Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France | August 19, 2008
 The EU can be proud of achieving a cease-fire between Russia and Georgia. ++ The Caucasus crisis has shown that the EU is able to create a space for diplomacy in order to resolve international conflicts. ++ Much remains to be done if the situation is to be stabilized in the long run but so far the EU has risen to the occasion. ++ Europe made Russia listen by choosing “action and negotiation over rhetoric and mere denunciation.” ++ Once the Lisbon Treaty is ratified EU will have even better means to resolve international crises.
George Monbiot, The Guardian | August 19, 2008
 By agreeing to host a US missile defence base Poland, like the UK and Czech Republic, became America’s groundbait and exposed itself to a possiblity of a nuclear attack. ++ In turn, the system is supposed to protect Poland as well. ++ Bad news is, MD will not work for at least another 50 years and it is doubtful if ever at all. ++ There is no rationale behind MD: it is only built to appease military industrial lobbyists who give donations to corrupt politicians. ++ This monstrous scheme can’t achieve what “diplomacy could do in an afternoon.”
Daniel Schammenthal, Wall Street Journal | August 19, 2008
 Two of the EU’s key assumptions towards Russia have been proven wrong: firstly, Russia obviously does not share the Western values and secondly, Russia does not oppose Iran going nuclear. ++ Moscow can assume that a nuclear Iran will hurt Western interests more than Russian and will shape balance of power favorably for Russia. ++ Yet, there is still a chance for the EU to pressure Iran through sanctions, as the Islamic Republic heavily depends on trade with EU countries such as Germany.
Gareth Porter, national security policy analyst | August 19, 2009
 There are voices among US officials that Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki became overconfident about his government’s ability to handle the security situation in Iraq without the US troops and that he wants to portray himself as the national hero who kicked out the US. ++ Domestically, Maliki’s Shi’ite-dominated government no longer depends on the US and seems to be more and more unwilling to advocate the Sunni’s interests in Iraq. ++ Maliki may become a difficult partner for the US and give way to Shi’ite typical anti-Americanism.
Editorial, New York Times | August 19, 2008
 There is a wide gap between declarations that a two-state solution is vital for Israel’s security, and actually doing something about it. ++ Both Olmert and Bush have a few months left in offices: they will not go down in history as great leaders, but can still burnish their legacies by truly engaging in the peace effort. ++ They should freeze the expansion of Jewish settlements, cease strangling Palestinian economy with roadblocks and press Hamas toward a more responsible position that would make it an acceptable negotiating partner.
Jakob von Weizsäcker | Bruegel Policy Brief | July 2008
Carol Bellamy & Dam Wienberg | The Washington Quarterly | Summer 2008
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David Fullbrook | Chatham House | June 2008
Daniel L. Byman | Brookings Institution | May 2008
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