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Joachim Fritz-Vannahme, Die Zeit (in German) | August 28, 2008 The crucial question at the upcoming European head of state meeting is about the right of self-determination in the context of the Caucasus crises. ++ EU foreign policy towards Kosovo indicates that it is an advocate of self-determination; however, there may be some who emphasize the inviolability of borders, thereby giving a hazardous guarantee to the Georgian ...More

Bob Doppelt, University of Oregon | August 28, 2008 Current "cap and trade" approach to the fight with global warming will not effectively solve the problem. ++ At its core, climate change is not a problem of technology or policy – the problem lies in our frame of mind. ++ We won’t save our planet unless we overcome system blindness and embrace "sustainable thinking,” characterized by 4 steps: ...More

Editorial, the Washington Post | August 27, 2008 It’s been almost a year since Burmese people were violently crushed as they publicly demanded freedom and the international community has still not achieved anything. ++ As Than Shwe intensifies the crackdown, the world looks towards Ban Ki-moon for leadership in dealing with the dictator but UN mission in Burma has been fruitless. ++ Flowery speeches ...More

Jawed Ludin, Afghanistan's ambassador to Norway | August 27, 2008 The US has to realize that it cannot fight terrorism in Afghanistan successfully without expanding the war on terror into Pakistan. ++ The US should revitalise the coalition of the willing, enhance the cooperation with the Afghan and Pakistani armies, and establish a military bases on Pakistani soil. ++ Furthermore, a supreme commander, with Afghan and ...More

Volker Perthes, SWP | August 27, 2008 Before the new US administration is approved and in full operation, there will be a pause in early 2009 in US involvement in the Middle East. ++ Even though EU cannot complete the job for the US, it can act as a trustee to keep the peace processes alive. ++ EU should offer Javier Solana as an interim mediator for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. ++ As an ...More

L. Graham and J. Lieberman, US senators | August 27, 2008 Russia's invasion is not only a threat to Georgia, it also questions the political order and values of Europe. ++ With American help, the EU has become “one of the greatest strategic achievements of the 20th century." ++ But now the Russian aggression is drawing a dividing line through Europe and separates the truly independent nations from those which ...More

Editorial, The Daily Star | August 27, 2008 After nearly eight years of Bush's haphazard and ill-advised actions and his contempt for the Arab-Israeli peace process, for most Arabs change cannot come soon enough. ++ Senator Joe Biden is known for his foreign policy experience, his attentiveness to Middle-Eastern concerns, as well as his blunt criticism of Bush’s policies. ++ His no-nonsense style ...More

Tony Blair, former British prime minister | August 26, 2008 Beijing Olympics mark a new era: China is opening up to the world and the Western ignorance and fear of the People’s Republic is declining. ++ Many Atlantic leaders see China’s growth as a threat but it might also be a great opportunity, provided we forgo our historic arrogance. ++ Today’s challenges are global and the West cannot face them ...More

Francesco Sisci, La Stampa | August 26, 2008 If America is to continue dominating the world, it must learn from an empire that managed to survive for centuries – Byzantium. ++ Byzantium did not try to annihilate its adversaries but learned from them and skillfully played enemies and allies for its own ends. ++ Similarly, the US must juggle various interests and keep them in balance. ++ The Georgia ...More

Editorial, The Washington Post | August 26, 2008 The US should use alternative means to accelerate Russia's withdrawal from Georgia and to stabilize the country. ++ In addition to humanitarian aid, it could initiate a large reconstruction operation to ensure the vitality of Georgia's economy during the Russian occupation. ++ Also, the corrupt oligarchs around Putin could be undoubtedly pressured if US ...More