Gates Criticizes European Defense Ineptitude
The outgoing defense secretary urges European NATO allies to boost their military prowess.
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.
Malthusianism for the Twenty-First Century
As the world once again faces its “limits to growth,” calls for population controls resurface.
OPEC Fails to Compromise on Production Rate
Saudi Arabia fails to convince other oil exporting nations to boost output.
Gates, Petraeus Discuss Winning the Afghan War
The defense secretary and commander of Western forces are asked whether the war is being won.
Discord Characterizes American-German Relations
Angela Merkel visits the United States at a time of considerable differences in a vital transatlantic relationship.
Portuguese Elect Right-Wing Government
Portugal’s opposition unseats the ruling Socialist Party.
Medicare Is Not Sustainable in Its Current Form
Paul Krugman pretends the system can be saved by rationing health care delivery substantially.
Germany’s Irrational Nuclear Energy Policy
The German government’s decision to abandon nuclear will worsen Europe’s energy troubles and increase the use of fossils.
Iranian President Under Fire from Within
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is beset by economic problems and mounting conservative opposition.
The War on Drugs Has Failed
The drug war has failed, says a recent report, “with devastating consequences .”
F-35 Faces Budget Scrutiny in Congress
The Joint Strike Fighter Program is plagued with budget overruns and delays. Lawmakers are starting to ask questions.
Israel is Being Set Up
An aid flotilla bound for Gaza this summer is designed to provoke Israel.
China, Vietnam Clash in South China Sea
Vietnam accuses China of exacerbating tensions that stem from their ongoing maritime border disputes in Southeast Asia.
E.J. Dionne’s Selective Memory
The Washington Post columnist looks at other countries and argues that the United States should imitate their failures.
India Expanding Development Aid in Africa
Although China is currently Asia’s leading economic power in Africa, India’s “soft power” approach could improve its relations there.