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.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
American Strategy Could Use “A Modest Acceptance of Fate”
Robert D. Kaplan recommends policymakers become more expert at reading the map.
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.
France Restores Calm in Former Colony, Suggests Leader Resign
The sectarian violence in the Central African Republic appears to have abated, but there is no political resolution yet.
French Troops Land in Central African Republic, Thousands Flee
French forces attempt to restore order in their former colony’s capital, a day after heavy fighting.
Weak Austerity Vindicates Britain’s Ruling Coalition
The Conservatives haven’t dramatically reduced spending, but neutralized Labour’s opposition.
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un Dismisses Powerful Uncle
It is not the first time rumors have surfaced that Jang Sung-taek was sacked by North Korea’s ruling Kim family.
Dutch Lose High Credit Rating as Taxes Depress Confidence
“Austerity” in the Netherlands has mostly meant tax increases for businesses and workers.
Germany’s Right-Wing Press Decries Social Democrats’ “Victory”
Conservatives criticize Angela Merkel’s concessions, but the left isn’t happy either.
Germany Rolls Back Labor Reforms, Sticks to Hard Line in Europe
Angela Merkel will soften some of her labor policies, but not her hard line in Europe.
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.
German Parties Close to Coalition Deal But Eye Smaller Partners
The Social Democrats signal they are open to a coalition with the far left.
Britain’s Cameron Articulates Conservative Vision, Finally
The British prime minister argues that shrinking government is the right thing to do.
Ukraine Suspends Europe Trade Talks, Turns to Russia
Russia’s stick seems to have made more of an impression in Kiev than the European Union’s carrots.
Forces Defeat Rebels at Qara, Retake Damascus-Homs Highway
Bashar Assad’s regime restores a critical line of communication to supply its operations in the north.