RSS

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.

Europe Adrift

"An inward-focused continent in danger of being left behind." ++ Europe will be doomed to irrelevancy unless it corrects its geo-political approach in three strategic areas: Islam, Asia, and the transatlantic partnership. ++ By showing "moral cowardice" on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Europe risks further alienating its growing Islamic population. ++ Also, by remaining "obsessed" with the transatlantic relationship, Europe is ignoring opportunities to cultivate stronger economic ties with Asia, a natural market for European exports.

Trust Pakistan

Rebuking western claims that the gov't. is corrupt and at odds with the military, the President re-affirms his Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism and building a sound, democratic society. ++ Zadari states an international assistance program akin to the Marshall plan would have resulted in much greater stability. ++ He lauds Pakistani economic recovery and the meeting of key IMF loan funding criteria as compelling evidence of a strong, central gov't. ++ "Corrupt governments don't reach this level of IMF partnership."

Take Military Option Off the Table

It is a mistake for the United States to retain the threat of a military strike against Iran. ++ Such an approach is unrealistic from a military standpoint, does little to aid the efforts of reform-minded Iranians, and distracts from the building of regional alliances that could evolve into an effective containment regime. ++ By leaving the threat of a military strike “on the table,” the US runs the risk of such a choice becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. ++ Policy in the region should instead focus on cold war-style containment strategies.

To Be Green or Not to Be Green? Biofuels in Question

According to a report from the British government, "using fossil fuel in vehicles is better for the environment than so-called green fuels made from crops." ++ Firstly, because clearing rainforests for biofuel plantations releases carbon stored in trees and soil. ++ And secondly, because most of the European biofuel industry does not meet the European minimum sustainability standards. ++ The European Commission refuses to release the results of its own research on the subject.

Dumped Hummers Are for the Better

The American hummer is an endangered specie. ++ 9000 of these "gas guzzlers" were sold this year against 71 000 in 2006. ++ Even the Chinese Communist Party is suspected to have rebuffed GM's offer to buy the sinking brand because of its polluting reputation. ++ Americans seem to drive a little less and use public transportation more. ++ "Still, the Hummer's tale is a vivid example of the power of gas prices to change Americans' ways," and prove that appropriate incentives can lead to a real change towards a greener future. 

The Russian Energy Rule is Over

For years, Russia has largely benefited from its "energy super power" strategy. ++ Today, using gas and oil supplies as a tool for the Russian diplomacy is becoming less relevant. ++ While the European market is oversupplied and battles over the pipelines routes are almost over, the Arctic reserves supposed to boost Russia's resources stocks turn out not to be exploitable because of costs.++" It's time for Moscow to kiss goodbye those dreams of energy hegemony" and stop dismissing investors whenever Russia feels like it.

Denmark Shows How to Get Support for Afghanistan

While European support to NATO's strategy in Afghanistan is progressively being undermined, Denmark stands out by maintaining a supportive public opinion in spite of heavy casualties. ++ The Danish government unveils the ingredients of a popular military engagement: an elite consensus including politicians, government and opposition, intellectuals as well as columnists. ++ Giving reporters deep access to soliders is key. ++ "If you can't win the public opinion, you have lost the war" said the Danish defence minister.

US Better Off Not Courting Syria

US ambassador in Damascus reveals new American strategy towards Syria recognised as "a player in the Middle East." ++ Five years after Lebanese president's assassination, the Cedar revolution is definitely buried away. ++ New American diplomacy embraces promises from dictator Bashar Al-Assad to make peace with Israel, distance himself from his military and financial supporter, the Tehran regime as well as disengage from Hassan Nasrallah. ++ This is indeed very naïve from Obama.

Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side of the Pond?

US Liberals tend to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the pond. ++ These intellectuals look to other countries as evidence of America's shortcomings. ++ The problem is that these people only see what they want to see and ignore each country’s unique context. ++ “The Soviets are in the dustbin of history; Japan Inc. is in its second "lost decade"; Europe is in an economic crisis; China's problems are hard to see because Beijing likes it that way.” ++ What this idealization of international models comes down to is power envy.

Post Apartheid South Africa Turns 20

For its 20th birthday, post-apartheid South Africa has little to celebrate. ++ SA is doing better than anticipated, but expectations were very low. ++ The country has some of the highest murder and AIDS rates in the world as well as one of the world’s worst education systems. ++ A high unemployment rate and a widening gap between the white and the black populations also prevent the country from moving forward. ++ “The country is becoming a two-tier society with a hereditary underclass that gets only the crumbs from the table.”