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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.

Nuclear Deal with Korea Back on Track

The nuclear deal with Korea appears to be back on track, which is the only thing President Bush has going for himself. ++ The deal seems predicated on Washington removing Pyongyang from the terror list in exchange for limited inspection access. ++ It is far from an ideal arrangement as "it includes vague and confidential terms that could cause problems." ++ The obdurate approach of Cheney and his hardliners in eschewing talks was an utter failure; the next president "will have to demonstrate persistence, vigilance and flexibility."

G20 the New G7

G20 nations represent 85 percent of the world's economy. ++ The forum is essential for addressing the financial meltdown. ++ Developed nations urgently need liquidity; the vast reserves of foreign capital held by emerging economies are the remedy. ++ Bush's first appearance at the G20 highlights this very fact. ++ "It's of all nations' common interest to take coordinated measures to tackle the paramount challenge" and in doing so, the G20 called for greater communication while endorsing the G7's five-point action plan.

Education: The Solution to the Environmental Crisis

As the captains of industry continue to rake in profits with the help of bailouts from "government cronies" without a care for the environment, the ecosystem is facing disaster. ++ We live in a "culture of wastefulness," where a higher standard of living, such as owning a car, often contributes to environmental damage. ++ Education is the solution. ++ The younger generation is more aware of ecological challenges. ++ Thus, the United Nations and all countries should encourage schools to teach our children how to protect our planet.

Russia Can "Talk Away" Georgia Conflict

Moscow's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia does not correlate with universal approval, and an international dialogue concerning the status of Georgia is set to begin. ++ Europe has proven itself too dissolute to confront Russia openly: Sarkozy has advocated global mediation, emphasizing Georgia's weakness, and Merkel speaks of "Georgia's core territory," nearly cow-towing to the Russian position. ++ For Russia, dialogue is perfect for talking away the problems in Georgia and simultaneously gaining international legitimacy.

UK: Stay Away From Joining the Euro

Though the UK economy has become more "European," one area of contrast endures: the euro. ++ UK capitalism has been discredited and the credit crunch will be a test that may prove independent currency is bad for financial stability, reviving the case for joining the euro. ++ However, disparities in production, investment, wages and yields between EU countries could unravel the entire currency. ++ It may seem tempting, but the case for the UK to join the euro, “just when the viability of the euro is set to be severely tested, is weak.”

Hope for Warlordism in Afghanistan, Not Democracy

The Taliban are losing battles in Afghanistan but are winning the war. ++ The situation looks grimmer now than ever before. ++ The war looks it can’t be won, but we must keep trying. ++ NATO can’t win alone, but it should help the Afghan army defend its government - if it’s willing. ++ A civil war could possibly be a key step before being able to reach any kind of agreement between factions. ++ Aiming for conventional democracy in Afghanistan is pointless; our only hope now is for controlled warlordism.

God Save the Queen - She is Saving Us

Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling "have shown us the way through this financial crisis." ++ The British Prime Minister and his officials lead the world in assessing the financial crisis and quickly enacting an apt solution. ++ The problem: lack of capital in the banking system; Brown's solution: equity injections, a type of temporary nationalization, with the first commitment of funds coming to banks today. ++ The continent is following suit, injecting funds into European banks, and even Paulson is now beginning to see the light.

G7 Must Work With IMF to Avert Global Recession

It will not suffice if the G7 only saves the financial systems of its own members. ++ The wealthiest nations can afford to shore up their banks, but emerging countries won’t be able to do the same on their own. ++ Steep recessions will follow in emerging regions and will in turn dampen the economies of Western Europe and the US. ++ Therefore, in its own interest the G7 should ensure that their banks continue to deal with emerging market banks and support the IMF in its work with countries that require fiscal support.

Russia Strengthens Iran's Hand

Recent developments have greatly reduced the chances of a war against Iran. ++ Washington had planned to conduct air strikes against Iran from Georgian soil. ++ Russian intervention makes it impossible, which has “strengthened Iran’s hand.” ++ Russia undermined US efforts to impose new sanctions against Tehran during the Security Council’s meeting last month. ++ The fact that Americans are now preoccupied with the financial crisis and presidential elections make an intervention in Iran even less probable in the near future.

American-Chinese Scramble for Africa

China’s demand for raw materials and new markets boosts its appetite for economic and military involvement in Africa. ++ The African continent is increasingly serving as a proxy battleground for Beijing and Washington. ++ China exports weapons to states hostile to the US thus complicating American counterterrorism actions. ++ Chinese involvement in Africa must be countered. ++ Bush took a first step by setting up AFRICOM, but his successor still has a long way to go to contain the People’s Republic’s ambitions in the region.