Seychelles: An Invitation for China
The Republic of Seychelles has issued China with an open invitation to establish an anti-piracy base in the small island republic. If accepted, this invitation will have security and strategic consequences for the region.
Wall Street in Crisis
If the financial crisis caused by Wall Street manages to diminish Washington’s prestige, ability to influence policy, and deters allies from following the US’ lead on foreign policy, it will achieve what 50 years of near nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union failed to do—the dissolution of the American Empire.
Nicaragua Bolsters FARC
In contrast to previous bellicose posturing, Nicaragua’s leftist president offered on Wednesday to mediate talks on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in an effort to end Colombia’s 44-year civil conflict.
Rebels Repelled in Chad
The arrival of France-led EU troops will prop up Chadian President Idriss Deby allowing him to attack the remnants of the Sudanese-supported UFDD in the East of the country.
Israel Strikes Hamas in Gaza
Israel launches a post-Christmas war against Gaza, killing over 200 Palestinians in the first day alone. The intense aerial bombardment is the worst suffering the tiny and densely populated territory has faced in its 60-year history. Israel’s Defence Minister, Ehud Barak, has declared an “all-out war against Hamas”.
End Result of Israel-Gaza War
As an increasing number of Israelis and Palestinians shift towards more militant means of achieving their respective political goals against a backdrop of coalescing hawkish groups, failed peace initiatives, and rising anti-Israeli sentiment, expect a continued growth in Mid-East violence centered on Israel.
Egypt: A Coup by any Other Name Still Brings Chaos
Although Egypt’s first democratically elected leader displayed an authoritarian streak, Morsi’s undemocratic ouster sets a dangerous precedent in Egypt’s early experiment with constitutional democracy. Rather than rejoicing over the ouster, Egyptians should be cautious of the ideological divide that is polarizing the country and creating policy deadlock.
Europe Must Reaffirm the Lisbon Strategy
Europe’s redemption lies in the re-affirmation of the Lisbon Strategy of 2000, a ten-year development plan that focused on innovation, education, and social and environmental renewal.
Why Many Fear Regime Change in Syria
The Middle East’s despots and the push for democracy synonymous with the Arab Spring make curious bedfellows. And yet, as an Arab League delegation presses the United Nations to support the league’s latest roadmap to peace in Syria, all overt signs suggest that the Arab world’s most ardently anti-democratic leaders have re-cast themselves as champions of Western-style liberal democracy, at least in appearance.
OPINION: War with Iran Unlikely
The recently passed economic sanctions on Iran will do nothing to force the hand of the Iranian regime with respect to its nuclear program and will not provoke a military response precipitating conflict in the region. It is quite unlikely that we are on the brink of a catastrophic showdown between the West and Iran.