The party squeezes China's judiciary
In what amounts to a drastic politicization of China's judiciary, Chinese President Hu Jintao has ordered the nation's zhengfa, or law enforcement and judicial departments, to rally behind the leadership of the Communist Party and give utmost priority to securing social order in the run-up to the Olympic Games next month. - Willy Lam (Jul 9, '08)
Different drums for Malaysia's opposition
An ugly incident at a concert involving a rock band reveals much about the state of Malaysia's democratic reformation and the loose coalition of opposition parties behind it. For one thing, one of its members, the conservative Islamic party known as PAS, has shown strains of intolerance over diversity, religious doctrine - and underwear. - Ioannis Gatsiounis (Jul 9, '08)
Full Version: Foreign Policy Commentary
Common Ground Common Sense > National & International News > Op-Ed Articles from the Mainstream Media
Myanmar signs up energy partners
Companies from India's Bharat Heavy Electricals to Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production are securing multimillion-dollar deals with Myanmar's military junta, even as its rulers seek billions of dollars in emergency aid from international donors in the wake of the Cycone Nagris disaster. - Brian McCartan
China succor for
foreign lenders
Citigroup, HSBC and other overseas banks hurt by the US subprime crisis are finding relief for their woes in China, as eased restrictions help them boost earnings from wealthy individuals and other customers in the world's fastest-growing major economy. One cloud on the horizon - their staff want more pay. - Olivia Chung
COMMENT
China's pollution Olympics
The algal bloom threatening to disrupt Olympic sailing events in Qingdao, China, is symptomatic of the country's water-pollution problems. These have far more dangerous effects than grounding a few boats, but the latest bloom might embarrass Beijing into confronting its environmental mess. - Peter Navarro
Companies from India's Bharat Heavy Electricals to Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production are securing multimillion-dollar deals with Myanmar's military junta, even as its rulers seek billions of dollars in emergency aid from international donors in the wake of the Cycone Nagris disaster. - Brian McCartan
China succor for
foreign lenders
Citigroup, HSBC and other overseas banks hurt by the US subprime crisis are finding relief for their woes in China, as eased restrictions help them boost earnings from wealthy individuals and other customers in the world's fastest-growing major economy. One cloud on the horizon - their staff want more pay. - Olivia Chung
COMMENT
China's pollution Olympics
The algal bloom threatening to disrupt Olympic sailing events in Qingdao, China, is symptomatic of the country's water-pollution problems. These have far more dangerous effects than grounding a few boats, but the latest bloom might embarrass Beijing into confronting its environmental mess. - Peter Navarro
Nuclear 'scare' against Iran exposed
The International Atomic Energy Agency's recent revival of the issue of Iran's possession of a paper said to provide information on making the core of a nuclear weapon significantly increased international pressure on Tehran. Yet the United Nations' nuclear watchdog had earlier indicated that this matter had been satisfactorily resolved, pointing to new political pressures on the agency. - Gareth Porter (Jul 9, '08)
SPEAKING FREELY
A last throw of the dice ...?
A United States war against Iran is conceivable as a final apocalyptic manifestation of Pax Americana, but this would only hasten the decline of the US in terms of power, influence and moral authority. - Bob Rigg (Jul 9, '08)
The International Atomic Energy Agency's recent revival of the issue of Iran's possession of a paper said to provide information on making the core of a nuclear weapon significantly increased international pressure on Tehran. Yet the United Nations' nuclear watchdog had earlier indicated that this matter had been satisfactorily resolved, pointing to new political pressures on the agency. - Gareth Porter (Jul 9, '08)
SPEAKING FREELY
A last throw of the dice ...?
A United States war against Iran is conceivable as a final apocalyptic manifestation of Pax Americana, but this would only hasten the decline of the US in terms of power, influence and moral authority. - Bob Rigg (Jul 9, '08)
India caught in the Taliban myth
India's reaction to the deadly bombing of its embassy in Kabul is one of outrage and the calls for retaliatory action are vigorous. On the complex Afghan stage, though, this is not a simple morality play of good versus evil. Something has gone very wrong with India's attitude to the Taliban and instead of a knee-jerk "war on terror" response, a comprehensive examination of exactly what India is doing in Afghanistan could better serve the country. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 9, '08)
India chases the Dragon in Sri Lanka
China is steadily increasing its activities in Sri Lanka through the sale of arms and with development projects, including the building of a key port. India, fearing it is being left behind in its own neighborhood, has increased its support to the Sri Lankan armed forces. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 9, '08)
The party squeezes China's judiciary
In what amounts to a drastic politicization of China's judiciary, Chinese President Hu Jintao has ordered the nation's zhengfa, or law enforcement and judicial departments, to rally behind the leadership of the Communist Party and give utmost priority to securing social order in the run-up to the Olympic Games next month. - Willy Lam (Jul 9, '08)
Different drums for Malaysia's opposition
An ugly incident at a concert involving a rock band reveals much about the state of Malaysia's democratic reformation and the loose coalition of opposition parties behind it. For one thing, one of its members, the conservative Islamic party known as PAS, has shown strains of intolerance over diversity, religious doctrine - and underwear. - Ioannis Gatsiounis (Jul 9, '08)
India's reaction to the deadly bombing of its embassy in Kabul is one of outrage and the calls for retaliatory action are vigorous. On the complex Afghan stage, though, this is not a simple morality play of good versus evil. Something has gone very wrong with India's attitude to the Taliban and instead of a knee-jerk "war on terror" response, a comprehensive examination of exactly what India is doing in Afghanistan could better serve the country. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 9, '08)
India chases the Dragon in Sri Lanka
China is steadily increasing its activities in Sri Lanka through the sale of arms and with development projects, including the building of a key port. India, fearing it is being left behind in its own neighborhood, has increased its support to the Sri Lankan armed forces. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 9, '08)
The party squeezes China's judiciary
In what amounts to a drastic politicization of China's judiciary, Chinese President Hu Jintao has ordered the nation's zhengfa, or law enforcement and judicial departments, to rally behind the leadership of the Communist Party and give utmost priority to securing social order in the run-up to the Olympic Games next month. - Willy Lam (Jul 9, '08)
Different drums for Malaysia's opposition
An ugly incident at a concert involving a rock band reveals much about the state of Malaysia's democratic reformation and the loose coalition of opposition parties behind it. For one thing, one of its members, the conservative Islamic party known as PAS, has shown strains of intolerance over diversity, religious doctrine - and underwear. - Ioannis Gatsiounis (Jul 9, '08)
Myanmar signs up energy partners
Companies from India's Bharat Heavy Electricals to Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production are securing multimillion-dollar deals with Myanmar's military junta, even as its rulers seek billions of dollars in emergency aid from international donors in the wake of the Cyclone Nargis disaster. - Brian McCartan
China succor for
foreign lenders
Citigroup, HSBC and other overseas banks hurt by the US subprime crisis are finding relief for their woes in China, as eased restrictions help them boost earnings from wealthy individuals and other customers in the world's fastest-growing major economy. One cloud on the horizon - their staff want more pay. - Olivia Chung
COMMENT
China's pollution Olympics
The algal bloom threatening to disrupt Olympic sailing events in Qingdao, China, is symptomatic of the country's water-pollution problems. These have far more dangerous effects than grounding a few boats, but the latest bloom might embarrass Beijing into confronting its environmental mess. - Peter Navarro
Companies from India's Bharat Heavy Electricals to Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production are securing multimillion-dollar deals with Myanmar's military junta, even as its rulers seek billions of dollars in emergency aid from international donors in the wake of the Cyclone Nargis disaster. - Brian McCartan
China succor for
foreign lenders
Citigroup, HSBC and other overseas banks hurt by the US subprime crisis are finding relief for their woes in China, as eased restrictions help them boost earnings from wealthy individuals and other customers in the world's fastest-growing major economy. One cloud on the horizon - their staff want more pay. - Olivia Chung
COMMENT
China's pollution Olympics
The algal bloom threatening to disrupt Olympic sailing events in Qingdao, China, is symptomatic of the country's water-pollution problems. These have far more dangerous effects than grounding a few boats, but the latest bloom might embarrass Beijing into confronting its environmental mess. - Peter Navarro
Legitimizing Permanent Occupation of Iraq
by Stephen Lendman / July 9th, 2008
Washington is currently negotiating two accords with the al-Maliki government to take effect after expiration of the UN’s military mandate on December 31. One agreement is for a long-term “strategic framework” to establish “cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and security fields.” Or, according to the administration, to defend Iraq’s “sovereignty and integrity of its territories, waters, and airspace.”
The other is a so-called “status of forces agreement” (SOFA) to provide legitimacy for the US occupation beginning January 1, 2009. Following the 2003 invasion, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1511. It officially recognized the “Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA)” and …
(Full article …)
Bush’s Rampage in Somalia
by Mike Whitney / July 9th, 2008
While George Bush was breezing through photo-ops at the G-8 summit in Japan, his Ethiopian proxy-army in Somalia was grinding out more carnage on the streets of Mogadishu. More than 40 civilians have been killed in the last 48 hours.
On Sunday, Osman Ali Ahmed, the head of the UN Development Program in Somalia, was shot gangland style as he left a mosque after prayers. He died before reaching the hospital with wounds to the head and chest. Ali Ahmed is just the latest of the peace-keepers who have been killed in the ongoing battle between Bush’s Ethiopian occupiers and …
(Full article …)
“Non-Lethal” Weapons: Where Science and Technology Service Repression
by Tom Burghardt / July 9th, 2008
Acoustic microwave armaments? Laser induced plasma channels? Vortex ring guns? Are these high-tech MacGuffins spiffing-up the latest Hollywood near-future thriller? Regrettably, no. Welcome to the twisted world of “non-lethal” weapons research brought to you by the “fun” folks at the Pentagon’s Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD).
Like a newborn’s proud parents, the JNLWD is heralding the successful phase two testing of Raytheon’s Active Denial System (ADS), a directed energy weapon used for “crowd control.” Known for its “goodbye effect,” it functions as a primitive, though highly-effective “pain ray” by heating the skin to around 130 degrees F.
According to a blurb …
(Full article …)
The Writ of the State
by Justin Podur / July 8th, 2008
ISLAMABAD, JULY 8 — Another couple of days of bombings in Pakistan and Afghanistan, each with its own message and each by a different group. A couple of days ago the Americans hit a wedding party and killed over 20 people in Afghanistan. In Kabul yesterday the Indian embassy was struck by a suicide bomber killing over 40 people. The next day a series of bombings in Karachi — six blasts in an hour, wounding dozens. These bombs were low intensity, and not suicide blasts. After the bombing of the Indian embassy, an Afghan official said something like: “we believe …
(Full article …)
Fidel Castro and the FARC: Eight Mistaken Thesis of Fidel Castro
by James Petras / July 8th, 2008
Introduction
I have been a supporter of the Cuban Revolution for exactly fifty years and recognize Fidel Castro as one of the great revolutionary leaders of our time. But I have never been an uncritical apologist: On several crucial occasions I have expressed my disagreements in print, in public and in discussions with Cuban leaders, writers and militants. Fidel Castro’s articles and commentaries on the recent events in Colombia, namely his discussion of the Colombian regime’s freeing of several FARC prisoners (including three CIA operatives and Ingrid Betancourt) and his critical comments on the politics, structure, practices, tactics and …
(Full article …)
Universal Patterns Within Cultural Diversity
by Robert Jensen / July 8th, 2008
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Some lessons learned while spending time in a different culture come from paying attention to the wide diversity in how we humans arrange ourselves socially. Equally crucial lessons come from seeing patterns in how people behave similarly in similar situations, even in very different cultural contexts.
This week in Pakistan, as I have been learning more about a very different culture than my own, I was reminded of one of those patterns: Patriarchy makes men crazy.
The setting for this lesson is the International Islamic University in Islamabad, where I am teaching a three-week course on media law and …
(Full article …)
Can You Handle the Truth? 
by The Editors Missile defense is on the agenda again, this time at the G8. The United States has just signed a deal with the Czechs, to Russian protests. At The Nixon Center, Russian Ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin explained Moscow’s concerns.
by The Editors Missile defense is on the agenda again, this time at the G8. The United States has just signed a deal with the Czechs, to Russian protests. At The Nixon Center, Russian Ambassador to NATO Dmitry Rogozin explained Moscow’s concerns.
Missiles for Sale by Rebecca N. White A State Department special envoy discusses what the U.S. government is doing to ensure cold-war-era missiles don’t fall into the wrong hands.
by Rebecca N. White A State Department special envoy discusses what the U.S. government is doing to ensure cold-war-era missiles don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Iran Sanctions Bill Could Undermine Diplomacy
By Carah Ong
With pressure on both houses of Congress to pass legislation imposing more sanctions against Iran, and without key opposition from the oil lobby, the Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 could be passed yet in the Senate. But the act could harm diplomacy not only with Tehran, but also with Moscow, thanks to provisions that are opposed by the Bush administration as well as several senators. Read full story.
http://rightweb.irc-online.org/rw/4933.html
By Carah Ong
With pressure on both houses of Congress to pass legislation imposing more sanctions against Iran, and without key opposition from the oil lobby, the Iran Sanctions Act of 2008 could be passed yet in the Senate. But the act could harm diplomacy not only with Tehran, but also with Moscow, thanks to provisions that are opposed by the Bush administration as well as several senators. Read full story.
http://rightweb.irc-online.org/rw/4933.html
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/200807...ng_out_of_iraq/
Disorderly or Not, America Should Withdraw
Disorderly or Not, America Should Withdraw
Afghanistan's 'sons of the soil' rise up
With the Taliban proving increasingly difficult to defeat militarily, and with the Western coalition reluctant to negotiate with any Taliban or al-Qaeda radicals, an uneasy stalemate has been reached in Afghanistan. Pakistan sees this as an opportunity to regain its position as a key player in the affairs of its neighbor by elevating moderate "sons of the soil" Taliban as the people to negotiate with. This is already happening in Pakistan's tribal areas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 11, '08)
With the Taliban proving increasingly difficult to defeat militarily, and with the Western coalition reluctant to negotiate with any Taliban or al-Qaeda radicals, an uneasy stalemate has been reached in Afghanistan. Pakistan sees this as an opportunity to regain its position as a key player in the affairs of its neighbor by elevating moderate "sons of the soil" Taliban as the people to negotiate with. This is already happening in Pakistan's tribal areas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 11, '08)
Bush outfoxed in the Iraqi sands
A combination of Iraqi Shi'ite political opposition and Iranian diplomacy, embodied in Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's demand for a timetable for complete United States military withdrawal from Iraq, signals the almost certain defeat of the George W Bush administration's aim of establishing a long-term military presence in Iraq. - Gareth Porter (Jul 11, '08)
A combination of Iraqi Shi'ite political opposition and Iranian diplomacy, embodied in Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's demand for a timetable for complete United States military withdrawal from Iraq, signals the almost certain defeat of the George W Bush administration's aim of establishing a long-term military presence in Iraq. - Gareth Porter (Jul 11, '08)
Flash of temper livens Korea talks
North Korean guards kicking over tables on the demilitarized line with South Korea and threatening armed conflict "at any moment" have overshadowed the six-party talks in Beijing on Pyongyang's nuclear program. The guards will get over their temper tantrums; it won't be as easy to nudge North Korea into the next phase of disarmament. - Donald Kirk (Jul 11, '08)
China's army still getting to know itself
Some 2,500 years of practicing military philosopher Sun Tzu's creed of "Know the enemy and know yourself" have not been wasted on China. The People's Liberation Army still has an active program of self-evaluation and is well aware of its strengths and weaknesses, especially in relation to the military might of the United States.
North Korean guards kicking over tables on the demilitarized line with South Korea and threatening armed conflict "at any moment" have overshadowed the six-party talks in Beijing on Pyongyang's nuclear program. The guards will get over their temper tantrums; it won't be as easy to nudge North Korea into the next phase of disarmament. - Donald Kirk (Jul 11, '08)
China's army still getting to know itself
Some 2,500 years of practicing military philosopher Sun Tzu's creed of "Know the enemy and know yourself" have not been wasted on China. The People's Liberation Army still has an active program of self-evaluation and is well aware of its strengths and weaknesses, especially in relation to the military might of the United States.
ASIA HAND
Thailand's conflict gets economic
Samak Sundaravej's tenure as Thailand's prime minister has looked wobbly since he came to power last December. Now an early downfall through economic mismanagment is replacing expectations that his young administration would be toppled in a military coup or through forced dissolution of his ruling party. - Shawn W Crispin
Thailand's conflict gets economic
Samak Sundaravej's tenure as Thailand's prime minister has looked wobbly since he came to power last December. Now an early downfall through economic mismanagment is replacing expectations that his young administration would be toppled in a military coup or through forced dissolution of his ruling party. - Shawn W Crispin
THE ROVING EYE
Iran's missiles are just for show
As a political statement to world leaders gathered in Japan, Iran's test-firing on Wednesday of nine long-and-medium range missiles was impeccable. But even if Iran had the physical means to deliver the nuclear warheads it does not possess, these tests do not mean it has mastered the capability to do so. Iran's real deterrence against an attack comes from the reorganization of its military, giving it effectively 30 armies spread across the country. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 10, '08)
DISPATCHES FROM AMERICA
Why the US won't attack Iran
Despite all the warnings, alarms, rumors and panicky pieces coursing through the international media, an attack on Iran is less likely than ever to happen. For small, vulnerable Israel, an air assault on Iranian nuclear facilities, alone or with the backing of the US, is literally inconceivable, given the disastrous fallout that would follow. - Tom Engelhardt (Jul 10, '08)
THE MOGAMBO GURU
To hell in a currency basket
Raise interest rates, lower them, or leave them the same - the US Federal Reserve and chairman Ben Bernanke can do nothing to avoid the deepening financial crisis they have created for the rest of us. And banks elsewhere that believe fancy currency pegs are helpful escape tools - they are wrong. (Jul 10, '08)
Thai massage for China's military muscle
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's four-day visit to China last week was another indication of the cozy Sino-Thai military-security relationship. But Bangkok is still trying to balance the interests and influence of two superpowers; keeping its military alliance with the US well lubricated while at the same time expanding defense ties with China. - Ian Storey (Jul 10, '08)
Iranian film hits raw Egyptian nerve
Cairo is seething over a film from Iran depicting former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat as a "traitor" for signing the 1978 peace accords with Israel. The spat comes at the height of Iranian efforts to win allies in the Arab and Muslim world, both to penetrate the array of pro-American states in the region, and use them to lobby against a possible Israeli attack. - Sami Moubayed (Jul 10, '08)
Paid-up card-carriers feel the pain
US consumers are discovering that even fully paid-up card-carrying capitalists are no longer entitled to literally unlimited spending as the enfeebling tendrils of the subprime mortgage crisis spiral ever deeper into the country's economic structure. - Julian Delasantellis (Jul 10, '08)
Stagflation sightings multiply
With Warren Buffet joining the ranks of those recognizing the presence of stagflation, investors have cause to be concerned by an apparent weakening of Europe's determination to combat rising prices. Even the "insurance" of gold carries an easily-forgotten risk - confiscation. - John Browne (Jul 10, '08)
Iran's missiles are just for show
As a political statement to world leaders gathered in Japan, Iran's test-firing on Wednesday of nine long-and-medium range missiles was impeccable. But even if Iran had the physical means to deliver the nuclear warheads it does not possess, these tests do not mean it has mastered the capability to do so. Iran's real deterrence against an attack comes from the reorganization of its military, giving it effectively 30 armies spread across the country. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 10, '08)
DISPATCHES FROM AMERICA
Why the US won't attack Iran
Despite all the warnings, alarms, rumors and panicky pieces coursing through the international media, an attack on Iran is less likely than ever to happen. For small, vulnerable Israel, an air assault on Iranian nuclear facilities, alone or with the backing of the US, is literally inconceivable, given the disastrous fallout that would follow. - Tom Engelhardt (Jul 10, '08)
THE MOGAMBO GURU
To hell in a currency basket
Raise interest rates, lower them, or leave them the same - the US Federal Reserve and chairman Ben Bernanke can do nothing to avoid the deepening financial crisis they have created for the rest of us. And banks elsewhere that believe fancy currency pegs are helpful escape tools - they are wrong. (Jul 10, '08)
Thai massage for China's military muscle
Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's four-day visit to China last week was another indication of the cozy Sino-Thai military-security relationship. But Bangkok is still trying to balance the interests and influence of two superpowers; keeping its military alliance with the US well lubricated while at the same time expanding defense ties with China. - Ian Storey (Jul 10, '08)
Iranian film hits raw Egyptian nerve
Cairo is seething over a film from Iran depicting former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat as a "traitor" for signing the 1978 peace accords with Israel. The spat comes at the height of Iranian efforts to win allies in the Arab and Muslim world, both to penetrate the array of pro-American states in the region, and use them to lobby against a possible Israeli attack. - Sami Moubayed (Jul 10, '08)
Paid-up card-carriers feel the pain
US consumers are discovering that even fully paid-up card-carrying capitalists are no longer entitled to literally unlimited spending as the enfeebling tendrils of the subprime mortgage crisis spiral ever deeper into the country's economic structure. - Julian Delasantellis (Jul 10, '08)
Stagflation sightings multiply
With Warren Buffet joining the ranks of those recognizing the presence of stagflation, investors have cause to be concerned by an apparent weakening of Europe's determination to combat rising prices. Even the "insurance" of gold carries an easily-forgotten risk - confiscation. - John Browne (Jul 10, '08)
A war just waiting to happen
Washington has invested huge sums of money and effort in support of Georgia's inclusion into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a move that will tighten the alliance's iron ring around Russia. Moscow in return is increasing its military backing of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, risking a a major escalation of tensions between Russia and NATO, in addition to disrupting vital energy corridors. - F William Engdahl (Jul 15, '08)
Washington has invested huge sums of money and effort in support of Georgia's inclusion into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a move that will tighten the alliance's iron ring around Russia. Moscow in return is increasing its military backing of the breakaway Georgian region of Abkhazia, risking a a major escalation of tensions between Russia and NATO, in addition to disrupting vital energy corridors. - F William Engdahl (Jul 15, '08)
Afghan attack resonates in Washington
The deaths of nine United States soldiers at the hands of the Taliban at a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan is a sharp reminder that the central front in Washington's "war on terror" has moved from Iraq. This realization has already had a major impact on the US presidential elections. - Jim Lobe (Jul 15, '08)
Karzai nods to US, winks to Iran
Afghan President Hamid Karzai uses cautious language to give praise equally to the United States and Iran for their roles in his embattled nation. Even with US officials pointing to Iranian-made weapons bound for Taliban militants, Karzai says "both countries have helped us in our reconstruction" and vows his government does not want its "soil to be used" in any conflict between other countries. (Jul 15, '08)
Iran-US: A study in misperceptions
The failure of United States-Iran rapprochement is invariably blamed on Washington's insistence on a suspension of Iran's uranium-enrichment program and on Tehran's intransigence on the same. The deeper reason is that neither side even tries to understand the other, and that suitable people who could help bridge the gap are not utilized. - Hossein Askari (Jul 15, '08)
SUN WUKONG
Tilting at China's red windmills
"When a man is about to die, his words are true," claims part of an ancient Chinese proverb. With such wisdom in mind, China might want to take a closer look at certain whistle-blowing officials who have used their imminent sacking or retirement to expose deep problems within the tangled bureaucracy. - Wu Zhong (Jul 15, '08)
An immigration conundrum in Japan
The Japanese population is shrinking and this unfortunate fact may be the only thing that can move Tokyo to relax decades of stringent immigration policies. A "revolutionary" proposal calls for a massive influx of foreign workers, but the plan is likely to remain stalled until Japanese can open their hearts to more gaijins. - Peter Taberner (Jul 15, '08)
The deaths of nine United States soldiers at the hands of the Taliban at a remote outpost in eastern Afghanistan is a sharp reminder that the central front in Washington's "war on terror" has moved from Iraq. This realization has already had a major impact on the US presidential elections. - Jim Lobe (Jul 15, '08)
Karzai nods to US, winks to Iran
Afghan President Hamid Karzai uses cautious language to give praise equally to the United States and Iran for their roles in his embattled nation. Even with US officials pointing to Iranian-made weapons bound for Taliban militants, Karzai says "both countries have helped us in our reconstruction" and vows his government does not want its "soil to be used" in any conflict between other countries. (Jul 15, '08)Iran-US: A study in misperceptions
The failure of United States-Iran rapprochement is invariably blamed on Washington's insistence on a suspension of Iran's uranium-enrichment program and on Tehran's intransigence on the same. The deeper reason is that neither side even tries to understand the other, and that suitable people who could help bridge the gap are not utilized. - Hossein Askari (Jul 15, '08)
SUN WUKONG Tilting at China's red windmills
"When a man is about to die, his words are true," claims part of an ancient Chinese proverb. With such wisdom in mind, China might want to take a closer look at certain whistle-blowing officials who have used their imminent sacking or retirement to expose deep problems within the tangled bureaucracy. - Wu Zhong (Jul 15, '08)
An immigration conundrum in Japan
The Japanese population is shrinking and this unfortunate fact may be the only thing that can move Tokyo to relax decades of stringent immigration policies. A "revolutionary" proposal calls for a massive influx of foreign workers, but the plan is likely to remain stalled until Japanese can open their hearts to more gaijins. - Peter Taberner (Jul 15, '08)
SPENGLERMidnight in the kindergarten
of good and evil
The invention of gadgets that show us which neurons light up when we think happy thoughts has convinced some secular thinkers that they have found the solution to a problem unsolved by thousands of years of philosophical speculation. (Jul 14, '08)
Syria basks in diplomatic breakthrough
After waiting for its chance for years, in a matter of minutes at the weekend Syria resumed diplomatic ties with Lebanon and France and made it abundantly clear that Damascus is central to solving most problems in the Middle East. France also emerges from these breakthrough developments with credit, having stuck to a line independent of the United States. - Sami Moubayed (Jul 14, '08)
Hong Kong's dirty little secret: Racism
Nearly 40 years after Hong Kong signed an international covenant against racial discrimination it has passed anti-racism legislation. The bill is as noteworthy for what it leaves out as for what it includes, the biggest complaint being that the government is let off the hook. - Kent Ewing (Jul 14, '08)
CAMPAIGN OUTSIDER With friends like these ...
Republican Senator John McCain's surrogates Phil Gramm and Carly Fiorina made controversial remarks last week as the United States presidential race gathered speed. But the real problem for McCain isn't what they said. - Muhammad Cohen (Jul 14, '08)
China's veto just part of business
China's United Nations veto preventing sanctions against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's regime is the flip side of Beijing's determination to maintain access to the country's rich resources, ranging from platinum and chromium to tobacco. - Peter Navarro (Jul 14, '08)
The G-8 ignores basics
The refusal of leaders of the top industrialized countries to publicly acknowledge the basic reason for soaring oil and food prices will usher in worsening inflation, a faster decline in real incomes and more hardship for the world's poor. - Hossein Askari and Noureddine Krichene (Jul 14, '08)
DISPATCHES FROM AMERICA
Five weddings and many funerals
The bombing of a wedding party in Afghanistan on July 6 brings to five the number of such gatherings hit by United States air power since 2001, including in Iraq, with cumulatively hundreds of dead and wounded. - Tom Engelhardt (Jul 14, '08)
Bush outfoxed in the Iraqi sands
A combination of Iraqi Shi'ite political opposition and Iranian diplomacy, embodied in Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's demand for a timetable for complete United States military withdrawal from Iraq, signals the almost certain defeat of the George W Bush administration's aim of establishing a long-term military presence in Iraq. - Gareth Porter (Jul 11, '08)
CHAN AKYA
And now, for
Fannie and Freddie
The US government, faced with a possible failure of mortgage guarantors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is looking to once again prop up defunct institutions instead of giving up the ghost on such entities. The markets may welcome such efforts, but the implications for the ultimate credit quality of the government are negative. (Jul 11, '08)
Afghanistan's 'sons of the soil' rise up
With the Taliban proving increasingly difficult to defeat militarily, and with the Western coalition reluctant to negotiate with any Taliban or al-Qaeda radicals, an uneasy stalemate has been reached in Afghanistan. Pakistan sees this as an opportunity to regain its position as a key player in the affairs of its neighbor by elevating moderate "sons of the soil" Taliban as the people to negotiate with. This is already happening in Pakistan's tribal areas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 11, '08)
Five weddings and many funerals
The bombing of a wedding party in Afghanistan on July 6 brings to five the number of such gatherings hit by United States air power since 2001, including in Iraq, with cumulatively hundreds of dead and wounded. - Tom Engelhardt (Jul 14, '08)
Bush outfoxed in the Iraqi sands
A combination of Iraqi Shi'ite political opposition and Iranian diplomacy, embodied in Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's demand for a timetable for complete United States military withdrawal from Iraq, signals the almost certain defeat of the George W Bush administration's aim of establishing a long-term military presence in Iraq. - Gareth Porter (Jul 11, '08)
CHAN AKYAAnd now, for
Fannie and Freddie
The US government, faced with a possible failure of mortgage guarantors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is looking to once again prop up defunct institutions instead of giving up the ghost on such entities. The markets may welcome such efforts, but the implications for the ultimate credit quality of the government are negative. (Jul 11, '08)
Afghanistan's 'sons of the soil' rise up
With the Taliban proving increasingly difficult to defeat militarily, and with the Western coalition reluctant to negotiate with any Taliban or al-Qaeda radicals, an uneasy stalemate has been reached in Afghanistan. Pakistan sees this as an opportunity to regain its position as a key player in the affairs of its neighbor by elevating moderate "sons of the soil" Taliban as the people to negotiate with. This is already happening in Pakistan's tribal areas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 11, '08)
Has the 'Surge' in Iraq Worked? by Immanuel Wallerstein
The Middle East today is like a large geopolitical balloon. If you squeeze it at one point, the air will simply displace itself to another point. And the balloon is getting more fragile all the time. It is on the verge of bursting.
more...
Fourth Inning of the Iran-US Game by Rami G. Khouri
In the past four weeks I have been in Washington, I have heard people speak more of Iran than of the local Nationals baseball team, because the Nationals are not playing well and the Iranians are.
more...
A Peace Package for the Iran Crisis by Patrick Seale
Would Tehran give up its nuclear enrichment pursuits if it were offered a U.S. military withdrawal from the region, the creation of a Palestinian state within a wider Arab-Israeli settlement, and a security pact with the Gulf States?
more...
Canada's Class Act by Rami G. Khouri
It is heartening to witness such a class act as Canada’s apology to its indigenous peoples -- a powerful example that others in the world who care to resolve conflicts, and achieve peace and security, would do well to study closely.
more...
"Do you have love in your culture?" by Dahr Jamail (Le Monde diplomatique)
Last month, Muhammad Omer and Dahr Jamail received jointly the 2007 Martha Gelhorn Prize for Journalism. Their treks to and from their homes to the ceremony were quite different -- Jamail, coming from San Francisco, and Omer, coming from Gaza. Jamail tells Omer’s story.
more...
Militancy and Defiance in the Real Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
Large numbers of Arabs, Iranians and Turks -- hundreds of millions of people -- have shed their legacy of passive acquiescence in their own suffering, weakness, marginalization and victimization.
more...
Prospects for the Syrian-Israeli Talks by Patrick Seale
It remains to be seen how far Syria can afford to advance in its bilateral negotiations with Israel in the absence of serious progress towards Palestinian statehood.
more...
The Middle East today is like a large geopolitical balloon. If you squeeze it at one point, the air will simply displace itself to another point. And the balloon is getting more fragile all the time. It is on the verge of bursting.
more...
Fourth Inning of the Iran-US Game by Rami G. Khouri
In the past four weeks I have been in Washington, I have heard people speak more of Iran than of the local Nationals baseball team, because the Nationals are not playing well and the Iranians are.
more...
A Peace Package for the Iran Crisis by Patrick Seale
Would Tehran give up its nuclear enrichment pursuits if it were offered a U.S. military withdrawal from the region, the creation of a Palestinian state within a wider Arab-Israeli settlement, and a security pact with the Gulf States?
more...
Canada's Class Act by Rami G. Khouri
It is heartening to witness such a class act as Canada’s apology to its indigenous peoples -- a powerful example that others in the world who care to resolve conflicts, and achieve peace and security, would do well to study closely.
more...
"Do you have love in your culture?" by Dahr Jamail (Le Monde diplomatique)
Last month, Muhammad Omer and Dahr Jamail received jointly the 2007 Martha Gelhorn Prize for Journalism. Their treks to and from their homes to the ceremony were quite different -- Jamail, coming from San Francisco, and Omer, coming from Gaza. Jamail tells Omer’s story.
more...
Militancy and Defiance in the Real Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
Large numbers of Arabs, Iranians and Turks -- hundreds of millions of people -- have shed their legacy of passive acquiescence in their own suffering, weakness, marginalization and victimization.
more...
Prospects for the Syrian-Israeli Talks by Patrick Seale
It remains to be seen how far Syria can afford to advance in its bilateral negotiations with Israel in the absence of serious progress towards Palestinian statehood.
more...
Whose Crimes? Against Whose Humanity? by Rami G. Khouri
The ICC warrant against Sudan’s President Bashir evokes the thought that not all crimes against humanity are treated similarly. Such should not be the case.
more...
Fear of an Obama Planet by Mona Eltahawy
Does Sri Lanka have bread? Is there fruit in Egypt? Is Barack Obama a radical Muslim? Americans want to know these things. Sheesh.
more...
Has the 'Surge' in Iraq Worked? by Immanuel Wallerstein
The Middle East today is like a large geopolitical balloon. If you squeeze it at one point, the air will simply displace itself to another point. And the balloon is getting more fragile all the time. It is on the verge of bursting.
more...
Fourth Inning of the Iran-US Game by Rami G. Khouri
In the past four weeks I have been in Washington, I have heard people speak more of Iran than of the local Nationals baseball team, because the Nationals are not playing well and the Iranians are.
more...
A Peace Package for the Iran Crisis by Patrick Seale
Would Tehran give up its nuclear enrichment pursuits if it were offered a U.S. military withdrawal from the region, the creation of a Palestinian state within a wider Arab-Israeli settlement, and a security pact with the Gulf States?
more...
Canada's Class Act by Rami G. Khouri
It is heartening to witness such a class act as Canada’s apology to its indigenous peoples -- a powerful example that others in the world who care to resolve conflicts, and achieve peace and security, would do well to study closely.
more...
"Do you have love in your culture?" by Dahr Jamail (Le Monde diplomatique)
Last month, Muhammad Omer and Dahr Jamail received jointly the 2007 Martha Gelhorn Prize for Journalism. Their treks to and from their homes to the ceremony were quite different -- Jamail, coming from San Francisco, and Omer, coming from Gaza. Jamail tells Omer’s story.
more...
The ICC warrant against Sudan’s President Bashir evokes the thought that not all crimes against humanity are treated similarly. Such should not be the case.
more...
Fear of an Obama Planet by Mona Eltahawy
Does Sri Lanka have bread? Is there fruit in Egypt? Is Barack Obama a radical Muslim? Americans want to know these things. Sheesh.
more...
Has the 'Surge' in Iraq Worked? by Immanuel Wallerstein
The Middle East today is like a large geopolitical balloon. If you squeeze it at one point, the air will simply displace itself to another point. And the balloon is getting more fragile all the time. It is on the verge of bursting.
more...
Fourth Inning of the Iran-US Game by Rami G. Khouri
In the past four weeks I have been in Washington, I have heard people speak more of Iran than of the local Nationals baseball team, because the Nationals are not playing well and the Iranians are.
more...
A Peace Package for the Iran Crisis by Patrick Seale
Would Tehran give up its nuclear enrichment pursuits if it were offered a U.S. military withdrawal from the region, the creation of a Palestinian state within a wider Arab-Israeli settlement, and a security pact with the Gulf States?
more...
Canada's Class Act by Rami G. Khouri
It is heartening to witness such a class act as Canada’s apology to its indigenous peoples -- a powerful example that others in the world who care to resolve conflicts, and achieve peace and security, would do well to study closely.
more...
"Do you have love in your culture?" by Dahr Jamail (Le Monde diplomatique)
Last month, Muhammad Omer and Dahr Jamail received jointly the 2007 Martha Gelhorn Prize for Journalism. Their treks to and from their homes to the ceremony were quite different -- Jamail, coming from San Francisco, and Omer, coming from Gaza. Jamail tells Omer’s story.
more...
Brian Cloughley
Iran's Missile Tests
Patrick Cockburn
Sadr's Militia May Live to Fight Another Day
John Ross
Crunchtime for Mexico's Oil
Howard Lisnoff
When Torture Was Practiced on U.S. Soil
Iran's Missile Tests
Patrick Cockburn
Sadr's Militia May Live to Fight Another Day
John Ross
Crunchtime for Mexico's Oil
Howard Lisnoff
When Torture Was Practiced on U.S. Soil
Energy reality starts to bite
The fourth oil shock of the past half-century-plus is unlike the previous three and isn't going away any time soon. In the medium term, the world will need to rely on two key but controversial forms of energy - "cleaned up" coal and nuclear - to find relief. China and India won't lead the way, this burden will fall on the affluent societies of the West. - Dilip Hiro (Jul 16, '08)
Militants ready for a war without borders
Coalition forces expect it. Al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban expect it: the war in Afghanistan will soon spill over into Pakistani territory. Washington is banking on Islamabad helping out from its side, but the militants have other ideas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 16, '08)
THE ROVING EYE
Obama's brave (new?) world
At first glance, Democratic Senator Barack Obama's "new overarching strategy" for Iraq and Afghanistan is streets ahead of the approach proposed by his US presidential rival, Republican Senator John McCain. But from the planned withdrawal of troops from Iraq to dealing with the Taliban, Obama's vision, when it comes to implementation, will likely founder on the harsh realities that have so frustrated the George W Bush administration. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 16, '08)
The final countdown for India
India's ruling United Progressive Alliance faces a crucial vote in parliament that will determine not only the fate of the government but also the long-stalled civilian nuclear deal with the United States. With every vote counting, hectic efforts are on to poach support and ensure loyalty. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 16, '08)
High-end tourists tame Taiwan's fears
A historic "test-batch" of 762 carefully selected mainland Chinese tourists left Taiwan last week having launched a new era in cross-strait cultural relations. The well-dressed, big-spending visitors went a long way in easing Taiwanese fears of ill-mannered bumpkins breaching their shores - a fact that's hardly lost on Beijing. - Cindy Sui (Jul 16, '08)
KEBABBLE
Highways too hot to handle
It's getting sticky in Turkey, where high temperatures are melting poorly constructed roads and airstrips across the country. Only 20% of highways are asphalt, and the remaining gravel-and-tar topped roads are blamed for as much as 90% of all accidents. - Fazile Zahir (Jul 16, '08)
The fourth oil shock of the past half-century-plus is unlike the previous three and isn't going away any time soon. In the medium term, the world will need to rely on two key but controversial forms of energy - "cleaned up" coal and nuclear - to find relief. China and India won't lead the way, this burden will fall on the affluent societies of the West. - Dilip Hiro (Jul 16, '08)
Militants ready for a war without borders
Coalition forces expect it. Al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban expect it: the war in Afghanistan will soon spill over into Pakistani territory. Washington is banking on Islamabad helping out from its side, but the militants have other ideas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 16, '08)
THE ROVING EYE
Obama's brave (new?) world
At first glance, Democratic Senator Barack Obama's "new overarching strategy" for Iraq and Afghanistan is streets ahead of the approach proposed by his US presidential rival, Republican Senator John McCain. But from the planned withdrawal of troops from Iraq to dealing with the Taliban, Obama's vision, when it comes to implementation, will likely founder on the harsh realities that have so frustrated the George W Bush administration. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 16, '08)
The final countdown for India
India's ruling United Progressive Alliance faces a crucial vote in parliament that will determine not only the fate of the government but also the long-stalled civilian nuclear deal with the United States. With every vote counting, hectic efforts are on to poach support and ensure loyalty. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 16, '08)
High-end tourists tame Taiwan's fears
A historic "test-batch" of 762 carefully selected mainland Chinese tourists left Taiwan last week having launched a new era in cross-strait cultural relations. The well-dressed, big-spending visitors went a long way in easing Taiwanese fears of ill-mannered bumpkins breaching their shores - a fact that's hardly lost on Beijing. - Cindy Sui (Jul 16, '08)
KEBABBLEHighways too hot to handle
It's getting sticky in Turkey, where high temperatures are melting poorly constructed roads and airstrips across the country. Only 20% of highways are asphalt, and the remaining gravel-and-tar topped roads are blamed for as much as 90% of all accidents. - Fazile Zahir (Jul 16, '08)
Robert Parry:
The High Cost of Bush’s Iraq Gambit
The High Cost of Bush’s Iraq Gambit
SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS (a respected military blog)
7/16/08
Pakistan border situation
FB Ali
The attack on the Kunar post, because of the sad loss of life, has garnered a lot of attention and comment. But this was, after all, just a minor tactical setback. What should really worry people in the US are the gathering storm clouds that are threatening to jeopardise the entire US-NATO enterprise in Afghanistan. The adjoining tribal territories in Pakistan are rapidly slipping out of control of the country's government.
Pakistan's civilian government is in complete disarray. The nominal cabinet has no power; decisions are made by a couple of unelected former fugitives from justice (accused of massive corruption) for whom the US obtained immunity from Musharraf. The political parties and factions are busy undermining each other, the country's administration is in turmoil, its finances are in a mess, inflation is surging, ordinary people are daily facing shortages of food, water and electricity. The government is trying to negotiate agreements with the tribes, offering them money and autonomy in return for peace – the old policy the British used with considerable success. Unfortunately, when the US used these tribal areas in the 70s as the base from which to launch the jihad to oust the Soviets from Afghanistan (remember the mujahedins, darlings of the West?) they also destroyed the old tribal hierarchies, with radicals and militants taking control. To them, "peace" now means a free hand to support their Pakhtun brethren in Afghanistan in their fight to oust the new invaders. The US will not accept such an agreement. It is not surprising these negotiations are not making much progress.
The Pakistan army, having had its nose bloodied in Musharraf's earlier attempt to militarily control the tribes, and with its standing in the country badly dented by his political shenanigans, is quite content to use the civilian government's dithering as an excuse for its inaction; it has no intention of fighting a US proxy war in the tribal territories. It also knows that the US will still continue to pay it large subsidies to ensure the safeguarding of the US supply lines to Afghanistan (and the country's nuclear weapons).
The US is in a bind. It has to deny the Pakhtun insurgency (the Taliban are only one part of it) the use of the tribal areas as a base. With Pakistan showing no will to control these areas, it is threatening to take unilateral military action there. This will obviously be through air strikes and Special Forces raids, both notorious for their inevitable "collateral damage". This will add fuel to the fire of militancy, pushing more recruits into the ranks of the jihad, especially the deadly suicide bombers. An insurgency cannot be defeated by a few successful decapitation strikes, or even by turning a rugged mountainous base area into a free-fire zone. The more perceptive US commanders probably know this, but they have to be seen to do something about the continuous guerrilla attacks. How long will the NATO allies stick around fighting an unwinnable war? How long will the US public put up with it?
But that is not the worst of it. Believing Pakistan to be complicit in the US strikes on their people, the tribal militants will turn on it; they have already seen the deadly effect of their suicide bombs in the teeming cities. An already fragile governmental and societal structure will face severe stress; anything could happen. One thing is certain : the religious fundamentalists in the country will take full advantage of this turmoil. For the US, the first impact will be on their supply line through Pakistan. Then, Pakistan itself, as an ally, will be at risk.
One of the most difficult things for both statesman and soldier is to recognize a war as unwinnable before it is proven in the field.
7/16/08
Pakistan border situation
FB Ali
The attack on the Kunar post, because of the sad loss of life, has garnered a lot of attention and comment. But this was, after all, just a minor tactical setback. What should really worry people in the US are the gathering storm clouds that are threatening to jeopardise the entire US-NATO enterprise in Afghanistan. The adjoining tribal territories in Pakistan are rapidly slipping out of control of the country's government.
Pakistan's civilian government is in complete disarray. The nominal cabinet has no power; decisions are made by a couple of unelected former fugitives from justice (accused of massive corruption) for whom the US obtained immunity from Musharraf. The political parties and factions are busy undermining each other, the country's administration is in turmoil, its finances are in a mess, inflation is surging, ordinary people are daily facing shortages of food, water and electricity. The government is trying to negotiate agreements with the tribes, offering them money and autonomy in return for peace – the old policy the British used with considerable success. Unfortunately, when the US used these tribal areas in the 70s as the base from which to launch the jihad to oust the Soviets from Afghanistan (remember the mujahedins, darlings of the West?) they also destroyed the old tribal hierarchies, with radicals and militants taking control. To them, "peace" now means a free hand to support their Pakhtun brethren in Afghanistan in their fight to oust the new invaders. The US will not accept such an agreement. It is not surprising these negotiations are not making much progress.
The Pakistan army, having had its nose bloodied in Musharraf's earlier attempt to militarily control the tribes, and with its standing in the country badly dented by his political shenanigans, is quite content to use the civilian government's dithering as an excuse for its inaction; it has no intention of fighting a US proxy war in the tribal territories. It also knows that the US will still continue to pay it large subsidies to ensure the safeguarding of the US supply lines to Afghanistan (and the country's nuclear weapons).
The US is in a bind. It has to deny the Pakhtun insurgency (the Taliban are only one part of it) the use of the tribal areas as a base. With Pakistan showing no will to control these areas, it is threatening to take unilateral military action there. This will obviously be through air strikes and Special Forces raids, both notorious for their inevitable "collateral damage". This will add fuel to the fire of militancy, pushing more recruits into the ranks of the jihad, especially the deadly suicide bombers. An insurgency cannot be defeated by a few successful decapitation strikes, or even by turning a rugged mountainous base area into a free-fire zone. The more perceptive US commanders probably know this, but they have to be seen to do something about the continuous guerrilla attacks. How long will the NATO allies stick around fighting an unwinnable war? How long will the US public put up with it?
But that is not the worst of it. Believing Pakistan to be complicit in the US strikes on their people, the tribal militants will turn on it; they have already seen the deadly effect of their suicide bombs in the teeming cities. An already fragile governmental and societal structure will face severe stress; anything could happen. One thing is certain : the religious fundamentalists in the country will take full advantage of this turmoil. For the US, the first impact will be on their supply line through Pakistan. Then, Pakistan itself, as an ally, will be at risk.
One of the most difficult things for both statesman and soldier is to recognize a war as unwinnable before it is proven in the field.
Energy reality starts to bite
The fourth oil shock of the past half-century-plus is unlike the previous three and isn't going away any time soon. In the medium term, the world will need to rely on two key but controversial forms of energy - "cleaned up" coal and nuclear - to find relief. China and India won't lead the way, this burden will fall on the affluent societies of the West. - Dilip Hiro (Jul 16, '08)
Militants ready for a war without borders
Coalition forces expect it. Al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban expect it: the war in Afghanistan will soon spill over into Pakistani territory. Washington is banking on Islamabad helping out from its side, but the militants have other ideas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 16, '08)
THE ROVING EYE
Obama's brave (new?) world
At first glance, Democratic Senator Barack Obama's "new overarching strategy" for Iraq and Afghanistan is streets ahead of the approach proposed by his US presidential rival, Republican Senator John McCain. But from the planned withdrawal of troops from Iraq to dealing with the Taliban, Obama's vision, when it comes to implementation, will likely founder on the harsh realities that have so frustrated the George W Bush administration. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 16, '08)
The final countdown for India
India's ruling United Progressive Alliance faces a crucial vote in parliament that will determine not only the fate of the government but also the long-stalled civilian nuclear deal with the United States. With every vote counting, hectic efforts are on to poach support and ensure loyalty. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 16, '08)
High-end tourists tame Taiwan's fears
A historic "test-batch" of 762 carefully selected mainland Chinese tourists left Taiwan last week having launched a new era in cross-strait cultural relations. The well-dressed, big-spending visitors went a long way in easing Taiwanese fears of ill-mannered bumpkins breaching their shores - a fact that's hardly lost on Beijing. - Cindy Sui (Jul 16, '08)
KEBABBLE
Highways too hot to handle
It's getting sticky in Turkey, where high temperatures are melting poorly constructed roads and airstrips across the country. Only 20% of highways are asphalt, and the remaining gravel-and-tar topped roads are blamed for as much as 90% of all accidents. - Fazile Zahir (Jul 16, '08)
The fourth oil shock of the past half-century-plus is unlike the previous three and isn't going away any time soon. In the medium term, the world will need to rely on two key but controversial forms of energy - "cleaned up" coal and nuclear - to find relief. China and India won't lead the way, this burden will fall on the affluent societies of the West. - Dilip Hiro (Jul 16, '08)
Militants ready for a war without borders
Coalition forces expect it. Al-Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban expect it: the war in Afghanistan will soon spill over into Pakistani territory. Washington is banking on Islamabad helping out from its side, but the militants have other ideas. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 16, '08)
THE ROVING EYE
Obama's brave (new?) world
At first glance, Democratic Senator Barack Obama's "new overarching strategy" for Iraq and Afghanistan is streets ahead of the approach proposed by his US presidential rival, Republican Senator John McCain. But from the planned withdrawal of troops from Iraq to dealing with the Taliban, Obama's vision, when it comes to implementation, will likely founder on the harsh realities that have so frustrated the George W Bush administration. - Pepe Escobar (Jul 16, '08)
The final countdown for India
India's ruling United Progressive Alliance faces a crucial vote in parliament that will determine not only the fate of the government but also the long-stalled civilian nuclear deal with the United States. With every vote counting, hectic efforts are on to poach support and ensure loyalty. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 16, '08)
High-end tourists tame Taiwan's fears
A historic "test-batch" of 762 carefully selected mainland Chinese tourists left Taiwan last week having launched a new era in cross-strait cultural relations. The well-dressed, big-spending visitors went a long way in easing Taiwanese fears of ill-mannered bumpkins breaching their shores - a fact that's hardly lost on Beijing. - Cindy Sui (Jul 16, '08)
KEBABBLEHighways too hot to handle
It's getting sticky in Turkey, where high temperatures are melting poorly constructed roads and airstrips across the country. Only 20% of highways are asphalt, and the remaining gravel-and-tar topped roads are blamed for as much as 90% of all accidents. - Fazile Zahir (Jul 16, '08)
The New Arab Diplomacy: Not With the U.S. and Not Against the U.S. Marina Ottawa, Mohammed Herzallah Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - July, 2008 Arab countries are undertaking diplomatic initiatives that clearly contradict U.S. policy, because they no longer trust the U.S. capacity to contend with escalating regional crises. Even Arab countries traditionally aligned with the United States are no longer willing to follow Washington's lead on policies toward Iran, Lebanon, or Hamas....
Palestinian Presidential Elections Nathan Brown Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - July, 2008 A presidential election in Palestine will not take place until both Fatah and Hamas reach consensus--and Israel permits it--resulting in a deadlock with no clear path toward political reconciliation.
The New Lebanese Equation: The Christians' Central Role International Crisis Group - July, 2008 After decades during which they saw their influence consistently decline, Lebanon's Christians are in a position to once again play a decisive political role. The May 2008 Doha agreement, coming in the wake of Hizbollah's takeover of West Beirut, provides the Christian community with the opportunity to regain an important place on the political map and to advance demands that have long been ignored.
Failed Responsibility: Iraqi Refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon International Crisis Group - July, 2008 And while exact numbers are uncertain, the scale of the problem is not in dispute: today, Iraq's refugee crisis -- with some two and a half million outside the country and the same number internally displaced -- ranks as the world's second in terms of numbers, preceded only by Afghanistan and ahead of Sudan. While the security situation in Iraq shows progress, the refugee crisis will endure for some time and could worsen if that progress proves fleeting.
The Iraq War: Key Trends and Developments Anthony Cordesman Center for Strategic and International Studies - July, 2008 The briefing surveys sectarian and ethnic trends, progress in political accommodation, developments in the fighting, and trends in casualties. Maps show the steady decline in Al Qa'ida capabilities since mid-2007 and the steady improvement in security in most provinces, but also the broader problems in sectarian and ethnic tensions and conflicts.
Still No Clear Path for Integrating 'Sons of Iraq' into Iraqi Government Michael Hanna World Politics Review - July, 2008 As a tactical matter, the decisions of commanders on the ground and the results they have achieved in pacifying Anbar province and other mixed areas through tactical alliance and cooperation with tribal forces and former insurgents have been unimpeachable. However, the current US-brokered order remains untenable in the long term.
Preparing the Battlefield Seymour Hersh The New Yorker - July, 2008 Late last year, Congress agreed to a request from President Bush to fund a major escalation of covert operations against Iran, according to current and former military, intelligence, and congressional sources.
Embedded in Iraq Michael Massing New York Review of Books - July, 2008 On the application form, I had written that I wanted to visit a typical Baghdad neighborhood to see how the surge was working and to get a sense of what more had to be done before the US could begin to draw down its forces in any significant number. Iran: The Threat Thomas Powers New York Review of Books - July, 2008 At a moment of serious challenge, battered by two wars, ballooning debt, and a faltering economy, the United States appears to have lost its capacity to think clearly. Consider what passes for national discussion on the matter of Iran.
Lebanon's Palestinian Ghetto Redesigned Don Duncan LeMonde Diplomatique - July, 2008
Palestinian Presidential Elections Nathan Brown Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - July, 2008 A presidential election in Palestine will not take place until both Fatah and Hamas reach consensus--and Israel permits it--resulting in a deadlock with no clear path toward political reconciliation.
The New Lebanese Equation: The Christians' Central Role International Crisis Group - July, 2008 After decades during which they saw their influence consistently decline, Lebanon's Christians are in a position to once again play a decisive political role. The May 2008 Doha agreement, coming in the wake of Hizbollah's takeover of West Beirut, provides the Christian community with the opportunity to regain an important place on the political map and to advance demands that have long been ignored.
Failed Responsibility: Iraqi Refugees in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon International Crisis Group - July, 2008 And while exact numbers are uncertain, the scale of the problem is not in dispute: today, Iraq's refugee crisis -- with some two and a half million outside the country and the same number internally displaced -- ranks as the world's second in terms of numbers, preceded only by Afghanistan and ahead of Sudan. While the security situation in Iraq shows progress, the refugee crisis will endure for some time and could worsen if that progress proves fleeting.
The Iraq War: Key Trends and Developments Anthony Cordesman Center for Strategic and International Studies - July, 2008 The briefing surveys sectarian and ethnic trends, progress in political accommodation, developments in the fighting, and trends in casualties. Maps show the steady decline in Al Qa'ida capabilities since mid-2007 and the steady improvement in security in most provinces, but also the broader problems in sectarian and ethnic tensions and conflicts.
Still No Clear Path for Integrating 'Sons of Iraq' into Iraqi Government Michael Hanna World Politics Review - July, 2008 As a tactical matter, the decisions of commanders on the ground and the results they have achieved in pacifying Anbar province and other mixed areas through tactical alliance and cooperation with tribal forces and former insurgents have been unimpeachable. However, the current US-brokered order remains untenable in the long term.
Preparing the Battlefield Seymour Hersh The New Yorker - July, 2008 Late last year, Congress agreed to a request from President Bush to fund a major escalation of covert operations against Iran, according to current and former military, intelligence, and congressional sources.
Embedded in Iraq Michael Massing New York Review of Books - July, 2008 On the application form, I had written that I wanted to visit a typical Baghdad neighborhood to see how the surge was working and to get a sense of what more had to be done before the US could begin to draw down its forces in any significant number. Iran: The Threat Thomas Powers New York Review of Books - July, 2008 At a moment of serious challenge, battered by two wars, ballooning debt, and a faltering economy, the United States appears to have lost its capacity to think clearly. Consider what passes for national discussion on the matter of Iran.
Lebanon's Palestinian Ghetto Redesigned Don Duncan LeMonde Diplomatique - July, 2008
Russia's energy drive leaves US reeling
President Dmitry Medvedev is pursuing Russia's energy diplomacy with a vengeance. As a former head of Gazprom he is balancing the energy giant's oil export strategy between Europe and Asia-Pacific, and, significantly, has secured the right for Gazprom to handle the entire output of Libya's gas, oil and liquefied natural gas. Medvedev has also revived with Iran the idea of a "gas cartel". Ferocious rivalries over energy security will rock the foundations of overall United States-Russia relations. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 18, '08)
President Dmitry Medvedev is pursuing Russia's energy diplomacy with a vengeance. As a former head of Gazprom he is balancing the energy giant's oil export strategy between Europe and Asia-Pacific, and, significantly, has secured the right for Gazprom to handle the entire output of Libya's gas, oil and liquefied natural gas. Medvedev has also revived with Iran the idea of a "gas cartel". Ferocious rivalries over energy security will rock the foundations of overall United States-Russia relations. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 18, '08)
Flexibility points to Iran breakthrough
The chances are good that the Geneva meeting this weekend will bring about an interim result in the crisis over Iran's nuclear program as both Tehran and Washington have compelling reasons for compromising. Iran, in particular, faces an energy crisis. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 18, '08)
A reality check on Iran
Iran is not ripe for regime change as any attack on the country would rally people around the government, not alienate them, an influential new report in the United States finds. These conclusions run counter to the neo-conservative argument, but fit with the George W Bush administration's newfound engagement, albeit limited, of Tehran. - David Isenberg (Jul 18, '08)
An elusive new face for North Korea
While progress is being made in getting North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal, the broader issue of the country establishing viable economic and security relationships with surrounding countries remains highly contentious - and a potentially divisive subject among those countries negotiating with Pyongyang. - Donald Kirk (Jul 18, '08)
China's basketball mission not impossible
Forget topping the medal count. Beating Team USA in men's basketball is China's number one mission at this year's Olympiad. And with the US enduring an era of hoops hubris in international play, what a tantalizing slice of sporting schadenfreude it is. America's "Redeem Team" will have its work cut out in the opener against China, a match that is already the Games' hottest ticket. - Jesse Fink (Jul 18, '08)
The chances are good that the Geneva meeting this weekend will bring about an interim result in the crisis over Iran's nuclear program as both Tehran and Washington have compelling reasons for compromising. Iran, in particular, faces an energy crisis. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 18, '08)
A reality check on Iran
Iran is not ripe for regime change as any attack on the country would rally people around the government, not alienate them, an influential new report in the United States finds. These conclusions run counter to the neo-conservative argument, but fit with the George W Bush administration's newfound engagement, albeit limited, of Tehran. - David Isenberg (Jul 18, '08)
An elusive new face for North Korea
While progress is being made in getting North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal, the broader issue of the country establishing viable economic and security relationships with surrounding countries remains highly contentious - and a potentially divisive subject among those countries negotiating with Pyongyang. - Donald Kirk (Jul 18, '08)
China's basketball mission not impossible
Forget topping the medal count. Beating Team USA in men's basketball is China's number one mission at this year's Olympiad. And with the US enduring an era of hoops hubris in international play, what a tantalizing slice of sporting schadenfreude it is. America's "Redeem Team" will have its work cut out in the opener against China, a match that is already the Games' hottest ticket. - Jesse Fink (Jul 18, '08)
New And Improved Japan Inc. - Jesper Koll, Far Eastern Economic Review
Slice of Normality Returns to Bagdad - Caesar Ahmed, LA Times
Arming Taiwan a Priority for U.S. - Ed Ross, Wall Street Journal
The Natue of Mandela's Greatness - Drew Forrest, Mail & Guardian
Al-Qaeda: Winning or Losing? - Anton La Guardia, The Economist
Slice of Normality Returns to Bagdad - Caesar Ahmed, LA Times
Arming Taiwan a Priority for U.S. - Ed Ross, Wall Street Journal
The Natue of Mandela's Greatness - Drew Forrest, Mail & Guardian
Al-Qaeda: Winning or Losing? - Anton La Guardia, The Economist
SPENGLERTurkey in the throes of revolution?
A perfect storm of enmity has come down on beleaguered Turkish secularists, leading to speculation that an Islamic putsch is possible, after the fashion of the 1979 revolution in Iran. The United States views this Islamic drift favorably, seeing Turkey as a leader of a regional bloc with the short-term aim of calming Iraq and a longer-term objective of fostering a Sunni alliance against Iran. This is a big mistake. (Jul 21, '08)
A leap of faith for Saudi king
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has launched a conference in Madrid meant to open an unprecedented round of inter-faith dialogue between Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Jewish thinkers. The king's initiative hopes to assuage festering religious prejudices, but it is doubtful a few hundred religious elites can generate understanding for communities caught in war zones and fraught societies. - Sreeram Chaulia (Jul 21, '08)
Iran talks doomed to 'small talk'
The expectations were high of progress being made at the weekend's talks between Iran and the six nations handling its nuclear file, especially as the US State Department had sent its third-ranking official. All that happened was "small talk" - which was exactly what some in the George W Bush administration had wanted. - Gareth Porter (Jul 21, '08)
A deal-breaker for India
The Indian government faces a no confidence vote on Tuesday that could see it prematurely thrown out of power, the catalyst for discontent being Delhi's planned nuclear deal with the United States. There is however much more at stake: a massive realignment of forces is taking place that could profoundly remake India's political landscape. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 21, '08)
The expectations were high of progress being made at the weekend's talks between Iran and the six nations handling its nuclear file, especially as the US State Department had sent its third-ranking official. All that happened was "small talk" - which was exactly what some in the George W Bush administration had wanted. - Gareth Porter (Jul 21, '08)
A deal-breaker for India
The Indian government faces a no confidence vote on Tuesday that could see it prematurely thrown out of power, the catalyst for discontent being Delhi's planned nuclear deal with the United States. There is however much more at stake: a massive realignment of forces is taking place that could profoundly remake India's political landscape. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 21, '08)
Why Everybody is Negotiating in the Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
The important issue now is whether the key players can achieve their core goals through diplomacy and politics rather than through confrontation and war. This is the main reason so many diplomatic initiatives have sprouted in the past few months.
more...
Gulf Inflation and the Dollar Peg by Patrick Seale
With the world teetering on the edge of a depression, these are not easy times for financial authorities, whether in the United States, in the Gulf, or indeed anywhere else.
more...
A Hymen, a Veil and France by Mona Eltahawy
The disturbing trend in the never-ending duel of “Islam vs. West”: women as the soft targets of both radical Muslims and secular governments.
more...
Sarkozy's PR Triumph by Patrick Seale
Although Sarkozy's brilliantly successful "Union for the Mediterranean" was primarily a score for France and Europe, it also brought Syria "in from the cold," and put a real luster on the diplomatic strengths of little-but-mighty Qatar.
more...
Presidential Politics is Sexy Again by JoAnn Wypijewski (The Nation)
For breathless teens and long-time married couples (and desirous-of-marriage gays and lesbians) Barack and Michelle Obama are providing some je ne sais quoi on the campaign trail.
more...
Whose Crimes? Against Whose Humanity? by Rami G. Khouri
The ICC warrant against Sudan’s President Bashir evokes the thought that not all crimes against humanity are treated similarly. Such should not be the case.
more...
Fear of an Obama Planet by Mona Eltahawy
Does Sri Lanka have bread? Is there fruit in Egypt? Is Barack Obama a radical Muslim? Americans want to know these things. Sheesh.
more...
The important issue now is whether the key players can achieve their core goals through diplomacy and politics rather than through confrontation and war. This is the main reason so many diplomatic initiatives have sprouted in the past few months.
more...
Gulf Inflation and the Dollar Peg by Patrick Seale
With the world teetering on the edge of a depression, these are not easy times for financial authorities, whether in the United States, in the Gulf, or indeed anywhere else.
more...
A Hymen, a Veil and France by Mona Eltahawy
The disturbing trend in the never-ending duel of “Islam vs. West”: women as the soft targets of both radical Muslims and secular governments.
more...
Sarkozy's PR Triumph by Patrick Seale
Although Sarkozy's brilliantly successful "Union for the Mediterranean" was primarily a score for France and Europe, it also brought Syria "in from the cold," and put a real luster on the diplomatic strengths of little-but-mighty Qatar.
more...
Presidential Politics is Sexy Again by JoAnn Wypijewski (The Nation)
For breathless teens and long-time married couples (and desirous-of-marriage gays and lesbians) Barack and Michelle Obama are providing some je ne sais quoi on the campaign trail.
more...
Whose Crimes? Against Whose Humanity? by Rami G. Khouri
The ICC warrant against Sudan’s President Bashir evokes the thought that not all crimes against humanity are treated similarly. Such should not be the case.
more...
Fear of an Obama Planet by Mona Eltahawy
Does Sri Lanka have bread? Is there fruit in Egypt? Is Barack Obama a radical Muslim? Americans want to know these things. Sheesh.
more...
Plot to divide the Taliban foiled
A plan by the Pakistan government, with connivance from Saudi Arabia, to split the Taliban operating in Pakistan's tribal areas has failed spectacularly, with the "renegade" Taliban leader and his network wiped out by al-Qaeda-backed militants. The incident has consolidated the hold of Taliban leader Mullah Omar, while al-Qaeda is benefiting through a sharp increase in jihadis from around the world heading for the tribal regions. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 22, '08)
A plan by the Pakistan government, with connivance from Saudi Arabia, to split the Taliban operating in Pakistan's tribal areas has failed spectacularly, with the "renegade" Taliban leader and his network wiped out by al-Qaeda-backed militants. The incident has consolidated the hold of Taliban leader Mullah Omar, while al-Qaeda is benefiting through a sharp increase in jihadis from around the world heading for the tribal regions. - Syed Saleem Shahzad (Jul 22, '08)
McCain knee-capped by Maliki
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama's timetable for American combat forces to leave Iraq has been described as a "body blow" to the campaign of rival US presidential candidate Senator John McCain. Obama can now claim to have staked out a position acceptable to the Iraqi government, and he is fast shedding his "naive" tag. - Jim Lobe (Jul 22, '08)
Fallujah braces for another assault
Violence has been rising by the day in the crippled Iraqi city of Fallujah, which has been placed under tight curfew as United States and Iraqi forces prepare for a huge new offensive. - Ali al-Fadhily and Dahr Jamail (Jul 22, '08)
A small step in Iran's nuclear talks
Iran and the European Union's representative will follow up the weekend's talks on Tehran's nuclear program with further contact. This prepares the ground for real, and serious, progress in the nuclear standoff, despite what the skeptics say. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 22, '08)
US keeps Taiwan at arm's length
With Taiwan and China exploring their first real chance in eight years to improve ties, the United States is worried that a big arms sales package might destabilize talks and give China an excuse to object. The result is a blanket freeze on a 2001 weapons deal worth about US$12 billion - an unprecedented move in Taiwan-US relations. - David Isenberg (Jul 22, '08)
Towards Hun Sen's Cambodia
Phnom Penh's streets are a kaleidoscope of competing political colors ahead of Sunday's general elections, but the underlying picture is more of black and white. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People's Party have consolidated their hold over the electorate through a masterful opera of jibes, scaremongering and gold-toothed charm. - Craig Guthrie (Jul 22, '08)
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama's timetable for American combat forces to leave Iraq has been described as a "body blow" to the campaign of rival US presidential candidate Senator John McCain. Obama can now claim to have staked out a position acceptable to the Iraqi government, and he is fast shedding his "naive" tag. - Jim Lobe (Jul 22, '08)
Fallujah braces for another assault
Violence has been rising by the day in the crippled Iraqi city of Fallujah, which has been placed under tight curfew as United States and Iraqi forces prepare for a huge new offensive. - Ali al-Fadhily and Dahr Jamail (Jul 22, '08)
A small step in Iran's nuclear talks
Iran and the European Union's representative will follow up the weekend's talks on Tehran's nuclear program with further contact. This prepares the ground for real, and serious, progress in the nuclear standoff, despite what the skeptics say. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 22, '08)
US keeps Taiwan at arm's length
With Taiwan and China exploring their first real chance in eight years to improve ties, the United States is worried that a big arms sales package might destabilize talks and give China an excuse to object. The result is a blanket freeze on a 2001 weapons deal worth about US$12 billion - an unprecedented move in Taiwan-US relations. - David Isenberg (Jul 22, '08)
Towards Hun Sen's Cambodia
Phnom Penh's streets are a kaleidoscope of competing political colors ahead of Sunday's general elections, but the underlying picture is more of black and white. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People's Party have consolidated their hold over the electorate through a masterful opera of jibes, scaremongering and gold-toothed charm. - Craig Guthrie (Jul 22, '08)
Bush team turns
to the dark side
The George W Bush administration, after almost eight years of proclaiming an unassailable faith in the wisdom of the markets, has gone for a deal with the dark side by turning against short sellers. The US government should be protecting, not persecuting, those who on a regular basis have the courage and wisdom to think independently. - Julian Delasantellis
China stirs over
offshore oil-pact
China's protests at ExxonMobil's move to explore for oil in the seas off Vietnam raise anew the dispute surrounding control of the Spratly and Paracel islands and interest in the role of China's deep-water navy.- Peter Navarro
THE BEAR'S LAIR
The death-knell of Bernankeism
The most recent US price data show inflation securely in the 1970s framework. That means it is no longer possible to inflate the money supply by pretending that inflation in the real economy is not a problem. Other means will have to be found to perpetuate the shell-game. - Martin Hutchinson
SPEAKING FREELY
Duplicity without borders
As the West's political leaders parade their peace credentials with professions of support for Israel and their opposition to nuclear proliferation, they sell billions of dollars in weaponry to client states in the Middle East, trample the Geneva Convention, and support covert operations. It does not have to be this way. Decency can replace duplicity. - Hossein Askari
to the dark side
The George W Bush administration, after almost eight years of proclaiming an unassailable faith in the wisdom of the markets, has gone for a deal with the dark side by turning against short sellers. The US government should be protecting, not persecuting, those who on a regular basis have the courage and wisdom to think independently. - Julian Delasantellis
China stirs over
offshore oil-pact
China's protests at ExxonMobil's move to explore for oil in the seas off Vietnam raise anew the dispute surrounding control of the Spratly and Paracel islands and interest in the role of China's deep-water navy.- Peter Navarro
THE BEAR'S LAIR
The death-knell of Bernankeism
The most recent US price data show inflation securely in the 1970s framework. That means it is no longer possible to inflate the money supply by pretending that inflation in the real economy is not a problem. Other means will have to be found to perpetuate the shell-game. - Martin Hutchinson
SPEAKING FREELY
Duplicity without borders
As the West's political leaders parade their peace credentials with professions of support for Israel and their opposition to nuclear proliferation, they sell billions of dollars in weaponry to client states in the Middle East, trample the Geneva Convention, and support covert operations. It does not have to be this way. Decency can replace duplicity. - Hossein Askari
THE MOGAMBO GURU
The power of the Chinese credit card
As US consumers discover the horror of what happens when they can no longer live on borrowed money, the Chinese are just starting to enjoy the beauty of plastic money and consumerism. With prices rising, that's great news for commodities - and buyers of real stuff like gold.
CREDIT BUBBLE BULLETIN
In short, crisis reaches
bedrock level
The jump in benchmark yields on Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities last week and the tightening of US rules on shorting large financial stocks are not unrelated. With the mortgage crisis reaching the bedrock of the mortgage credit system, any meaningful tightening in conventional mortgage credit would exacerbate already escalating problems. (Jul 21, '08)
Doug Noland looks at the previous week's events each Monday.
THE WEEK AHEAD
MARKET RAP
Whole lotta shakin' goin' on
The shakeout in India and China shares continues, with Mumbai's Sensex 30 index suffering a 10% collapse in three days and the Shanghai benchmark moving precariously to the edge of a key resistance. Investors there must be envying New Zealand's colorless performance. (Jul 18, '08)
R M Cutler runs his eye over the ups and downs in the week's markets.
The power of the Chinese credit card As US consumers discover the horror of what happens when they can no longer live on borrowed money, the Chinese are just starting to enjoy the beauty of plastic money and consumerism. With prices rising, that's great news for commodities - and buyers of real stuff like gold.
CREDIT BUBBLE BULLETIN
In short, crisis reaches
bedrock level
The jump in benchmark yields on Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities last week and the tightening of US rules on shorting large financial stocks are not unrelated. With the mortgage crisis reaching the bedrock of the mortgage credit system, any meaningful tightening in conventional mortgage credit would exacerbate already escalating problems. (Jul 21, '08)
Doug Noland looks at the previous week's events each Monday.
THE WEEK AHEADMARKET RAP
Whole lotta shakin' goin' on
The shakeout in India and China shares continues, with Mumbai's Sensex 30 index suffering a 10% collapse in three days and the Shanghai benchmark moving precariously to the edge of a key resistance. Investors there must be envying New Zealand's colorless performance. (Jul 18, '08)
R M Cutler runs his eye over the ups and downs in the week's markets.
Russia is key to North Korea's plight
Whether Kim Jong-il is able to rescue North Korea again from a looming catastrophe depends on his ability to quickly find access to relatively cheap fuel and energy. Russia is already helping, but unless it includes South Korea in oil, gas, railway and exploitation projects, its progress will be limited. - Leonid Petrov (Jul 23, '08)
COMMENT
Wary of China, Russians look West
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made all the right noises during his recent visit to China. But for many Russians back home, China, with its vast potentially expansionist population, is viewed with fear, and they see their natural allies in Europe. - Dmitry Shlapentokh (Jul 23,
Whether Kim Jong-il is able to rescue North Korea again from a looming catastrophe depends on his ability to quickly find access to relatively cheap fuel and energy. Russia is already helping, but unless it includes South Korea in oil, gas, railway and exploitation projects, its progress will be limited. - Leonid Petrov (Jul 23, '08)
COMMENT
Wary of China, Russians look West
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made all the right noises during his recent visit to China. But for many Russians back home, China, with its vast potentially expansionist population, is viewed with fear, and they see their natural allies in Europe. - Dmitry Shlapentokh (Jul 23,
Reluctant gambler hits Indian jackpot
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, generally viewed as over-cautious and unassertive, has won the biggest political gamble of his life by squeaking through in a no-confidence vote in parliament that centered on Delhi's pending nuclear deal with the United States. But he and his government have not emerged unscathed and their days may still be numbered. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 23, '08)
Unsolicited advice for Bush on Iran
Two leading lights of Washington's so-called "realist" foreign-policy establishment have called on the George W Bush administration to drop demands that Tehran freeze uranium enrichment as a precondition for further talks. The joint statement seems timed to show strong bipartisan support for enhanced US engagement. - Jim Lobe (Jul 23, '08)
Catholics see more light in Vietnam
Pressure from the United States and the push to join the World Trade Organization have helped ease restrictions on the Catholic Church in Vietnam. Now, the extent to which the church politicizes economic problems may determine the direction of Hanoi's policies. - Andrew Symon (Jul 23, '08)
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, generally viewed as over-cautious and unassertive, has won the biggest political gamble of his life by squeaking through in a no-confidence vote in parliament that centered on Delhi's pending nuclear deal with the United States. But he and his government have not emerged unscathed and their days may still be numbered. - Sudha Ramachandran (Jul 23, '08)
Unsolicited advice for Bush on Iran
Two leading lights of Washington's so-called "realist" foreign-policy establishment have called on the George W Bush administration to drop demands that Tehran freeze uranium enrichment as a precondition for further talks. The joint statement seems timed to show strong bipartisan support for enhanced US engagement. - Jim Lobe (Jul 23, '08)
Catholics see more light in Vietnam
Pressure from the United States and the push to join the World Trade Organization have helped ease restrictions on the Catholic Church in Vietnam. Now, the extent to which the church politicizes economic problems may determine the direction of Hanoi's policies. - Andrew Symon (Jul 23, '08)
Why Are Neocons Attacking Turkey?
Avni Dogru
Jul 24, 2008
Avoiding Brinksmanship with Iran
Frida Berrigan
Jul 23, 2008
Congress Challenges AFRICOM
Beth Tuckey
Jul 23, 2008
Reject Colombia Trade Deal
Mark Engler
Jul 22, 2008
Iran Isolation Attempts Backfire
Hannes Artens
Jul 22, 2008
Playing Games with Iran
William O. Beeman
Jul 21, 2008
Hair of the Dog
Vol. 3, No. 29
Jul 21, 2008
An Uncomfortable Conversation about Nukes
Conn Hallinan
Jul 17, 2008
The WTO's Raw Deal on Services
Walden Bello
Jul 17, 2008
Chess vs Checkers: Iraq, National Security and the Presidential Candidates
Travis Sharp
Jul 17, 2008
Regime Change: The Strategies and Potential of Nonviolent Struggle
Mary King
Jul 16, 2008
Postcard from...Cambodia
Aditi Fruitwala
Jul 16, 2008
The Anti-Climate Summit
Walden Bello
Jul 15, 2008
Be Ahead of the Pack
Vol. 3, No. 28
Jul 14, 2008
The Real Crisis in Pakistan
Fouad Pervez
Jul 11, 2008
Mad Cows, Mad People
Gavan McCormack
Jul 10, 2008
Avni Dogru
Jul 24, 2008
Avoiding Brinksmanship with Iran
Frida Berrigan
Jul 23, 2008
Congress Challenges AFRICOM
Beth Tuckey
Jul 23, 2008
Reject Colombia Trade Deal
Mark Engler
Jul 22, 2008
Iran Isolation Attempts Backfire
Hannes Artens
Jul 22, 2008
Playing Games with Iran
William O. Beeman
Jul 21, 2008
Hair of the Dog
Vol. 3, No. 29
Jul 21, 2008
An Uncomfortable Conversation about Nukes
Conn Hallinan
Jul 17, 2008
The WTO's Raw Deal on Services
Walden Bello
Jul 17, 2008
Chess vs Checkers: Iraq, National Security and the Presidential Candidates
Travis Sharp
Jul 17, 2008
Regime Change: The Strategies and Potential of Nonviolent Struggle
Mary King
Jul 16, 2008
Postcard from...Cambodia
Aditi Fruitwala
Jul 16, 2008
The Anti-Climate Summit
Walden Bello
Jul 15, 2008
Be Ahead of the Pack
Vol. 3, No. 28
Jul 14, 2008
The Real Crisis in Pakistan
Fouad Pervez
Jul 11, 2008
Mad Cows, Mad People
Gavan McCormack
Jul 10, 2008
Wrong on Afghanistan by Patrick Seale
The history of Afghanistan’s past occupiers, and a variety of current experts on the region, speak against Barack Obama’s policy of a future American -- and, therefore, NATO -- increase in military action in that country.
more...
War's Unintended Consequences by Rami G. Khouri
It now seems clear that war -- at least these two wars -- generates the additional threat of increased Salafist terrorism, according to an important and ongoing study by an American scholar.
more...
A Hymen, a Veil and France by Mona Eltahawy
The disturbing trend in the never-ending duel of “Islam vs. West”: women as the soft targets of both radical Muslims and secular governments.
more...
Gulf Inflation and the Dollar Peg by Patrick Seale
With the world teetering on the edge of a depression, these are not easy times for financial authorities, whether in the United States, in the Gulf, or indeed anywhere else.
more...
Why Everybody is Negotiating in the Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
The important issue now is whether the key players can achieve their core goals through diplomacy and politics rather than through confrontation and war. This is the main reason so many diplomatic initiatives have sprouted in the past few months.
more...
Sarkozy's PR Triumph by Patrick Seale
Although Sarkozy's bri
The history of Afghanistan’s past occupiers, and a variety of current experts on the region, speak against Barack Obama’s policy of a future American -- and, therefore, NATO -- increase in military action in that country.
more...
War's Unintended Consequences by Rami G. Khouri
It now seems clear that war -- at least these two wars -- generates the additional threat of increased Salafist terrorism, according to an important and ongoing study by an American scholar.
more...
A Hymen, a Veil and France by Mona Eltahawy
The disturbing trend in the never-ending duel of “Islam vs. West”: women as the soft targets of both radical Muslims and secular governments.
more...
Gulf Inflation and the Dollar Peg by Patrick Seale
With the world teetering on the edge of a depression, these are not easy times for financial authorities, whether in the United States, in the Gulf, or indeed anywhere else.
more...
Why Everybody is Negotiating in the Middle East by Rami G. Khouri
The important issue now is whether the key players can achieve their core goals through diplomacy and politics rather than through confrontation and war. This is the main reason so many diplomatic initiatives have sprouted in the past few months.
more...
Sarkozy's PR Triumph by Patrick Seale
Although Sarkozy's bri