Budget Deal Gives Short-Term Relief, No Long-Term Improvement
A bipartisan agreement could end uncertainty around spending and taxes but doesn’t address entitlements.
Analysis
Modi’s Star Rises as Party Defeats India’s Congress in State Elections
The pro-business conservative appears to have galvanized his Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of next year’s general election.
Weak Austerity Vindicates Britain’s Ruling Coalition
The Conservatives haven’t dramatically reduced spending, but neutralized Labour’s opposition.
Condemnations of Syrian War Crimes Have Little Impact
Any proposal to prosecute Syrian officials would probably fail in the Security Council.
Berlusconi Ban Strengthens Italy’s Ruling Coalition
Without his obstinate predecessor banned from public office, Enrico Letta has a more stable majority.
American Bomber Overflights Challenge Chinese Air Control
America steps into an island dispute by flying two bombers over the East China Sea.
Economic, Not Electoral Concerns Doomed Ukraine Pact
Leaders in Kiev didn’t worry about losing voters. They worried about losing access to the Russian market.
Karzai Jeopardizes Afghanistan Security Pact
Why is the Afghan president putting his country’s security at risk by refusing to sign?
Vietnam Expected to Loosen State Controls, If Carefully
The Communist Party must liberalize the economy but doesn’t want to jeopardize its position either.
German Parties Close to Coalition Deal But Eye Smaller Partners
The Social Democrats signal they are open to a coalition with the far left.
After Years of Friction, Afghan Pact Rests with Tribal Leaders
Afghanistan’s Hamid Karzai agrees to a framework that would allow foreign troops to stay.
Vested Interests Could Stymie China’s Economic Reforms
Local party barons and powerful state enterprises could resist reforms by China’s leaders.
Pakistan Should Be Wary of Giving Saudis Nuclear Weapons
A nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia could put Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and Iran at risk.
Trying to Find a Rhyme: The Middle East’s New Age
It is tempting to compare the upheavals in the Middle East to previous revolutions, but history does not simply repeat itself.
Little Might Come of Egyptian-Russian Defense Cooperation
Egypt’s promise of a “new era” in relations with Russia is probably designed to put pressure on America.