Finland, Netherlands Block Bailout Fund Expansion
The two countries will not allow the direct financing of other eurozone states’ debts.
There is No Cabal
The “authoritarian axis” does not exist.
Milošević Loyalists Form Pro-Russian Coalition in Serbia
Nationalists and Socialists form a coalition government in Serbia headed by former Milošević allies.
The Great Farce of Pakistani Politics
The army, the judiciary and civilian government struggle for political supremacy.
Obamacare May Be Constitutional, It’s Still Wrong
The Supreme Court is the United States’ final arbiter on the constitutionality of laws, not on morality.
Berlin Concerned About Merkel’s “Concessions”
German lawmakers are unhappy about the concessions Angela Merkel made to Italy and Spain.
China Plays Energy Security Card in India Relations
Energy cooperation between China and India throws up many geopolitical conundrums.
North Korea Can’t Really Turn Seoul Into a “Sea of Fire”
A North Korean artillery strike on Seoul would be a tragedy, but not a catastrophe.
Ahead of Key Euro Summit, Germany Losing Allies
Northern countries fear Berlin will succumb to French, Italian and Spanish pressure.
Japanese Parliament Enacts Controversial Sales Tax
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda scores a victory with a consumption tax increase, despite opposition from within his own party.
Merkel Says Eurobonds “False, Counterproductive”
The German leader says Europe will not have a shared debt liability, “as long as I live.”
Turkey Weighs Response After Jet Downed by Syria
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vows retaliation, but NATO isn’t prepared to act.
Annan Calls for Syrian Contact Group, Including Iran
The Syria envoy’s latest diplomatic scheme is one that everyone can sign up for.
Global Security Demands a NATO for Every Region
Global security systems risk becoming empty hulks that do little more than offer superficial comfort.
Greeks Seek Easing of Bailout Terms, Germans Wary
Greece’s ruling parties want more time to reduce the nation’s budget shortfall.