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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.

Chinese and Western Economies Increasingly Alike

When it comes to the economy, the West and China are becoming more and more alike. ++ The Chinese are moving towards private ownership and crave the kind of dynamism that only a capitalist system can provide. ++ Western economies, on the other hand, are only capitalist in name. ++ They don’t trust the free market anymore; they want a safety net in case of an economic slowdowns or crunches, and so the West turns to its governments for intervention and protection. ++ We are “entering a new political and economic paradigm.”

Election Outcome: Affected by Bin Laden?

Obama’s lead in national and global polls might tempt Osama bin Laden to make a public reappearance. ++ Bin Laden wants the US to continue “policies that create the appearance of a clash of civilizations.” ++ An Obama administration might threaten these intentions as Obama is expected to promote a more diplomatic political course. ++ Unlike 2004, when bin Laden threatened the American people in a video with further attacks, this time - with regard to the financial crisis – it will take more than a video to influence the outcome of the elections.

Mugabe Must Share Power

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is bucking the power-sharing deal with Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader. ++ Mugabe wants to fill the security ministries with his loyalists, including those controlling the army and police. ++ Tsvangirai has called for a new power-sharing deal. ++ The US, EU and the rest of Africa must pressure Mugabe to accept this new deal, and international recognition of his government must be withheld until he does. ++ Denying visas and freezing assets could prove persuasive. 

Russia Needs a Friend

The West is "pushing away" Russia, not the other way around. ++ The US needs to see Russia's point of view for a change. ++ At the end of the Cold War, there was "no move to meet Russia partway;" instead, the US "talked away" Russian attempts at integration with Western institutions. ++ Yeltsin looked like a puppet for trying to gain acceptance and Putin came to power as a result. ++ It's time for the West to talk to Russia about real integration - membership in the WTO and cooperation with NATO would be a great start.

Old Maids turn to Match Sticks

Deregulated markets are to blame for the financial crisis; likewise, only governments can salvage the wreck. ++ We will not see another great depression, but rather a recession. ++ Neo-liberal economics will go the way of the dinosaur in favor of a return to the practicality of the Keynesian brand. ++ This pragmatism was present until a new generation rose in the 1980’s, apparently unaware that “economics is moral science rather than a ‘hard’ science.” ++ After all, $90 trillion worth of credit default swaps makes for a lot of “old maids.”

China: Rescuer of the Financial Crisis

The monetary meltdown is partly the result of collapsing consumer and business spending. ++ The assumption that banking sytems could be left alone has proven to be false. ++ There needs to be state-financed banking systems. ++ While spending in the West slows, the only way to stop recession is for the Chinese to increase their spending. ++ They hold $2 trillion in reserves that could save the US economy from a total collapse. ++ China has to be invited to the G8 talks as it could play a vital part in stopping the global financial meltdown.

Assuaging EU Taxpayers

Europe has a plan to bail out the banking system, but it might be hard to convince European taxpayers to pick up the bill. ++ In reality gross debt will increase, not taxpayer debt, and by saving banks we save million of jobs - yet strong opposition from national parliaments is still likely. ++ To convince taxpayers, leaders in Europe must do three things: punish banks and bankers by increasing competition, not withholding funds; provide government support to low-income families with mortgages; and reduce taxes for low-wage earners.

Europe on Deck In Palestine

Europe is showing willingness to take greater part in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but willingness isn’t readiness. ++ The EU must first stop treating Israel with sensitivity, while simply treating Palestine like a poor country. ++ Israel shuns EU involvement, claiming Europe is soft on terror and rampant with anti-Semitism; thus, its role has always been defined by the US and Israel. ++ Unlike the US, Europe has not generated a lack of trust with arrogance and demands. ++ This gives it a good position to play a greater role.

Afghanistan in a Downward Spiral

Even President Bush has now come to realize that Afghanistan is "the real frontline in the war on terror." ++ America's sixteen intelligence agencies agree that Afghanistan is on a "downward spiral." ++ Sobering estimates say it will be five to ten years before Afghanistan is stabilized. ++ More troops are needed and if NATO allies are unwilling to send them, they should contribute monetarily. ++ It's time Bush stopped cosseting President Karzai; working with tribal leaders and negotiating with the Taliban is the only way forward.

Merkel in the Hot Seat

Merkel’s uncertainty regarding the financial crisis is becoming increasingly evident. ++ Recently, three “Merkel myths” have been dispelled: the CSU loss in Bayern ended the idea of Merkel’s electoral invincibility; her rejection of an EU financial rescue plan proves she is not a European; and political vacillation has cast doubt on her leadership abilities. ++ As the financial leader of Europe, Germany must support a comprehensive EU financial plan. ++ Merkel must take decisive action to remedy the situation and prove herself.