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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.

Human Rights Watch Praises Bush on Darfur Stance

Despite opposition to the ICC, President Bush is backing its prosecution of President Omar al-Bashir for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur. ++ Sudan is trying to both charm and blackmail members of the Security Council to postpone ICC action by promising the resignation of top officials and threatening foreign humanitarian and peace workers. ++ Prosecuting Bashir would help peace efforts in Darfur as "history shows that indictment for mass atrocities profoundly undermines a leader's legitimacy and authority."

How to Repress the Pakistani Threat

President-elect Obama’s toughest international challenge will be Pakistan. ++ To avert rising threats, financial support for Pakistan’s government and military should be limited. ++ Cutting tariffs on agricultural products would be an effective measure to strengthen the economy and provide new jobs. ++ The peace process in Kashmir must be advanced, with more pressure placed on India. ++ However, another major reason for Pakistan’s instability is a lack of education. ++ Pakistan’s “greatest enemy isn’t India but illiteracy.”

India Reconnects with the Middle East

Egyptian President Mubarak has made the first official state visit of Egypt to India in a quarter century. ++ Mubarak came with his Foreign Minister and his ministers of Trade and Communications. ++ "The two countries pledged to quadruple bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2010," and promised to work together on issues of terrorism, climate change, the financial crisis, and food and energy security. ++ The visit demonstrates the growing power of the East (India and China) and India's desire to reconnect with the Middle East.

US Misunderstands Iraqi Politics, Withdraws

Bush's desire for a long-term military presence in Iraq beyond 2011 has been precluded by an agreement that embarrasses the US administration. ++ The Iraqi government forced changes to the document that leaves only a complete withdrawal. ++ US troops must leave city areas by June 2009 or sooner. ++ The deal went through only because Bush believes Obama would leave more quickly. ++ The refusal of up to 50,000 training and support troops shows how differently Iraq and the US see political realities and the challenges ahead.

Keynes to the Rescue

Keynesian economics prevail in times of economic turmoil. ++ Britain should "expect plans for higher borrowing, tax cuts, and more spending in Monday's pre-Budget statement." ++ While economists and politicians differ on intervention policies, Keynes emphasized the importance of restoring market confidence and preventing recessions from becoming politically dangerous. ++ "In a depression, a government stimulus is needed to offset the decline in private spending;" a budget deficit in England is worth the price of market stability.

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.