of junk diplomacy.
more...
Time to Rethink Afghan Strategy by Patrick Seale
Western policy has served to merge Taliban, Pashtun and al-Qaeda into a single enemy. Instead of making the world safer, the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan seem in danger of creating still more enemies for the West.
more...
It would seem that although the Cold War is long since over, the Non-Aligned Movement has yet to develop the cohesion which might make it a force in international affairs.
more...
Tehran Journal -- 22 July by Laleh Azadi
This movement is about reclaiming the spirit and intent of the Islamic Revolution -- even if most of us were born after it. We want the right to be free from tyranny, the right to choose, and the right to a voice.
more...
Dynamics for Peace in the Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
Three critical dynamics may determine whether the Middle East conflict moves towards peace: US-Israel relations, Israeli compliance with international laws and norms, and the capacity of the Arabs to engage meaningfully in promoting a credible peace process.
more...
Israel's Illegal Threat Diplomacy by Nadia Hijab
If the world doesn’t want to spend the next 42 years trying to unravel the consequences of another Israeli attack -- this time against Iran -- it must act fast.
more...
The Battle of the Pipelines by Patrick Seale
A high priority for the European Union is a 3,300 km pipeline project, named Nabucco, which plans to carry gas from non-Russian sources. Russia is pressing ahead with an alternative pipeline, named South Stream.
more...
Will She or Won’t She? by Rami G. Khouri
Hillary Clinton has articulated exciting new parameters for American foreign policy, and presumably she understands the full implications of her speech. We will find out soon if her actions follow suit, or if this is merely another round of junk diplomacy.
more...
Time to Rethink Afghan Strategy by Patrick Seale
Western policy has served to merge Taliban, Pashtun and al-Qaeda into a single enemy. Instead of making the world safer, the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan seem in danger of creating still more enemies for the West.
more...
Hillary's Blunder with North Korea - John Metzler, China Post
Obama Takes Hard Line on Israel - Mackubin T. Owens, Wall Street Journal
Iran and the Military Option - Marvin Weinbaum, World Politics Review
The Big Lie of Afghanistan - Malalai Joya, The Guardian
Rising China as Transformed China - Charles Horner, RealClearWorld
Obama Jeopardizing India Nuclear Deal - Harsh Pant, Japan Times
Clinton Talks Tough in Thailand - Kaewsangthong & McDermid, Asia Times
Pakistan's Downward Spiral - Susanne Koelbl & Sohail Nasir, Der Spiegel
Iran's 'Dictaplomacy' - Daniel Freedman, Forbes
Obama and Israel, Into the Abyss - Daniel Pipes, Jerusalem Post
Taking on Islamic Terrorists - Richard Kraince, Far Eastern Economic Review
Old Japan Is Trouble for U.S. - Glosserman & Tsunoda, Foreign Policy
Inflaming Honduras - Edward Schumacher-Matos, Washington Post
Is David Cameron Brilliant Enough? - Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph
The Cold War's Hot Kitchen - William Safire, New York Times
Obama Takes Hard Line on Israel - Mackubin T. Owens, Wall Street Journal
Iran and the Military Option - Marvin Weinbaum, World Politics Review
The Big Lie of Afghanistan - Malalai Joya, The Guardian
Rising China as Transformed China - Charles Horner, RealClearWorld
Obama Jeopardizing India Nuclear Deal - Harsh Pant, Japan Times
Clinton Talks Tough in Thailand - Kaewsangthong & McDermid, Asia Times
Pakistan's Downward Spiral - Susanne Koelbl & Sohail Nasir, Der Spiegel
Iran's 'Dictaplomacy' - Daniel Freedman, Forbes
Obama and Israel, Into the Abyss - Daniel Pipes, Jerusalem Post
Taking on Islamic Terrorists - Richard Kraince, Far Eastern Economic Review
Old Japan Is Trouble for U.S. - Glosserman & Tsunoda, Foreign Policy
Inflaming Honduras - Edward Schumacher-Matos, Washington Post
Is David Cameron Brilliant Enough? - Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph
The Cold War's Hot Kitchen - William Safire, New York Times
Xinjiang riots confound Islamists
That China has so far escaped major jihadist attacks in spite of its harshness towards its ethnic-minority Uyghur Muslims is not due to superior counter-terrorism strategies, but rather to confusion among some Islamists and cooperation from others. China's image as a staunch rival of the West confuses hardline Muslims, while Beijing's rising clout may have kept Iran's fire-spewing ayatollahs silent. - Sreeram Chaulia (Jul 27, '09)
What made Jakarta suicide bombers tick
It is clear from an extensive planning blueprint for the October 2005 Bali bombing, downloaded off Malaysian-born terrorist mastermind Azahari bin Husin's laptop, that the plans and objectives of earlier attacks were repeated in this month's suicide bombings in Jakarta. The document serves as another chilling reminder that for these terrorists, killing is simply business. - John McBeth (Jul 27, '09)
Maliki walks a tightrope in Washington
Behind the photo opportunities and friendly rhetoric, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had important missions to complete last week in Washington. Among the goals was US support over crippling war reparations being demanded by Kuwait for the 1990 invasion, and convincing the Arab world that the US now sees him as an equal, not a stooge. - Sami Moubayed (Jul 27, '09)
India's 'enemy destroyer' sets sail
New Delhi has launched its first indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine for sea trials, bringing India a step closer to second-strike capability. This makes India the sixth country in the world to develop its own nuclear submarine, a feat that completes New Delhi's nuclear weapons triad. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 27, '09)
Beleaguered Tigers name new chief
Two months after being crushed by the Sri Lankan military, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebel group has a new leader. But Selvarasa Pathmanathan's attempts to forge a moderate path are undermined by his criminal past, the grim reality of the LTTE's current capabilities, and his weak level of support among Tamil hardliners. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 27, '09)
Escalation and appraisal in Afghanistan
As the test phase of Washington's ambitious - and some say impossible - counter-insurgency program gets underway in the Afghan province of Helmand, its viability is in question. Troops must clear villages of Taliban, build local military forces and deliver medical and construction services. Then do it all over again in other parts of the country. Fortunately, confidence is an essential part of military culture. - Brian Downing (Jul 27, '09)
Pulp non-fiction hits Hong Kong
Triad members and hired hit-men are on trial over an alleged plot to assassinate two of Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy figures. But the real masterminds remain elusive. Beijing, however much it dislikes these guys, can be ruled out - the last thing China's Communist Party wants to do is whip up democratic fervor in Hong Kong by creating martyrs. - Kent Ewing (Jul 27, '09)
That China has so far escaped major jihadist attacks in spite of its harshness towards its ethnic-minority Uyghur Muslims is not due to superior counter-terrorism strategies, but rather to confusion among some Islamists and cooperation from others. China's image as a staunch rival of the West confuses hardline Muslims, while Beijing's rising clout may have kept Iran's fire-spewing ayatollahs silent. - Sreeram Chaulia (Jul 27, '09)
What made Jakarta suicide bombers tick
It is clear from an extensive planning blueprint for the October 2005 Bali bombing, downloaded off Malaysian-born terrorist mastermind Azahari bin Husin's laptop, that the plans and objectives of earlier attacks were repeated in this month's suicide bombings in Jakarta. The document serves as another chilling reminder that for these terrorists, killing is simply business. - John McBeth (Jul 27, '09)
Maliki walks a tightrope in Washington
Behind the photo opportunities and friendly rhetoric, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had important missions to complete last week in Washington. Among the goals was US support over crippling war reparations being demanded by Kuwait for the 1990 invasion, and convincing the Arab world that the US now sees him as an equal, not a stooge. - Sami Moubayed (Jul 27, '09)
India's 'enemy destroyer' sets sail
New Delhi has launched its first indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine for sea trials, bringing India a step closer to second-strike capability. This makes India the sixth country in the world to develop its own nuclear submarine, a feat that completes New Delhi's nuclear weapons triad. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 27, '09)
Beleaguered Tigers name new chief
Two months after being crushed by the Sri Lankan military, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebel group has a new leader. But Selvarasa Pathmanathan's attempts to forge a moderate path are undermined by his criminal past, the grim reality of the LTTE's current capabilities, and his weak level of support among Tamil hardliners. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 27, '09)
Escalation and appraisal in Afghanistan
As the test phase of Washington's ambitious - and some say impossible - counter-insurgency program gets underway in the Afghan province of Helmand, its viability is in question. Troops must clear villages of Taliban, build local military forces and deliver medical and construction services. Then do it all over again in other parts of the country. Fortunately, confidence is an essential part of military culture. - Brian Downing (Jul 27, '09)
Pulp non-fiction hits Hong Kong
Triad members and hired hit-men are on trial over an alleged plot to assassinate two of Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy figures. But the real masterminds remain elusive. Beijing, however much it dislikes these guys, can be ruled out - the last thing China's Communist Party wants to do is whip up democratic fervor in Hong Kong by creating martyrs. - Kent Ewing (Jul 27, '09)
A New Dialogue with China - Hillary Clinton & Timothy Geithner, WSJ
The Newest Israel-Iran Missile Battle - Gerald Posner, The Daily Beast
It's Time for a Shared Jerusalem - James Carroll, Boston Globe
Mexico's Deadly Bargain - Ruben Navarrette, Washington Post
Every British MP Should Be Scared - Michael Brown, The Independent
Despotism Bad for China's Business - David Burchell, The Australian
Netanyahu's Self-Inflicted Crisis - Jeff Barak, Jerusalem Post
U.S. & China Must Fight Global Warming - John Kerry, Financial Times
The Wisdom of Berlusconi's "No Saint" Defense - Jeff Israely, Time
Why Young Afghans Won't Vote - Oliver Mains, Global Post
Iran Is Beginning to Crack - Rosemary Righter, The Times
Crisis as Opportunity for Iran's Revolutionary Guards - Stratfor
The West Must Guarantee Tehran's Security - Cesar Chelala, Japan Times
Meet the Taliban's New Chief - Ron Moreau, Newsweek
Russia Does the Human Rights Runaround - Ella Asoyan, Moscow Times
The Newest Israel-Iran Missile Battle - Gerald Posner, The Daily Beast
It's Time for a Shared Jerusalem - James Carroll, Boston Globe
Mexico's Deadly Bargain - Ruben Navarrette, Washington Post
Every British MP Should Be Scared - Michael Brown, The Independent
Despotism Bad for China's Business - David Burchell, The Australian
Netanyahu's Self-Inflicted Crisis - Jeff Barak, Jerusalem Post
U.S. & China Must Fight Global Warming - John Kerry, Financial Times
The Wisdom of Berlusconi's "No Saint" Defense - Jeff Israely, Time
Why Young Afghans Won't Vote - Oliver Mains, Global Post
Iran Is Beginning to Crack - Rosemary Righter, The Times
Crisis as Opportunity for Iran's Revolutionary Guards - Stratfor
The West Must Guarantee Tehran's Security - Cesar Chelala, Japan Times
Meet the Taliban's New Chief - Ron Moreau, Newsweek
Russia Does the Human Rights Runaround - Ella Asoyan, Moscow Times
Syria Is Key to Mideast Peace - Daily Telegraph
Obama Equivocates on the Afghan War - Washington Times
New Submarine Won't Secure India - The National
Economic Recovery Drags in Britain - The Independent
Obama Equivocates on the Afghan War - Washington Times
New Submarine Won't Secure India - The National
Economic Recovery Drags in Britain - The Independent
The World's Bad Guys Hang for Dear Life
- Thomas Friedman, NY Times
On Iran, Do Nothing. Yet.
- Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek
The World's Worst Sons
- Joshua Keating, Foreign Policy
It's Time for Obama to Make Enemies
- Tony Karon, The National
Last 7 Days
Iran's Tragic Joke
- Roger Cohen, New York Times
How Obama is Losing Britain
- Richard Heller, Daily Beast
Stop Worrying About Iran's Bomb
- Joe Klein, Time
- Thomas Friedman, NY Times
On Iran, Do Nothing. Yet.
- Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek
The World's Worst Sons
- Joshua Keating, Foreign Policy
It's Time for Obama to Make Enemies
- Tony Karon, The National
Last 7 Days
Iran's Tragic Joke
- Roger Cohen, New York Times
How Obama is Losing Britain
- Richard Heller, Daily Beast
Stop Worrying About Iran's Bomb
- Joe Klein, Time
Pakistan turns on its jihadi 'assets'
The high-profile jailing of a former member of parliament in connection with the beheading of a Polish engineer is a significant first step in Pakistan's crackdown on the jihadi assets its intelligence services raised in the 1990s for asymmetric warfare against India. There will be a backlash from militants, but Islamabad has made it clear it has taken Washington's desires to heart. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 28, '09)
A lesson in imperial paranoia
The British a century ago - and the United States today - came to believe that rebellious Pashtun tribes in the borderlands of what is now Pakistan could imperil the empire. Indeed, there are comparisons between Washington's attitudes toward the Pakistani Pashtuns (all those fantasies of Taliban armed with nuclear weapons) and similar British fantasies from the early 20th century. - Juan Cole (Jul 28, '09)
Russia and Iran join hands
Joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea this week may prove the starting point for comprehensive military collaboration between Russia and Iran, particularly if Moscow makes good on its promise to complete the much-delayed Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. This is geopolitical expediency at its best. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 28, '09)
North Korea sees an opening
Pyongyang is now out in the open with a strategy that may not be as misguided as it appears. Negotiations to bring home two female American journalists found guilty of intruding into North Korea may easily segue into the one-on-one dialogue that North Korea sees as the only way to bypass the six-party talks while winning serious concessions from the United States. - Donald Kirk (Jul 28, '09)
Macau chief Ho goes out with a whimper
Edmund Ho has presided over Macau's most tumultuous times in centuries, bringing unprecedented prosperity. But the city's first chief executive has backed his way into irrelevance as his terms ends. - Muhammad Cohen (Jul 28, '09)
Why Arroyo gets no satisfaction
In a "farewell" address, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday defiantly lauded her administration's achievements, attacked critics and pledged to not seek an extension to her six-year term, which ends in 2010. However, after failures in fighting mass poverty, endemic corruption and a Muslim insurgency, Arroyo's legacy is far from secure. - Joel D Adriano (Jul 28, '09)
Terrorist Kasab and the journey of death
Following his shock confession, Mumbai terrorist Ajmal Amir "Kasab" has requested to be hanged quickly. He says he is haunted by the face of every man, woman and child he killed. In Buddhist thought, this repentance may have come too late - its laws of cause and effect ensure terrorists are not rewarded with virgins in heaven, but destined for the miserable realms of the asuras (demons). - Raja Murthy (Jul 28, '09)
The high-profile jailing of a former member of parliament in connection with the beheading of a Polish engineer is a significant first step in Pakistan's crackdown on the jihadi assets its intelligence services raised in the 1990s for asymmetric warfare against India. There will be a backlash from militants, but Islamabad has made it clear it has taken Washington's desires to heart. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 28, '09)
A lesson in imperial paranoia
The British a century ago - and the United States today - came to believe that rebellious Pashtun tribes in the borderlands of what is now Pakistan could imperil the empire. Indeed, there are comparisons between Washington's attitudes toward the Pakistani Pashtuns (all those fantasies of Taliban armed with nuclear weapons) and similar British fantasies from the early 20th century. - Juan Cole (Jul 28, '09)
Russia and Iran join hands
Joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea this week may prove the starting point for comprehensive military collaboration between Russia and Iran, particularly if Moscow makes good on its promise to complete the much-delayed Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. This is geopolitical expediency at its best. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 28, '09)
North Korea sees an opening
Pyongyang is now out in the open with a strategy that may not be as misguided as it appears. Negotiations to bring home two female American journalists found guilty of intruding into North Korea may easily segue into the one-on-one dialogue that North Korea sees as the only way to bypass the six-party talks while winning serious concessions from the United States. - Donald Kirk (Jul 28, '09)
Macau chief Ho goes out with a whimper
Edmund Ho has presided over Macau's most tumultuous times in centuries, bringing unprecedented prosperity. But the city's first chief executive has backed his way into irrelevance as his terms ends. - Muhammad Cohen (Jul 28, '09)
Why Arroyo gets no satisfaction
In a "farewell" address, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday defiantly lauded her administration's achievements, attacked critics and pledged to not seek an extension to her six-year term, which ends in 2010. However, after failures in fighting mass poverty, endemic corruption and a Muslim insurgency, Arroyo's legacy is far from secure. - Joel D Adriano (Jul 28, '09)
Terrorist Kasab and the journey of death
Following his shock confession, Mumbai terrorist Ajmal Amir "Kasab" has requested to be hanged quickly. He says he is haunted by the face of every man, woman and child he killed. In Buddhist thought, this repentance may have come too late - its laws of cause and effect ensure terrorists are not rewarded with virgins in heaven, but destined for the miserable realms of the asuras (demons). - Raja Murthy (Jul 28, '09)
Iran, Islam and Rule of Law - Francis Fukuyama, Wall Street Journal
A Brazen Ahmadinejad Tests His Boundaries - Meir Javedanfar, RCW
Why Won't Obama Talk to Israel? - Aluf Benn, New York Times
Is China-Taiwan Peace Deal Possible? - Saunders & Kastner, Foreign Policy
Russian Economy and Russian Power - George Friedman, Stratfor
High Price of Feeding Russian Ambition - Alexander Golts, Moscow Times
Russia and Iran Join Hands - Kaveh Afrasiabi, Asia Times
Obama's Bold Operation Khanjar - Jyoti Malhorta, Far East. Econ. Review
Britons Dying for Corrupt Afghan Regime - Mary Riddell, Daily Telegraph
Something's Wrong with British Tories - Geoffrey Wheatcroft, The Guardian
Elections Make Politicians Tongue-Tied - Hugh Cortazzi, Japan Times
America in Decline? Not So Fast - James Kirchick, Commentary Magazine
It's Up to Hillary to Define Her Job - Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
The World's Leadership Deficit - Diane Francis, National Post
Foreign Troops Should Leave Somalia - Andrew Bast, Newsweek
A Brazen Ahmadinejad Tests His Boundaries - Meir Javedanfar, RCW
Why Won't Obama Talk to Israel? - Aluf Benn, New York Times
Is China-Taiwan Peace Deal Possible? - Saunders & Kastner, Foreign Policy
Russian Economy and Russian Power - George Friedman, Stratfor
High Price of Feeding Russian Ambition - Alexander Golts, Moscow Times
Russia and Iran Join Hands - Kaveh Afrasiabi, Asia Times
Obama's Bold Operation Khanjar - Jyoti Malhorta, Far East. Econ. Review
Britons Dying for Corrupt Afghan Regime - Mary Riddell, Daily Telegraph
Something's Wrong with British Tories - Geoffrey Wheatcroft, The Guardian
Elections Make Politicians Tongue-Tied - Hugh Cortazzi, Japan Times
America in Decline? Not So Fast - James Kirchick, Commentary Magazine
It's Up to Hillary to Define Her Job - Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
The World's Leadership Deficit - Diane Francis, National Post
Foreign Troops Should Leave Somalia - Andrew Bast, Newsweek
Biden's Russia Blunder - Los Angeles Times
Biden Channels Cheney on Russia - Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan: Warfare by Other Means - The Times
Why Should Germans Still Vote for SPD? - Der Spiegel
Biden Channels Cheney on Russia - Wall Street Journal
Afghanistan: Warfare by Other Means - The Times
Why Should Germans Still Vote for SPD? - Der Spiegel
A New Dialogue with China
- Hillary Clinton & Timothy Geithner, WSJ
Iran Is Beginning to Crack
- Rosemary Righter, The Times
The Newest Israel-Iran Missile Battle
- Gerald Posner, The Daily Beast
Mexico's Deadly Bargain
- Ruben Navarrette, Washington Post
Last 7 Days
Iran's Tragic Joke
- Roger Cohen, New York Times
Stop Worrying About Iran's Bomb
- Joe Klein, Time
Maliki: Iraq's New Strong Man?
- Sam Parker, Foreign Policy
- Hillary Clinton & Timothy Geithner, WSJ
Iran Is Beginning to Crack
- Rosemary Righter, The Times
The Newest Israel-Iran Missile Battle
- Gerald Posner, The Daily Beast
Mexico's Deadly Bargain
- Ruben Navarrette, Washington Post
Last 7 Days
Iran's Tragic Joke
- Roger Cohen, New York Times
Stop Worrying About Iran's Bomb
- Joe Klein, Time
Maliki: Iraq's New Strong Man?
- Sam Parker, Foreign Policy
A midsummer tale of two Chinese spies
As the United States marks the 10th anniversary of a landmark report on covert Chinese attempts to steal nuclear weapons and missile technology secrets, the capture of two Chinese spies in the US has hung a question mark over its legacy. Links between China's alleged espionage and its accelerated ballistic missile programs are difficult to prove, but ethnic Chinese working in the US defense and space sectors may soon be subject to closer scrutiny. - Peter J Brown (Jul 29, '09)
There's military logic to Suu Kyi's trial
Myanmar's junta leader Senior General Than Shwe is expected to follow Friday's verdict in the case of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi by forming a civilian-led interim government to hold power until elections next year. It's a move, analysts say, designed to deflect international criticism and move the junta one step closer towards "discipline democracy". - Larry Jagan (Jul 29, '09)
Musharraf misses his day in court
Former Pakistani president, retired General Pervez
Musharraf, failed to show up in court in Islamabad on Wednesday to explain why he fired the judiciary and imposed emergency rule in November 2007. Musharraf, now living in England, may yet decide to account for his actions, but the case already has senior military figures shaking in their boots. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 29, '09)
Israel wrestles with Iran problem
As Iran continues with its nuclear-enrichment program, Israel seethes in frustration. Unlike the days when the United States, with its Israeli cheerleaders, was easily led to unleash a war against Iraq, today Washington is far too busy to do much about Tehran. Word has it Israel has even agreed to "concessions" in exchange for Western approval of a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. - Ramzy Baroud (Jul 29, '09)
SINOGRAPH
China and the Vatican
take a leap of faith
With important progress made in talks, the time seems ripe for a long-awaited normalization in diplomatic ties between China and the Vatican. Beijing's acceptance of Rome's request to postpone a local Catholic congress and bishops' conference also highlights the radical shift underway in official attitudes about Catholicism in China. - Francesco Sisci (Jul 29, '09)
SPEAKING FREELY
Wilhelmine China?
Some pundits compare the rise of Wilhelmine Germany and modern-day China and predict major conflict between the United States and the Middle Kingdom. Yet, such oracles do not account for vastly different international environments between the two periods. - Sebastian Bruck (Jul 29, '09)
Russia's executioners live on in the streets
You won't find an Adolf-Hitler-Platz in Germany, yet public reminders of criminals like Anatoly Zheleznyakov and Feliks Dzerzhinsky can still be found throughout Russia. A failed attempt by a former spy to change the name of Moscow's Leningradsky railway station suggests that rather than leaving it to politicians, Russian society needs to take it on itself to rid the country of the legacy of Soviet totalitarianism. - Vladimir Kara-Muza (Jul 29, '09)
As the United States marks the 10th anniversary of a landmark report on covert Chinese attempts to steal nuclear weapons and missile technology secrets, the capture of two Chinese spies in the US has hung a question mark over its legacy. Links between China's alleged espionage and its accelerated ballistic missile programs are difficult to prove, but ethnic Chinese working in the US defense and space sectors may soon be subject to closer scrutiny. - Peter J Brown (Jul 29, '09)
There's military logic to Suu Kyi's trial
Myanmar's junta leader Senior General Than Shwe is expected to follow Friday's verdict in the case of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi by forming a civilian-led interim government to hold power until elections next year. It's a move, analysts say, designed to deflect international criticism and move the junta one step closer towards "discipline democracy". - Larry Jagan (Jul 29, '09)
Musharraf misses his day in court
Former Pakistani president, retired General Pervez
Musharraf, failed to show up in court in Islamabad on Wednesday to explain why he fired the judiciary and imposed emergency rule in November 2007. Musharraf, now living in England, may yet decide to account for his actions, but the case already has senior military figures shaking in their boots. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 29, '09)Israel wrestles with Iran problem
As Iran continues with its nuclear-enrichment program, Israel seethes in frustration. Unlike the days when the United States, with its Israeli cheerleaders, was easily led to unleash a war against Iraq, today Washington is far too busy to do much about Tehran. Word has it Israel has even agreed to "concessions" in exchange for Western approval of a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. - Ramzy Baroud (Jul 29, '09)
SINOGRAPHChina and the Vatican
take a leap of faith
With important progress made in talks, the time seems ripe for a long-awaited normalization in diplomatic ties between China and the Vatican. Beijing's acceptance of Rome's request to postpone a local Catholic congress and bishops' conference also highlights the radical shift underway in official attitudes about Catholicism in China. - Francesco Sisci (Jul 29, '09)
SPEAKING FREELY
Wilhelmine China?
Some pundits compare the rise of Wilhelmine Germany and modern-day China and predict major conflict between the United States and the Middle Kingdom. Yet, such oracles do not account for vastly different international environments between the two periods. - Sebastian Bruck (Jul 29, '09)
Russia's executioners live on in the streets
You won't find an Adolf-Hitler-Platz in Germany, yet public reminders of criminals like Anatoly Zheleznyakov and Feliks Dzerzhinsky can still be found throughout Russia. A failed attempt by a former spy to change the name of Moscow's Leningradsky railway station suggests that rather than leaving it to politicians, Russian society needs to take it on itself to rid the country of the legacy of Soviet totalitarianism. - Vladimir Kara-Muza (Jul 29, '09)
Moscow market row strains Turkish ties
The ambitions of business mogul Telman Ismailov may have played a bigger role in the closure of Moscow's vast Cherkizovsky market than the official excuse of health and immigration issues. More certain is that the shutdown will add a complex wrinkle to Turkey's welcome mat when Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits next month. Chinese traders caught in the crackdown have also learned how low they figure in their government's priorities.
Chinese traders left hanging
- Olivia Chung
The Caspian boils again
Iran expects to deploy its first deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig - the "Iran-Alborz" - in the Caspian Sea next month. The rig's very name points to Tehran's even more bitter view of Azerbaijan's claims on the Caspian's energy wealth than Turkmenistan's recent posturing.
- Robert M Cutler
No escape for Fed
United States Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke's ambivalent testimony regarding a "safe exit strategy" can only exacerbate instabilities. Not least, when such a strategy would knock what are already unprecedented deficits out of the ballpark.
- Hossein Askari and Noureddine Krichene
The ambitions of business mogul Telman Ismailov may have played a bigger role in the closure of Moscow's vast Cherkizovsky market than the official excuse of health and immigration issues. More certain is that the shutdown will add a complex wrinkle to Turkey's welcome mat when Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits next month. Chinese traders caught in the crackdown have also learned how low they figure in their government's priorities.
Chinese traders left hanging- Olivia Chung
The Caspian boils again
Iran expects to deploy its first deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig - the "Iran-Alborz" - in the Caspian Sea next month. The rig's very name points to Tehran's even more bitter view of Azerbaijan's claims on the Caspian's energy wealth than Turkmenistan's recent posturing.
- Robert M Cutler
No escape for Fed
United States Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke's ambivalent testimony regarding a "safe exit strategy" can only exacerbate instabilities. Not least, when such a strategy would knock what are already unprecedented deficits out of the ballpark.
- Hossein Askari and Noureddine Krichene
Death of Obama's Engagement Doctrine - Michael Gerson, Washington Post
Biden's Big Mouth Bites Russia - Malou Innocent, RealClearWorld
How to Win in Afghanistan - Bing West, Wall Street Journal
China's Influence Has Its Limits - Fu Ying, Daily Telegraph
Should Obama Sign North Korea Peace Treaty? - Zhiqun Zhu, CS Monitor
North Korea at the Brink - Joshua Stanton, The New Ledger
Managing China on South China Sea - M. Springut, World Politics Review
Old Problems on China's New Frontier - Konstanty Gebert, Japan Times
Koizumi's Feisty Daughters Fight On - Todd Crowell, RealClearWorld
U.S. Looking to Boost Influence in Asia - Frank Ching, China Post
Musharraf Misses His Day in Court - Syed Saleem Shahzad, Asia Times
Change Comes to Kurdistan - Jerry Weinberger, Weekly Standard
Don't Sell Burma Short - Ko Bo Kyi, Far Eastern Economic Review
Russia's Economic Mess Unfit for BRIC - Anders Aslund, Moscow Times
Britain's Own Guantanamo - David Vine, The Guardian
Biden's Big Mouth Bites Russia - Malou Innocent, RealClearWorld
How to Win in Afghanistan - Bing West, Wall Street Journal
China's Influence Has Its Limits - Fu Ying, Daily Telegraph
Should Obama Sign North Korea Peace Treaty? - Zhiqun Zhu, CS Monitor
North Korea at the Brink - Joshua Stanton, The New Ledger
Managing China on South China Sea - M. Springut, World Politics Review
Old Problems on China's New Frontier - Konstanty Gebert, Japan Times
Koizumi's Feisty Daughters Fight On - Todd Crowell, RealClearWorld
U.S. Looking to Boost Influence in Asia - Frank Ching, China Post
Musharraf Misses His Day in Court - Syed Saleem Shahzad, Asia Times
Change Comes to Kurdistan - Jerry Weinberger, Weekly Standard
Don't Sell Burma Short - Ko Bo Kyi, Far Eastern Economic Review
Russia's Economic Mess Unfit for BRIC - Anders Aslund, Moscow Times
Britain's Own Guantanamo - David Vine, The Guardian
Beer and Sympathy by Gary Younge (The Nation)
As I write, the beers are in the presidential fridge. After their drink, Gates will go back to Harvard, Crowley will return to the force, Obama will stay in the White House. Nothing about law or race, not even the national conversation, will have changed.
more...
Obama’s Emerging Middle East Map by Patrick Seale
The U.S. President wants a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, not just a partial peace -- that is to say peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, and normalisation of Israel’s relations with the entire Arab world.
more...
Obama's Jaha to Israel by Rami G. Khouri
The Obama jaha of Robert Gates, George Mitchell, James Jones and Dennis Ross aims simultaneously to impress, comfort, pressure and woo the Israeli government.
more...
Tehran Journal -- 25 July by Laleh Azadi
As I ride in a rusty Paykan back from a meeting in central Tehran, I look out at the thick haze of pollution covering the city. The regime is like the haze of Tehran. It smothers us, but still we resist and fight for breath and a voice.
more...
The Threat of an Arab-Kurdish War by Patrick Seale
Will the U.S. withdrawal trigger an armed clash between Kurds and Arabs? Or will cooler heads manage to persuade the antagonists to settle their dispute by negotiations? Surely, the last thing the region needs is yet another conflict.
more...
The Seven Pillars of Arab Vulnerability and Fragility by Rami G. Khouri
The Arab Human Development Report is most useful for diagnosing the underlying weaknesses that keep most Arab citizens, even in wealthy societies, living in a state of chronic fragility and vulnerability. The 2009 report outlines these tragic conditions.
more...
Understanding Iranians’ Struggle for Freedom by R.K. Ramazani
Iran’s political system is both republican and Islamic. This means it derives its legitimacy from the people, and also from God. Some Iranians consider these two core pillars of the political system to be co-dependent. Others regard them to be contradictory.
more...
As I write, the beers are in the presidential fridge. After their drink, Gates will go back to Harvard, Crowley will return to the force, Obama will stay in the White House. Nothing about law or race, not even the national conversation, will have changed.
more...
Obama’s Emerging Middle East Map by Patrick Seale
The U.S. President wants a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, not just a partial peace -- that is to say peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, and normalisation of Israel’s relations with the entire Arab world.
more...
Obama's Jaha to Israel by Rami G. Khouri
The Obama jaha of Robert Gates, George Mitchell, James Jones and Dennis Ross aims simultaneously to impress, comfort, pressure and woo the Israeli government.
more...
Tehran Journal -- 25 July by Laleh Azadi
As I ride in a rusty Paykan back from a meeting in central Tehran, I look out at the thick haze of pollution covering the city. The regime is like the haze of Tehran. It smothers us, but still we resist and fight for breath and a voice.
more...
The Threat of an Arab-Kurdish War by Patrick Seale
Will the U.S. withdrawal trigger an armed clash between Kurds and Arabs? Or will cooler heads manage to persuade the antagonists to settle their dispute by negotiations? Surely, the last thing the region needs is yet another conflict.
more...
The Seven Pillars of Arab Vulnerability and Fragility by Rami G. Khouri
The Arab Human Development Report is most useful for diagnosing the underlying weaknesses that keep most Arab citizens, even in wealthy societies, living in a state of chronic fragility and vulnerability. The 2009 report outlines these tragic conditions.
more...
Understanding Iranians’ Struggle for Freedom by R.K. Ramazani
Iran’s political system is both republican and Islamic. This means it derives its legitimacy from the people, and also from God. Some Iranians consider these two core pillars of the political system to be co-dependent. Others regard them to be contradictory.
more...
Why China Eclipsed Russia - Peter Osnos, The Daily Beast
Did Biden Blow Up the Russian 'Reset'? - Gregory Scoblete, RealClearWorld
The Case for Making Iran Wait - Trita Parsi, Foreign Policy
Headline-Chasing Is Hurting the Tories - Anatole Kaletsky, The Times
Arrogant and Outrageous in Britain - Cal Thomas, Washington Times
Island of Discord Between Russia & Japan - Vladimir Kozin, Moscow Times
Will Iceland Turn Cold on the EU? - Teri Schultz, Global Post
The Misunderstood Strategy of Appeasement - David Young, Asia Times
The New Colonialism in Africa - Knaup & Mittelstaedt, Der Spiegel
There's Something About Kyrgyzstan - Christopher Flavelle, Slate
Did Biden Blow Up the Russian 'Reset'? - Gregory Scoblete, RealClearWorld
The Case for Making Iran Wait - Trita Parsi, Foreign Policy
Headline-Chasing Is Hurting the Tories - Anatole Kaletsky, The Times
Arrogant and Outrageous in Britain - Cal Thomas, Washington Times
Island of Discord Between Russia & Japan - Vladimir Kozin, Moscow Times
Will Iceland Turn Cold on the EU? - Teri Schultz, Global Post
The Misunderstood Strategy of Appeasement - David Young, Asia Times
The New Colonialism in Africa - Knaup & Mittelstaedt, Der Spiegel
There's Something About Kyrgyzstan - Christopher Flavelle, Slate
How Obama Shapes U.S. Foreign Policy - Michael Crowley, New Republic
Washington Is Taking China Too Seriously - David Pilling, Financial Times
Saddam Hussein's American Refugees - Claudia Rosett, Forbes
Western Hubris Won't Save Iran - Kevin Sullivan, The Huffington Post
Obama Treats Allies Worse than Enemies - Clifford May, National Review
Will Obama Divorce America from Israel? - Leon Hadar, Cato Institute
Settlements Undermine Israel's Legitimacy - Asher Susser, Haaretz
Death Squads in the Philippines - Elaine Pearson, Washington Times
Britain's Failed Foreign Secretary - Adrian Hamilton, The Independent
Beware of Dominoes in Afghanistan - Chris Patten, Globe and Mail
Iran Will Rise from the Ashes - Sheikholeslami & Brock, Boston Globe
Japan Faces Critical Test - Tom Plate, Japan Times
U.S.-Indonesia Ties Grow Closer - David Merril, Jakarta Post
David Cameron's Policy Pirates - Benedict Brogan, Daily Telegraph
In North Korea, Bibles Are Bombs - Robert Christian, Asia Chronicle
Washington Is Taking China Too Seriously - David Pilling, Financial Times
Saddam Hussein's American Refugees - Claudia Rosett, Forbes
Western Hubris Won't Save Iran - Kevin Sullivan, The Huffington Post
Obama Treats Allies Worse than Enemies - Clifford May, National Review
Will Obama Divorce America from Israel? - Leon Hadar, Cato Institute
Settlements Undermine Israel's Legitimacy - Asher Susser, Haaretz
Death Squads in the Philippines - Elaine Pearson, Washington Times
Britain's Failed Foreign Secretary - Adrian Hamilton, The Independent
Beware of Dominoes in Afghanistan - Chris Patten, Globe and Mail
Iran Will Rise from the Ashes - Sheikholeslami & Brock, Boston Globe
Japan Faces Critical Test - Tom Plate, Japan Times
U.S.-Indonesia Ties Grow Closer - David Merril, Jakarta Post
David Cameron's Policy Pirates - Benedict Brogan, Daily Telegraph
In North Korea, Bibles Are Bombs - Robert Christian, Asia Chronicle
Zionism Must Lose Its Colonialism by Rami G. Khouri
If Israelis really want to coexist with the Arabs, they will have to summon the courage and honesty to admit how Zionism dismembered Arab Palestine in 1947-48, and Jews everywhere must finally break the ugly bond between Zionism and colonialism.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2090
Playing from Strength in the Middle East by Nadia Hijab
There is much the Obama administration can do to bring peace in the Middle East. Here are five steps it could easily take -- which are powerfully diplomatic ways to bring about peace.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2089
Mahmoud in Danger, and Iran by Patrick Seale
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s new term as president of Iran formally begins on Wednesday, August 5. But can he govern? And will Iran respond to Obama's overtures?
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2088
The World Left and the Iranian Elections by Immanuel Wallerstein
Popular demonstrations have seldom been composed of an ideologically consistent group of persons. So it is in Iran. And the world consequences of the struggle inside Iran are not crystal clear. The world left should not be mute, but it should be prudent.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2086
Reviving the Palestinian Nation by Rami G. Khouri
The challenge facing the Palestinian people today -- the total revalidation and revitalization of their national political structures and leadership -- is at least five-fold.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2087
Beer and Sympathy by Gary Younge (The Nation)
As I write, the beers are in the presidential fridge. After their drink, Gates will go back to Harvard, Crowley will return to the force, Obama will stay in the White House. Nothing about law or race, not even the national conversation, will have changed.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2085
Obama’s Emerging Middle East Map by Patrick Seale
The U.S. President wants a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, not just a partial peace -- that is to say peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, and normalisation of Israel’s relations with the entire Arab world.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2084
If Israelis really want to coexist with the Arabs, they will have to summon the courage and honesty to admit how Zionism dismembered Arab Palestine in 1947-48, and Jews everywhere must finally break the ugly bond between Zionism and colonialism.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2090
Playing from Strength in the Middle East by Nadia Hijab
There is much the Obama administration can do to bring peace in the Middle East. Here are five steps it could easily take -- which are powerfully diplomatic ways to bring about peace.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2089
Mahmoud in Danger, and Iran by Patrick Seale
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s new term as president of Iran formally begins on Wednesday, August 5. But can he govern? And will Iran respond to Obama's overtures?
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2088
The World Left and the Iranian Elections by Immanuel Wallerstein
Popular demonstrations have seldom been composed of an ideologically consistent group of persons. So it is in Iran. And the world consequences of the struggle inside Iran are not crystal clear. The world left should not be mute, but it should be prudent.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2086
Reviving the Palestinian Nation by Rami G. Khouri
The challenge facing the Palestinian people today -- the total revalidation and revitalization of their national political structures and leadership -- is at least five-fold.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2087
Beer and Sympathy by Gary Younge (The Nation)
As I write, the beers are in the presidential fridge. After their drink, Gates will go back to Harvard, Crowley will return to the force, Obama will stay in the White House. Nothing about law or race, not even the national conversation, will have changed.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2085
Obama’s Emerging Middle East Map by Patrick Seale
The U.S. President wants a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, not just a partial peace -- that is to say peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, and normalisation of Israel’s relations with the entire Arab world.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2084
Ahmadinejad faces his toughest test
With little time to waste, the second administration of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad must develop a deft nuclear policy, even as domestic instability continues to erode its mandate. The national consensus behind the firebrand president who spoke with authority for the past four years has vanished. In its place is a new, divisive political climate poorly suited for bold and effective foreign policy. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/KH05Ak01.html
With little time to waste, the second administration of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad must develop a deft nuclear policy, even as domestic instability continues to erode its mandate. The national consensus behind the firebrand president who spoke with authority for the past four years has vanished. In its place is a new, divisive political climate poorly suited for bold and effective foreign policy. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/KH05Ak01.html
A search for motives in Christian attack
Al-Qaeda and linked groups are being blamed for riots in which seven Christians were torched to death at the weekend in Pakistan's Punjab province. The area, though, is the stronghold of the country's leading opposition party, and politics can't be ruled out. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KH05Df03.html
Al-Qaeda and linked groups are being blamed for riots in which seven Christians were torched to death at the weekend in Pakistan's Punjab province. The area, though, is the stronghold of the country's leading opposition party, and politics can't be ruled out. - Syed Saleem Shahzad
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KH05Df03.html
Ten Years of Vladimir Putin - Peter Zeihan, Stratfor
http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/200...utin_97023.html
http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/200...utin_97023.html
"Crippling" Sanctions Will Still Be Ineffective
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009..._be_ineffective
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009..._be_ineffective
A Glimmer of Hope in Palestine - Thomas Friedman, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/opinion/...&ref=global
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/opinion/...&ref=global
Clinton's Positive Mission to North Korea - John Delury, FEER
http://www.feer.com/international-relation...on-to-Pyongyang
http://www.feer.com/international-relation...on-to-Pyongyang
Iran and Ahmadinejad's Second Term - Brookings Institution
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2009/080...stFromBrookings
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2009/080...stFromBrookings
Kurds turn up the heat on Baghdad
It took Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki three years before making his first journey from Baghdad to the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. He might wish he had stayed in the capital. The Kurds, with a freshly re-elected president, made it clear they want to go all the way in their claim for the oil-rich Kirkuk region, leaving Maliki with the choice of confrontation, or ceding the controversial territory. - Sami Moubayed (Aug 6, '09)
Turkey hems in its Islamist fringe
The government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is rounding up suspected militants and radicals in a bid to differentiate its brand of moderate Islam from the angry rhetoric of Turkey's Islamist fringe. Ankara is worried about growing support for groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, Hezbollah and the ever-present threat of al-Qaeda. - Patrick Wrigley (Aug 6, '09)
Iran caught in a 10-year cycle
Protests against the re-election of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad have revealed a divided leadership and brought into question the legitimacy of not only the Ahmadinejad government, but for the first time, the role of the supreme leader and the system itself. Iran's hardline leaders may now be moving the country towards an absolute theocracy in a bid to secure their power. - Grace Nasri (Aug 6, '09)
Confucianism at large in Africa
China's attempt to promote its image in Africa through so-called "Confucius institutes", which teach Chinese language and culture, is flagging. Rather than spreading Confucius' rigid moral precepts, Beijing might be better off tackling negative perceptions of China among African youth through simple educational and cultural exchanges. - Bright B Simons (Aug 6, '09)
India and US build stronger ties in space
Greater India-United States cooperation in space will likely intensify competition between India and China - if Delhi's space sector suddenly surges ahead as a result of the American connection, Beijing will be more than slightly annoyed. - Peter J Brown (Aug 6, '09)
Political rumbles after Indonesian blasts
The two losers in last month's Indonesian presidential polls, Megawati Sukarnoputri and Jusuf Kalla, have teamed up to challenge the vote, heightening the country's already tense political situation following the July hotel bombings. Megawati claims to have evidence of 28.5 million fraudulent votes, a challenge not without merit given past plunders by the General Elections Committee. - Patrick Guntensperger (Aug 6, '09)
SPEAKING FREELY
Jundullah a wedge between Iran, Pakistan
Jundullah - a Sunni fundamentalist group with ethnic separatist goals - has impaired relations between Iran and Pakistan. Unless the United States and Pakistan crack down on this terrorist outfit, it may succeed in bringing Tehran and Islamabad to the brink of war, and in energizing the Taliban. - Raja Karthikeya (Aug 6, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
It took Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki three years before making his first journey from Baghdad to the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. He might wish he had stayed in the capital. The Kurds, with a freshly re-elected president, made it clear they want to go all the way in their claim for the oil-rich Kirkuk region, leaving Maliki with the choice of confrontation, or ceding the controversial territory. - Sami Moubayed (Aug 6, '09)
Turkey hems in its Islamist fringe
The government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is rounding up suspected militants and radicals in a bid to differentiate its brand of moderate Islam from the angry rhetoric of Turkey's Islamist fringe. Ankara is worried about growing support for groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, Hezbollah and the ever-present threat of al-Qaeda. - Patrick Wrigley (Aug 6, '09)
Iran caught in a 10-year cycle
Protests against the re-election of Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad have revealed a divided leadership and brought into question the legitimacy of not only the Ahmadinejad government, but for the first time, the role of the supreme leader and the system itself. Iran's hardline leaders may now be moving the country towards an absolute theocracy in a bid to secure their power. - Grace Nasri (Aug 6, '09)
Confucianism at large in Africa
China's attempt to promote its image in Africa through so-called "Confucius institutes", which teach Chinese language and culture, is flagging. Rather than spreading Confucius' rigid moral precepts, Beijing might be better off tackling negative perceptions of China among African youth through simple educational and cultural exchanges. - Bright B Simons (Aug 6, '09)
India and US build stronger ties in space
Greater India-United States cooperation in space will likely intensify competition between India and China - if Delhi's space sector suddenly surges ahead as a result of the American connection, Beijing will be more than slightly annoyed. - Peter J Brown (Aug 6, '09)
Political rumbles after Indonesian blasts
The two losers in last month's Indonesian presidential polls, Megawati Sukarnoputri and Jusuf Kalla, have teamed up to challenge the vote, heightening the country's already tense political situation following the July hotel bombings. Megawati claims to have evidence of 28.5 million fraudulent votes, a challenge not without merit given past plunders by the General Elections Committee. - Patrick Guntensperger (Aug 6, '09)
SPEAKING FREELY
Jundullah a wedge between Iran, Pakistan
Jundullah - a Sunni fundamentalist group with ethnic separatist goals - has impaired relations between Iran and Pakistan. Unless the United States and Pakistan crack down on this terrorist outfit, it may succeed in bringing Tehran and Islamabad to the brink of war, and in energizing the Taliban. - Raja Karthikeya (Aug 6, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
China's fishing fleet sets challenge to US
The expansion of China's fishing fleet far beyond its depleted home waters raises foreign policy, international security and environmental issues that cannot be neglected by United States policymakers, while also offering opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/KH07Ad01.html
The expansion of China's fishing fleet far beyond its depleted home waters raises foreign policy, international security and environmental issues that cannot be neglected by United States policymakers, while also offering opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/KH07Ad01.html
Baitullah: Dead or alive, his battle rages
Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud has been reported killed in a United States Predator drone attack in his South Waziristan tribal area. Baitullah is the glue that binds al-Qaeda, Pakistani militants, tribal militants and the Afghan Taliban. Although he would be a hard man to replace, he has built a network that will carry on his uncompromising brand of resistance. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Aug 7, '09)
New Tiger chief does not pass go
It was an extremely short stint as leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for Selvarasa Pathmanathan, arrested in Southeast Asia this week and shipped back to Sri Lanka. The capture of the elusive legend who ran the Tigers' lucrative international operations is a coup for Colombo, but it may have sabotaged any chance that the LTTE would reinvent itself as a political force. - Sudha Ramachandran (Aug 7, '09)
Russia parries US thrust in Central Asia
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is lurching toward Central Asia, and Moscow is worried. At the heart of the concern is competition for influence in unpredictable Uzbekistan. Tashkent estimates that the conflict in Afghanistan is a long haul and that working with the West will yield political capital and a slice of Afghan reconstruction money. Then again, things aren't always what they seem in Central Asia. - M K Bhadrakumar (Aug 7, '09)
No hero for Pyongyang's other guests
Former United States president Bill Clinton was able to secure the release of two American journalists held by North Korea, but the future remains bleak for an estimated 1,000 South Koreans and up to 20 Japanese in detention there. Seoul and Tokyo have worked for years for their release, but they simply don't have the US's sway or resources. - Donald Kirk (Aug 7, '09)
Hikers lost in stasis of US-Iran relations
Mahmud Ahmadinejad's presidency is now firmly established; Mir Hossein Mousavi's opposition movement has failed to produce hard evidence of electoral fraud and even Britain has broken ranks to accept the victory. Yet, Washington still refuses to follow suit. The snub could have a dire impact on the many pressing regional issues - not to mention three American hikers now detained in Iran. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Aug 7, '09)
The West has its own suicide bombers
From the Bay of Tripoli in 1804 - where American seamen introduced the use of the suicide bomber in a battle against Muslims - to Will Smith in the futuristic vampire movie I Am Legend , Westerners in reality and in popular culture have acted as suicide bombers. The West has its suicide bombers - they're called heroes. The culture of indoctrination is called basic training. When Westerners kill civilians, it's called collateral damage. - John Feffer (Aug 7, '09)
BOOK REVIEW
Australia's plucky blonde jihadi
The Mother of Mohammed by Sally Neighbour
Referred to as the "Elizabeth Taylor of the jihad", Rabiah - born Robyn - Hutchinson was an Australian doctor who ended up marrying a leading al-Qaeda ideologue and member of Osama bin Laden's inner circle. This book investigates her past and present with flair, candor and wit. - David Wilson (Aug 7, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud has been reported killed in a United States Predator drone attack in his South Waziristan tribal area. Baitullah is the glue that binds al-Qaeda, Pakistani militants, tribal militants and the Afghan Taliban. Although he would be a hard man to replace, he has built a network that will carry on his uncompromising brand of resistance. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Aug 7, '09)
New Tiger chief does not pass go
It was an extremely short stint as leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for Selvarasa Pathmanathan, arrested in Southeast Asia this week and shipped back to Sri Lanka. The capture of the elusive legend who ran the Tigers' lucrative international operations is a coup for Colombo, but it may have sabotaged any chance that the LTTE would reinvent itself as a political force. - Sudha Ramachandran (Aug 7, '09)
Russia parries US thrust in Central Asia
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is lurching toward Central Asia, and Moscow is worried. At the heart of the concern is competition for influence in unpredictable Uzbekistan. Tashkent estimates that the conflict in Afghanistan is a long haul and that working with the West will yield political capital and a slice of Afghan reconstruction money. Then again, things aren't always what they seem in Central Asia. - M K Bhadrakumar (Aug 7, '09)
No hero for Pyongyang's other guests
Former United States president Bill Clinton was able to secure the release of two American journalists held by North Korea, but the future remains bleak for an estimated 1,000 South Koreans and up to 20 Japanese in detention there. Seoul and Tokyo have worked for years for their release, but they simply don't have the US's sway or resources. - Donald Kirk (Aug 7, '09)
Hikers lost in stasis of US-Iran relations
Mahmud Ahmadinejad's presidency is now firmly established; Mir Hossein Mousavi's opposition movement has failed to produce hard evidence of electoral fraud and even Britain has broken ranks to accept the victory. Yet, Washington still refuses to follow suit. The snub could have a dire impact on the many pressing regional issues - not to mention three American hikers now detained in Iran. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Aug 7, '09)
The West has its own suicide bombers
From the Bay of Tripoli in 1804 - where American seamen introduced the use of the suicide bomber in a battle against Muslims - to Will Smith in the futuristic vampire movie I Am Legend , Westerners in reality and in popular culture have acted as suicide bombers. The West has its suicide bombers - they're called heroes. The culture of indoctrination is called basic training. When Westerners kill civilians, it's called collateral damage. - John Feffer (Aug 7, '09)
BOOK REVIEW
Australia's plucky blonde jihadi
The Mother of Mohammed by Sally Neighbour
Referred to as the "Elizabeth Taylor of the jihad", Rabiah - born Robyn - Hutchinson was an Australian doctor who ended up marrying a leading al-Qaeda ideologue and member of Osama bin Laden's inner circle. This book investigates her past and present with flair, candor and wit. - David Wilson (Aug 7, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
Fighting Godzilla by Odaira Namihei (Le Monde diplomatique)
Japan’s defeat and disarmament by the United States left it feeling vulnerable -- even to UFOs. Popular science fiction productions manifest Japan’s reclamation of its own destiny. For many Japanese, the alien today is called Kim Jong-il.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2092
Abu Dhabi’s Space Venture by Patrick Seale
Among the diversified investments made by the United Arab Emirates is one in Sir Richard Branson’s “space tourism” company, Virgin Galactic.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2091
Zionism Must Lose Its Colonialism by Rami G. Khouri
If Israelis really want to coexist with the Arabs, they will have to summon the courage and honesty to admit how Zionism dismembered Arab Palestine in 1947-48, and Jews everywhere must finally break the ugly bond between Zionism and colonialism.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2090
Playing from Strength in the Middle East by Nadia Hijab
There is much the Obama administration can do to bring peace in the Middle East. Here are five steps it could easily take -- which are powerfully diplomatic ways to bring about peace.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2089
Mahmoud in Danger, and Iran by Patrick Seale
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s new term as president of Iran formally begins on Wednesday, August 5. But can he govern? And will Iran respond to Obama's overtures?
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2088
Reviving the Palestinian Nation by Rami G. Khouri
The challenge facing the Palestinian people today -- the total revalidation and revitalization of their national political structures and leadership -- is at least five-fold.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2087
The World Left and the Iranian Elections by Immanuel Wallerstein
Popular demonstrations have seldom been composed of an ideologically consistent group of persons. So it is in Iran. And the world consequences of the struggle inside Iran are not crystal clear. The world left should not be mute, but it should be prudent.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2086
Japan’s defeat and disarmament by the United States left it feeling vulnerable -- even to UFOs. Popular science fiction productions manifest Japan’s reclamation of its own destiny. For many Japanese, the alien today is called Kim Jong-il.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2092
Abu Dhabi’s Space Venture by Patrick Seale
Among the diversified investments made by the United Arab Emirates is one in Sir Richard Branson’s “space tourism” company, Virgin Galactic.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2091
Zionism Must Lose Its Colonialism by Rami G. Khouri
If Israelis really want to coexist with the Arabs, they will have to summon the courage and honesty to admit how Zionism dismembered Arab Palestine in 1947-48, and Jews everywhere must finally break the ugly bond between Zionism and colonialism.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2090
Playing from Strength in the Middle East by Nadia Hijab
There is much the Obama administration can do to bring peace in the Middle East. Here are five steps it could easily take -- which are powerfully diplomatic ways to bring about peace.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2089
Mahmoud in Danger, and Iran by Patrick Seale
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s new term as president of Iran formally begins on Wednesday, August 5. But can he govern? And will Iran respond to Obama's overtures?
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2088
Reviving the Palestinian Nation by Rami G. Khouri
The challenge facing the Palestinian people today -- the total revalidation and revitalization of their national political structures and leadership -- is at least five-fold.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2087
The World Left and the Iranian Elections by Immanuel Wallerstein
Popular demonstrations have seldom been composed of an ideologically consistent group of persons. So it is in Iran. And the world consequences of the struggle inside Iran are not crystal clear. The world left should not be mute, but it should be prudent.
more...
http://www.agenceglobal.com/Article.asp?Id=2086
Guessing games over Taliban leader
Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud has been variously described as "dead and buried", "gravely ill" and "alive and well" following a drone missile attack on his South Waziristan region last week. It could be he is simply lying low to take some of the heat out of Islamabad's intensifying crackdown on militancy - it's a tactic al-Qaeda and the Taliban have used before. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Aug 10, '09)
Shi'ite unity deal explodes US myth
Even though Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was ostensibly cooperating with the United States against rogue elements of Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army in 2007 and 2008, the Maliki regime was also cooperating secretly with the Sadrist forces. Maliki - with the encouragement of Iran - was also working for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, which he did not reveal to the Americans until 2008. - Gareth Porter (Aug 10, '09)
New nuke report debunks Iran hawks
The United States' latest estimate of when Iran will be able to produce enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon is the year 2013, years later than alarmist reports would have it. This news, in tandem with political uncertainty in Iran, has heightened calls for Washington to go easier on Tehran. (Aug 10, '09)
SPENGLER
The closing of the
Christian womb
Low birthrates and emigration endanger the dwindling Arab Christian community. Arab Christians often blame Israel, although Israel indirectly was responsible for their political rise during the 1960s and 1970s. Christianity will flourish in the Middle East but it will speak Hebrew more than Arabic. (Aug 10, '09)
Taiwan's 'opportunist' president alters tack
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has upset Beijing by revisiting divergent interpretations of the "one China" principle. He now says Beijing should recognize the realities across the Taiwan Strait, using dangerous rhetoric that China will only tolerate for so long. - Jian Junbo (Aug 10, '09)
South Korea's first rocket ready - at last
South Korea's first domestically developed rocket is finally scheduled to launch this month after a delays that have strained relations with the Russian space agency that helped build it. Seoul had few options when choosing a space ally - the United States refused to help the nation's space program for years, fearing this would kick-start a regional arms race. - Peter J Brown (Aug 10, '09)
Hope's gone AWOL in Echo platoon
United States soldiers caught absent without leave are often consigned to Echo platoon - a special "holding" group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina - to await trial. Platoon members say it's a bleak state of legal limbo, with dire living conditions and verbal abuse. Traumatized by past combat, many refuse the fastest route out - redeployment. - Dahr Jamail and Sarah Lazare (Aug 10, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud has been variously described as "dead and buried", "gravely ill" and "alive and well" following a drone missile attack on his South Waziristan region last week. It could be he is simply lying low to take some of the heat out of Islamabad's intensifying crackdown on militancy - it's a tactic al-Qaeda and the Taliban have used before. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Aug 10, '09)
Shi'ite unity deal explodes US myth
Even though Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was ostensibly cooperating with the United States against rogue elements of Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army in 2007 and 2008, the Maliki regime was also cooperating secretly with the Sadrist forces. Maliki - with the encouragement of Iran - was also working for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, which he did not reveal to the Americans until 2008. - Gareth Porter (Aug 10, '09)
New nuke report debunks Iran hawks
The United States' latest estimate of when Iran will be able to produce enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon is the year 2013, years later than alarmist reports would have it. This news, in tandem with political uncertainty in Iran, has heightened calls for Washington to go easier on Tehran. (Aug 10, '09)
SPENGLER
The closing of the
Christian womb
Low birthrates and emigration endanger the dwindling Arab Christian community. Arab Christians often blame Israel, although Israel indirectly was responsible for their political rise during the 1960s and 1970s. Christianity will flourish in the Middle East but it will speak Hebrew more than Arabic. (Aug 10, '09)
Taiwan's 'opportunist' president alters tack
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has upset Beijing by revisiting divergent interpretations of the "one China" principle. He now says Beijing should recognize the realities across the Taiwan Strait, using dangerous rhetoric that China will only tolerate for so long. - Jian Junbo (Aug 10, '09)
South Korea's first rocket ready - at last
South Korea's first domestically developed rocket is finally scheduled to launch this month after a delays that have strained relations with the Russian space agency that helped build it. Seoul had few options when choosing a space ally - the United States refused to help the nation's space program for years, fearing this would kick-start a regional arms race. - Peter J Brown (Aug 10, '09)
Hope's gone AWOL in Echo platoon
United States soldiers caught absent without leave are often consigned to Echo platoon - a special "holding" group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina - to await trial. Platoon members say it's a bleak state of legal limbo, with dire living conditions and verbal abuse. Traumatized by past combat, many refuse the fastest route out - redeployment. - Dahr Jamail and Sarah Lazare (Aug 10, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
Obama Administration Should Demand an End to Coup Regime's Killings in Honduras, CEPR Co-Director Urges
For Immediate Release: August 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Obama administration has an obligation to demand that the de facto regime in Honduras stop ongoing political killings and other human rights abuses, Center for Economic and Policy Research Co-Director Mark Weisbrot said today. Weisbrot noted that human rights observers and international media have documented the killings of at least ten people - mostly of supporters of ousted president Manuel Zelaya, and all apparently politically motivated - since the coup d'etat occurred on June 28.
"The Obama administration is turning a blind eye to the violent repression the coup regime is carrying out against the Honduran people," Weisbrot said. "It could very quickly put a stop to these killings by freezing the assets of the regime leaders and their backers among the Honduran elite."
On July 15, a well-respected human rights organization in Honduras, the Honduran Committee for the Relatives of the Disappeared Detainees (COFADEH), released a report documenting the murders of three individuals:
* 19-year-old Isis Obed Murillo Mencias, who died from a bullet wound to the head during a protest at the Toncontin International Airport on Sunday July 5.
* Journalist Gabriel Fino Noriega, who was shot seven times after leaving Radio Estelar on July 3.
* Caso Ramon Garcia, a member of the leftist Democratic Unification (UD) party, who was pulled off a bus and killed by unknown assailants.
On July 23, an International Observation Mission made up of 15 human rights workers from Latin America and Europe representing 13 different countries presented their preliminary report on the human rights situation in Honduras. In addition to the three cases previously documented by COFADEH, the Mission documented three more murders:
* Roger Ivan Bados, a UD party member and part of the Popular Bloc, a grassroots organization opposed to the coup, was forcibly removed from his home and killed on July 11.
* Vicky Hernandez Castillo, a member of the LGBT community was found dead on June 29 with a bullet wound in the eye and marks of strangulation.
* On July 3 an unknown individual was found dead in the "La Montanita" district of Tegucigalpa, an area previously used as a "clandestine cemetery for extra-judicial executions during the 80's". The unknown individual was wearing a "Cuarta Urna" t-shirt, referring to the popular survey that was to be carried out on Sunday, June 28.
Since these reports have come out there have been at least four more extra-judicial killings reported in the media:
* Pedro Magdiel Muñoz Salvador, a 23-year-old construction worker from Tegucigalpa who had traveled to the Honduran-Nicaraguan border, was found stabbed to death in a highly-visible field near the border on July 25.
* Roger Abraham Vallejo, a teacher from Tegucigalpa was shot in the head and critically wounded during an anti-coup demonstration on July 30. Two days later he was pronounced dead.
* Martin Florencio Rivera, another teacher, was stabbed to death on his way home from Vallejo's wake on August 1.
* On August 2, Pedro Pablo Hernández was shot by the Honduran military while driving after reportedly not responding to a signal to stop at a military checkpoint.
The reports document other human rights abuses carried out by the regime, including thousands who have been detained, and hundreds wounded.
###
For Immediate Release: August 13, 2009
Washington, D.C. - The Obama administration has an obligation to demand that the de facto regime in Honduras stop ongoing political killings and other human rights abuses, Center for Economic and Policy Research Co-Director Mark Weisbrot said today. Weisbrot noted that human rights observers and international media have documented the killings of at least ten people - mostly of supporters of ousted president Manuel Zelaya, and all apparently politically motivated - since the coup d'etat occurred on June 28.
"The Obama administration is turning a blind eye to the violent repression the coup regime is carrying out against the Honduran people," Weisbrot said. "It could very quickly put a stop to these killings by freezing the assets of the regime leaders and their backers among the Honduran elite."
On July 15, a well-respected human rights organization in Honduras, the Honduran Committee for the Relatives of the Disappeared Detainees (COFADEH), released a report documenting the murders of three individuals:
* 19-year-old Isis Obed Murillo Mencias, who died from a bullet wound to the head during a protest at the Toncontin International Airport on Sunday July 5.
* Journalist Gabriel Fino Noriega, who was shot seven times after leaving Radio Estelar on July 3.
* Caso Ramon Garcia, a member of the leftist Democratic Unification (UD) party, who was pulled off a bus and killed by unknown assailants.
On July 23, an International Observation Mission made up of 15 human rights workers from Latin America and Europe representing 13 different countries presented their preliminary report on the human rights situation in Honduras. In addition to the three cases previously documented by COFADEH, the Mission documented three more murders:
* Roger Ivan Bados, a UD party member and part of the Popular Bloc, a grassroots organization opposed to the coup, was forcibly removed from his home and killed on July 11.
* Vicky Hernandez Castillo, a member of the LGBT community was found dead on June 29 with a bullet wound in the eye and marks of strangulation.
* On July 3 an unknown individual was found dead in the "La Montanita" district of Tegucigalpa, an area previously used as a "clandestine cemetery for extra-judicial executions during the 80's". The unknown individual was wearing a "Cuarta Urna" t-shirt, referring to the popular survey that was to be carried out on Sunday, June 28.
Since these reports have come out there have been at least four more extra-judicial killings reported in the media:
* Pedro Magdiel Muñoz Salvador, a 23-year-old construction worker from Tegucigalpa who had traveled to the Honduran-Nicaraguan border, was found stabbed to death in a highly-visible field near the border on July 25.
* Roger Abraham Vallejo, a teacher from Tegucigalpa was shot in the head and critically wounded during an anti-coup demonstration on July 30. Two days later he was pronounced dead.
* Martin Florencio Rivera, another teacher, was stabbed to death on his way home from Vallejo's wake on August 1.
* On August 2, Pedro Pablo Hernández was shot by the Honduran military while driving after reportedly not responding to a signal to stop at a military checkpoint.
The reports document other human rights abuses carried out by the regime, including thousands who have been detained, and hundreds wounded.
###
Syria pulls some strings in Iran
France has praised Syria for helping secure the release this week of a French woman held in Iran on charges of encouraging opposition protests. Damascus clearly used its links to Iran's supreme leader, the only person who could have approved Nazak Afshar's freedom. United States President Barack Obama, when it comes to his problems with Iraq and Iran, is already tapping into these Syrian connections. - Sami Moubayed (Aug 13, '09)
Tough sanctions won't tame Tehran
United States officials are talking tough and threatening even-stiffer sanctions should Tehran refuse to discuss its nuclear portfolio by the end of September. This ploy isn't going to work - the world would not be allowed to continue to move 40% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz if Iran were suffocating under a crippling embargo. Intensified sanctions are only a preamble to war. - Shahir Shahidsaless (Aug 13, '09)
China to roll out the big guns
Military modernization tops the agenda of Chinese President Hu Jintao. More hardware, including jets and missiles, will soon be unveiled as Beijing tries to narrow the gap between China's and the United States' combat capabilities. - Willy Lam (Aug 13, '09)
Karzai suffers an election blow
Afghan President Hamid Karzai's alliance with ethnic Uzbek strongman General Abdul Rashid Dostum's Junbish-e-Milli party is in tatters, just over a week before August 20 polls. The split plays right into the hands of the president's main rival, Abdullah Abdullah. - Ahmad Kawush (Aug 13, '09)
THE ROVING EYE
Jihad bling bling
The toned and tanned of St Tropez - sipping chilled wine aboard multimillion-euro yachts anchored at this mythic Mediterranean port - don't do drones. Especially not the kind that took out Pakistani warlord Baitullah Mehsud last week. And for them, an economic "crisis" is not landing the best five-star table in town. Welcome to the gleaming epicenter of hypercapitalism. - Pepe Escobar (Aug 13, '09)
Suu Kyi verdict tests ASEAN's resolve
The credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is again at stake as the international community awaits a tough regional response to Myanmar keeping Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. Weak words on the junta could fatally undermine ASEAN's long-awaited human-rights body as well as its commitments to promote democracy. - Alistair B Cook and Mely Caballero-Anthony (Aug 13, '09)
Finally, laid to rest in Pyongyang
The brother of a British pilot shot down over Pyongyang during the Korean War was not expecting much help from reclusive North Korea in locating the fallen airman's remains. He was more than surprised, then, when he was welcomed by officials for a visit to the well-tended grave near the capital. - Michael Rank (Aug 13, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
France has praised Syria for helping secure the release this week of a French woman held in Iran on charges of encouraging opposition protests. Damascus clearly used its links to Iran's supreme leader, the only person who could have approved Nazak Afshar's freedom. United States President Barack Obama, when it comes to his problems with Iraq and Iran, is already tapping into these Syrian connections. - Sami Moubayed (Aug 13, '09)
Tough sanctions won't tame Tehran
United States officials are talking tough and threatening even-stiffer sanctions should Tehran refuse to discuss its nuclear portfolio by the end of September. This ploy isn't going to work - the world would not be allowed to continue to move 40% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz if Iran were suffocating under a crippling embargo. Intensified sanctions are only a preamble to war. - Shahir Shahidsaless (Aug 13, '09)
China to roll out the big guns
Military modernization tops the agenda of Chinese President Hu Jintao. More hardware, including jets and missiles, will soon be unveiled as Beijing tries to narrow the gap between China's and the United States' combat capabilities. - Willy Lam (Aug 13, '09)
Karzai suffers an election blow
Afghan President Hamid Karzai's alliance with ethnic Uzbek strongman General Abdul Rashid Dostum's Junbish-e-Milli party is in tatters, just over a week before August 20 polls. The split plays right into the hands of the president's main rival, Abdullah Abdullah. - Ahmad Kawush (Aug 13, '09)
THE ROVING EYE
Jihad bling bling
The toned and tanned of St Tropez - sipping chilled wine aboard multimillion-euro yachts anchored at this mythic Mediterranean port - don't do drones. Especially not the kind that took out Pakistani warlord Baitullah Mehsud last week. And for them, an economic "crisis" is not landing the best five-star table in town. Welcome to the gleaming epicenter of hypercapitalism. - Pepe Escobar (Aug 13, '09)
Suu Kyi verdict tests ASEAN's resolve
The credibility of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is again at stake as the international community awaits a tough regional response to Myanmar keeping Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. Weak words on the junta could fatally undermine ASEAN's long-awaited human-rights body as well as its commitments to promote democracy. - Alistair B Cook and Mely Caballero-Anthony (Aug 13, '09)
Finally, laid to rest in Pyongyang
The brother of a British pilot shot down over Pyongyang during the Korean War was not expecting much help from reclusive North Korea in locating the fallen airman's remains. He was more than surprised, then, when he was welcomed by officials for a visit to the well-tended grave near the capital. - Michael Rank (Aug 13, '09)
http://www.atimes.com/
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