Johnny West, Open Oil Consultancy | January 27, 2012
 The impact of Western sanctions on Iran goes further than “market plays, fire sales and opportunism” for India and China. ++ The long term role Iran plays in their energy security policies has been missed. ++ Iran has sought to lock both countries into 25-year contracts for its oil. ++ Ideological positions may factor domestically in India and China but they are an outgrowth of energy interests. ++ The West often misses the importance placed on access to affordable energy. ++ China is discussing an offer to build a naval base within reach of the Gulf.
Raja Kamal, Buck Institute | January 25, 2012
 The US and Britain have just concluded weaponry deals to Saudi Arabia worth $53 billion. ++ These deals are a short term solution to ease their recession hit economies presented as an opportunity to promote stability in the Middle East. ++ The real dangers faced by Arab countries are domestic religious extremism and militant terrorism. ++ Allowing the free market to flourish, protecting human rights, and reforming the educational system would better promote stability. ++ The US Congress should have blocked the Saudi arms deal.
Irwin Cotler, Former Attorney General of Canada | January 24, 2012
 South Africa must resume its role as a mediator in Sudan. ++ Accelerating violence and the military seizure of Abyei by the Khartoum regime signal that war has restarted. ++ It is scandalous that three leading officials indicted for genocide, including President Omar al-Bashir, are still in office. ++ A targeted no-fly zone should be put in place in South Kordofan to stop the bombing and displacement of civilians. ++ The IMF should threaten to rescind the Sudanese government’s loans unless it ceases it assaults.
Bill Keller, New York Times | January 23, 2012
 A preemptive strike represents one pole of the debate on Iran, the most abused foreign policy topic this election. ++ Best indicators suggest that Iran’s nuclear program is moving fully ahead and could produce a weapon within one year. ++ Obama’s policy promises to be tougher than US policy under Bush as he gathers global support for a crippling boycott of Iranian oil. ++ There is a long-term paradox in attacking Iran; any action will unify the Iranian people and encourage the supreme leader to secretly redouble Iran’s nuclear pursuits.
Stephen Hadley & John Podesta, Foreign Policy | January 20, 2012
The Afghanistan conflict is moving into a complex period and the US must make greater diplomatic efforts. ++ Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has described US strategy as “fight, talk, and build.” ++ A bipartisan statement from US leaders must include all elements of society, including opposition groups, non-Taliban Pashtuns and ethnic minorities. ++ As part of a full diplomatic effort the US should engage in dialogue with the new Taliban office in Qatar. ++ But first the US must establish which leaders have authority to speak on behalf of the group.
Eduardo Levy-Yeyati & Luciano Cohan, Brookings | January 2012
Karl-Heinz Kamp, NATO Defense College | January 2012
Stormy-Annika Mildner & Claudia Schmucker, AICGS | January 2012
Richard Youngs, FRIDE | December 2011
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Dr. Frans-Paul van der Putten joined Atlantic Community in 2010. He is Senior Research Fellow at the Clingendael Security and Conflict Programme …
Dr. Patryk Pawlak is a Research Fellow at the EU Institute for Security Studies in Paris where he deals with EU-US relations and US domestic and …
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Policy Workshop Competition |
January 27, 2012
We are excited to announce our newest policy workshop! We want you to tell us your ideas for promoting NATO values, building partnerships, and engaging members in the Smart Defense initiative. Winners receive a cash prize and a trip to Berlin to present their ideas to policymakers!
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