Paul Krugman, The New York Times | January 9, 2009
When President Obama speaks of the current state of the US economy, his rhetoric reveals the gravity of the situation. ++ Yet, his actions fall short of his words, with US analysts arguing that his stimulus plan will do little to address the fast forming “output gap” and the expected upsurge in unemployment rates that will follow from lost production. ++ Whatever the reasons for his modest action - rising deficit or rising political costs - his tax cuts and public spending are unlikely to save the day.
Edward Luttwak, CSIS | January 9, 2009
 Hamas will not receive expected support from Hezbollah. ++ Palestinians have often been instigated to fight by others promising support, only to be left alone. ++ The relative accuracy of Israel’s bombings shows intelligence from within Gaza, from paid informers but also those opposing Hamas. ++ 50 Fatah-supporters were tortured by Hamas last week. ++ The war cannot change the regime in Gaza, but it will weaken Hamas militarily. ++ If Israel’s intelligence remains good, it will run out of targets soon, and then a cease-fire will be welcome.
Jayati Ghosh, The Guardian | January 9, 2009
A key topic a few months ago, the food crisis has now disappeared from the headlines. ++ Unfortunately this does not mean that the situation has improved; on the contrary, the financial crisis is likely to bring a series of negative repercussions. ++ It will hinder governments of developing countries from increasing needed investment in agriculture, which is likely to intensify the emergency. ++ “The ‘silent tsunami’ has simply been overwhelmed in public awareness by the much noisier tsunami in the world of international finance.”
Editorial, The Asahi Shimbun, January 9, 2009
 Japan adds itself to less than 20 developed countries open to refugees under resettlement programs. ++ Since 1981 Japan has accepted 451 refugees. ++ Over the next 3 years, 30 refugees per year will be accepted from Burma into camps in Thailand. ++ This number is too small; the Burmese should be allowed to establish their own community in Japan in order not to feel isolated. ++ Plans for teaching them Japanese, finding them jobs and schools must be carried out. ++ Despite tough economic times, they should be welcomed as neighbors.
Zuo Yuanfeng & Ding Yimin, China View | January 9, 2009
 Last year Chinese officials held a record number of press conferences. ++ For the first time Chinese president Hu Jintao joined a chat on a news portal. ++ Vice mayor Li Ou hosts one of the most popular Chinese blogs. ++ This, along with online debates on proposed laws, shows Chinese confidence in improved, transparent governance. ++ But Internet outcries over corrupt officials, while sometimes effective, are not formally recognized. ++ China needs clear procedures to react on online information to help it on its long path to democracy.
The Asia Foundation | December 2008
The 2008 Global Cities Index | Foreign Policy | December 2008
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Leonardo Matinez-Diaz | The Brookings Institution | December 2008
Joshua Kurlantzick | Carnegie Endowment | December 2008
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