Saudi King “Deeply Concerned” About Lebanon Violence
The Saudis fear that instability in Lebanon will empower Iranian proxy Hezbollah.
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.
Republicans Believe Obama Vulnerable On Coal
Conservatives are glad to point out the president’s perceived hostility to coal, but the industry’s greatest rival is natural gas.
Hollande’s Fiscal Policy “Nonsense”: Austria
The policies favored by the French president “got us into this whole mess in the first place.”
Hollande, Merkel Face Fight Over Eurozone Bonds
The new French president could battle the German leader over the joint issuance of sovereign bonds.
No Frontrunner in Egypt’s First Free Presidential Election
Polls show no favorite to inherit Egypt’s presidency. It may take two voting rounds.
Monti Says “Bridge” Divide Between Austerity, Growth
The Italian premier said there could be efforts to stimulate demand but not runaway government spending.
“N” for North: NATO’s Cold Future
The Arctic represents the emergence of a new geopolitical arena for the Western alliance.
G8 Leaders Prepare to Team Up on Germany’s Merkel
Other industrialized nations have grown weary of austerity. The German chancellor finds herself without allies at Camp David.
Greek Euro Exit Would Prompt Geopolitical Realignment
Abandoned by Europe, Greece may be tempted to deepen its ties with Israel and Russia.
South Sudan Wants More Money from Beijing
The government in Juba complains that Chinese promises of aid aren’t being kept.
Democrats Want More Borrowing, No Cuts
Democrats accuse Republicans of holding the financial credibility of the United States hostage.
Greece Edging Closer to Default, Eurozone Exit
Leaving the currency union wouldn’t make things easier for them, but Greeks are increasingly likely to try.
Ukraine Urges Europe Not to Draw “Iron Curtain” Around It
Ukraine hopes to increase its domestic gas production in order wean itself of Russian influence.
Far Left Risks Greece’s Expulsion from Eurozone
Leftists’ refusal to meet the conditions of Greece’s bailouts puts its future in the euro at risk.
Gulf States Delay Plans for Closer Arabian Union
Wary of Saudi domination, the smaller nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council delay plans for closer political integration.