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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.

America's New Global Image

Barack Obama’s election is a great first step to restore America’s image – but to maintain that image, real progress must be seen. ++ Despite the economic gloom, keeping his tax policy pledges will solidify domestic confidence in the president-elect. ++ The real work to be done, however, is international in its nature: “You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now.” ++ Closing Guantanamo, withdrawal from Iraq, reforming the UN security council, increasing foreign aid and tackling global warming are all a good start.

War on Terror is Over

Obama must fulfill his promises of withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan and those of diplomacy with Iran. ++ He must close Guantánamo and declare the war on terror is over, realizing that terrorism is a technique, not an ideology. ++ Talks, not air strikes, should take place in Afghanistan. ++ Obama’s plan for “residual forces” in Iraq should be abandoned for a total pull-out to remove Arab anger over US occupation. ++ He should seize the chance for compromise in Iran and reverse the ideological neocon unilateralism of past years.

How President Obama Can Solve America's Crisis

It is no wonder that Barack Obama has won the presidential elections as he understood the failures of the current administration. ++ To make up for these mistakes Obama must replace Bush’s economic bailout plan by implementing a more transparent and controlled strategy. ++ His administration must take the leading role in adressing issues of climate change and “come up with immigration reform consistent with the values of a nation built by immigrants and refugees.” ++ But to solve these issues Obama will need the support of all Americans.

"A New Era for America"

Americans have proven that they are more united than ever, by clearly electing Obama the next president of the US as well as by chosing a strong Democratic Congress. ++ With regard to the political legacy of George W. Bush, Obama is facing the toughest presidency of all times. ++ At this point in history he can “reshape the country's assumptions, change the terms of debate and transform American politics.” ++ If Obama sticks to his progressive but also pragmatic sense of political leadership, he will be able to lead America out of its crisis.

"China's Way: Firm, Gradual, Holistic"

China’s economy is changing from a centrally planned to a market oriented system. ++ Its GDP has increased tenfold compared to 1978, not without creating causes of concern. ++ The government faces “imbalance of economy, overinvestment in tradable sectors and lack of development of environmental sectors.” ++ China has to reform its government structure and support a market economy. ++ It should “capitalize local initiatives by encouraging institutional and technical innovation” and introduce projects on the local level.

Pre-Emptive Strike Doctrine Abysmal Failure

19 US missile attacks since September on suspected terrorists are unlikely to win any hearts and minds, will promote ill will, and will do little to dry “the pond that breeds the mosquitoes." ++ Michael Chertoff’s plea, backed by Robert Gates, for international law codifying the legality of pre-emptive strikes against countries “harboring a potential terrorist threat" is only likely to weaken “the response against terrorism in the long run.” ++ The US in not at war with Islam and shouldn’t promote policies that make it appear as if it were.

Chance to Turn Over a New Transatlantic Leaf

By next fall, there will be a new US president, a new European parliament and probably a new EU commission. ++ This means new challenges and huge opportunity to renew positive transatlantic relations. ++ Immediate action is needed to strengthen ties, starting with an invitation for the next US president to address the EU parliament. ++ We need to build a barrier-free transatlantic market and reverse the damage done to public opinion of each other. ++ Only in doing so can we “work together on a common agenda for prosperity and peace.“

Old System of Finance is Kaputt

Germans now lament eschewing the “glorious era” of state ownership of banks. ++ They are missing a cardinal fact, though: The European Central Bank’s independence “enabled it to serve as a corrective to governmental policies and powers,” whereas the US Federal Reserve implemented “interest rate and money supply strategies configured to meet the needs of the US government and Wall Street.” ++ Privately owned banks are not responsible for the crisis; the models they employed are – local vs. international investment.

Stopping Genocide in Congo

Tens of thousands of Congonese civilians have fled their homes, finding themselves surrounded by Rwandan-backed rebels. ++ The financial crisis seems to be distracting global leaders from the genocide that is taking place in Congo. ++ Since Rwanda invaded Congo in 1998, more than 5 million civilians have died. ++ With regard to the Genocide Convention it is "politically and morally wrong for the international community to keep silent while Rwandan-backed militias continue to slaughter innocent civilians” – those responsible have to be prosecuted.

Upgrading US Nuclear Weapons Arsenal

America could prevent proliferation ambitions around the world by upgrading its own nuclear weapons arsenal. ++ Congressional funding would allow for building safer and more reliable arms. ++ The proposed “Reliable Replacement Warhead Program,” intends for the US and Russia to reduce their nuclear weapons without having to test replacement warheads. ++ The next president should support this program as it will create modern weapons without the need for underground testing, contributing to global nonproliferation efforts.