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Editorial, Wall Street Journal | October 7, 2008

The Bush administration announced its intention to agree to a $6.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan. ++ There are more than 1,400 missiles on the Chinese side of the Taiwan Strait that endanger Taiwan’s security. ++ The sale will help to avert the threat and “fulfill the U.S. commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act”. ++ Taiwan will thereby gain leverage against China, who has defined its action by militarization. ++ As both parties have decided to open a dialogue, the sale could incentivize China to settle its disputes with Taiwan.

Creating an Asian Bond

Thaksin Shinawatra, Financial Times | October 7, 2008

It is time for the “globar” - or “global dollar,” a collective Asian bond that could revitalize the world economy by catering to US currency-stabilization needs and simultaneously recycling massive Asian surpluses back into tangible assets in Asia itself. ++ Asia’s surpluses are primarily in US dollars, a risky investment in the current turmoil. ++ Asian countries are no longer mere borrowers, they are lenders. ++ Development of a collective bond based on one currency and monitored by the IMF is exactly what Asia and the world market need.

Russia is Dying

Murray Feshbach, Woodrow Wilson Center | October 7, 2008

We are too easily impressed by the Russian bear. ++ “Moscow remains bent on ignoring the devastating truth: The nation is not just sick but dying.” ++ The population is declining, the economy is totally dependent on oil revenues, and the public health crisis “verges on the catastrophic.” ++ AIDS, tuberculosis, alcoholism, heart disease, and smoking are killing Russians at an alarming rate. ++ Life expectancy for men is 59, ranking 166th world-wide. ++ The Kremlin’s misplaced priorities must change.

"Israel and Iran Have Much in Common"

Anthony Zeitouni, Middle East Times | October 7, 2008

On Israel’s 60th anniversary and the Islamic revolution’s 30th, both countries are actually more similar than one may think. ++ Israel fears a loss of power from shifting demographics, and similarly Iranian conservatives fear losing power to supporters of former president Mohammad Khatami. ++ Both countries also feel isolated: Israel, a Jewish state in an Arab region, and Iran, a Shiite state surrounded by Sunnis. ++ Politicians must cease their divisive rhetoric and focus on social exchanges to develop links between the two countries.

Avoiding the Worst-Case Scenario

Editorial, Washington Post | October 6, 2008

Efforts to address carbon emissions must be undertaken with exigency. ++ Developing countries like China, India and Brazil are responsible for half of all carbon emissions worldwide; their output has doubled over the past two decades. ++ 8.47 gigatons of emissions were released in 2007, up 2.9 percent over 2006. ++ Polluters will not change their energy policy until the US takes action. ++ The US has to set an example by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, pushing to put a price on carbon, and by introducing alternative energy resources.

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