Slavenka Drakulić, independent policy analyst | August 29, 2008
Croatia is witnessing a rehabilitation of the fascist ideology and unfortunately legal institutions are unwilling to take action. ++ Even more alarming is that there are also politicians who do not distance themselves from the fascist past. ++ Currently, the country discusses if a new law should be enforced to prohibit the inciting of national hatred, but the legislation will not change the Croatian attitude to the own past. ++ The EU should reconsider if it really needs to include a country in which these dubious values are still popular.
Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, foreign policy analyst | August 29, 2008
 If Obama is elected, a VP Joe Biden will likely mean positive developments for troubled US-Iran relations. ++ Biden’s experiences with Iranian diplomacy legitimize Obama’s call for direct contact with Tehran. ++ However, Biden’s plans to negotiate with Iran may cost Obama some Jewish votes and Biden may have to give in to a more hawkish stance. ++ But Biden’s more conciliatory approach toward Iran is likely to be reciprocated by Teheran’s leaders and, especially in comparison to McCain’s plan, is the only chance for progress.
Jason Bush, Der Spiegel | August 29, 2008
 International investors were already troubled by Russia’s economic problems, but Russia’s recent actions toward Georgia have created diplomatic tensions, which may scare off investors. ++ The outcome of the US election could be a major factor in how western relations with Russia develop. ++ Weak legal protections for foreign investors who irk Russian authorities will also deter investments. ++ However, the plunge in Russian stock prices attracts buyers and consumer growth is still in double digits, so it may be wise to buy now.
Ron Prosor, Israeli ambassador in London | August 28, 2008
It is the Hamas’s illegitimate rule that prevents progress between Israel and the Palestinians, not Israel itself. ++ However, Palestinian protesters stick to the anti-Israel dogma and do not question the extremists’ destructiveness even though they need to ask Israel more and more often for help. ++ Therefore, “it is time to realize that bashing Israel will not build Palestine.” ++ Furthermore, the international community should encourage Palestinians to establish infrastructure and governing institutions in order to contain the Iranian influence.
Dmitry Medvedev, president of Russia | August 28, 2008
 It was Saakashvili’s behavior that forced Russia to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. ++ Relations of different nations living in one state have to be handled with great sensitivity. ++ Russia respects its minorities and fosters harmonious coexistence between them; the president of Georgia proved himself unable to do the same and stripped his country’s regions of the autonomy they were promised. ++ The West is also guilty as it ignored the delicacy of the situation, feeding these regions’ hopes for freedom.
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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