The World Today Lebanon: Capitulate or Escalate? Iran and the United States are like two lorries driving towards an inevitable collision unless one of them flinches and moves out of the way. Without a huge diplomatic effort to defuse the situation and prevent a crash, an apocalyptic scenario seems likely. With the US losing much of its credibility as an honest broker, Europe is the only actor capable of doing this.After a test run in Lebanon, the choice for the US is between capitulation via Syria or escalation via Iran.
The World Today China and Africa: Into Africa Change in China is having an impact half a world away on the African continent. From Cape Town to Cairo, governments are sensing opportunities to be explored at a cooperation summit in Beijing next month. Long-standing relationships with western powers are under new strain.
The World Today Israel: Soul Searching As thousands of blue-helmeted peacekeepers arrive in south Lebanon and take positions to separate Israel and Hizbollah, in the hope of preventing another round of hostilities between the two sworn enemies, it seems the right moment for soul searching. How did a border skirmish in which two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and eight others killed, turn into a war which ended with the death of more than 1,700 people and so much devastation on both sides?
The World Today Suez and Iraq: Comparing Campaigns Fifty years after Britain and France invaded Suez following Egypt’s nationalisation of the canal, thoughts have turned to parallels with military action in Iraq. Legal justifications, intelligence, timing and planning for the day after, all resonate on the anniversary.
The World Today Brazil: Dividing the Spoils This month’s presidential election is a milestone for democracy in Brazil. The civilian regime created in 1985 has now outlasted the military dictatorship that preceded it. But what does this say about the quality of democracy in the largest country in Latin America?
The World Today Romania, Bulgaria and the European Union: Two More for the Club On New Year’s Day, the European Union is scheduled for its sixth enlargement, the second in less than three years. Bulgaria and Romania will be joining, increasing the size of the Union to 27 member states. In the run-up to final approval, there have been anxieties for both existing and prospective members.
The World Today Thailand: Perpetual Crisis The monarchy has always brought stability to Thailand. But the king has just celebrated sixty years on the throne and succession questions have begun to emerge, just as political traumas intensify. Can the divisions and political uncertainty be ended before they have a wider impact?
