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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.

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.”

Afghanistan is the Straw that Broke Holland's Back

The Dutch gov't. has unraveled over how to proceed in Afghanistan. ++ PM Jan Peter Balkenende was hoping to find a compromise between a promise to the Dutch people of troop withdrawal by the end of 2010 and American insistence on maintaining current levels. ++ "A cabinet doesn't stand a chance when there is no will to continue, unity is nowhere to be found and the two most important leaders are unable to put their egos aside." ++ Perhaps this political crisis is for the best, as the cabinet has accomplished little since its formation.

Middle East Quality of Life is Highest in the UAE

The UAE has the highest quality of life in the Middle East according to a 2009 index by the Economic Intelligence Unit. ++ "The UAE's ranking was based on its impressive civic development and high GDP growth, as well healthcare services, life expectancy and security." ++ The rising Middle East star has also placed highly in other indexes, including competitiveness, tourism, and international investment. ++ Their government is proud of the achievement but wants to be on the same level as the highest ranking countries in the world.

Global Weirding, Not Global Warming

Record snowfall in Washington has fueled American skepticism of climate change. ++ The scientific community must act tough and stop reacting defensively. ++ "The weather gets weird-the hots are expected to get hotter, the wets wetter, the dries drier and the most violent storms more numerous." ++ Despite the desire to know to what extend humans are responsible for global weirding, other challenges should compel us to think and change our lifestyles. ++ The US cannot afford to miss this turning point because of such doubts.

Israel's Obama-Anxiety is Subsiding

Israelis had been riddled with anxiety since Obama took office. ++ Obama is believed to be naïve about Middle East policy and is seen as being too much of a leftist. ++ Over the past year evidence has emerged to disprove that assumption- Obama has increased the US military budget, has come to terms with some Israeli settlements, and is refusing to deal with Hamas. ++ Obama is trying to portray himself as more of a centrist.++ “The anxiety in Israel is subsiding, and people are taking a more positive view him than they did a year ago.”