Roger Altman, CEO of Evercore Partners | May 15, 2008
Former Fed chairman, Paul Volcker, blames this year’s financial crisis on the lenders’ and investors’ attempting to revise the age-old fundaments of finance. ++ Despite the euphoric effect of bubbles, parties involved in the financial system must remember that the further a rubber band is stretched, the harder it will snap back into its former position. ++ Credit rating agencies, securities companies, and banking regulators must, in the future, not be lulled into complacency but rather remember this crisis and heed its example.
Patrick Saint-Paul, trans. in World Meets US | May 15, 2008
During his last Middle East Tour, President Bush will have to accept the failure of his policies in the region. ++ Since Bush undertook to revive peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians at Annapolis in late 2007, no progress has been made. ++ The American hope for a Palestinian-Israeli agreement before the end of the year seems illusory. ++ The positions of Israeli negotiators are too different from the parameters set by Bill Clinton. ++ So far a three-way summit with Bush, Olmert, and Abbas isn’t even being considered.
Jonathan Steele, The Guardian | May 15, 2008
Obama advocates leading open and direct negotiations with everyone, from Iran to Cuba. ++ His opposition to the Iraq war, his rational stance on Iran, and his “understanding of US imperialism” suggest he will reshape American foreign policy. ++ Yet Obama’s readiness to compromise does not apply to the Middle East. ++ Since Obama’s presidency would provide for high expectations, the predictable continuity of US policy in this region could prove especially disappointing for many members of the international community.
Per Unckel, former Swedish Minister of Education | May 15, 2008
Some highly developed nations with bourgeoning service sectors are experiencing difficulties in adapting out-dated education policies to a more competitive, business-oriented world. ++ Scandinavian countries are leading a new trend in tackling these problems with a more democratized, less standardized system of education. ++ These tactics are proving effective for people entering a global workforce. ++ Furthermore, increased research and development spending is vital for the economies absorbing this new ‘knowledge-based’ generation of workers.
James Carroll, International Herald Tribune | May 15, 2008
The US is making a bold, perhaps doltish, move by refusing to discuss a treaty aimed at preventing weapons in outer space. ++ China and Russia have warned that a countermove would be unavoidable to ensure their own security. ++ Many are urging the Pentagon to consider the historical consequences of expanding warfare to new frontiers. ++ In reality, however, defense contractors and military commanders are controlling the debate. ++ In any case, an arming of outer space could completely shift the earth’s current geopolitical character.
Richard N. Haass | Foreign Policy | May/June 2008
Jonathan Woetzel et al. | McKinsey Global Institute | April 2008
Larry Diamond | Foreign Affairs | April 2008
Pricewaterhouse Coopers | April 2008
More
This position is Nuland’s second post in the Atlantic alliance. She was sworn in as the 18th United States Permanent Representative to the …
Foreign policy, European integration and environmental policy are subjects of predilection for Sascha Müller-Kraenner and questions on …
More
April 30, 2008
The election of Nicolas Sarkozy was a source of hope for the future of Franco-American and transatlantic …
February 20, 2008
With the world’s attention now focusing on the unpredictable outcome of the American elections, it …
More
|
Peter van Ham |
May 15, 2008 | 2 comments
NATO is slowly losing its significance as the central platform to manage transatlantic security challenges. In view of the different …
Recently, the UN has found it increasingly difficult to define its jurisdiction. Largely overstretched, analysts are worried its …
In 2000 and 2004 Europe bet on the wrong horse by anticipating that the “European President” would succeed. This could happen again!
Small and local aid agencies are best equipped to help the victims of cyclone Nargis because they are already operating on the ground. …
Combating Human Trafficking requires systematic worldwide action. In a rapidly globalizing world, organized crime groups are operating …
Loretta Napoleoni |
May 9, 2008
The truth is that terrorism is a political phenomenon and, as long as it remains in the domain …
The German Excellence Initiative will cause more heterogenity in the German higher education …
With Sarkozy contemplating bringing France back into the NATO fold, the need for a strong …
|