Friday, September 29, 2006

We could have had peace in Darfur for another $100m

We could have had peace in Darfur for another $100m

The Guardian
29 Sep 2006

There is still a chance to protect Darfur’s civilians from a further round of violence, hunger and displacement, but only if government and rebels resume peace negotiations. This means stepping back from rhetorical confrontation and empty threats of... read more...

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Let’s bolster this subterranean shift in US foreign policy while we can

Let’s bolster this subterranean shift in US foreign policy while we can

The Guardian
28 Sep 2006

Here in Washington, five years after George Bush launched his “global war on terror” in response to the 9/11 attacks, I sense one of those subtle subterranean movements that may presage a significant shift in American foreign policy. You detect such... read more...

Monday, September 25, 2006

WhoWill Tell the Story of China?

WhoWill Tell the Story of China?
By Emily Parker
The Wall Street Journal Europe
25 Sep 2006

“But do not take this to be ‘our story.’ In the depths of my being I have never been one of them.” —Ha Jin, “War Trash” BOSTON—Ha Jin did not jump at the chance to be interviewed. “I don’t know much about most things,” he protested when I sent him my... read more...

Friday, September 22, 2006

Democracy is harder than western flip-flops make out

Democracy is harder than western flip-flops make out
Jonathan Steele
The Guardian
22 Sep 2006

There’s something odd about the foreign reaction to Thailand’s coup this week. Western governments have tuttutted in a mild sort of way before hurrying to do business with the new military junta. Many foreign commentators have gone further, even... read more...

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Sorry George Clooney, but the last thing Darfur needs is western troops

Sorry George Clooney, but the last thing Darfur needs is western troops

The Guardian
19 Sep 2006

An air of unreality, if not cant, surrounds the latest upsurge of calls for UN troops to go into Sudan’s western region of Darfur. The actor George Clooney takes to the stage at the UN security council, pleading for action. Tony Blair seizes on the... read more...

Monday, September 18, 2006

Muslims of theWorld, Disunited

Muslims of theWorld, Disunited
By Melik Kaylan
The Wall Street Journal Europe
18 Sep 2006

Pope Benedict recently cited a Byzantine-era critique of Islam and the usual hubbub of outrage ensued. Various self-appointed and official Islamic spokesmen, including Turkey’s chief cleric, responded sharply in the name of their faith. One might argue... read more...

Friday, September 08, 2006

The weekend’s 9/11 horror-fest will do Osama bin Laden’s work for him

The weekend’s 9/11 horror-fest will do Osama bin Laden’s work for him

The Guardian
08 Sep 2006

Turn on the radio this week and a ghoulish voice from the bowels of the former World Trade Centre seeks to curdle your blood and chill your bones. It is yet another BBC trailer evoking the horror of the twin towers and the monster of evil, Osama bin... read more...

Thursday, September 07, 2006

No News Is Bad News

No News Is Bad News
By Christopher Walker And Robert Orttung
The Wall Street Journal Europe
07 Sep 2006

Only people outside Russia can see what’s really going on inside the country. The Kremlin is denying ordinary Russians the chance to look for themselves, and matters are only getting worse. Shortly after the G8 summit left St. Petersburg this summer,... read more...