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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.

Cries for Change Are Empty Political Platitudes

Crying to re-found democratic capitalism and create a new global economic order, world leaders are simply trying to divert attention away from their own helplessness and cover the confusion they have been thrown into by a crisis they failed to predict and prevent. ++ These are empty political platitudes – there will be no revolution. ++ The creation of a global financial market watchdog is pure political fiction: there is no institution in the world with enough money, competence and authority to take on such a role.

"Super-Sarko's Plans for the World"

National governments of the EU have dealt with the financial crisis, ignoring the power of EU institutions. ++ State aid laws have been neglected aiming to “prevent EU governments from subsidising national companies.” ++ President Sarkozy is calling for tighter “supervision of the international banking systems” and for a “crackdown on international tax havens” based on the the fear of unfair tax competion between nations. ++ The US and Asia shouldn't adhere to EU calls for new rules offhand, since the EU is disregarding its own core policies.

Status-of-Forces Agreement Looms Large

With the status-of-forces agreement at an impasse, policy makers are unnerved by the ominous signs in Iraq. ++ If an agreement is not reached by December 31, US troops will have to return to their bases; "Without legal authority to operate, we do not operate." ++ Recent gains in Iraq were predicated on US security guarantees - without them, "tensions are returning with a vengeance." ++ Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis still view their relations as zero-sum; throw Iranian meddling into the mix and the situation does not augur well.

Crisis Will Reassert Russia as a Global Player

The financial crash will have serious geopolitical consequences. ++ Russia will reassert itself as a global player. ++ As its stock market does not play as crucial a role as in Western markets, and as Russia has a lot of money due to the boom in oil and natural gas markets, it will be the greatest winner in the aftermath of the crisis. ++ The US will also, in the long run, gain as the crisis will reassert the dominance of a dollar. ++ The influence of China and India will be limited, and the EU’s inability to act together may make it the biggest loser.

Restrained Reactions to Death of German Soldiers

More German soldiers were killed by a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan. ++ The German people’s reaction towards the extension of the German mandate, as well as on the killings, seems to be restrained. ++ Once more the attacks have proven that military protection is a prerequisite for reconstruction efforts. ++ By withdrawing their troops, Germany would have played into the Taliban’s interests. ++ What German soldiers need now is the best equipment possible, medical care and the appreciation of their country.

Climate Change Threatens Security

Climate change "is not a traditional problem of national security, but one related to our collective security in a fragile and increasingly interdependent world." ++ The European Commission recently released a report saying that climate change is indeed an international security issue. ++ The growing scarcity of water will increase migration, and the struggle for resources will breed conflict. ++ The UN Security Council should address this issue - India, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa must be included in this discussion.

Powell Endorsement a Fresh Reminder

Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama has demanded the headlines. ++ While endorsements can be forgotten, his other message should not. ++ Obama is not a Muslim, nor an Arab, but "What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?" ++ Where Obama failed - by not knocking down the rumors for fear of giving credence to the idea that if they were somehow true, they would be disqualifying - Powell succeeded. ++ The government needs all the talent it can attract, regardless of religion, race, or creed. 

Bretton Woods II

Developing countries are cut off from global prosperity; climate change has decreased the world food supply; and energy shortages often promote environmentally damaging solutions. ++ A Bretton Woods II summit is needed. ++ First, the IMF should have global regulatory financial control; a global tax on carbon emissions can counter human induced climate change; the World Bank should help poor countries achieve the millennium development goals; finally, the global trade agenda should incorporate environmental and energy concerns.

America's World Role Is Diminishing

The US has to face a reduction in its super-power role and an “era of financially induced isolationism.” ++ Spending on foreign policy challenges has increased, and the times in which a strong dollar used to provide stability to the US economy seem to be over. ++ The US can’t pull back from the world stage leaving a “dangerous power vacuum.” ++ In the past the US economy has proved its durability. ++ Now Americans have to make the right choice about which presidential candidate is best prepared to lead the US out of this world crisis.

Reforming Education in the UAE

Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has called for a massive overhaul in the education system of the UAE. ++ The government's Vision 2020 plan, introduced in 2000, has failed to improve schools. ++ Last year only 11 percent of university applicants had sufficient English skills to actually enter university. ++ A recent education task force has made a series of recommendations with weighty financial implications, including the development of specialty schools for math, science, the performing arts, and vocational studies.