avatar Nick Ottens is an historian from the Netherlands who researched Muslim revivalist movements and terrorism in nineteenth century Arabia, British India and the Sudan. He has been published in Asia Times Online and The Seoul Times and is a contributing analyst for the geostrategic consultancy Wikistrat.
  1. European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Olli Rehn, January 10, 2012 (ALDEADLE)

    Merkel, Rehn Warn Against “Debt Fueled” Growth

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    The German chancellor and Europe’s top economic official both cautioned governments against more borrowing.

  1. Greek socialist party leader Evangelos Venizelos when he was defense minister attends a church service in Moscow, Russia, March 30, 2010

    Greece Fails to Put Together New Government

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    Talks to form a new coalition collapsed less than a week after elections. A rerun is expected for June.

  1. President Barack Obama addresses supporters in Columbus, Ohio, May 5, 2012 (Obama for America/Christopher Dilts)

    Democrats Try to Frame Election As Vote On Equality

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    Members of President Barack Obama’s party know that they cannot win on the economy so they’re changing the conversation.

  1. Premier Wen Jiabao of China attends the National People's Congress in Beijing, March 5, 2012 (Xinhua)

    Bo’s Purge An Opportunity for China’s Modernizers

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    The ouster of Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai gives Premier Wen Jiabao and his allies the chance to sideline hardliners.

  1. Prime Minister Mario Monti of Italy

    After Local Elections, Italians Seek Room for Stimulus

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    Italy’s main conservative and left wing parties lost support in local elections. Italians’ taste for austerity is dwindling.