Atlantic Community:Home

Editorial, The New York Times | October 14, 2008

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

Editorial, China View | October 14, 2008

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

M. A. Saki, Tehran Times | October 14, 2008

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

S. Markedonov, Political and Military Analysis Institute | October 14, 2008

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

S. Tilford & P. Whyte, Centre for European Reform | October 14, 2008

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.”