Annan Calls for Syrian Contact Group, Including Iran
The Syria envoy’s latest diplomatic scheme is one that everyone can sign up for.
Analysis
Russia Has More at Stake in Syria Than Naval Base
Neither the Tartus port nor billions worth of arms sales to Syria shape Russian policy.
Stretching Navy Budgets Too Far?
The general inactivity of the USS Wasp is worrying if the American Navy will have to accommodate budget crunches soon.
Iranian Nuclear Talks Hit Dead End in Moscow
If they seek a diplomatic solution, Western powers must take seriously Iranian concerns.
Southern Europe’s Woes, Failure of the Welfare State?
Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden are welfare states too yet their economies are highly competitive.
Coup Unlikely After Pakistani Prime Minister’s Dismissal
After Yousuf Raza Gilani is dismissed by Pakistan’s justices, the army is unlikely to take power.
Three-Party Coalition Likely After Greek Election
Conservatives and socialists will try to form a government with the Democratic Left.
Turkey Deepens Imprint in Central Asia
Turkey positions itself as the key player bridging NATO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
India Stops Hedging, Backs American Naval Strategy
India’s defense minister effectively throws his nation’s lot in with the United States.
Egypt’s Army Tightens Grip as Islamist Claims Win
Egypt’s military moves to curtail the powers of the freely elected president as the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate claims victory.
Irish, Portuguese Toughen It Out While Greeks Rage
Irish and Portuguese voters appear to have resigned to austerity, unlike the Greeks.
Italy’s Monti Urges Political Support for Reforms
Italy has time, but it cannot afford to waste it. The reforms Mario Monti calls for are long overdue.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants to Increase Oil Production
The kingdom is trying to put pressure on Syrian allies Iran and Russia to influence the civil war there.
Bashar al-Assad’s Sectarian Strategy for the War
The Syrian president exploits the sectarian divide that defines the conflict in his country.
South Korea Accepts Japanese Yellow Sea Deployment
South Korea raises no objections to Japan’s naval deployments against the North.