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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.

An Auto Bailout Would Damage Free Trade

A bailout for the Big Three automotive companies could damage US engagement in the global economy. ++ Foreign investment and job insourcing would take a major hit, costing jobs and devaluing the dollar. ++ By expanding protectionist policies around the globe, the bailout would hinder US multinational businesses, including the Big Three auto-makers. ++ To keep up international competition, the US should not give support failing companies, but rather take care of dislocated workers. ++ In the end, the cost of this bailout would be far larger than the US Treasury can pay.

Don't Poke Badly Behaved Bears

Western oriented, business friendly, and governed by smart, young people, Georgia is a country on the rise. ++ NATO should not be her final resting place, though. ++ Georgia doesn’t meet NATO requirements for full control of its territory and a closer look reveals its media is like Russia’s: state run and laden with propaganda. ++ “Georgia’s future is economic growth,” not NATO – its war with Russia was avoidable. ++ Obama needs to engage Russia like China. ++ After all, “Poking badly behaved bears is no substitute for sober diplomacy.”

"Three Options for Obama to Engage Iran"

President-elect Obama has repeatedly stated that he is willing to open talks with Tehran. ++ Obama will continue to contain Iran through multilateral mechanisms as well as greater coordination with Arab allies, should Tehran decide to reject US overtures. ++ There are three options in dealing with Iran. ++ Obama could limit Iran’s engagement to issues of common interest, start a “head-on on engagement addressing the nuclear issue” or offer Iran “the best possible deal in exchange for immediate reciprocation on the nuclear and regional issues.”

Who Needs the G8 Anyway

In view of the economic crisis that has rocked the international community, the G8 has lost its right to exist. ++ Emerging nations like India took part in the G20 summit, discussing new finance regulation structures. ++ G8 nations have to understand that in a world where the US economy is highly dependent on the Chinese market, the circle of key players has expanded. ++ Including countries like Brazil in the decision-making process could give G8 nations a tool for pressuring them on questions of environmental protection and human rights.

Losing Hearts and Minds

The lessons, as well as the history of Iraq, have been ignored and are now being repeated in Afghanistan. ++ The US and the UK have only succeeded to “reduce what should be one of the world's richest countries to shambles.” ++ If there is one lesson from Iraq it is that “foreign expeditions undertaken in a spirit of jingoist revenge, with a crazed optimism and no strategic plan, are usually a bad idea.” ++ While Hamid Karzai seeks political reconciliation with the Taliban, US and British special forces continue their campaign of losing hearts and minds.

Fighting Piracy Should Be More Like the Old Days

The hijacking of a Saudi-owned oil tanker is unprecedented but only part of the recent, dramatic rise in piracy. ++ Capturing pirates in not a major problem, but due process makes dealing with captive pirates more complex than in the 1700s. ++ Universal jurisdiction should be applied in this case, allowing any state to try and punish pirates. ++ States should then try them in military courts. ++ Piracy, like terrorism, is “part of a broad challenge to civilization and international order” and will test the grit of Western governments.

A More Stable Banking System

By passing an economic rescue package, Congress intended to stabilize the banking system by “purchasing illiquid mortgages and mortgage-related securities.” ++ Rising unemployment, falling house prices and European economies in crisis have averted the desired outcome. ++ However, the next administration will have less trouble dealing with challenges as it will face a “more stable banking system.” ++ “Resources, authority and potential programs” will help deal with liquidity needs of credit providers and boost the economic recovery.

Flight Paths out of Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been at war for almost 30 years. ++ The possibility of US exit strategies hovers on the horizon but winning the war would require carpet-bombing of southern Afghanistan. ++ Many Afghans hostile to the Taliban still support the resistance. ++ The British ambassador to Kabul considers the war lost. ++ General Petraeus will not be able to work miracles in Afghanistan. ++ The main task should be creation of social infrastructure and the preservation of peace. ++ Only breaking with previous policy offers a viable future.

Britain's Black Gold Runs Out

The largely unknown British oil industry was one of the largest in the world, but is now running dry. ++ The drilling platforms off the shore of Scotland gave Prime Minister Thatcher a one-time economic boost that funded her economic policies. ++ The possibility of an independent, oil-financed Scotland has not made oil popular in the UK. ++ Production has fallen 40% since 1999, and Britain has dropped from being the world's 6th largest oil producer to its 17th. ++ The importance of oil to the UK may only be realized once it is gone.

Europe's Economy Needs Cooperative Efforts

To answer the G20’s calls for budgetary stimulus, Europe needs a three-part recovery program. ++ EU member states must pledge to equally share the burden of recovery. ++ Because many countries will exceed EU deficit limits, budgetary boosts need to be accompanied by an agreement to strengthen the EU’s fiscal framework. ++ Member states should make a commitment to avoid borrowing at unusually high interest rates. ++ If the EU ignores these suggestions, “it risks paying a high economic and political price.”