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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.

Pirates of the Arabian - Sort of

Pirates – that ancient breed of scoundrel, romanticized and glorified, yet wretched and rotten – have made a name for themselves off Somali coasts. ++ Many, it turns out, are simply trying to make a living for themselves. ++ While their exploits have become renowned, drawing in over $30 million in ransom fees so far this year, a little known fact remains: over $300 million a year in fish are poached from Somali shores by trawlers from as far as Taiwan. ++ Western navies are not the answer; littoral states’ are – fishermen need a fair chance.

Quelling Anti-Americanism

The election of Obama could have marked the beginning of improved Russian-US relations, but the “new cold war” will continue. ++ Anti-American sentiment is the result of Russia’s perceived security threats and is fuelled by official propaganda. ++ The next President should demonstrate America’s willingness to support Eastern Europe’s democracies, but he should also make clear that he does not seek confrontation. ++ Offering Russia membership in NATO would be a good way of proving that the US does not intend to treat Russia as an enemy.

Closing Guantanamo

Obama has pledged to close Guantanamo, yet critical questions must be addressed: what are the rights of detainees? Is preventive detention justified? Do we need a new detention statute with revised standards of proof? ++ Judge Leon's release order for five prisoners begs the question: how many others should simply be let go? ++ Some prisoners cannot be sent home for fear of their own government, and others truly pose a threat. ++ In short, Obama will have to look closely at each case in Guantanamo, a long yet important process.

Secretary of State: Job Description

Speculation is rife as to who will be the next Secretary of State. ++ Many have forgotten the more important question: What does America need from that post? ++ First, the "complete confidence of the president" is a prerequisite; second, they must be a dealmaker - diplomacy is a "political art;" third, they need to tackle all the issues of the Middle East as if they’re interrelated; last, the foreign service needs a new, dynamic manager. ++ The ideal candidate must “inspire confidence” yet be “tough enough to elicit needed compromises.”

Who Needs the G8 Anyway

In view of the economic crisis rocking 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 allow G8 nations to pressure them on environmental protection issues and human rights.

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.”

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.