President Barack Obama has explained his economic recovery program in some detail to the American people, but he could not do the same for his Afghan policy. His announcement that an additional 17,000 troops are to be sent to Afghanistan -- an almost 50 percent increase over the number already serving there -- was made abruptly and with little explanation of how their deployment figures into any greater U.S. strategy. The president cited the need to stabilize the deteriorating security situation before the Afghan presidential elections scheduled for late August.
Obama's Afghan policy is still a work in progress, but he does want to receive all of the reviews and recommendations before the NATO summit in early April. He has promised to emphasize diplomatic and developmental approaches in addition to fighting forces. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee in late January, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that the new administration's goals, more modest than former President George W. Bush's commitment to regional democratization, focused on "an Afghan people who do not provide a safe haven for al-Qaida, reject the rule of the Taliban and support the legitimate government that they have elected and in which they have a stake." Given the lethal intractability of Afghanistan, those goals don't seem particularly modest.
FULL ARTICLE
28 February 2009
Econ Lessons from Japan (JAPAN)
Searching the reasons for Japan's "lost decade" — the deflation and stunted growth said to have plagued Japan ever since the collapse of the "bubble economy" in the early 1990s — has long been popular among U.S. and British commentators seeking an answer to the West's current economic problems.
The interest is welcome. But some of the results are bizarre. Almost all the main U.S. media, the conservative Wall Street Journal in particular, have run articles saying the blame lies with Japan's post-bubble, Keynesian-style infrastructure spending.
Do these people have the slightest idea of what has been happening in Japan? Japan's economy prospered in the brief periods of increased infrastructure spending. It collapsed when this spending was cut. To argue that the collapse was because of the spending is like saying food is bad for you.
FULL ARTICLE
The interest is welcome. But some of the results are bizarre. Almost all the main U.S. media, the conservative Wall Street Journal in particular, have run articles saying the blame lies with Japan's post-bubble, Keynesian-style infrastructure spending.
Do these people have the slightest idea of what has been happening in Japan? Japan's economy prospered in the brief periods of increased infrastructure spending. It collapsed when this spending was cut. To argue that the collapse was because of the spending is like saying food is bad for you.
FULL ARTICLE
27 February 2009
Historic Chance to Strengthen Relations (RUSSIA)
In international relations, as in life, opportunity often knocks once, and it tends not to stand around waiting for an answer. A historic opportunity has emerged for U.S.-Russian cooperation based on restored trust and confidence, made possible by positive gestures and rhetoric from both sides. Given the potential benefits of enhanced cooperation on issues ranging from nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament to addressing the global financial crisis, neither Moscow nor Washington can afford to let this opportunity pass unanswered.
The key to cooperation will be for both countries to emphasize shared interests over areas of disagreement, and both will need to take steps to rebuild trust and confidence. A bipartisan policy road map should include the following recommendations:
FULL ARTICLE
The key to cooperation will be for both countries to emphasize shared interests over areas of disagreement, and both will need to take steps to rebuild trust and confidence. A bipartisan policy road map should include the following recommendations:
FULL ARTICLE
Mr. Aso Goes to Washington (JAPAN)
Prime Minister Taro Aso met with U.S. President Barack Obama Tuesday in Washington, just a week after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, during her visit to Tokyo, invited him to meet with the president as the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House since Mr. Obama came to power.
The U.S. administration's solicitous treatment of Mr. Aso appears to be an attempt to quell worries in Japan that the United States under the new administration may give priority to China in its dealing with the Asia-Pacific region. But it also shows that the U.S. has high expectations that Japan will play meaningful roles in the international community in tackling various issues ranging from the world economic recession to the stabilization of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mr. Aso, who is suffering from low approval ratings — 13.4 percent in a recent Kyodo News poll — apparently hoped that his meeting with the U.S. president will give his administration a shot in the arm. As if to respond to his wishes, Mr. Obama called Japan "a great partner" in coping with global issues and characterized the bilateral alliance as the "cornerstone" of security in East Asia.
FULL ARTICLE
The U.S. administration's solicitous treatment of Mr. Aso appears to be an attempt to quell worries in Japan that the United States under the new administration may give priority to China in its dealing with the Asia-Pacific region. But it also shows that the U.S. has high expectations that Japan will play meaningful roles in the international community in tackling various issues ranging from the world economic recession to the stabilization of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mr. Aso, who is suffering from low approval ratings — 13.4 percent in a recent Kyodo News poll — apparently hoped that his meeting with the U.S. president will give his administration a shot in the arm. As if to respond to his wishes, Mr. Obama called Japan "a great partner" in coping with global issues and characterized the bilateral alliance as the "cornerstone" of security in East Asia.
FULL ARTICLE
26 February 2009
It is Af-Pak-Ind, Mr. Obama (PAKISTAN)
Having declared during the election campaign that Afghanistan was the central front in the fight against terrorism – the "good" war on which America should have been focussing all along – Obama has taken some quick steps to demonstrate how serious he is about winning it. Within days of taking office, he appointed Holbrooke to execute a new Afghanistan policy and despatched him to the region. A day later, he authorised drone attacks on targets in Pakistan.
These attacks, which take place with the connivance of the Zardari government, have continued since then and their scope has been expanded to include Baitullah Mehsud and his followers, besides militants from Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. On Feb 17, Obama announced plans to send an additional 17,000 troops to the 33,000-strong contingent already there. Ultimately, 30,000 additional troops could be deployed in the coming year or so.
At the same time, the Obama Administration is moving to complete a review of its Afghan strategy before NATO holds its next summit on April 2. The new strategy will pursue a more comprehensive regional approach.
FULL ARTICLE
These attacks, which take place with the connivance of the Zardari government, have continued since then and their scope has been expanded to include Baitullah Mehsud and his followers, besides militants from Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. On Feb 17, Obama announced plans to send an additional 17,000 troops to the 33,000-strong contingent already there. Ultimately, 30,000 additional troops could be deployed in the coming year or so.
At the same time, the Obama Administration is moving to complete a review of its Afghan strategy before NATO holds its next summit on April 2. The new strategy will pursue a more comprehensive regional approach.
FULL ARTICLE
Trade-offf a Positive Development? (JORDAN)
The Obama administration seems to be following a two-track policy on this region, starting with Syria and the Palestinians. On the declaratory track, US spokesmen and officials reiterate the timeworn mantras adopted by the Bush administration, conditioning renewal of relations on “a change in behaviour” in Damascus.
Senator Benjamin Cardin, who took part in a five-member congressional delegation that visited the Syrian capital, stated, arrogantly: “We came here to see if Syria is ready to move forward and we will be watching its actions over the next weeks and months.”
To US legislators like Cardin, “moving forward” means that Damascus must proceed down a one-way street by cutting ties to Iran, Hizbollah and the Palestinian resistance; going along with US policies in Iraq; and refraining from interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
FULL ARTICLE
Senator Benjamin Cardin, who took part in a five-member congressional delegation that visited the Syrian capital, stated, arrogantly: “We came here to see if Syria is ready to move forward and we will be watching its actions over the next weeks and months.”
To US legislators like Cardin, “moving forward” means that Damascus must proceed down a one-way street by cutting ties to Iran, Hizbollah and the Palestinian resistance; going along with US policies in Iraq; and refraining from interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
FULL ARTICLE
Be Fair to Hamas, Mr. Obama (PALESTINE)
Can it be true? This week in the High Court in London, lawyers acting for an independent Palestinian organization will start proceedings against the British government.
They seek a judicial review of policy decisions that have brought the UK’s relations with Israel into conflict with international law.
"The UK has clear international law obligations to do something effective to stop Israel's attacks on Palestinian civilians,” says Phil Shiner who leads the case. “It must co-operate with other states using all lawful means to bring the situation to an end and it must stop giving aid and assistance to Israel. This means that the UK's continuing policy of arms trading with Israel is completely out of bounds, as is our role in continuing with the EU preferential trading agreement. The point of this case is to make the Government focus on what it is legally obliged to do, beyond ineffective hand-wringing.”
At the same time an adviser to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has written to US President Barack Obama asking him to “treat Palestinians fairly and be open-minded in dealing with Hamas”.
FULL ARTICLE
They seek a judicial review of policy decisions that have brought the UK’s relations with Israel into conflict with international law.
"The UK has clear international law obligations to do something effective to stop Israel's attacks on Palestinian civilians,” says Phil Shiner who leads the case. “It must co-operate with other states using all lawful means to bring the situation to an end and it must stop giving aid and assistance to Israel. This means that the UK's continuing policy of arms trading with Israel is completely out of bounds, as is our role in continuing with the EU preferential trading agreement. The point of this case is to make the Government focus on what it is legally obliged to do, beyond ineffective hand-wringing.”
At the same time an adviser to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has written to US President Barack Obama asking him to “treat Palestinians fairly and be open-minded in dealing with Hamas”.
FULL ARTICLE
25 February 2009
U.S. Changing Tone on China (TAIWAN)
Barely in office for a month, President Barack Obama has redefined the United States' China policy — no longer placing human rights concerns above pressing strategic issues.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concluded her first official visit to Beijing Sunday, seeking help to steady the world economy and to steer North Korea back toward negotiations aimed at ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Clinton barely touched on the human rights topic; and Taiwan was not even mentioned in her three-day talks. She told media in Beijing Saturday that U.S. concerns over human rights in China could not preclude her from seeking cooperation on urgent issues, from ending a recession in the U.S. to curbing climate change, terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
Pressing China's leaders on issues such as Tibet and religious freedom “can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate crisis and the security crisis” in Afghanistan, for example, where China's help is indispensable, she said.
To re-establish America as a trusted great power, Washington needs to listen, learn and lead. Thus far, the report card shows that the Obama administration has underscored the importance of one of America's closest allies, Canada, with the president's first international trip last week. Obama has also acknowledged the growing role of Asia in global affairs with his secretary of state's visit to Japan, Indonesia, Korea and China, also last week.
FULL ARTICLE
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concluded her first official visit to Beijing Sunday, seeking help to steady the world economy and to steer North Korea back toward negotiations aimed at ending its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Clinton barely touched on the human rights topic; and Taiwan was not even mentioned in her three-day talks. She told media in Beijing Saturday that U.S. concerns over human rights in China could not preclude her from seeking cooperation on urgent issues, from ending a recession in the U.S. to curbing climate change, terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
Pressing China's leaders on issues such as Tibet and religious freedom “can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate crisis and the security crisis” in Afghanistan, for example, where China's help is indispensable, she said.
To re-establish America as a trusted great power, Washington needs to listen, learn and lead. Thus far, the report card shows that the Obama administration has underscored the importance of one of America's closest allies, Canada, with the president's first international trip last week. Obama has also acknowledged the growing role of Asia in global affairs with his secretary of state's visit to Japan, Indonesia, Korea and China, also last week.
FULL ARTICLE
U.S. & Europe After Gaza (GERMANY)
The war in Gaza seems to be over even if the cease-fire is shaky. A European-American initiative could now create the conditions for something more durable, which addresses the security needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. To do so, Syria and Hamas must be engaged in the peace process.
Although the Israeli offensive in Gaza is over, conditions for a resolution have not improved. The Palestinians remain politically divided. The winter 2008-2009 conflict further weakened Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas, whom Hamas has not recognized as president since early January. Not only is Israel in the midst of an election campaign, but opinion polls predict gains for the Likud Party and the extreme right. Thus, President Obama has immediately turned his attention toward the Middle East.
However, faced with the economic crisis and other foreign policy challenges, Barack Obama is unlikely to focus all of his energy on a conflict that many American presidents before him tried-and failed-to resolve.
FULL ARTICLE
Although the Israeli offensive in Gaza is over, conditions for a resolution have not improved. The Palestinians remain politically divided. The winter 2008-2009 conflict further weakened Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas, whom Hamas has not recognized as president since early January. Not only is Israel in the midst of an election campaign, but opinion polls predict gains for the Likud Party and the extreme right. Thus, President Obama has immediately turned his attention toward the Middle East.
However, faced with the economic crisis and other foreign policy challenges, Barack Obama is unlikely to focus all of his energy on a conflict that many American presidents before him tried-and failed-to resolve.
FULL ARTICLE
24 February 2009
Breaking the U.S.-Iran Deadlock (JAPAN)
In his attempt to find a new U.S. policy toward Iran, U.S. President Barack Obama is trying to engage the nation through direct dialogue, a move that Iran appears to have responded to rather positively. The Iraq war provided Iran with an opportunity to increase its influence on Arab nations and Mr. Obama apparently thinks that a U.S. engagement with Iran could help stabilize the Middle East situation.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution. But the diplomatic ties between Iran and the United States remain severed. The United Nations have imposed sanctions on Iran three times since 2006 over its nuclear development program. Steep drops in oil prices have also severely hit the Iranian economy.
Mr. Obama hopes to break the deadlock in U.S.-Iran relations, a legacy of the George W. Bush administration's hostile policy toward Iran.
FULL ARTICLE
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution. But the diplomatic ties between Iran and the United States remain severed. The United Nations have imposed sanctions on Iran three times since 2006 over its nuclear development program. Steep drops in oil prices have also severely hit the Iranian economy.
Mr. Obama hopes to break the deadlock in U.S.-Iran relations, a legacy of the George W. Bush administration's hostile policy toward Iran.
FULL ARTICLE
Obama's "Plan B" for Iran? (ISRAEL)
According to UN officials and arms-control experts, as of last Thursday, which of the following was true?
(a) Iran has enough nuclear fuel to build a bomb if it violates its international treaty obligations, kicks out inspectors and further refines its supply, as The Los Angeles Times reported;
(b) "Iran has slowed its uranium enrichment program," as Xinhua, the Chinese news agency reported; or
(c), "Iran has slowed the expansion of its uranium enrichment plant, but has built up a stockpile of nuclear fuel…," as Reuters reported.
Confused? That's probably what Iran and its international enablers want.
FULL ARTICLE
(a) Iran has enough nuclear fuel to build a bomb if it violates its international treaty obligations, kicks out inspectors and further refines its supply, as The Los Angeles Times reported;
(b) "Iran has slowed its uranium enrichment program," as Xinhua, the Chinese news agency reported; or
(c), "Iran has slowed the expansion of its uranium enrichment plant, but has built up a stockpile of nuclear fuel…," as Reuters reported.
Confused? That's probably what Iran and its international enablers want.
FULL ARTICLE
Canada Remains U.S. Lynchpin Ally (TAIWAN)
President Barack Obama, reflecting recent predecessors, made Canada his first foreign destination in office with a brief visit on Thursday, Feb. 19. He and Prime Minister Stephen Harper found common environmental ground and avoided open clash on the “Buy American” provision of the U.S. economic stimulus plan.
These considerations are related to wider international relationships, both directly and indirectly. Concerning China and Taiwan, the conflict over United Nations membership is an enduring difficulty that spans both Cold War and post-Cold War relations among nations and with international organizations. At the same time, the steady growth of their bilateral trade and investment, in the context of evolving global economic relations, encourages participation of both in international organizations.
FULL ARTICLE
These considerations are related to wider international relationships, both directly and indirectly. Concerning China and Taiwan, the conflict over United Nations membership is an enduring difficulty that spans both Cold War and post-Cold War relations among nations and with international organizations. At the same time, the steady growth of their bilateral trade and investment, in the context of evolving global economic relations, encourages participation of both in international organizations.
FULL ARTICLE
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