Abundantly Clear What “Makes Sense” to Republicans
Timothy Geithner knows better than to pretend Republicans don’t have a budget plan.
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.
Geithner Predicts Taxes Will Go Up, Boehner “Flabbergasted”
The Republican leader calls the Obama Administration’s budget proposal “nonsense.”
South Tyrol Resists Austerity, Contemplates Secession
Italy’s German-speaking minority resents being told to cut spending when it doesn’t even have any debt.
Fear of Civil War as Iraqi-Kurdish Talks Collapse
The central and Kurdish governments fail to diffuse a military standoff in the north of Iraq.
Democrats’ Resistance to Pension Reform Unfounded
Members of the president’s party insist Social Security doesn’t contribute to the deficit.
Russia Fails to Diversify Economy Away from Energy
Vladimir Putin talks of economic reform, but his government continues to lean on oil.
Catalonia Votes for Independence from Spain
A majority of Catalans back parties that want to break away from Spain.
Fillon Divides French Right, Copé Rejects Truce
Jean-François Copé says his challenger crossed a “red line” by splitting conservatives.
Interventionists Republicans Oppose Interventionist Rice
Why should neoconservative lawmakers prefer John Kerry as secretary of state?
Dutch, German Leaders Criticized for Greek Debt Deal
Opposition parties in the two countries have little faith in the latest agreement with Greece.
Likud Moves to Right, Livni Presents Centrist Alternative
The popular former foreign minister probably won’t stop Netanyahu from winning reelection.
Former French Premier Splits Conservatives in Parliament
François Fillon and his supporters break away after a contentious leadership election.
Medvedev Criticizes France’s Recognition of Syrian Rebels
No government should strive to undermine another, argues the Russian premier.
Israeli Defense Minister Won’t Stand in January Election
Ehud Barak’s decision is unlikely to prevent the ruling coalition from winning reelection.
Sarkozy Urged to Intervene in Party’s Leadership Dispute
The former president is seen as the only man who can unite the warring factions in his party.