Atlantic Community:Home

Pirates of the Arabian - Sort of

Peter Lehr, University of St. Andrews | November 21, 2008

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

Cathy Young, Reason Magazine | November 21, 2008

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

Benjamin Wittes, Brookings Institution | November 21, 2008

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

Editorial, The Boston Globe | November 21, 2008

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

Carolin Emcke, Die Zeit (in German) | November 21, 2008

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.

Samiullah Wardak, EC Delegation to Afghanistan

Mr. Samiullah Wardak was born in Kabul in 1976 and migrated to Pakistan at the age of five. In 2002 he returned to Afghanistan where he had been …

Heath Kern Gibson, Editor in Chief at DipNote

Heath Kern Gibson graduated from Denison University and received a master’s in public administration from Harvard. She is the director of …

Open Think Tank

America: New Beginnings, an Old Idea

Jesse Schwartz | November 20, 2008 | 8 comments

The 2008 election evinces the timeless notion of America as more than a place - “At its best, it is an idea.” Barack Obama’s meteoric rise to the White House substantiates this conviction. Moreover, it seems to confirm that the Atlantic Ocean may not be as wide as it was just four years ago.