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A careful selection and summary of editorials, commentaries, and analyses from the world’s leading newspapers and magazines to help you stay on top of the latest debates and developments in the transatlantic agenda. See list of monitoring sources.
Readers can also see how the perspectives and priorities diverge in different regions.

Obama Distancing Friends, Courting Enemies

President Obama thus far has failed to strengthen relationships with historic allies, focusing instead on a fruitless search for improved relations with adversaries. ++ "This administration pays lip-service to 'multilateralism,' but it is a multilateralism of accommodating autocratic rivals, not of solidifying relations with longtime democratic allies." ++ In doing so, he departs from a 60 year-old American Grand Strategy of cultivating formal military and political alliances with an aim to create a balance of power perpetually in favor of the democracies.

America in Decline, Seriously this Time

"So many people have bet on our demise that it absolutely drives me crazy" states US Vice-President Joseph Biden. ++ Indeed, to the chagrin of many Americans, it has been said countless times before that America is in decline. ++ Yet trends highlighted by economist Niall Fergusson in a recent Foreign Affairs article offers compelling evidence that this is indeed the case. ++ "Just because we've been through these debates, prophesies, and recriminations about America's alleged decline before isn't a reason to simply shrug all of this off."

Yuan Versus Dollar

The 21st century will witness new commercial battlefronts: the yuan vs. the dollar  is one of them. ++ Americans blame Chinese officials for maintaining the yuan at an unnecessarily low exchange rate, therefore making it more difficult for the American economy to recover. ++ Responding to a letter written by Congressmen urging retaliation, Wen Jiabao gave a straightforward lecture on the economy: China is America's primary creditor, so the road to economic recovery leads through China, not the other way round.

German Aid Leaves Much to Be Desired

Germany has failed to keep its aid pledges to developing countries. ++ It has fallen short of both EU and UN aid requirements. ++ "In the international community, Germans are now seen as masters of the empty promise." ++ Aid in Germany is no longer seen in terms of moral values but rather in terms of buying support for global challenges like security and climate change. ++ This frugality could have political implications as UN member countries vote on whether Germany should have a temporary seat on the Security Council.

Pointless Endless EU Administration

The current EU diplomatic service is a total waste of time and money: it is multiplying decision-levels and expenses endlessly. ++ “Diplomacy is not all evasive waffle, and sometimes you must take a stand.” ++ Developing countries like China and Russia are gaining more and more power on the international stage, and Baroness Ashton is not to be blamed for both the inarticulate European position, and weakened national voices. ++ She is left with only one option: resign and blame this new European monstrosity.

Brown is Not Such a Long Shot After All

David Cameron of Britain's Conservative Party seems like the favorite to win May's general election, but that assumption is no longer a given. ++ Poll numbers between Cameron and Brown are narrowing, which could lead to the "Truman effect" where the underdog ends up winning. ++ This shift is the result of Cameron's poor image management and Brown's resonating message to voters that they already know where he stands on the major issues. ++  "An outright win by Brown still seems a long shot - but then Truman was supposed to lose, too."

Obama's Pakistan Policy a Success

Obama’s foreign policy approach is bearing fruit in Pakistan. ++ The Pakistani military is engaging Taliban havens in the North of the country and increased intelligence-sharing with Washington has led to the capture of several Taliban figures. ++ Including Pakistan in the war against the Taliban, increased economic aid, and greater cooperation between the US and Pakistani government at all levels are largely to thank. ++ The progress, however, could be short-lived if the US does not continue the pressure.

Iran Sanctions Don't Stick

“Sanctions are a sign of a failed policy.” ++ The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, currently under consideration in the United States Congress, targets Iran's civilian economy and will likely accomplish little in reshaping Iran’s behavior. ++ Sanctions do have their place, but only within a context of a broader policy of engagement and pressure. ++ Continuing to rely on sanctions as the primary thrust of US Iran policy is counterproductive, and the historical verdict on such a policy is quite clear.

Is Netanyahu Compromising the Peace Process?

Leaders claim they want to bring about peace and stability between Israel and Palestine, but they haven’t demonstrated their commitment to it. ++ Netanyahu’s actions are compromising any chance at constructive dialogue with Palestine. ++ Neither Israel nor Palestine seem ready to make the necessary concessions for a successful 2-state solution. ++ For the peace process to progress, there needs to be more support for a “state-building program in the West Bank,“ and Israel needs to accept that Hamas won’t be going away anytime soon.

A Rocky Road to Recovery for Chile

Tremors could literally be felt during Sebastian Pinera’s inauguration ceremony as Chile’s new President, just two weeks after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the nation. ++ “The earthquake and particularly the pillaging that followed dented their pride in a country they believed to be largely law-abiding and well prepared to cope with natural disasters.” ++ Chile faces 20-30 billion dollars in damages and around half a million displaced families. ++ The efficiency of the new government’s relief efforts will set the pace of recovery.