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Editorial, The Christian Science Monitor | July 3, 2009

The West can’t ignore Russia’s belligerent moves towards Georgia - warning signs that Russia is not ready for the relationship we seek. ++ “Extensive fighting could erupt again” and Russia may be preparing to install a puppet regime. ++ While Russia is strategically more important, it is not a reliable partner: its brutish stands show it does not share Western values, like transparency, diplomacy and democracy. ++ Its foreign policy and its missile deal with Iran implies it does not even share the same interests. ++ Let’s keep our eyes wide open.

Reza Akhlaghi, The Asia Times | July 3, 2009

Turkey’s rapprochement with Syria shows its transformation to a confident regional player. ++ The foreign policy crafted by the Islamist regime has three focuses, making Turkey a valuable international partner: to forge ties with Iran, politically and economically, be a respected mediator vis-à-vis the US; be a respected broker in the Middle East, regarding the Arab-Israeli and Iraqi conflict; secure its strategic role in the energy politics of Central Asia and EU. ++ If it manages to retain domestic support, the new Turkey will be a key player.

Brahma Chellaney, The Times of India | July 2, 2009

With its focus on China, the Obama administration loses sight of India’s importance as a strategic partner in Asia. ++ The US’ Asia policy “lacks a distinct strategic imprint.” ++ Obama looks at India primarily in terms of India-Pakistan engagement even demanding that New Delhi “come to aid of terror-exporting Pakistan.” ++ Asian geopolitical transitions are vital for international strategic challenges. ++ “America saves too little and borrows too much from China” and lacks appreciation for India.

Dmitry Sidorov, Kommersant Publishing | July 2, 2009

In times of international competition for energy resources and strategic partners, the US must move more quickly to embrace a relationship with Turkmenistan and Belarus. ++ China is constructing a gas pipeline to Turkmenistan. ++ Moscow aims to include Belarus in a military pact. ++ “The longer the West stays on the sidelines […] the harder it will be to achieve anything in the region.” ++ Obama has to learn to manage “the vagaries of geopolitical push-and-pull” and grasp the opportunity of collaboration with the countries’ leaders.

Gordon G. Chang, The Wall Street Journal | July 1, 2009

The UN resolution banning North Korean weapons trade is ineffective as it requires the regime to consent to foreign inspection of its ships. ++ Yet, North Korea’s belligerent stance gives the US a go-ahead: announcing the end of the truce with South Korea, it allows the US, a combatant in the conflict and leader of the UN Command, to use force. ++ Risk of war is low, the danger of proliferation high. ++ The US must act to stop North Korea from proliferating weapons, including nuclear ones, and intercept and search its ships.

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Your Opinion

Little Opportunity for the West to Influence Iran

Florian Broschk  |  July 3, 2009  | 1 comment
Florian  Broschk

While the rest of the world ponders the impact the unrest in Iran will have on foreign policy issues, there is a much greater struggle going on inside the country. Different factions are manoeuvring for control of Iran and there is little that the West can do to influence this power struggle.

The Opel Sale: An Elegant Solution for All Involved?

Irina Aervitz  |  July 1, 2009

The purchase of a slice of car company Opel by a consortium consisting of Magna, Canada’s largest automobile parts manufacturer, …

Marie Lall

Pakistan: Western Meddling Likely to Backfire

Marie Lall  |  July 1, 2009  | 3 comments

The West continues to misunderstand Pakistani realities on the ground. It must alter its hawkish approach towards the region and …

Editorial Team

Is Freedom for Free? Join the Debate! This Article contains Flash-Video

Editorial Team  |  June 30, 2009  | 16 comments

You are in a crowded, run-down basement. Lights are flashing in your eyes and your heart is racing. You’ve broken out in a sweat and …

European Energy Security Requires Transparancy

Andrey Chubyk  |  June 29, 2009

Achieving energy security in the EU remains one of the most challenging tasks for EU politicians. The recent pipeline crisis in the …

Editorial Team

Could Distance Between Obama and Merkel Impair US-German Relations?

Editorial Team  |  June 26, 2009  | 10 comments

Prior to Chancellor Merkel’s trip to Washington DC both US and German journalists described a strained personal relationship between …

Jakob  von Weizsäcker

Greening the Debt

Jakob von Weizsäcker  |  June 26, 2009  | 2 comments

It is still possible to stop climate change in this current economic environment. Governments should “green the debt” from their …

Your Research

MA Thesis:
Financial Sector Liberalization and Household Savings in India

Lekshmi Rajasekharan Nair  |  July 1, 2009

Although financial liberalization can enhance the efficiency of channeling saved resources …

Think Tank Analysis:
Winning the War on Terrorism

Andreas Michael Bock  |  June 23, 2009  | 4 comments

Terrorism is able to thrive when it has the support of local people. Therefore, in order to …

Term Paper:
Climatic Factors Are Making Poverty Worse for Poor Countries

Nikolina-Romana Milunovic  |  June 13, 2009

One reason why many least developed countries are locked in poverty is climate. Combined with …

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