Political
NEXT AMERICA POSTING: Careful What You Wish For
Check out the debate over Energy Independence at Next America!
Is Energy Independence A Myth or the Right Goal for America to Pursue?
YPFP members should definitely contribute to this fascinating discussion. Here's my response to the commentary from their website:
While energy independence is a powerful rhetorical concept, and energy security is an important strategic objective, neither phrase has very much to do with reality. It is essential for the health of our economy, the welfare of our citizens, the safety of our environment and the independence of our foreign policy that we recognize we are indeed in on the brink of an energy crisis and take appropriate correctives, but most of the solutions being discussed suffer from two flaws:
Russia’s Presidential Transition: Implications for Turkey and the Black Sea Region
Abstract: Russia’s new president, Dmitry Medvedev should be expected to broadly continue his predecessor Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy toward Turkey and the broader Black Sea region. Analysts that cast Medvedev as a mere Putin puppet or those that forecast a gradual increase in power for the new man in the Kremlin miss the crucial question about decision-making in Russia: how much strength will the siloviki – the current and former security service officers – wield to implement policies based largely on mistrust and calculation? The substance of Russia’s poicies in the Black Sea region will likely change little in substance, but may adopt a more subtle, effective style under Medvedev. Despite recent significantly improved relations with Russia, over time, Turkey may find itself in an uncomfortable position between its Western allies and its new-found friends in Moscow.
Democratic Senators Urge State Department to Intervene in Iraqi Oil Deals
An attempt by a group of Democratic senators to pressure the State Department to intervene in the Iraqi government’s awarding of oil contracts appeared stalled at the starting gate Tuesday.
Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., John Kerry, D-Mass., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., want the administration to step in and object to contracts soon to be awarded by the Iraqi government to foreign oil companies, because Iraq has failed to complete action on an oil-sharing revenue law.
These Democrats also argue that giving more money to the Iraqi government would feed its corruption and inflame sectarian violence.
There are Two Pakistans
Uniting Pakistan the military state and Pakistan the nascent democracy is our generation’s calling.
There are two Pakistans. The first is stuck in an illusion of undisturbed national stability and unity through military management; the second stands on the weak shoulders of a nascent democracy, perpetually insecure and sporadically functional.
For more than sixty years, Pakistan has struggled with its split personality, brought about by its military or political parties. Historically the United States has preferred the first Pakistan – managed by the military and governed by the free market. The challenge for today's generals and politicians is to find a way to merge, secure, and present the country in a way that attracts the better of the two Pakistans, and preserves U.S. support in the war on terror.
America, Sunny Side Up
Acres of news space in the United States have been devoted to lamenting America’s falling reputation. Americans want desperately to be loved. But the country’s popularity has been steadily decreasing for the better part of this decade, particularly in Europe and Southwest Asia. Moreover, there are indications that blame for a future global economic slowdown may be pinned on its economic policies.
Most Americans believe that the next US president will mark a decisive shift for the better for the US’s worldwide popularity, especially if Democratic candidate Barack Obama is elected in November. Indians, however, appear unconvinced. The Chinese, Pakistanis, Arabs, Turks, and Mexicans are among those who seemingly share India’s wariness concerning Obama’s slogan of ‘Change’.
How to Approach the Elephant: Chinese Perceptions Toward India for the 21st Century
As this was published in an academic journal I am only providing the abstract. Should you wish to read the entire article, email me at shaun@shaunrandol.com for a copy.
Abstract: Within the first half of this century the international political system will
include two new rising powers—India and China. These two countries will effect
great changes on the dynamics of the U.S. hegemonic framework; exactly how these
changes will manifest themselves remains speculative. While Sino-American and
Indo-American economic and political exchanges will be scrutinized, mulled over,
and rehashed, the relationship between China and India demands equal attention.
The Associated Press and 'fair use'
Sens. Brownback, Voinovich Block Nomination for Envoy to South Korea
As the State Department works to build a coalition in East Asia to disarm a nuclear North Korea, two senators are indefinitely stalling the appointment of team member Kathleen Stephens to become the next ambassador to South Korea.
Republicans Sam Brownback of Kansas and George V. Voinovich of Ohio have placed holds on the Stephens nomination, which was reported favorably out of the committee April 22. Neither hold has anything to do with Stephens’ personal or professional record.
Pakistan: A Strange and Vital Bedfellow
In times of direct peril, a state’s leaders will make decisions based on perceived strategic need. The events of September 11, 2001 shook the confidence of the United States, a largely insulated superpower secure within the contours of its own soil. The fall of the World Trade Center devastated not only immediate victims but also leaders tasked with crafting a response. Contemporary alliances were struck to meet the emerging challenge as old alliances were pushed aside. The phenomenon of strategic alliance is hardly novel, because in the words of Thomas Christiansen, if politics make strange bedfellows then international politics often make the strangest.
Lebanon: Pulling the trigger on weapons
Lebanon: Pulling the trigger on weapons
THEODORE KARASIK | GHASSAN SCHBLEYPublished: June 06, 2008
Hezbollah's recent flexing of muscles in Lebanon may well lead to an unintended effect – the long-overdue disarming of the militant group.
A new dynamic is certainly at work. Hezbollah suggested for the first time that its weapons might now be used not only against outsiders – namely, Israel – but against Lebanese. The Lebanese people replied in effect, for the first time, that they were well and truly fed up.
Now, after the Qatar talks, Lebanon finally has a new president, army chief Gen. Michel Suleiman. The Lebanese opposition and majority also agreed on the establishment of a government that gives veto power to the opposition, and committed to not resort to violence.
