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A careful selection and summary of editorials, commentaries, and analyses from the world’s leading newspapers and magazines to help you stay on top of the latest debates and developments in the transatlantic agenda. See list of monitoring sources.
Readers can also see how the perspectives and priorities diverge in different regions.

The Hope for Change

The need for a renewal of transatlantic relations is widely felt among the German public and the expectations are high regarding Obama's stance on climate protection, peace, and shared values. ++ But there will also be delicate issues arising such as economic relations between both countries and the German fear that Obama could enhance protectionism in the US. ++ Moreover, the canditates' plan to shift troops from Iraq to Afghanistan is likely to have consequences for the German engagement in the country.

The End of the Serbian Black Hole

The 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 that Serbia extradites Karadzic so that he can be tried at the international war crimes court in The Hague, has shown the new president Boris Tacit’s intent to integrate with rest of Europe. ++ Serbs have finally rejected chauvinism and economic stagnation and turned toward the EU.

"The Good News About Energy"

The tendency to use cleaner, lower carbon fuels is gathering speed without mandates or subsidies. ++ Indeed, the necessity to adapt infrastructure and emerging economies' use of whatever their indigenous resources to industrialize means the process will not be quick or smooth; but change is underway. ++ China and India, for instance, still heavily rely on coal, but in the long term, they plan to use more gas and electrify. ++ Besides, gas reserves are still substantial and the momentum behind nuclear energy and renewables is growing.

Behind Maliki's Games

An anonymous Iraqi official assumes that Maliki thinks Obama will win the presidential election and is taking preemptive steps in order to collect chits that he can later call in. ++ President Bush wisely ignored Maliki’s demand for US troops to withdraw. ++ One should keep in mind that Maliki was not a proponent of the US-led invasion and spent years in exile in Syria and Iran. ++ Iraqi military professionals warn that a quick withdrawal could be very dangerous and wish that the US stay until 2020.

Could Obamamania Cloud Over?

Obama has achieved astonishing levels of popularity abroad. ++ Foreigners, however, had better temper their excitement. ++ A "skilled tactician," Obama tends to shrewdly adapt his discourse to his audience and since, if elected, he would in any case be constrained by a heavily Democratic Congress, chances are "what they see is not precisely what they will get." ++ Most importantly, Obama still needs to conquer the electorate he would truly be accountable to: for now he remains much less popular at home than elsewhere.

Obama is Just what the Middle East Needs

Over the last few weeks, Obama has confused both Arabs and Israelis with his notes on Palestinian suffering and the status of Jerusalem. ++ But contrary to McCain, Obama shows basic respect for the Palestinians and admits that the Israel-Palestine conflict contributes to the region's instability. ++ Moreover, he promises to practice active, engaged mediation between Israelis and Palestinians and between Syria and Israel. ++ Obama's strategy is backed by Dennis Ross who already served Bill Clinton and Bush's father.

We Need to Challenge Climate Change Consensus

Scientists who challenge the mainstream theory of global warming and claim that the increase in global temperatures is not caused by greenhouse gas emissions struggle to attain funding and publish their findings. ++ Mankind's culpability for climate change has been elevated to orthodoxy and any dissenters are said to suffer from ostracism. ++ This is a mistake – an overwhelming embrace of any consensus limits constructive debate which is crucial to science: questioning the prevailing wisdom leads to innovation and progress.

Al-Qaeda has Found a Safe Haven in Pakistan

Even though it is Afghanistan that is the main security threat to the US, the road to improvement in that part of the world starts in Pakistan. ++ Al-Qaeda has found a safe haven in Pakistan's lawless region near the Afghan border, where it has regrouped and reached pre-9/11 strength. ++ The critical role Pakistan plays in security policy has been recognized by Washington; last week Congress passed a bill which triples development aid to Pakistan, in hopes that building up deprived regions will help uproot extremist Islam.

With 50-50 Chances for Success, Doha Needs a Miracle

This week the WTO gathers trade ministers to try and salvage the Doha round. ++ Decisions are tough and stakes are high: whereas success would boost the global economy and be "a historic achievement for multilateral diplomacy," stalemate would be a dangerous setback. ++ If failure is attributed to the WTO's lack of leadership and overambitious membership and agenda, the institution's future itself will be at risk. ++ Ultimately, failure would discredit the multilateral system and broaden the gap between developed and emerging economies.

We Are Failing Zimbabwe

Mugabe’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 for the current situation. ++ US should continue with its bilateral penalties and press others to follow. ++ Only sustained and consistent international pressure can bring about a resolution: either a supervised rerun of the election or a negotiated transition leading to Tsvangirai’s inauguration.