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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.

A Renewed Commitment to the MDGs

Much progress has been made in the last decade in the area of international development, yet right now the developed world needs to re-affirm and strengthen its commitment to the Millenium Development Goals. ++ With enough effort, millions of people can be lifted out of poverty. ++ "The proportion of the world’s population living in poverty has fallen from a third to a quarter...This did not happen by accident, but because of the commitment of peoples and governments to make a difference."

Indonesia and the US Contemplate Forming a Union

Indonesia is trying to determine whether to increase diplomatic engagement with the US in the run up to Pres. Obama’s visit on March 20. ++ The Asian country could be a good partner for the US as it has proved its commitment to both democracy and counter-terrorism measures in recent years. ++ US and China are both competing for access to Indonesia’s waterways. ++ The US and Indonesia will need to overcome a number of “sticking points” including increasing anti-Americanism if they hope to form a strategic partnership.

European Economic Government Wanted

What used to be inconceivable, is today desirable and even essential. ++ As mentioned by the President of the EU, a European economic government should be the centre of all the EU efforts and attention for three reasons. ++ First, the crisis revealed the lack of coordination among national member states' economies; second, the failed Lisbon strategy proved the EU needs to boost its growth rate and competitiveness and third, the EU needs a coherent voice in a world economy led increasingly by developing countries.

The Spill Over Effect of Oil in Iraqi Politics

Oil, far from the blessing it was expected to be, has failed to lift Iraq out of war and economic stagnation. ++ As demonstrated by high levels of corruption in many oil-exporting nations, overreliance on oil for economic growth can be problematic. ++ Iran also feels threatened by its neighbor's oil-production, which could have a destabilizing effect on Iraqi peace and democracy. ++ Yet Stanford professor Larry Diamond sees hope for the future, "there is so much oil wealth… that there will be plenty to steal and still some for development."

Obama is no Atlanticist

The Obama presidency has left many in Europe disappointed. ++ The post-Bush euphoria has slowly given way to the sobering reality that Europe is not high on Obama’s list of priorities. ++ “The great struggles of the Cold War, which bound Europe and the United States, did not mark Obama, whose intellect and priorities were shaped by globalization.” ++ In order to become a more effective partner and avoid marginalization, Europe should work to forge unified positions on Afghanistan, Middle East Peace, China, Russia, and energy security.

Women Can Do It Better

Empowering women in Asia is not only a requirement for basic human rights but also an economic asset in recovery form the global recession. ++ It remains the best way to lower the illiteracy, malnutrition and child mortality rates in the long term. ++ A first report reveals that failing to do so costs Asia "roughly the equivalent to the GDP of Viet Nam" per year. ++ According to the Human Development Report, increasing the proportion of women in the workforce to 70 percent would boost annual GDP in India by 4.2 percent.

Better Late than Never: Time for Russia to Join NATO

The time has finally come to invite Russia to join NATO. ++ “Trans-Atlantic security needs have changed fundamentally in the last two decades. The East-West confrontation has ended, and Moscow now shares many interests with NATO.” ++ In this context, the inclusion of Russia in the organization would mark the “logical consummation” of a Euro-Atlantic security order of which NATO would remain the centerpiece. ++ This new Euro-Atlantic alliance could also help offset the strategic dynamics of “large Asian powers.”

Adding Teeth to Iran Sanctions

The Obama administration is currently working on new UN sanctions designed to cut off funding to Iranian nuclear and missile activities, as well as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s vast network of companies. ++ Chinese participation is a crucial component to any sanctions regime, yet so far, US overtures to Beijing to sign onto its sanctions campaign have been met with little success. ++ The Obama administration hopes to change this by offsetting Chinese dependence on Iranian oil with reserves from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Obama Has Few Foreign Friends

Obama has been unable to form a personal bond with a foreign leader since assuming the Presidency. ++ A series of snubs have cooled Obama’s relationship with Pres. Sarkozy, Chancellor Merkel, and PM Brown. ++ “In this he is the opposite of George W. Bush, who was reviled among the foreign masses but who forged close ties with a host of leaders.” ++ Obama has been more concerned with his domestic agenda than with taking the time to make friends with foreign leaders. ++ This “coolness” on Obama’s part will cost him diplomatically.

The World Should Not Give Up on Somalia

Somalia is typically associated with war, displacement, terrorism, and piracy, but the country is not the failed state it’s portrayed as. ++ "Somalis are resilient and committed to peace, and sickened by the nihilistic violence of the extremists" ++ The international community needs to get rid of the notions that Somalia’s problems are insurmountable and that Somalia is irrelevant to the rest of the world. ++ Somalia needs resources and troop support from other countries in order to combat the extremism and piracy that plague the country.