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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.

Soccer Star Pushes Countries to Meet MDG Targets

French soccer star and UN Goodwill Amb. Zinedine Zidane is trying to raise support and awareness of the MDGs. ++ The financial crisis has set back the efforts of Asian countries to meet MDG targets. ++ The Asian Development Bank recommends that these countries increase their social spending to stay on track. ++ “Without better protection, people fall back into poverty with economic crisis, health pandemics and natural disasters and cannot recover easily.” ++ Half of the people who fall below the poverty line live in Asia.

Why Bailing Out Greece is Not Debatable

Unlike the US, the EU is not a federal union and therefore cannot afford to bail out one of its members. ++ Comming to the aid of individual members of the currency union is simply forbidden. ++ The ongoing debate about the possible Greek bail out plan is not relevant. ++ From the starting point, the eurozone was neither economically efficient for all members nor sustainable in the long run when integrating weak new members. ++ Betting on a future federal EU was the real reason for this risky venture, but it has unfortunately failed today.

Turkey and Asia: A Win-Win Scenario

Since assuming power, the AK Party in Turkey has shifted foreign policy eastward. ++ Turkey should continue to strengthen ties with Asia politically, economically, and culturally. ++ This policy shift can be seen through Turkey’s increased trade with Asian countries and greater presence in Asian international organizations such as ASEAN and CICA. ++ “Turkey feels the need to pursue a policy that does not disrupt the balances in Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions in order to avert any debates on axial shift.”

Two Steps Back For the Taliban

Officials have confirmed the capture of the Taliban's deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. ++ "It may indicate a shift in co-operation between American and Pakistani intelligence services, reflecting a change in policy by the government in Islamabad." ++ His capture coincides with a major offensive against insurgents in the Helmand province. ++ The success of the leader's detention can't be determined until the Taliban respond. ++ The Pakistani gov't. finally understands that siding with the Taliban is not in their interest.

Iranian Sanctions Need to Bite Louder than their Bark

Ahmadinejad’s regime is unlikely to back down from its nuclear ambitions. ++ The Obama administration is taking steps to put pressure on Iran by imposing sanctions through the Treasury Dept., the State Dept., and Congress. ++ “France, among other European governments, has been talking tough about the need for sanctions that bite; a U.S.-backed gasoline embargo would put that resolve to the test.” ++ The Obama Administration worries that preventing Iran from importing gas would win their government more supporters.

Another Lesson of Chinese Wisdom

Outstanding records in all fields prove again that 2010 will definitely be the year of China. ++ Beside the 10 % Chinese growth rate outrunning the timid 3,9% world GDP, China is surprisingly enough the world's first importer in almost all raw materials. ++ What is traditionally considered a weakness turns out to be another strength. ++ Importing far above its own needs,  China can use its stocks for speculative and diplomatic purposes.++ Their oil diplomacy in Africa or in their gas strategy in Kazakhstan prove to be highly efficient.

Eurozone: One Size Does Not Fit All

Spanish and Greek deficits are a godsend for advocators of fiscal discipline. ++ This is just one aspect of the problem. ++ European elites are being blamed for ignoring signs that proved Europe was not ready for one currency. ++ The inflexibility of the Euro is preventing the Spanish economy for instance,  from recovering. ++ The breakup of the Euro is neither likely nor feasible. ++ The only solution is to push toward greater political union and foster solidarity between member states like in the US.

Germans Need to Support Their Troops

German troops are doing great work in Afghanistan but are not getting the support they deserve. ++ Despite the ongoing debate in Germany over whether troops are actually needed, they are a key partner and complement to the ISAF and US missions in Afghanistan. ++ 2010 and 2011 will be critical years in the war as the strategy shifts to training and building partnerships with Afghan security. ++ “I believe that the achievements of the German military in Afghanistan in Germany are not sufficiently understood or appreciated.”

NATO Making Friends with China and India

At the Munich Security Conference, NATO SecGen Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that the organization will widen its scope to include relations with China, India and other global players. ++ It’s time for NATO to adapt to the new realities of an increasingly globalized world. ++ “It makes sense for the Western alliance to start serious talks on security cooperation with the Asian countries given the global nature of 21st century threats.” ++ Forming these new relationships will be a gradual process, starting with talks between military officials.

Heating-up the Cold War Partnership

Ukraine's new President Yanukovych may be a "twice-convicted felon" and sponsored by Moscow this is still good news for Ukraine. ++ After the disastrous mandate of the Orange revolution's leader Yushcheko, an improvement in Ukraine-Russia relations is more than welcome. ++ The former president increased national tension between Western EU-oriented and Eastern pro-RussianUkraine. ++ After IMF suspended support due to public finance mismanagement and the gas cut-offs, Ukraine cannot afford to ignore the Russia.