European States Seize Pension Funds
From France to Hungary to Ireland, European governments plunder private retirement savings.
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.
China Will Grow Up as it Grows Old, Fast
China’s aging population will impede its economic expansion before long.
Republicans Agree to New START with Russia
After several months of procrastinating, Republicans in the United States Senate voted to enact the New START treaty with Russia.
Wen Extends Support to Embattled Pakistan
The Chinese premier received a warm welcome in Pakistan. He is one of the few friends the country has left.
Senate Still Pondering START Ratification
Republicans are still unsure whether to ratify a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia.
Sanctuaries Hamper Progress in Afghanistan
Experts respond to the administration’s war review. Vice President Joe Biden promises withdrawal no matter what.
Japan Identifies China as Primary Threat
Japan moves forces from defending against a Soviet invasion to monitoring today’s communist superpower.
Gains in Afghanistan “Fragile and Reversible”
Progress in Afghanistan can be undermined as long as safe havens exist for insurgents across the border in Pakistan.
An Opportunity for Sino-American Détente
America should not attempt containment but revive another Cold War concept.
Why Republicans Can’t Just Be Reasonable
Barack Obama urges Republicans to try to find common ground. He shouldn’t expect much.
Berlusconi Barely Survives Confidence Vote
The Italian prime minister lives to fight another day.
Court Rules Health Insurance Mandate Unconstitutional
The individual mandate in Obamacare exceeds the boundaries of congressional power.
France, Germany Pledge to Defend Euro
Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy affirm their “total” commitment to the single currency.
British Educational Standards Declining
If Britain’s government is to reverse a trend of stagnating student performance, Nick Ottens proposes that it consider privatizing schools.
Restoring Balance to the United States Budget
If Democrats and Republicans do not manage to shrink the deficit, they can always freeze government spending altogether.