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Global ChallengesWars & ConflictsOctober 7, 2008 | US-Taiwan Arms Sales Prod China Toward PeaceThe Bush administration announced its intention to agree to a $6.4 billion arms sale to Taiwan. ++ There are more than 1,400 missiles on the Chinese side of the Taiwan Strait that endanger Taiwan’s security. ++ The sale will help …More October 7, 2008 | Out of Afghanistan Means out of Business for NATODjörn Eversteijn: NATO’s reliance on its global partnerships may seem innocuous today - even helpful, in fact. Contributions in Afghanistan from a diverse array of nations, such as Australia and South Korea, are seen as indispensable in security and reconstruction efforts. Until a full commitment by member states is exhibited, though, NATO’s long-term credibility is in danger. …More October 7, 2008 | "Israel and Iran Have Much in Common"On Israel’s 60th anniversary and the Islamic revolution’s 30th, both countries are actually more similar than one may think. ++ Israel fears a loss of power from shifting demographics, and similarly Iranian conservatives fear losing power …More October 6, 2008 | McCain Strong, Obama WeakOsama Bin Laden called Iraq the “central front” in his fight against the US - he was right. ++ Obama/Biden only focus on the past; they still think invading Iraq was a mistake, a distraction from Afghanistan. ++ Their obsession misses the point: “The …More October 3, 2008 | The Fog of War, The Fog of MemoryUS incursions into Cambodia, which led to its destabilization and the rise of the Khmer Rouge, should be remembered. ++ The same mistake is being made in Pakistan, where the dangers are far greater. ++ Undermining Pakistan does not help …More October 2, 2008 | Pakistani Intelligence Battles Internal ExtremismPakistan can no longer play its “dangerous double-game”: accepting money form the US while also supporting the Taliban and other extremists. ++ General Kayani has appointed a new spy chief, Lt. Gen Ahmed Shuja, who must work to …More October 2, 2008 | Economic Crisis Provides Cover for Military BlundersBy odd coincidence, or perhaps providence, $700bn is roughly the same amount of money squandered on Bush’s “preposterous war in Iraq.” ++ Ironically, the greatest economic crises since the great depression means Obama and …More October 2, 2008 | Obama Needs Foreign Policy RevampObama’s foreign policy proposals are too vapid; far from incipient or novel, we are subjected to his recycled ideas - which, albeit, were fresh when first espoused in the face of Bush dogmatism. ++ “These ideas have lost their oomph among …More October 1, 2008 | Afghanistan Debate: Parliamentary Hearings Crucial for GermanyThorsten Benner & Lars Zimmermann: Germany lacks an informed and responsible debate on the country’s engagement in Afghanistan. The looming populism of the 2009 election year is set to make matters even worse. Politicians and the media must prevent this from happening. …More September 30, 2008 | McCain's Policies Favor IsraelMcCain’s perception of the Middle East conflict deems Israel a critical ally. ++ McCain accepts the military facet of the conflict, while Obama considers diplomacy the tool to triumph over a minority of Islamic extremists. ++ The root cause of …More September 29, 2008 | Livni's Election may Further Peace ProcessTzipora Livni is the newly elected leader of the Kadima party and may become Israel’s prime minister. ++ She represents those who favor a two-state solution instead of a Greater Israel, because they just want to live safely. ++ It is …More September 25, 2008 | UN Should Further One-State SolutionThe peace process based on the two-state solution is stagnant and one alternative which is increasingly popular among Palestinians and some Israelis is an unitary state, providing both parties equal rights. ++ Abbas and Bush still support the …More September 25, 2008 | Private Wars: The Renaissance of Western Mercenary WarfareThomas Speckmann: To Western democracies, the idea of war privatization is still largely associated with the reign of warlords in Africa and Afghanistan. However, privatization is also sneaking into Western warfare. This new financial aspect of war needs to be regulated on a national and global scale. …More September 25, 2008 | No Bravery When it Comes to Fighting PiratesWestern warships are unable to guarantee the safety of merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, due to their inability to effectively fight pirates and terrorists there. ++ This is especially noteworthy because the region is a conduit for …More September 24, 2008 | Iran Slips Away - AgainEven if Iran is currently racing toward accumulating enough uranium for a bomb, the financial crisis has reduced the sense of urgency in the US. ++ The UN Security Council and Germany will meet this week, but it’s unlikely that they will agree on any …More September 24, 2008 | The UN and the State of the WorldToday’s challenges need to be faced with collaboration. ++ The UN is successfully fighting for democracy and human rights in various countries. ++ However, Darfur shows that mandates are empty if they are not backed by resources. ++ The foundation …More September 24, 2008 | Georgia: The Right Conflict, the Right Time?Ralf Fuecks: There is a tendency to ignore discomfiting facts so as not to disturb good relations with Russia. This approach, which borders on Russian blackmail, is a categorical failure. Moscow needs to be integrated into the EU fold; but at the same time, the EU must be willing to evince a willingness to face the right conflict at the right time. …More September 23, 2008 | The EU Can Mediate Georgia ConflictMemo 8: Atlantic Community members conclude that the EU, acting in coordination with the UN, is in the best position to negotiate a peaceful solution. The US, Russia, Georgia, NATO, and others must consider their future strategies carefully. …More September 23, 2008 | "A Peace From the Bottom Up"The Bush administration’s attempt at reconciling the Palestinian problem has been a dismal failure. ++ The peace process is unlikely to restart anytime soon; a plethora of elections, scandals, and spoilers will preclude a substantive, top-down …More September 23, 2008 | Mission Impossible: Victory in AfghanistanNATO is facing a wily and pitiless enemy in Afghanistan. ++ Taliban forces have reconstituted themselves into a formidable foe. ++ The transfer of nearly 5,000 troops from Iraq - where the situation is more dire than the Bush …More September 22, 2008 | Pakistan: "Running Out of Time"President Bush’s decision to allow US military operations within Pakistan shows how desperate the situation is becoming. ++ But, if the Taliban and other extremists are to be permanently subdued, it must be done by Pakistan itself. ++ The US …More September 22, 2008 | Italy's New Role as a Major Transatlantic PartnerOreste Foppiani: Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi is changing Mediterranean politics, bringing new importance to Italy’s role in the EU as well as its role in the world. This could bring great changes to the plans of the European Armed Forces and global security issues. …More September 18, 2008 | A Deal for Zimbabwe, but Not IdealThe new political agreement in Zimbabwe is a boon to President Robert Mugabe; he will retain the presidency, command the armed forces, and head the cabinet. ++ His opponent – and victor in the March elections – Morgan Tsvangirai, …More September 18, 2008 | Kyrgyzstan's Lessons from the Russian-Georgian WarAskarbek Erkinovich Mambetaliev: Many commentators are looking to Kyrgyzstan to express its “creed” about the Russia-Georgia conflict, considering Kyrgyzstan a key country in Central Asia. It seems no one wants to cross the “older brother” Russia. Therefore, President Kurmanbek Bakiev must act wisely in this situation. …More September 17, 2008 | Zardari's New Vision Dimishes US RoleRepublicans may praise the latest series of US forays into Pakistan’s sovereign territory, but they trouble Pakistan’s new President. ++ Therefore, Zardari wants to convince the UK that it is crucial to hold the US back. ++ In addition, he …More September 17, 2008 | Redefine the Concept of IndependenceHall Gardner: Moscow’s decision to recognize South Ossetian and Abkhazian independence has begun to backfire: Russia has been widely criticized for its actions and the events in Georgia could provoke nationalist claims for independence within Russia itself. Redefining the concept of “independence” might be a way out of the crisis. …More September 17, 2008 | Victory Possible in AfghanistanMilitary victory in Afghanistan is achievable, but are we “willing to pay the high cost?” ++ Chura Valley in Uruzgan province is secure thanks to a Dutch reconstruction team, while in a nearby valley snipers reign. ++ This is a microcosm …More September 16, 2008 | Brewing Palestinian Crisis, Rice's Attention ElsewhereNegotiations are in limbo as Palestinians and Israelis attempt to endure their respective political transformations at home and in the US. ++ Mahmoud Abbas’ presidential term is set to expire in January, but …More September 16, 2008 | US Strategy in Pakistan Will do More Harm Than GoodIf the US goes ahead with its plan to take the war on terror into Pakistan, Pakistani army will loose its credibility and may end up caught up between American troops and al-Quaeda.++ Weakening Pakistani army would backfire on the …More September 16, 2008 | The US and UN Should Resolve Election-Law Tensions in IraqSarwar Amin: The Iraqi Parliament will soon embark on a daunting task of re-deliberating on the controversial Provincial Election Law. The Kurds feel like they are being treated unfairly. The US and UN must help the process. …More September 15, 2008 | "Hugo Chávez's Russian Dalliance"Putin is using Venezuela in reaction to US plans for a missile defense system in Europe. ++ With his economy in shambles and his opposition uniting, Chávez is happy to be used because he wants to rally national support by painting …More September 15, 2008 | US Attacks in Pakistan Must ContinueIn July President Bush decided to increase attacks by US forces against the Taliban in tribal areas. ++ This increase is in response to the Taliban’s growing strength in Pakistan, more attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan, and an increase in …More September 15, 2008 | Moscow Carefully Eyeing AfghanistanRussia is convinced that it can deal with the West, but worries about the dangerous Afghanistan. ++ The well-being of the Russian economy and a good relationship with its domestic Muslim population depend on a stable Afghanistan. ++ Therefore, …More September 15, 2008 | NATO and the Forgotten WarDjörn Eversteijn: Afghanistan is the litmus test for the relevance of history’s most successful military alliance in the 21st century. Despite official statements that emphasize the importance of the alliance’s mission in Afghanistan, both member states’ long-term commitment and substantial contributions to the mission remain largely absent. Member states’ unwillingness not only endangers the future of Afghanistan, but, perhaps even more importantly, also puts the future of the transatlantic alliance at risk. …More September 12, 2008 | "The Russians Aren't Coming"Russia’s recent actions make it look like the Cold War is back, but Russia is still a poor, weak country. ++ Russia’s military is no match for NATO and their backup nuclear arsenal is unlikely to play a role in conflicts. ++ Moscow can claim few …More September 11, 2008 | Questioning Candidates' Security Ideas after 9/11Both presidential candidates honorably chose to put politics aside on the anniversary of 9/11, but there are various open questions on security. ++ One of these questions asks how willing can the US be to attack Pakistan if its …More September 11, 2008 | First Calls for Saakashvili's ResignationA growing number of voices call for Saakashvili’s resignation due to his felonious decision to bomb Zchinwali. ++ In spite of the government’s rhetoric, which tries to justify any efforts to keep South Ossetia, the opposition calls for an …More September 11, 2008 | Do Not Ask If but When Israel Strikes IranIsrael is known for not tolerating a deadly threat, and so it is only a matter of time before it strikes Iran. ++ The international community failed to pressure Iran, as it did not block the Strait of Hormuz thereby harming Iran’s …More September 10, 2008 | Dubai Balances Iranian and American TiesDubai seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place: Iran and the US. ++ Recently Dubai has served as a critical trading partner allowing Iran to circumnavigate sanctions imposed by the US. ++ Dubai re-exports many goods it receives …More September 10, 2008 | Mexico's Disregarded WarA war very close to home should get more attention in the US: the one in Mexico. ++ Even if Americans soldiers are not among the casualties, US money and arms fuel this dispute. ++ Mexican President Calderón’s efforts to fight the drug syndicates …More September 10, 2008 | Russia and Venezuela are Threatening US WatersMonday, Russia agreed to joint naval exercises with Venezuela and is making its first major maneuvers off US waters since the Cold War. ++ It is not widely recognized, but the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Panama Canal are vital …More September 9, 2008 | The Georgian Flaw in Transatlantic SecurityColette Grace Mazzucelli: The US, acting in coordination with the EU, should address the crisis in Georgia with a strong humanitarian effort and a firm, yet non-isolating, stance toward Russia. As foreign policy concerns are compounded by domestic challenges, the next US administration must prudently tackle economic problems and re-define America’s role in world affairs. …More September 9, 2008 | A Tug-of-War Over AzerbaijanIt is no accident that Dick Cheney visited Azerbaijan last week. ++ Azerbaijan is a core east-west transit country for oil and natural gas. ++ Their pipelines provide energy to Europe, support former Soviet republics, and help keep oil money away from …More September 9, 2008 | Uniting Brussels for Future SecurityWhile some have argued that the recent summit in Brussels proved ineffective, the Georgia crisis has actually drawn the member states closer together. ++ As Europe proceeds, there are important objectives to keep in mind. ++ Europe must focus on …More September 9, 2008 | The EU and the US: Peace Brokers for a Secure GeorgiaStefan Fröhlich: The fighting between Russia and Georgia over the separatist enclave of South Ossetia is turning into a reversion of spheres of influence and a balance of power politics in Europe. The EU and the Euro-Atlantic community must take steps to mediate new developments. …More September 9, 2008 | Why We Are Blind to the Somali TragedyThe situation in Somalia has gradually become worse since the US and UN withdrew in the 1990s, but most people think otherwise, assuming they would have heard more if problems were escalating. ++ The suffering of nearly 10 million Somalis is …More September 8, 2008 | NATO Can't Win the War in Afghanistan, Afghans CanThe war in Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture; the Taliban-led insurgency is gaining in effectiveness and influence. ++ The US troop surge planned to counter this threat is no remedy in itself. ++ NATO should develop a …More September 5, 2008 | PKK Attacks in Cities Try to Divide Turks and KurdsIntelligence sharing between the US and Turkey has forced the PKK out of the countryside and into the cities, bringing their violent attacks with them. ++ Further security measures, such as protected bus routes and tightened …More September 4, 2008 | "Medvedev Praises EU Over Sanctions"Despite the call for sanctions on Russia from Poland and the three Baltic states, the only agreement the EU made was to postpone talks about a partnership agreement with Moscow. ++ Medvedev praised the EU’s decision to reject sanctioning …More September 3, 2008 | Pakistan's Future Depends on India, China and the USWhile September 3, 2008 | Russia Did Not Change the World After All“The attack on Georgia will go down not as the dawn of a new era of Russian power but as a major strategic blunder.” ++ Russia thought it had little to lose, but it has driven its neighbors, like Poland and Ukraine, into the …More September 3, 2008 | Transnistria is Next to Declare IndependenceAri Rusila: First it was Kosovo to declare unilateral independence. Now South Ossetia and Abkhazia have followed suit. The next new breakaway state could be Pridnestrovie, otherwise known as Transnistria. The EU needs to be prepared for a possible conflict. …More September 2, 2008 | Russia is Stuck in the Pre-World War II MindsetConflict in Georgia proved that Russia isn’t and doesn’t want to be a part of Europe. ++ Moscow rejects European commitment to nonviolent methods of conflict resolution and shows little appreciation for equality of nations, which is a …More September 1, 2008 | NATO's Georgian Mistake, Not to be RepeatedNATO’s failure to provide Georgia and Ukraine with a concrete Membership Action Plan was a grave mistake, as demonstrated in part by recent events in Georgia. ++ Both NATO and the EU, the latter meeting today to discuss …More September 1, 2008 | Sectarianism Still Endangers Iraqi National UnityIt is sectarianism, not religion, which threatens national unity. ++ The US repeated in Iraqthe mistake that the French made in Lebanon: they imposed a system that highlights sectarian differences, turning Iraq into a “fragile …More September 1, 2008 | End the Isolation of Secessionist MovementsJudy Fu: The situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia is a reflection of the sorry state of affairs for millions of people living under unrecognized de facto government or in secessionist territories. There are important lessons to be learned here in the need to engage non-state actors. …More August 29, 2008 | China Refuses to Back RussiaPresident Medvedev was unable to achieve the explicit support of the Chinese president for Russia’s intervention in the Caucasus at the latest Central Asian summit. ++ China has not only avoided any anti-western statements so far, it is also concerned …More August 29, 2008 | Russia Scares Off its Own InvestorsInternational 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 …More August 28, 2008 | The Caucasus Conflict Needs EU MediationLeonie Holthaus: There is still a chance that diplomacy can contribute to resolving the Caucasus conflict. Given resurgent cold war vocabulary and the upcoming presidential elections in the US, it is up to the EU to function as a mediator between the conflicting parties. …More August 28, 2008 | Russian Citizenship: Moscow's Tool for Recollecting the Empire's LandsAndreas Umland: A justification for Russia’s recent invasion of Georgia was that it had to protect its citizens in South Ossetia. There is, however, a subtle difference between a state’s protection of its citizens living abroad, and its defense of citizens creating their own state within another country …More August 28, 2008 | Palestinians Should Challenge Hamas, not IsraelIt 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’ …More August 28, 2008 | Russia Was Given no ChoiceIt 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 …More August 27, 2008 | US Should Take the War on Terror into PakistanThe 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 …More August 27, 2008 | EU Must be Interim Supervisor for the Middle EastBefore 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 …More August 27, 2008 | Russia's Invasion Challenges the World OrderRussia’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 …More August 27, 2008 | Georgia's Recklessness Pays off With NATOUlf Gartzke: Mikhail Saakashvili’s reckless military gamble has unfortunately paid off and put him on a fast track to NATO membership. This stunning turnaround demonstrates the problems with the behavior of the Georgian leadership as well as with the West’s response to their actions. …More August 26, 2008 | "Next Steps on Georgia"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 …More August 26, 2008 | NATO is Trapped in AfghanistanMarek Swierczynski: The Georgian war diverted the world’s attention from Afghanistan. But events on the ground, implications of the conflict in the Caucasus and political turmoil in neighboring Pakistan make imminent the perspective of NATO snared in a war that cannot be won. A new strategy is urgently needed. …More August 26, 2008 | Spanish Engagement in Afghanistan: An Undefined MissionEva Diez: The Spanish government asserts its soldiers are only involved in humanitarian operations. But in Afghanistan their main mission is to enable the US to realize its own strategic plans. Now is the right time for Spain to define and press for its own interests. …More August 25, 2008 | Eastern Europe Can Only Count on ItselfPoles, Czechs and Hungarians should be under no illusion that they can count on the US in case of a crisis. ++ In the past the US used to leave its Eastern European allies in the lurch and its recent reaction to Georgia’s plight was no …More August 25, 2008 | Create a United Nonaligned CaucasusThe conflict in South Ossetia is one of many explosive ethnic disputes in the region. ++ These are especially dangerous because of the absence of a superior security pact. ++ Therefore, the best way to enhance the security situation would be if …More August 25, 2008 | Ukraine Will Not Cede to Russian PowerThe conflict in Georgia has exposed the dangers of ignoring “frozen conflicts” as well as the UN’s lack of helpful precautionary tools. ++ The absence of democracy and free media in breakaway regions breeds corruption and human rights …More August 22, 2008 | Transatlantic Unity Should Not Isolate RussiaMatthew Derek Crosston: The West needs some serious balance in the way it analyzes and discusses the Georgian conflict. Academics, diplomats, and journalists have come forward with a united response to Ossetia: Russia is showing ‘imperialist ambitions’ and ‘a disproportionate reaction.’ This is ridiculous. …More August 22, 2008 | West Should Concentrate on Russian OligarchsA sharp consensus between Europe and the US emerged at the NATO summit that they can not deal with Russia as usual. ++ Regarding the question what to do instead, one answer could be: concentrate on Russian oligarchs. ++ They have close …More August 22, 2008 | An Attack on Iran Would BackfireA strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, whether by the US or Israel, is a disastrous idea. ++ If Iran is attacked oil prices may rise to $200 a barrel which would be a hard hit for the global economy. ++ Iranian nuclear facilities are too widely …More August 22, 2008 | NATO Is Losing in AfghanistanInstead of demonstrating the noble character of NATO, the so called “good war” in Afghanistan is running out of control. ++ The death toll is rising inexorably, the security situation for aid agencies and women deteriorates and the local population is …More August 21, 2008 | West No Longer Dictates TermsThe Atlantic view that it’s necessary to protect the underdog from its powerful neighbour is isolated; most of the world is bemused at Western double standards and sees Russia as bullied by the West. ++ Events in Georgia show that the West lacks …More August 21, 2008 | Russia's Nuclear ThreatIn the discussion of US-Russian relations, one element has been overlooked: the shift in the nuclear balance. ++ After the cold war both powers agreed to reduce their tactical nuclear arsenal, but Russia started from a much higher level and still has 10 …More August 21, 2008 | Protect the ProtectorsUN officials and aid workers are frequently killed - both on purpose and accidentally - in Iraq, Algeria, and Afghanistan. ++ In fact, al-Qaeda declared the UN to be a central target. ++ Facing this danger, the UN needs to “nationalize” field operations and …More August 21, 2008 | The Myth About MusharrafMusharraf’s resignation ends an exquisite relationship between him and the Bush administration. ++ The latter created the myth that Musharraf had “joined the free world in fighting the terrorists” after 9/11. ++ The truth is, Musharraf neither supported the …More August 20, 2008 | The Comeback of AutocraciesThe reemergence of autocracy and great-power politics questions the stability of the international liberal order. ++ Unfortunately, Europe’s postmodern tools of foreign policy are not able to counter Russia in the latest conflict between liberal …More August 20, 2008 | The US Must Choose Between Georgia and RussiaRussia’s use of force in the Caucasus is fully legitimized by its right to self-defense and international law. ++ The US has to acknowledge that brutality against a civilian population is not justified simply because the Georgian …More August 20, 2008 | 8/8 Marks a New Era in Global PoliticsVolodymyr Horbach: Consequences of the recent conflict in Georgia will be as serious and global as those after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Ukraine’s position in this conflict is especially uncomfortable as it needs to preserve good neighborly relations with both Georgia and Russia. Kiev should not, therefore, take sides but take part in the peacekeeping mission. …More August 19, 2008 | EU Has Risen to the OccasionThe EU can be proud of achieving a cease-fire between Russia and Georgia. ++ The Caucasus crisis has shown that the EU is able to create a space for diplomacy in order to resolve international conflicts. ++ Much remains to be done if the situation is to …More August 19, 2008 | Poland is a Fall Guy for US Military LobbyistsBy agreeing to host a US missile defence base Poland, like the UK and Czech Republic, became America’s groundbait and exposed itself to a possiblity of a nuclear attack. ++ In turn, the system is supposed to protect Poland as …More August 19, 2008 | "The Russo-Iranian Axis"Two of the EU’s key assumptions towards Russia have been proven wrong: firstly, Russia obviously does not share the Western values and secondly, Russia does not oppose Iran going nuclear. ++ Moscow can assume that a nuclear Iran will hurt Western …More August 19, 2008 | Russian Belligerence Will Strengthen Transatlantic RelationsMarek Swierczynski: Even though technically Russia won the war, the victory will paradoxically weaken Russia’s position towards its western partners, especially the US. Military action against Georgia – however limited in scale – is a symbolic resurrection of Russia’s imperial ambitions and will thus strengthen transatlantic partnership. …More August 19, 2008 | Maliki May Get "Difficult" for the USThere are voices among US officials that Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki became overconfident about his government’s ability to handle the security situation in Iraq without the US troops and that he wants to portray himself as the national …More August 18, 2008 | Burnish Legacies with Intensive Peace EffortThere is a wide gap between declarations that a two-state solution is vital for Israel’s security, and actually doing something about it. ++ Both Olmert and Bush have a few months left in offices: they will not go down in history …More August 18, 2008 | Hobbled by IraqThe war in Iraq eroded not only US strength but also its moral authority and sense of purpose. ++ Iraq strains the US army to such a extent that it is not left with forces sufficient to stabilize Afghanistan. ++ Moreover, critics of the US administration emphazise …More August 18, 2008 | NATO Must Put its Foot DownNATO foreign ministers are meeting tomorrow in Brussels to decide on further actions regarding the crisis in Georgia. ++ To prevent further instability, they should reassure those members who fear Russia that atlantic mutual-defence commitments are real …More August 18, 2008 | Iran Gambles with Russia-Georgia ConflictIran remains mute on Georgia crisis. ++ US-Russia rift could spoil Iran Six negotiations; or increase Russia’s engagement. ++ Historical ties to Georgia and more recent fears of Russian aggressiveness should lead Iran to condemn this …More August 15, 2008 | "Iraq May Be Stable, but the War Was a Mistake"Recent progress in Iraq does not excuse the war as a whole. ++ It was good to get rid of Saddam Hussein, but the hasty invasion encouraged terrorism and hostility around the world and recent US criticism of Russia’s …More August 14, 2008 | "We Are All Georgians"Russia claims to protect Ossetians, but its brutal military campaign encompassed the whole of Georgia and therefore a regime change in Georgia seems to be its true aim. ++ In light of these events, Georgia’s reasons for seeking NATO membership are …More August 14, 2008 | The West Must Stop Power-Hungry RussiaIf the world allows Russia to crush Georgia’s democracy and independence, it will give a green light to all authoritarian governments. ++ The historical echoes of Finland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia are deafening and only Western …More August 13, 2008 | Western Policy Fuelled the War in GeorgiaThis week’s events in Georgia proved the failure of the Western policy of belligerence towards the Kremlin. ++ It failed to take into account the complexity of the ethnic, religious, and nationalist structures in Georgia and even …More August 13, 2008 | Georgia in NATO Will be the Best RevengeFor democracy in Georgia to last, Georgians need to feel we have their backs; the West must impose tough economic and diplomatic sanctions on Russia. ++ This conflict demonstrates impotency of the global security order. ++ The West must show …More August 13, 2008 | A Juridical View on the Caucasus ConflictThe clashes in the Caucasus show once again how explosive secessionist conflicts can be. ++ According to international law, they endanger global peace and only the UN and the OSCE are authorized to manage the resolution of such conflicts. …More August 13, 2008 | US Withdrawal in Sight for IraqBaghdad and Washington have set a tentative time limit for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq in 2010-2011. ++ Both sides agreed to uphold a “declaration of intent,” which was signed last year. ++ Tensions are high over the new election law, as …More August 13, 2008 | Only Transatlantic Unity Can Stop This WarRichard Holbrooke and Ronald D. Asmus: Moscow’s behavior in Georgia poses a direct challenge to European and international order. Georgia deserves our solidarity and support. Only strong transatlantic cooperation can put an end to this conflict and begin to repair the immense damage done. …More August 12, 2008 | Let's Open the Bosnian X-FilesAri Rusila: The trial of Radovan Karadzic will answer many open questions of the Balkan events during 1990’s. Some reports suggest quite a disgusting picture about “realpolitik” behind the noble statements of the international community. …More August 12, 2008 | Georgia Fights for Our Common Transatlantic ValuesOf all the post-Soviet states, Georgia has come furthest in the fight to strenghten democracy and independent foreign policy and that is precisely what Russia wants to thwart. ++ The fact that Russia was entrusted with the …More August 12, 2008 | Russia Does not Hold all the BlameRussia has continued to recognize Georgia’s regional unity and merely responded to the Georgian attack on South Ossetia. ++ To call it an attack on “small, defenseless Georgia” is hypocritical and inhumane. ++ Western encouragement prompted …More August 12, 2008 | The Transatlantic Divide Over the Caucasus ConflictNikolas Kirrill Gvosdev: The Caucasus conflict challenges the Atlantic community, because there is no consensus about resolving it. With regard to Russia, the European countries will have to decide if they want to follow their path of constructive engagement, or keep good ties with the US. …More August 12, 2008 | The West and the Georgian-Russian ConflictThe current conflict is not only about Russia and Georgia, but also represents the US-Russian competition for control over the strategically important transit routes for oil and gas. ++ The Georgian President must have aimed at American …More August 11, 2008 | Russia is Thwarting Georgia's NATO AmbitionsWestern support of Kosovo’s declaration of independence and NATO’s assurance of Georgia and Ukraine’s eventual Atlantic Alliance membership erode Russian influence on former states of the USSR. ++ Georgia pays a high price …More August 11, 2008 | What to Expect from the Georgia-Russia CrisisStefan Wolff: South Ossetia might well become Georgia’s Chechnya. The current escalation of military hostilities has put the likelihood of a sustainable settlement off even further. The European Union is the best-placed conflict manager in the South Caucasus. …More August 9, 2008 | Report from Tbilisi: Georgia Under Full AttackTamuna Kekenadze: On Saturday morning, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili requested the Parliament to endorse his decision on declaring martial law on the entire territory of Georgia. The Parliament has approved the presidential decree immediately. …More August 9, 2008 | Pandora's Box Is OpenedAri Rusila: Kosovo’s unilateral proclamation of independence played a key role in events we see in South Ossetia today. Do we still have time to close the Pandora box and if yes - how? …More August 8, 2008 | Palestinian Civil Society is the Key to PeaceRegarding the issue of Palestine, Israel, the US, and the free world overemphasized the aim to have a strong partner in the peace process, and in doing so even supported corrupt and violent leaders. ++ But the path towards peace must …More August 8, 2008 | HOT ISSUE: How to Respond to the Caucasus Crisis?From the Editorial Team: Georgia and Russia are on the brink of a full-fledged war. How should the European Union, NATO and individual Western governments respond to the current crisis? …More August 7, 2008 | Media Distorts our Perception of AfghanistanThe war on terror has been an utter fiasco: before the US troops arrived in 2001 Afghanistan was much more peaceful and stable, now the insurgency has spread all over the country, become multi-ethnic and more robust. ++ American claims …More August 6, 2008 | EU Leadership Necessary to Solve Abkhazian ConflictEU realizes it is time to solve the festering conflicts in the Union’s new neighborhood: Abkhazia and South Ossetia. ++ But Moscow has an interest in preserving this “simmering status quo” and delays anything that …More August 6, 2008 | New Sect Widens Palestinian DisputeAs the chasm between Hamas and Fatah appears to widen, another organisation called Hizb ut-Tahrir emerges. ++ It has the aim to reestablish an Islamic Caliphate to govern the whole Muslim world under Islamic law, but opposes the use of violence …More August 5, 2008 | Only UN Can Bring Peace to Iraq and AfghanistanThe recent escalation of violence in Afghanistan and the calls to divert the US troops from Iraq make the question of ending these long and costly wars even more urgent. ++ There is only one organisation that can provide the …More August 4, 2008 | Bombing Iran Would be a Catastrophe for All of UsHis presidency coming to an end, Bush becomes obsessed with his legacy and solving the issue of nuclear Iran is foremost in his mind. ++ If he decides to support Israel in its possible attack on Iran, the economic and political …More August 4, 2008 | Russia's Neoimperial Policies Make Georgia and Ukraine Seek NATO MembershipGrigol Ubiria: NATO’s eastern enlargement is too often solely considered from the perspective of Russia’s right to defend its interests on its borders. Little or no attention has been paid to factors forcing former Soviet republics, particularly Georgia and Ukraine, to rush to join the alliance. …More August 4, 2008 | Who Can Change China?For China’s strategic and economic interests it is crucial to maintain a good image, otherwise counter-alliances are likely. ++ Nonetheless, the ruling elite is not willing to establish a constitutional state to replace the “socialist constitutional state.” …More August 1, 2008 | Iraq Has the Most Promising Future in the RegionThere are many reasons to believe that Iraq is going to make it: violence is declining, US soldiers are turning province after province over to the Iraqi Security Forces, and planning withdrawals for 2009. ++ These developments …More August 1, 2008 | Is International Justice the Enemy of Peace?The key reproach that critics raise against international courts is that “in their effort to do justice, they are obstructing achievement of a more important goal, peace. ” ++ These complaints are expressed especially when heads of …More July 31, 2008 | Fixed Date for US Withdrawal From Iraq a MistakeUS presidential candidates have been so busy campaigning they lost sight of the changes taking place in Iraq. ++ For the first time in years, the risk of a massive insurrection has diminished and there are realistic prospects for …More July 31, 2008 | "The Last Gasps of the Supreme Global Sheriff"Despite the considerable shift in global power, the default Western mindset is still based on the assumption that might and right are always on the side of the West. ++ However, the authority of this “self-appointed global …More July 25, 2008 | A One-State Solution for Israel and PalestineSome scholars recently advocated a single-state solution, based on the idea of justice, during a public debate. ++ The delivery of justice would require conditions in which Palestinians could lead normal lives in their homeland. ++ …More July 24, 2008 | The End of the Serbian Black HoleThe arrest of the Bosnian Serb leader, political mastermind of the Bosnian genocide, Radovan Karadzic on charges of war crimes is a clear indication that ultranationalists no longer speak for Serbia ++ The decision to abide by the EU’s requirement …More July 23, 2008 | EU Should Provide Shelter to Iraqi RefugeesZaborzka, Casini, Szymanski, Weber: EU member states should unite to offer immediate assistance in the Middle East and especially in the North of Iraq. The establishment of quotas would enable the EU to welcome the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees and prevent another human tragedy in the region. …More July 23, 2008 | We Are Failing ZimbabweMugabe’s bloody rule will continue for another term unless Russia, China, and South Africa help impose tougher sanctions and an arms embargo on Zimbabwe. ++ Moscow and Beijing’s vetoes against tougher measures in the Security Coucil are to blame …More July 22, 2008 | Obama's Iraq Strategy Scarily Stays the SameObama has not retracted from his end-the-war stance which dates back to 2003 and was the key to his success over Clinton during the primaries. ++ But in so far as “full withdrawal” from Iraq, such as Iraqis want, never belonged to his …More July 22, 2008 | US-Iraq Security Arrangement Serves Common GoalsAlthough the plans for a long-term security arrangement between Iraq and the US have caused a wave of criticism, such an agreement is in the best interest of both countries. ++ The main objectives of Americans and Iraqis are …More July 22, 2008 | The Future of KosovoAri Rusila: The years to come in the Balkan region cannot be as bleak as those of the recent past. Despite uncertainties regarding developments in Kosovo, the following scenarios offer likely alternatives and demonstrate the region has a future. …More July 17, 2008 | US Decline is a Golden Chance for RussiaWith a military budget larger than the rest of the world’s combined, the US is still undeniably world’s greatest superpower. ++ However, there are clear signs that its empire is overreaching itself and the whole system starting to …More July 17, 2008 | The Middle East Would be Better off With ObamaDealing with the Middle East quagmire is going to be one of the greatest challenges for the next US president. ++ McCain may be an ill-suited candidate to tackle the situation: he seems to believe America always wins; since his …More July 16, 2008 | Meaningless Indictment of the Sudanese PresidentThe International Criminal Court’s resolution to seek an arrest warrant for Sudanese president Omar Bashir was hailed as a step towards stopping the bloodshed in Darfur. ++ In fact, this decision will not change anything and is …More July 16, 2008 | Afghans Want a Peace Deal, not ForceEven if the international military presence has been expanding rapidly in Afghanistan, the country recently experienced one of its bloodiest weeks. ++ A suicide bomber struck the Indian embassy in the capital and killed 41 people. ++ US …More July 16, 2008 | Withdrawal from Iraq and Reorientation of National Security Priorities
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